Q and A Round 2 19AQMM26R0279 8-27-2026.docx

19AQMM26R0279

Questions/Answers-Round 2 August 27, 2026

*Please note if a 3rd round of Q & A is required to be able to submit a proposal please email your questions to CO Charlotte Cameron CameronCR@state.gov no later than Friday, September 4th, 2026 @ 5PM EDT. The third round of Q & A will only be based on previously asked questions/clarifications on round two answers that are provided via this document, the opportunity to submit brand new questions has ended. *

*Please be sure to look at the entire solicitation to include ALL attachments. Some attachments were amended. Also be sure to look throughout the entire Q & A document*

*New proposal due date is Friday, September 18th, 2026 @ 5PM EDT

Some clarifications involving past performance surveys

· Past performance surveys must be sent for four separate contracts

· You can email me the past performance surveys at Cameroncr@state.gov when you submit your proposal OR the references filling out the surveys for your company can email me the surveys directly

· All past performance surveys mut be completely completed including all numeric scores/comments. Those surveys that are not complete could affect your overall rating, possibly affecting your chance at receiving an award.

11.6 VOLUME II ENTITLED; “PAST PERFORMANCE”

1. This technical factor shall evaluate:

(a) The Government will evaluate the offers past performance, of four separate contracts that are comparable in providing labor support, as an indicator of an offeror’s ability to perform this contract. The contractor shall inform as to the magnitude and scope of the efforts of the contract.

(b) The Government will evaluate the information obtained relative to the past experience and performance of the offeror and significant subcontractors or affiliates, if any. This evaluation may be used both for determining responsibility and for qualitative evaluation purposes. In conducting the evaluation of proposals, the Government reserves the right to utilize all evaluation information available at the time of evaluation, whether provided by the offeror in its proposal or obtained from other sources.

(c) For example, the Government may rely on information contained in its own records (such as Government audit agencies), information made available through commercial sources (such as Dunn and Bradstreet reports).

(1) In assessing past performance risk, the government will employ several approaches including:

(i) Reviewing the present and past performance information volume required.

(ii) Seeking present and past performance information through the use of simplified questionnaires; as well as

(iii) Using data independently obtained from other government and commercial sources. To name a few

(2) The purpose of the evaluation will be to identify and review relevant present and past performance, and then make an overall risk assessment of the offeror's ability to perform this effort.

(3) The past performance review process will result in an overall risk rating of low, moderate, high or not applicable. This risk assessment represents the government evaluation team's judgment of the probability of an offeror’s successfully accomplishing the proposed effort based on the offeror's based as demonstrated present and past performance.

(d) The Offeror shall request that its past performance references complete the questionnaire, Attachment B, Past Performance Survey, and return it to the Offeror for inclusion in its proposal. If a particular past performance reference prefers not to send this information through the Offeror, that reference may e-mail the completed Past Performance Survey form directly to the Department of State contact CameronCR@state.gov

Q & A Round 2 A. Offeror Eligibility and Set-Aside Structure Q1. Block 10 of the SF-1449 identifies this acquisition as a Small Business set-aside, but the North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) code and the corresponding Size Standard fields are blank, and no NAICS code appears elsewhere in the solicitation. Will the Government identify the applicable NAICS code and size standard by amendment?

Reference: SF-1449 Block 10, page 1 of 38

A1. NAICS code: 238390 Other Building Finishing Contractors. This is a Small Business set-aside. Under FAR 18.5 Total Small Business set-aside, 100% total small business set-aside, the small business size standard for NAICS code 238390 is $19.0 million in average annual receipts.

· Solicitation amended block 10 of 19AQMM26R0279.

· SOW amended 1.0 GENERAL.

Q2. Section 1.3 states the Government intends to award three or more IDIQ contracts and that if more than two technically acceptable WOSBs with sound pricing receive contracts, a certain amount of RFPs will be set aside for them. Section 10.5 states the carve-out applies if two or more WOSBs receive contracts. Will the Government confirm the controlling threshold (two, or more than two), and clarify what proportion of task orders would be reserved?

Reference: Sections 1.3 (page 5) and 10.5 (page 35)

A2. If two or more WOSBs receive DOS contracts, one out of every five project RFPs will be set-aside specifically for WOSBs This is to take place after each contract holder has reached their contract minimum of $3,000.

· Solicitation amended 1.3 Required Overview of Services

· Once competition has taken place at the parent IDIQ level through solicitation 19AQMM26R0279, RFPs will be distributed on a rotational basis allowing each small business IDIQ holder the opportunity to receive install projects to meet their contract minimum FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(D). Each IDIQ holder has a $3,000 minimum the life of its contract. Procurement will be using a tracking system to track which vendor is up for a project. Procurement will also be tracking the overall amount received by each vendor. Once each IDIQ holder reaches their minimum ($3,000.00) , the RFPs will be issued to all contract holders for fair opportunity consideration consistent with FAR 16.505, with one out of every five RFPs being set aides for WOSBs (if two or more WOSBs receive IDIQs). RFP proposals will be evaluated amongst other IDIQ contract holders based on the best value (BVD) to the Government. Technical approach out ways price, but price is always heavily considered. For each project-specific task order, the Contracting Officer will provide IDIQ contract holders with a Request for Proposal (RFP) containing: Project-specific Statement of Work, Location and facility details, and Period of performance. Deliverable due dates to include Security clearance requirements, evaluation criteria, proposal due date, and OBO point of contact.

Q3. In the FAR 52.212-5(b) clause matrix, FAR 52.219-6 (Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside) is left unchecked at item (18), while FAR 52.219-29 (EDWOSB set-aside) and 52.219-30 (WOSB set-aside) are both checked at items (27) and (28). The full text of 52.219-6 nonetheless appears in the clause section. Will the Government confirm which set-aside clause governs this acquisition, given that Block 10 designates a total Small Business set-aside rather than a WOSB or EDWOSB set-aside?

A3. FAR 52.219-6 (Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside) governs this solicitation

· Solicitation amended Terms and Conditions FAR 52.212-5(b) updated.

· FAR 52.219-6 checked off in the FAR 52.212-5(b) clause matrix, FAR 52.219-29 (EDWOSB set-aside) and 52.219-30 (WOSB set-aside) both unchecked in the FAR 52.212-5(b) clause matrix.

Q4. FAR 52.219-4 (Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns) is checked at item (16). Will the Government confirm whether a HUBZone price evaluation preference will in fact be applied in a competition restricted to small business concerns, and if so, how it will be applied against the total evaluated price?

Reference: 52.212-5(b) item (16), page 17 of 38

A4. A HUBZone price evaluation reference will NOT be applied in a competition restricted to small business concerns.

· Solicitation amended to remove checked item FAR 52.219-4 (Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns) is checked at item (16).

B. Subcontracting and Self-Performance Q5. Section 11.1(a)(6) states that the prime contractor shall be required to perform 51% of its submitted proposal price, and that this percentage will be measured each year by the Contracting Office. FAR 52.219-14 (Limitations on Subcontracting) is left unchecked at item (23) of the clause matrix. Will the Government confirm whether the 51% requirement is a binding contractual obligation, and if so, will 52.219-14 be incorporated by amendment?

Reference: Section 11.1(a)(6), page 37 of 38; 52.212-5(b) item (23), page 18 of 38 A5. Solicitation amended

· FAR 52.219-14 (Limitations on Subcontracting) item (23) of the clause matrix has now been checked in terms and conditions.

· Section 11.5(a)(6) has been amended to reflect 50%.

Q6. The 51% figure is expressed as a percentage of submitted proposal price, whereas the standard limitation on subcontracting for services under FAR 52.219-14 is 50% of the amount paid by the Government for contract performance, excluding the cost of materials. Will the Government clarify the measurement basis — specifically, whether reimbursable travel, per diem, DBA insurance, and materials are included in or excluded from both the numerator and denominator of the 51% calculation?

Reference: Section 11.1(a)(6), page 37 of 38

A6. Section 11.1(a)(6) has been amended to reflect 50% instead of 51%

· Solicitation has been amended to include verbiage on the above. Cost reimbursables such as travel, per diem, DBA insurance, all training EXCEPT for the ProjNet course, (contractor must pay for this course) and materials are not to be included in the 50% of the amount paid by the Government for prime contractor performance.

Q7. Section 11.1(a)(6) states the percentage will be measured each year. Will compliance be measured against the aggregate of task orders issued in a given contract year, against each individual task order, or against the IDIQ as a whole at the end of the period of performance? What documentation will the Contracting Officer require to substantiate compliance?

Reference: Section 11.1(a)(6), page 37 of 38

A7. We will be looking at the total amount paid by the government for contract performance after each option year of the contract. We will be requesting a copy of subcontractor payouts under this contract and evaluating the difference.

· Both Prime contractors and sub-contractors must both be certified small businesses under NAICS code 238390. Solicitation amended.

Q8. For an offeror proposing a Contractor Team Arrangement or joint venture, will the Government confirm that signed teaming agreements are required to be submitted with Volume I at proposal submission, rather than upon request or prior to award?

Reference: Section 11.1(a)(6), page 37 of 38.

Q8. Yes, signed teaming arrangements are required at time of proposal submission, and a copy of signed teaming arrangements must be included with Volume I at the time of proposal submission. This is listed as a requirement under 11.5(a)(6) Volume I entitled “Technical”.

· Please note you have the incorrect reference listed in your question. The reference is 11.5(a)(6) Volume I Entitled “Technical” not 11.1(a)(6).

C. Attachments and Missing Documents Q9. The Section A line item description lists four attachments: Attachment A (Price Sheet), Attachment B (Past Performance Survey), Attachment C (Statement of Work), and Attachment D (Security Information). Attachment D was not included in the posted solicitation package. Will the Government post Attachment D, or confirm that the Bidders DD Form 254 satisfies that reference?

Reference: Section A line item 001 description, page 3 of 38

Q9. Attachment D now uploaded. Attachment D is separate than the Bidder’s DD-254. Attachment D is Security Information.

Q10. Section 10.5 instructs that, for the price proposal portion, offerors are to fill out Attachment B-Price Sheets. Attachment B is the Past Performance Survey and Attachment A is the Price Sheet. Will the Government confirm that the price proposal is to be submitted on Attachment A?

Reference: Section 10.5, page 35 of 38

A10. Confirming Attachment A-Price Sheets. For the price proposal portion, offerors are to fill out Attachment A-Price Sheets.

· Section 10.5 of solicitation amended to reflect Attachment A-Price Sheets.

Q11. The Bidders DD Form 254, Block 13, refers to the Security Classification Guide for Design and Construction of Overseas Facilities included in Section J of the contract, and directs that transmittal of classified and SBU information be in accordance with Sections D, E, and H of the contract. This solicitation is issued on SF-1449 in commercial format and does not contain Uniform Contract Format Sections D, E, H, or J. Will the Government identify the documents that correspond to these references, and will the Security Classification Guide be provided to offerors or only to the awardee?

Reference: Bidders DD Form 254, Block 13, pages 4-5 of 5

A11. Please see Attachment D - Security Information and amended Bidder’s DD-254 attachment.

· DS Diplomatic Security revised the Bidder’s DD 254. A new Bidder’s DD 254 has been uploaded to Sam.gov.

· All IDIQ Contract awardees will be set up with a file transfer location on FAN.gov (Department of State’s Google Drive suite), which is approved up to SBU. The SBU classification guide, along with other contract documents, can be shared on FAN.gov upon award. The IDIQ installation projects do not require the transmittal of classified documents. Any classified documents required to facilitate installation will be made available on site via hard copy.

D. Labor Standards, Pricing, and CLIN Structure Q12. The FAR 52.212-5(c) clause matrix checks FAR 52.222-41 (Service Contract Labor Standards) at item (1) and FAR 52.222-43 (Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards — Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts)) at item (3), but no Department of Labor wage determination is attached to the solicitation, FAR 52.222-42 (Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires) is left unchecked at item (2), and the attachment inventory in Section A lists no wage determination. Will the Government (a) confirm whether a wage determination applies to this acquisition and, if so, provide it by amendment; (b) confirm whether the Service Contract Labor Standards are intended to apply to the stateside portions of performance described in Attachment C, Sections 1.0, 5.4, and 5.5 (CRP warehouse inspection trips and the Pre-Performance Conference in Arlington, Virginia), notwithstanding that overseas installation labor is outside the geographic scope of 41 U.S.C. chapter 67; and (c) clarify how the price adjustment mechanism of 52.222-43 would operate in the absence of an applicable wage determination?

Reference: FAR 52.212-5(c) items (1), (2) and (3), page 20 of 38; Section A attachment inventory, page 3 of 38; Attachment C Sections 1.0, 5.4 and 5.5 A12. A). Wage determination is only required for stateside work. Department of Wage Determination has been added as Attachment E- Has been uploaded to Sam.gov. FAR 52.222-42 (Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires) has been checked.

B). Confirming Service Contract Labor Standards SCLS are intended to apply ONLY to the stateside portions of performance described in Attachment C, Sections 1.0, 5.4, and 5.5 (CRP warehouse inspection trips and the Pre-Performance Conference in Arlington, Virginia). Overseas work is not included.

C). Wage determination provided has been added to solicitation attachments-Attachment E.

Q13. FAR 52.217-8 (Option to Extend Services) states that the rates specified in the contract 'may be adjusted only as a result of revisions to prevailing labor rates provided by the Secretary of Labor.' In the absence of an applicable wage determination, will the Government clarify whether any mechanism exists to adjust the fixed hourly labor rates during the base period or a six-month extension under 52.217-8, or whether the proposed rates are firm for the full duration including any such extension?

Reference: FAR 52.217-8, page 23 of 38; Sections 1.2 and 1.6, page 5 of 38

A13. Hourly labor rates are fixed for Base Year and all corresponding exercised options of the contract. The Government has the right to exercise or not to exercise options. After the contract has ended and if the Option to Extend Services is executed a proposal for the 6 month term will require a new price proposal where hourly rates may be adjusted (only as a result of revisions to prevailing labor rates provided by the Secretary of Labor).

· Sections 1.2 and 1.6 of the solicitation have been amended for further clarification.

Q14. Section 1.8 identifies cost-reimbursable items as Travel, M&IE and Lodging, DBA Insurance, and mandatory training. However, Section 1.8.2 lists only reimbursable travel/per diem and DBA insurance, Attachment A contains no CLIN for training, and Sections 6.4.1 and 6.4.2 state that the FSI ProjNet course (approximately $125 per person) is at the Contractor's expense. Will the Government clarify whether mandatory training is reimbursable, and if so, under which CLIN it is to be invoiced?

Reference: Sections 1.8 (pages 5-6), 1.8.2 (page 6), 6.4.1 and 6.4.2 (page 12); Attachment A

A14. Mandatory training is cost reimbursable EXCEPT for the ProjNet course (the course is the contractor’s responsibility and is $125 per person). Section 1.8 has been amended. When the contract is issued there will be a CLIN for reimbursables to include training to be filled out. A filled out CLIN is not required for training at the solicitation level.

Q15. Danger Pay is listed in Section 1.8.1 as a fixed-price line item, and appears on Attachment A as CLIN 0004 (and option-year equivalents) with no quantity, unit, or unit price fields, and a Total Cost of N/A. Will the Government clarify how Danger Pay is to be proposed at the IDIQ level, and how it is to be priced at the task order level — as a percentage uplift on the loaded hourly labor rate consistent with the DSSR allowance percentage for the post, or as reimbursement of the actual allowance paid to the employee?

Reference: Section 1.8.1.1, page 6 of 38; Attachment A CLIN 0004

A15. Section 1.8.1 of the solicitation has been amended. At the IDIQ level, danger pay is not calculated as a fixed dollar amount or static line in the IDIQ or solicitation document Attachment A-Price Sheet because specific locations, hours, scope of work are yet unknown. Danger pay will be calculated at the task order level at a firm fixed price. When a task order is cut for a designated danger pay Post, the calculation is computed by applying the specified DSSR percentage directly to worker’s pay. Danger pay is based on actual physical presence and hours in a pay status at the post, requiring a minimum accumulation of 4 hours per calendar day at the qualifying location.

Q16. Section 1.8 lists Materials & Supplies as a fixed-price line item, while Attachment A shows CLIN 0005 as N/A with costs proposed on individual task orders. Will the Government confirm that no rate or amount is to be entered for Materials & Supplies at the IDIQ level, and that these costs are proposed as firm-fixed-price amounts within each task order?

Reference: Sections 1.8 and 1.8.1 (page 6); Attachment A CLIN 0005

A16. Correct. Confirming no rate or amount is to be entered for Materials & Supplies at the IDIQ level, and for solicitation Attachment A-Price Sheet. Materials & Supplies costs are proposed as firm-fixed-price amounts within each task order. Sections 1.8.1 and 1.8 in the solicitation amended.

Q17. Attachment C, Section 10.0 and Section 12.2 require the Contractor to provide a DBA cost estimate with a price breakout based on a pro-rated amount assuming two installation projects per year. Given that the contract guarantees only a $3,000 minimum over its life and order volume is indefinite, will the Government confirm that the two-projects-per-year assumption is solely an estimating convention for proposal comparability, and that actual DBA reimbursement will be based on premiums actually paid to the DOL-approved carrier per task order?

Reference: Attachment C Sections 10.0 and 12.2; solicitation Sections 1.5 and 1.8.2.1

A17. DBA reimbursement will be based on premiums actually paid to the DOL-approved carrier per task order. Proof of payment must be provided. Sections 10.0 and Section 12.2 amended to provide further guidance.

· Verbiage regarding “require the Contractor to provide a DBA cost estimate with a price breakout based on a pro-rated amount assuming two installation projects per year.” has been removed from solicitation and all attachments.

Q18. Attachment A lists estimated quantities of 700 hours (Project Manager), 500 hours (Installation Chief), and 2,000 hours (Installer) per year. Will the Government confirm that the total evaluated price for price reasonableness purposes is computed by extending the proposed hourly rates against these stated quantities for the base year and all four option years, and that these quantities are estimates only under FAR 52.216-22 with no guarantee of orders?

Reference: Attachment A; Sections 1.5 and 11.7, pages 5 and 38 of 38

A18. Yes, the total evaluated price for price reasonableness purposes is computed by extending the proposed hourly rates against these stated quantities for the base year and all four option years, and that these quantities are estimates only under FAR 52.216-22 with no guarantee of orders.

Q19. On the Attachment A Option Year One table, the Project Manager row is missing its item number (the sequence shows 1002 and 1003 but no 1001), and one base-year line is numbered '.0006'. In the Option Year Four table, CLINs 4006 and 4007 have blank unit price cells rather than the 'Costs proposed on individual Task Orders' notation used in prior years. Will the Government issue a corrected Attachment A, or should offerors complete the form as posted with these corrections applied?

Reference: Attachment A, Base Year, Option Year One and Option Year Four tables

A19. Attachment A-Price Sheet has been amended to reflect changes.

Q20. Attachment C, Section 9.0 permits the Contractor to engage a seismic consultant to prepare bracing details and supporting calculations for OBO review. There is no CLIN for consultant or engineering services. Will the Government clarify whether seismic consultant costs are to be proposed within the Materials & Supplies CLIN, within the labor CLINs, or as a separate other direct cost at the task order level?

Reference: Attachment C Section 9.0

A20. Seismic consultant costs are to be proposed as a separate other direct cost at the task order level.

Q21. Section 1.1 of the Statement of Work notes that work may include state-side warehouse trips for inspection of furniture freight prior to shipment, and Section 5.4 addresses pre-shipment inventory at the Consolidated Receiving Point. Will the Government confirm that domestic CRP travel is reimbursable under the travel CLIN on the same basis as overseas travel, and identify the CRP location(s) for planning purposes?

Reference: Attachment C Sections 1.0 and 5.4; solicitation Section 1.8.2.2

A21. Yes, domestic CRP travel is reimbursable under the travel CLIN on the same basis as overseas travel, and we will identify the CRP location(s) for planning purposes. CRP locations are listed in 14 FAM 300 Distribution and Transportation.

https://fam.state.gov/fam/14fam/14fam0310.html

· Solicitation Section 1.8.2.2 amended.

E. Security, Clearances, and Deployment Limits Q22. Attachment C, Section 6.1 states that if a selected offeror does not possess the necessary Facility Clearance, the Department will sponsor the firm and allow 120 days from selection to obtain it. FAR 52.212-1(b) requires offerors to hold prices firm for 60 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers. Will the Government extend the acceptance period, or confirm how price validity will be handled for a firm undergoing FCL sponsorship beyond 60 days?

Reference: Attachment C Section 6.1; FAR 52.212-1(b), page 34 of 38

A22. The Government standard is 120 days. We cannot change that timeframe. Our hope is that contractors will obtain Facility Clearance prior to the 120 window. A contractor can still be awarded a contract within the 60 day period without receiving it’s Facility Clearence. The vendor will only be allowed to work in non-CAA spaces or escorted until Facility Clearance is obtained.

Q23. The Bidders DD Form 254, Block 13, states that final SECRET clearances and favorable DS name checks are required for travel to specific HUMINT threat posts for deployments of less than 60 days, cumulative for all posts visited in a year, and that deployments in excess of 60 days are not authorized. Will the Government confirm that the 60-day cumulative limit applies per individual per calendar year, and clarify whether it applies to all overseas deployments under this contract or only to travel to designated HUMINT threat posts?

Reference: Bidders DD Form 254, Block 13, page 4 of 5 A23. Confirming that the 60-day cumulative limit applies per individual per calendar year and that it applies only to travel to designated HUMINT threat posts.

Q24. Given the 60-day cumulative annual deployment ceiling and an average installation duration of one to four weeks per Attachment C Section 1.0, a single named installer could reach that ceiling within two to four task orders. Will the Government confirm that offerors may rotate additional cleared installers beyond those named in Volume I without a formal key personnel substitution request, and that doing so will not be treated as a deviation from the proposed staffing plan?

Reference: Bidders DD Form 254 Block 13; Attachment C Sections 1.0 and 6.2

A24. Personnel substitution requests are only required for key positions, namely the Project Manager and Installation Chief. Individual installers may rotate as needed, and not all installers used to execute a task order must be listed in Volume 1 if they are working under an approved project manager and installation chief. Additionally, the 60-day cumulative limit only applies to designated HUMINT threat posts. Should the Contractor anticipate a task order at a designated HUMINT threat post exceed the 60-day limit, the bid can include multiple key position personnel to preempt the need for a substitution request mid-project.

· Attachment C-Statement of Work Section 6.2 amended.

Q25. The Bidders DD Form 254 indicates the Contractor will require a COMSEC account for access to ProjNet-C, with Department sponsorship for contractors who do not already hold one, and Block 13 states that DCSA approval to operate a classified Information System at the Secret level is required. Will the Government confirm whether classified IS accreditation and a COMSEC account must be in place at time of award, or may be obtained after award prior to first classified task order performance?

Reference: Bidders DD Form 254, Block 13, pages 4-5 of 5

A25. ProjNet-C is not required for this effort. DS Diplomatic Security revised the Bidder’s DD 254 and the new Bidder’s DD 254 has been uploaded to Sam.gov.

· The Contractor is permitted 120 days from contract award to receive a Facility Security Clearance. Classified IS accreditation and creation of a COMSEC account cannot be completed until after the Facility Clearance is granted. However, the majority of IDIQ installation task orders are run at the SBU level and can be awarded prior to the completion of these activities.

Q26. Attachment C, Section 6.1 requires the contracting company to hold and maintain a Secret Facility Clearance for the period of performance, while the DD Form 254 Block 13 permits uncleared individuals specifically authorized by the COR to perform on unclassified portions on-site provided they are processed for DOS identification badges. Will the Government confirm that uncleared installers may be used on non-secure projects, and identify the lead time typically required for DOS badge issuance?

Reference: Attachment C Section 6.1; Bidders DD Form 254 Block 13

A 26. Requirements for cleared vs uncleared personnel are task-order specific and will be included in the task order RFP scope of work for bidder evaluation. Some task orders may require a certain percentage of cleared personnel for the purpose of escorting uncleared personnel, whereas some task orders may specify that cleared escorts will be provided by the government. For task orders in which uncleared labor is permitted, badges will be supplied on-site upon arrival. All personnel – cleared and uncleared – are required to submit an electronic country clearance (eCC) request two weeks prior to arrival on site to facilitate this process.

F. Performance Requirements and Risk Allocation Q27. Attachment C, Section 5.2 includes the note that all services outlined in this phase of work are to be completed within 18 months after execution of this contract, including time for Government review of submittals. The solicitation establishes a base year plus four option years not to exceed 60 months. Will the Government clarify whether the 18-month reference is a per-task-order performance limit, a holdover from a prior requirement, or a constraint on the overall contract?

Reference: Attachment C Section 5.2; solicitation Sections 2.2 and 52.217-9(c), pages 21 and 23 of 38

A27. The 18-month reference is per task order. Once a task order is awarded, the Contractor is expected to complete all activities within 18 months, unless otherwise delayed by the government. Should the government delay completion of task order activities, the Contractor will receive the opportunity to update their proposal to reflect current FY labor rates.

· Attachment C-Statement of Work Section 5.2 amended to add clarifying verbiage.

Q28. Attachment C, Section 7.3 provides for deductions of 5% or 10% per late report and 5% per debris incident, calculated against the total value of the specific task order, with cumulative deductions and a right to terminate for cause if deficiencies exceed 25% of task order value. Will the Government confirm whether the deduction base is the total task order value inclusive of reimbursable travel, per diem, and DBA insurance, or only the firm-fixed-price labor and materials portion?

Reference: Attachment C Section 7.3

A28. Deductions are calculated against the firm fixed price labor and materials portion of the task order.

· Attachment C-Statement of Work Section 7.3 amended to add clarifying verbiage.

Q29. Attachment C, Section 5.2 requires the Contractor to conduct an initial walk-through to verify site readiness and confirm access to work areas. On a firm-fixed-price task order, will the Government clarify how standby time, schedule extension, or re-mobilization costs are addressed when furniture freight has not arrived at post, the site is not ready, or post access is delayed for reasons outside the Contractor's control?

Reference: Attachment C Section 5.2; FAR 52.242-17, pages 8-9 of 38

A29. In the event that the site is not ready or materials have not arrived upon Contractor arrival on site, the Government will solicit an updated proposal to reflect additional travel time and/or number of days on site.

· Attachment C-Statement of Work Section 5.2 amended to add clarifying information.

Q30. Attachment C, Section 7.0 states that the Contractor shall reimburse the Department for costs associated with damage caused by the installers and will be responsible for any damage to the building occurring during delivery and installation. FAR 52.228-5 (Insurance — Work on a Government Installation) is incorporated but no minimum coverage types or limits are specified. Will the Government identify the required insurance types and minimum limits, and confirm whether contractor liability for building damage is limited to the amount of available insurance coverage?

Reference: Attachment C Section 7.0; FAR 52.228-5, page 4 of 38

A30. The Government expects the Contractor to replace any furniture components that are damaged during the installation by contractor personnel. This includes the cost of the replacement components as well as overseas shipping.

· Solicitation has been amended to remove FAR 52.228-5 clause. Clause FAR 52.228-5 is only required for contracts (task orders) expected to exceed the SAT ($350,000.00) when work is required on a Government installation. Based on previous task order amounts, no orders ever reached the SAT ($350K). Also all work is being done outside the United States which is an exception to FAR 52.228-5.

Q31. Will the Government provide the OBO expense report template referenced in Attachment C, Sections 5.2 and 12.2, and any standard formats for the weekly report, punch list, and Final Trip Report, either with the solicitation or at time of award?

Reference: Attachment C Sections 5.2 and 12.2, and the deliverables table G. Task Order Competition and Ordering

A31. Expense report templates along with other information regarding templates and standard formats will be provided upon award.

· Attachment C-Statement of Work Section 5.2 amended to add clarifying information.

Q32. The solicitation anticipates three or more IDIQ awards but does not describe the procedure for competing task orders among awardees. Will the Government clarify the ordering procedure — specifically whether each task order RFP will be issued to all contract holders for fair opportunity consideration consistent with FAR 16.505, and the anticipated response time for task order proposals?

Reference: Sections 1.3 (page 5), 5.2 (page 10), and Attachment C Section 12.0

A32. Once competition has taken place at the parent IDIQ level through solicitation 19AQMM26R0279, RFPs will be distributed on a rotational basis allowing each small business IDIQ holder the opportunity to receive install projects to meet their contract minimum FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(D). Each IDIQ holder has a $3,000 minimum the life of its contract. Procurement will be using a tracking system to track which vendor is up for a project. Procurement will also be tracking the overall amount received by each vendor. Once each IDIQ holder reaches their minimum, the RFPs will be issued to all contract holders for fair opportunity consideration consistent with FAR 16.505, with one out of every five RFPs being set aides for WOSBs (if two or more WOSBs receive IDIQs). RFP proposals will be evaluated amongst other IDIQ contract holders based on the best value (BVD) to the Government. Technical approach out ways price, but price is always considered. For each project-specific task order, the Contracting Officer will provide IDIQ contract holders with a Request for Proposal (RFP) containing: Project-specific Statement of Work, Location and facility details, and Period of performance. Deliverable due dates to include Security clearance requirements, evaluation criteria, proposal due date, and OBO point of contact.

· Attachment C-Statement of Work Section 12 and solicitation section 1.3 amended.

The anticipated response time for task order proposals is two weeks unless further noted.

Q33. FAR 52.216-18(a) states that orders may be issued from Contract Award through End of Award with an unpopulated '[insert dates]' bracket, and FAR 52.216-22(d) contains the phrase 'after period of performance has ended and a successful installation has taken place [insert date]'. Will the Government complete these fill-ins by amendment to establish the ordering period and the latest permissible task order completion date?

Reference: FAR 52.216-18(a) and 52.216-22(d), pages 22-23 of 38

A33. These will be filled out when awards are issued. It is impossible to know these days right now.

· Solicitation FAR 52.216-18(a) and 52.216-22(d) amended to include verbiage ‘Dates will be populated upon award.’

Q34. FAR 52.217-9(a) as populated permits the Government to extend the term by written notice 'within 1 Day' with preliminary notice 'at least 1 Day days' before the contract expires. Will the Government confirm these one-day periods are intended, or correct them by amendment?

Reference: FAR 52.217-9(a), page 23 of 38

A34. 30 days’ notice will be given

· 1 day periods were intended, but I have amended FAR 52.217-9(a) in the solicitation to reflect 30 days.

H. Past Performance and Proposal Submission Mechanics Q35. Section 11.6(a) requires past performance on four separate contracts comparable in providing labor support. Will the Government clarify whether all four references must be for overseas furniture installation specifically, or whether comparable domestic installation or overseas labor support contracts are acceptable; and whether experience performed as a subcontractor, or individual task orders under a single IDIQ, may be submitted as separate references?

Reference: Section 11.6(a), page 38 of 38; Round 1 Q&A dated August 7, 2026

A35. While overseas references are preferred, domestic installations and/or overseas labor support contracts at a comparable scale are acceptable. Experience performed as a subcontractor for an OBO capital project (NEC/NCC/Major Rehab) is acceptable. Yes, individual tasks orders performed under a single IDIQ are considered separate references.

· Solicitation Section 11.6(a) amended to add clarifying information.

Q36. Section 11.6 and Round 1 Q&A state that incomplete Past Performance Surveys could affect the overall rating. If a reference does not return a survey by the proposal deadline despite the Offeror's documented request, will the Government accept a survey received after the closing date, or accept alternative documentation such as a CPARS record in its place?

Reference: Section 11.6(d), page 38 of 38; Round 1 Q&A dated August 7, 2026

A36. No. Past performance surveys are a firm requirement. All past performance surveys must be submitted on time.

Q37. Section 10.6 requires offerors to list the Project Manager, Installation Chief, and Installer with a one-page-minimum resume for each, while Attachment C, Section 6.2 designates only the Project Manager and Installation Chief as Key Positions. Will the Government confirm that a single representative Installer resume satisfies Volume I, and that the Installer is not subject to key personnel substitution consent requirements?

Reference: Section 10.6, pages 35-36 of 38; Attachment C Section 6.2

A37. Confirmed. A single installer resume satisfies the Volume 1 requirement. Installers are not subject to key personnel substitution consent requirements.

Q38. Will the Government confirm whether a page limitation applies to Volume I (Technical), and identify the required electronic file format and any maximum total email attachment size for the proposal submission to CameronCR@state.gov?

Reference: Sections 10.4 and 10.6, pages 35-36 of 38

A38. No page limitation applies to Volume I (Technical). Please submit in pdf format. Microsoft Outlook has a maximum file size limit for emails of 10MB.

· Solicitation amended Section 10.4.

Q39. Section 10.6 directs that offerors 'be sure each solicitation is signed properly for each submission.' Will the Government confirm that a single signed SF-1449 covering the entire proposal is sufficient, rather than a separate signed copy included in each of the three volumes?

Reference: Section 10.6, page 35 of 38

A39. Yes, a single signed SF-1449 covering the entire proposal is sufficient, rather than a separate signed copy included in each of the three volumes

· Solicitation Section 10.6 amended.

Q40. FAR 52.212-2(a) lists the evaluation factors as 'Technical acceptance Past performance Price' followed by an unpopulated instruction bracket regarding relative order of importance, while Section 11.0 states that technical and past performance, when combined, are greater than price. Will the Government confirm that Section 11.0 governs the relative weighting of factors?

Reference: FAR 52.212-2(a), page 36 of 38; Section 11.0, page 37 of 38

A40. Yes, Section 11.0 governs the relative weighting factors.

Q41. Will the Government confirm whether an amendment will be issued to extend the proposal due date of August 28, 2026, in the event that responses to these questions result in material changes to Attachment A or the Statement of Work?

Reference: Section 10.4, page 35 of 38

A41. Yes, an extension will be given. Proposal submissions are now due September 18, 2026 @ 5PM EDT

· Solicitation Section 10.4 amended.

Q42. Statement of Work, Section 6.1, states that "the contracting company shall have at least 5 years' experience managing complex government furniture installation projects and working with Allsteel, MillerKnoll and Haworth systems furniture." RFP Section 11.5(a)(6) provides that the Government will consider the corporate experience of proposed Contractor Team Arrangements as defined at FAR 9.601, and Section 11.6(b) provides that the Government will evaluate information relative to the past experience and performance of the offeror and significant subcontractors or affiliates. Will the Government assess the five-year experience requirement at Section 6.1 at the level of the offeror entity alone, or at the level of the proposed team, inclusive of significant subcontractors and affiliates whose resources are committed by executed teaming agreement?

A42. Either the offeror, sub-contractor, or joint venture company shall have at least 5 years' experience managing complex government furniture installation projects and working with Allsteel, MillerKnoll and Haworth systems furniture.

· Attachment C- Statement of Work Section 6.1 amended.

Q43. Statement of Work, Section 6.1, provides that the Department will sponsor an uncleared firm for a Secret Facility Clearance and allow 120 days from selection to obtain it. During that sponsorship period, may an awardee satisfy the requirements of a secure task order through a significant subcontractor that holds a current Secret Facility Clearance and cleared personnel in its own right?

A43. A contract holder will be able to work on unsecure projects only while they await their secret FCL facilities clearance. The actual DOS contract holder would need a facilities clarences in addition to any subcontract holders.

Q44. RFP Section 11.5(d)(1) states that "the offeror shall comply with requirements stated in Section 2.3.2 of this RFP" with respect to resumes. Section 2.3.2 does not appear in the solicitation as issued. Please identify the resume requirements the Government intends to apply.

A44. Reference verbiage “Section 2.3.2” of the solicitation has been removed. This was old text from the previous solicitation and is no longer valid. The offeror shall comply with Sections 6.1 Qualified Personnel and Section 6.2 Key Personnel of Attachment C-Statement of Work

· Solicitation Section 11.5(d)(1) amended.

Q45. RFP Section 10.5 instructs that "for price proposal portion, offerors are to fill out Attachment B-Price Sheets." Sections 7.1 and 7.2 identify Attachment A as the Price Sheet and Attachment B as the Past Performance Evaluation Form. Please confirm that pricing is to be submitted on Attachment A.

A45 Please see question 10 Q10 and answer 10 A10.

Q46. RFP Section 7.4 identifies Attachment D, Security Information, as an attachment to this solicitation. Attachment D does not appear in the Section A attachment listing. Please confirm whether Attachment D will be issued by amendment.

A46. Please see question 9 Q9 and answer 9 A9.

Q47. RFP Section 11.6(a) provides that the Government will evaluate past performance on four separate contracts comparable in providing labor support. Consistent with Section 11.6(b), may those references include contracts performed by significant subcontractors or affiliates identified in the offeror's Contractor Team Arrangement?

A.47 Yes.

· Solicitation Section 11.6(a) amended.