QA - Questions and Answers.pdf

Questions & Answers (Q&A) – 19GE5025R0046

ITA – Facility Maintenance Service

Question #001: Would it be possible to extend the proposal submission deadline?

Answer #001: The deadline for submission has been extended to Friday, May 2, 2025. Additionally, the site visit is scheduled for Tuesday, April 15, 2025, and the deadline for question submission has been extended to Thursday, April 17, 2025.

Question #002: Referring to Section D.5 – Submission of INAIL & INPS Certificates, since the company is a U.S.-based entity operating through our registered branch office in Hungary and will engage an Italian subcontractor to perform all direct labor activities under this contract, would INAIL & INPS certificates issued solely by our Italian subcontractor fulfill the requirements stated in Section D.5?

Answer #002: Yes, the INAIL & INPS certificates of the Italian subcontractor will fulfill the requirements stated in Section D.5. If multiple subcontractors are engaged, the required documentation must be provided for each of them.

Question #003: Referring to DOSAR 652.242-73 – Authorization and Performance (AUG 1999), since the contractor will utilize an Italian-based subcontractor possessing all necessary Italian licenses and authorizations required for contract performance, please confirm whether these authorizations held by the subcontractor fully meet the requirements of DOSAR 652.242-73, thereby eliminating the need for additional licenses to be obtained directly by the contractor.

Answer #003: The Italian-based subcontractor's licenses and authorizations, as long as they meet the necessary legal requirements for performing the work in Italy, will satisfy the stipulations in DOSAR 652.242-73, particularly in regard to obtaining the appropriate authorization to operate and do business in the country. As the subcontractor will be responsible for the required licenses and permits, the contractor will not need to obtain separate licenses. However, the contractor must ensure the subcontractor remains in compliance with all relevant laws, decrees, and regulations throughout the contract performance.

Question #004: The Statement of Work (SOW) requires a maintenance service contractor to perform services at the U.S. Consulate General in Milan and at associated residences throughout the Milan area. However, the SOW does not specify the number or locations of these residences.

Could the Government confirm the number of residences included under this contract and provide their respective locations? This information is essential for accurately pricing the proposal and determining the appropriate number of workers per trade to ensure timely service, especially for 24/7 emergency response coverage.

Answer #004: Currently, the U.S. Consulate General in Milan leases approximately 50 residences. This number may vary slightly over the contract performance period. For security reasons, specific residence locations cannot be shared. However, these residences are distributed throughout the Milan area. About 50% are located within the ZTL (Area C), while the remaining residences are within a maximum of one hour’s drive from the city center, factoring in typical traffic conditions. The locations will be provided to the successful contractor upon award.

Question #005: Exhibit B does not provide information on the current condition (wear and tear) of the equipment. Could the Government confirm whether a site survey will be scheduled for all premises covered under this contract? This would enable an accurate assessment of existing conditions and ensure the submission of a properly scoped quote. Additionally, Exhibit B lists equipment that appears to be located only at the Consulate building complex. Could the Government clarify whether similar details will be provided for the associated residences? If so, could this information be shared?

Answer #005: A site survey is scheduled for Tuesday, April 15, 2025. The company must register to attend the site visit, and the registration instructions are provided in this solicitation amendment. For security reasons, information regarding the residences cannot be shared at this stage. However, the equipment at the residences is similar to that listed in Exhibit B and will be provided to the successful contractor upon award.

Question #006: Is there an incumbent company seeking to rebid and win the contract again? If so, could you confirm whether they hold any additional business certifications, such as Small Business (SB), 8(a), minority-owned, or other relevant certifications?

Answer #006: The status of the incumbent company and whether they are seeking to rebid the contract should not be a factor of concern for other offerors. All proposals will be evaluated impartially and in strict accordance with the criteria outlined in Section IV, Evaluation Factors.

Additionally, pursuant to FAR 19.000(b)(1)(ii), overseas acquisitions are not subject to set-aside requirements.

Question #007: Is the contractor required to have a security clearance to work within the CAA zones?

Answer #007: The contractor will not perform work within the CAA areas. However, a security escort will be provided for instances where contractor personnel may need to pass through or briefly access CAA areas for logistical reasons. Contractor employees will receive a limited security clearance, allowing them to work unescorted in designated non-CAA areas of the Consulate and residences.

Question #008: Are the materials required to perform the solicitation services provided by the Government or the contractor?

Answer #008: Please refer to Section C.8 of the solicitation for details.

Question #009: Is the technician required to be on-site for 8 hours per day during each visit, or only for the time needed to complete the requested work order?

Answer #009: Please refer to Section C.3.1 of the solicitation. Specialized technicians are expected to perform services on scheduled days, for a full working day, as outlined in the chart below, which specifies the required technician and service frequency.

Question #010: Could the Government provide the square meter area for each floor to better understand the maintenance scope?

Answer #010: The Consulate is located in a leased, multi-tenant commercial building with a total surface area of up to 4,500 sqm, distributed across multiple floors.

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