FINALQuestions_and_Answers_revised.docx

Questions and Answers

1. I am hoping to find out if there is an incumbent contractor currently performing these services or if this is a new requirement. If there is an incumbent, could you please provide the contract number?

This is a new requirement for a contracting for janitorial services. There is a current purchase order; however, there are differences between the two scopes of work and should not be relied on for comparison.

2. For those that are unable to attend the pre-quotation conference can I conference telephone number be provided so we can participate remotely?

Unfortunately, at the time, the U.S. Embassy did not have the capabilities to set-up a conference call where multiple parties could be on the conference call.

3. Section 1.2.5, mentions hazardous material containment kits. Are these kits a responsibility for the bidder to provide, or does the government provide?

A hazardous material containment kit is provided by the U.S. government and is not the responsibility of the contractor.

4. What is the approximate square footage of carpets in the area that the bidder is responsible for?

There are three area rugs in the executive suite that are approximately 2 carpets at (180x274 cm) and 1 carpet (120x180cm). There are 17 area rugs (each 85x150cm)at the entrance ways of the Embassy Buildings and 1 area rug (115x200cm) at the entrance of the warehouse.

5. The tables in Section 3.0 starting on page 12 use the term “title floor bathrooms” should it be “tile floor bathrooms”?

Yes, this is a typo which should be “tile” and will be corrected in an amendment #3.

6. Section 7.2 doesn’t list any dollar amounts for the required insurance levels, can the government please provide the minimum levels that are needed?

It is up to the contractor to make sure the required insurance levels are met for Finland. Below please find links that may help determine the necessary information.

Statutory social insurance in Finland: http://stm.fi/en/statutory-insurance Finnish labor laws translated into English: http://tem.fi/en/labour-legislation2

7. FAR Clause 52.222-17 is applicable for this solicitation, in order to provide a better price estimate can the bidders receive more information on the current qualified workers that we are obligated to provide a good faith offer?

Section 2, Contract Clauses, FAR clause 52.222-17 is not applicable to this solicitation and the “X” as it appears before the clause has been removed under solicitation amendment #003.

8. FAR Clause 52.222-45 is applicable for this solicitation, which wage determination should be used for Finland?

FAR clause 52.222-45 is not applicable to this solicitation and it was not referenced within the solicitation. In addition, please reference Amendment0003 which indicates clause 52.222-55 is no longer applicable to the services required under this solicitation.

Prospective offerors are advised they must determine their proposed wages and benefits for Finland, and all must be compliant with local labor laws. Also, prospective offerors may want to review the website below in determining wages:

Collective agreement https://www.pam.fi/en/work/collective-agreement.html

9. Please clarify the areas of the semi-annual cleaning, the deep cleaning?

The semi-annual cleaning should be conducted in all areas, as specified in Section 1, paragraph 1.3.3 and paragraph 1.4.1.

10. Please clarify if the bi-weekly cleaning in the secure space is every two weeks or twice a week?

The cleaning occurs twice a week on Tuesday and Friday from 10am-12pm, as stated in Section 3.0 Locations for Janitorial Services, Main Location: U.S. Embassy located at Itäinen Puistotie 14 B.

11. Is the Ambassadorial Residence completely covered by your own staff?

The cleaning of this property is not a part of this contract.

12. What are the square meters of the premises?

This information may be found under section 3.0 “Locations for Janitorial Services”, under the square meter column of the imbedded chart.

13. Am I correct in assuming that when the registration is complete, we submit our offer with the requested attachments electronically through SAM?

No, quotations should not be submitted electronically through SAM but instead submitted electronically to helsinkiprocurement@state.gov or by mail at American Embassy Helsinki, Itainen Puistotie 14 00140, Helsinki, Finland, Attn: Monica E. Madrid, Contracting Officer, as stated in the SF-1449, block 15 and solicitation amendment #003.