QA 19GE5026Q0140.pdf

19GE5026Q0140

Questions and Answers

Q1. Trade Agreements – Services. For purposes of the Trade Agreements requirements applicable to the service CLINs, please confirm whether the country of origin of the services is determined based on the country in which the prime offeror/contractor is legally established, in accordance with FAR 25.402(a)(2), including where qualified subcontractors are utilized at the overseas place of performance.

A1. The origin of service is determined based on where the firm offering the services is legally established. TAA compliance would apply for the services and flow down to subs.

Q2. Organizational Capability and Past Performance - For Volume II, Sections 1.4 and

2, please confirm whether an offeror may demonstrate its overall capability and relevant experience using the combined qualifications and directly relevant experience of the prime contractor, proposed subcontractors and proposed key personnel, with the prime contractor remaining fully responsible for contract performance.

A2. Yes, but shall clearly demonstrate the experience of each party.

Q3. Local Licenses and Authorizations - Where applicable local law requires a particular license, permit or authorization to be held by the entity physically performing a regulated local activity, please confirm whether such authorization may be held by the proposed subcontractor performing that activity, with the prime contractor remaining responsible for overall contractual compliance and performance.

A3. Yes.

Q4. CLIN 0001 and CLIN 0002 – Ballistic Plates. CLIN 0001 describes the plate carriers as including Level IV plates, while CLIN 0002 separately requires 300 sets of

Level 4 ballistic plates. Please confirm whether CLIN 0002 represents an additional/separate set of ballistic plates beyond the plates already included under

CLIN 0001.

A4. CLIN 0001 is Bulletproof Vests with plate carriers only, while the CLIN 002 represents the Ballistic Plates level 4. The total will be 300 vets and 600 plates (2 plates for each vest).

Q5. Attachment 2 – Equipment Specifications. We noted that Attachment 2 identifies

Item 13 as Reflective Vests and Item 14 as Traffic Cones, whereas the Price Schedule identifies CLIN 0013 as Traffic Cones and CLIN 0014 as Reflective Vests. Please confirm that the Price Schedule CLIN numbering controls. We also noted that the GPS tracking/location-device specifications under Item 9 contain certain audio-recording features, including recording-quality modes, voice activation and microphone range.

Please confirm which of these specifications are intended to apply to the GPS tracking devices and which belong to the separate covert audio recorder requirement.

A5. The quantity needed for the traffic cones is 160 and the quantity needed for reflective vests is 300. Kindly consider these quantities while quoting us. CLIN 0009 has all the info regarding GPS tracking.

Q6. Marksmanship Training Equipment - For the simunition/UTM-compatible rifles and pistols that are to remain with the training team after completion, please clarify whether the Government has a minimum required quantity/type of each training or whether the offeror should propose appropriate quantities based on its training methodology and class size. Please also confirm whether the Government/end-user will facilitate the end-user certifications and in-country import documentation required for the lawful import and transfer of these training weapons.

A6. The contractor shall be responsible for getting the relevant certificates and any other documentation related to the import process. The end user will be responsible for receiving these items and keeping them safe in the required locations.

The minimum required quantity for the training is 240 rifles and 240 pistols as the

Government needs 12 rifles and pistols for each emergency and inquiry brigade to continue the daily tactical training

Q7. VAT, Customs Duties and Other Local Taxes - Please confirm whether the supplies imported for this requirement and the associated contract activities are expected to qualify for any applicable VAT, customs-duty or other project/diplomatic tax exemption. If an exemption is applicable, please advise whether the Government or beneficiaries will provide the necessary exemption letters, end-user certifications or other supporting documentation. For quotation purposes, please also confirm whether offerors should price on an exempt basis or include otherwise applicable VAT/customs duties unless expressly exempted.

A7. INL donations to the Host Government are VAT exempt; VAT is not applicable.

(ONLY companies registered in Lebanon can receive VAT exemption stamps from the

Government of Lebanon (facilitated by INL). Please note that registered companies are automatically liable to pay income tax in Lebanon.

Q8. Oral Interpretation During Training - The SOW states that orally presented training will be conducted in English and requires Arabic translation of written materials. Please confirm whether simultaneous oral interpretation will be provided by the Government/end-user or whether the contractor should include Arabic interpretation services in its quotation.

A8. The vendor is responsible for providing interpretation.

Q9. Equipment Delivery Period – The solicitation refers in different sections to the 90-calendar-day equipment-delivery period commencing from contract award and from receipt of the purchase order. Please confirm the event that will control commencement of the 90-day delivery period.

A9. From the date the contract is signed and awarded.

Q10. CLIN 0001 and CLIN 0002 - Level IV Body Armor / Ballistic Plates - Please confirm the required NIJ standard and revision applicable to the Level IV body armor and plates.

Attachment 2 also lists additional rifle threats, including 7.62x54R B-32 API and 7.62x51

M61 AP. Please confirm whether these are mandatory ballistic performance requirements in addition to NIJ Level IV.

For CLIN 0002, please also confirm whether the specified 24 mm thickness and 2.5-3.7 kg weight range per plate are mandatory requirements, or whether technically equivalent

Level IV plates outside those exact dimensions/weights will be considered acceptable.

A10. The Government confirms that the Level IV body armor shall comply with NIJ Standard

0101.07 with the latest revisions. In addition, Attachment 2 specifies further rifle threats, including 7.62x54R B-32 API and 7.62x51 M61 AP. These additional threats are considered mandatory ballistic performance requirements beyond NIJ Level IV because the equipment will be delivered to Inquiry and Emergency Brigades. These units are expected to undertake high-risk security and military missions, including operations against dangerous fugitives. Therefore, ensuring protection against these specific threats is a fundamental contractual obligation.

If these plates provide the required protection against the previously mentioned rifle threats, we don't mind the thickness, weight, or any other dimension. Therefore, these specific thickness and weight requirements are not mandatory.

Q11. CLIN 0003 - Tactical Helmets - Please confirm the required ballistic testing standard for the tactical helmets, such as NIJ 0106.01 or another applicable standard, and whether independent ballistic and fragmentation test reports are required with the quotation.

Attachment 2 also states that the helmets should be compatible with Ace Link helmet covers. Please confirm that equivalent helmets meeting or exceeding the stated ballistic, fragmentation, accessory-rail, NVG-shroud and adjustment requirements will be acceptable.

A11. We would like to confirm the requirements for the tactical helmets (CLIN 0003). First, the required ballistic testing standard is NIJ 0106.01 or an equivalent recognized standard. Second, we confirm that independent ballistic and fragmentation test reports are preferable to be provided along with the quotation.

While Attachment 2 specifies compatibility with Ace Link helmet covers, the Government confirms that equivalent helmets meeting or exceeding the stated ballistic, fragmentation, accessory-rail, NVG-shroud, and adjustment requirements will be considered acceptable.

Q12. CLIN 0005 - Tactical Gloves - Attachment 2 specifies synthetic leather, nylon, Kevlar and Spandex materials. Please confirm whether these materials are mandatory exact construction requirements or whether TAA-compliant tactical gloves utilizing equivalent or superior materials while meeting the required impact protection, dexterity and grip performance will be accepted.

A12. The Government confirms that for CLIN 0005 – Tactical Gloves, the listed materials

(synthetic leather, nylon, Kevlar, and Spandex) are not mandatory exact construction requirements if the required impact protection, dexterity, and grip performance specifications conditions are met.

Q13. CLIN 0009 - GPS Tracking and Location Devices - Attachment 2 lists the following requirements under the GPS tracking device:

• Built-in 8GB flash memory

• PCM, XHQ and HQ recording modes

• VOS voice activation

• Sensitive microphone capable of recording up to 60 feet

• Micro-dimensions of approximately 1 1/16 x 7/8 x 3/8 inches

These characteristics appear to relate to an audio recorder and overlap with the separate requirements under CLIN 0010, Small Covert Audio Recorders.

Please confirm whether CLIN 0009 is intended to be:

• A GPS tracking/location device only, with magnetic mounting, smartphone/tablet compatibility and a 500mAh battery; or

• A combined GPS tracking and covert audio-recording device incorporating all of the recording functionality listed under CLIN 0009.

Please also confirm the intended physical dimensions for CLIN 0009.

A13. As for A12, the Government confirms that the device is intended to function solely as a

GPS tracking device for vehicle tracking purposes. Regarding the dimensions, there is no strict requirement that would pose any obstacle for the vendor. You may use the dimensions that best suit your design, if the device meets the core GPS tracking functionality.

Q14. CLIN 0013 - Traffic Cones - Attachment 2 includes an image of a traffic cone but does not provide written technical specifications.

Please confirm the required:

• Cone height

• Base weight

• Color

• Reflective collar configuration

• Material

• Applicable MUTCD, EN or other required safety standard

For example, please advise whether a standard 28-inch, 7-pound orange traffic cone is acceptable.

A14. A standard 28‑inch (≈70 cm) traffic cone, weighing about 7 pounds (≈3.2 kg), in orange color, manufactured from durable PVC or rubber, equipped with a reflective collar

(high‑intensity or prismatic band), and compliant with MUTCD and EN 13422 safety standards meets the requirement.

Q15. CLIN 0015 - Metal Traffic Safety Control Spikes - The pricing schedule calls for sixteen systems, each approximately 8 meters in length. Attachment 2 appears to show several possible automatic tire-killer configurations.

Please confirm the required configuration, including:

• Surface-mounted or buried installation

• One-way or two-way operation

• Electromechanical, hydraulic or another operating system

• Required voltage

• Remote control and/or wired control

• Required spike height

• Normally raised or normally lowered configuration

• Whether installation and commissioning in Lebanon are included in the contractor's scope, or whether the requirement is for supply and delivery only

A15. The Government confirms that the required configuration for the sixteen (16) traffic safety control spike systems, each approximately 8 meters in length, is acceptable as follows:

Surface‑mounted installation, suitable for rapid deployment and maintenance at security checkpoints.

One‑way operation, optimized for controlled vehicle entry/exit

Electromechanical operating system, powered at 220V AC with low‑voltage DC control.

Dual control capability: wired control panel and remote control.

Q16. CLIN 0016 - Warning Beacons - Attachment 2 does not appear to provide written technical specifications for the warning beacons.

Please confirm the required:

• Beacon color

• Flash pattern or flash rate

• Minimum light output or visibility distance

• Battery/rechargeable/mains power requirement

• Mounting configuration

• Weather or ingress-protection rating

• Whether the beacon is intended to be portable or permanently installed at checkpoint entrances

A16. The required configuration for the warning beacons is acceptable as follows:

- Beacon Color: Amber (yellow‑orange), universally recognized for caution and security checkpoint signaling.

- Flash Pattern/Rate: Rotating or strobe flash, 60–90 flashes per minute, ensuring clear visibility.

- Light Output/Visibility: Minimum 1,000 lumens or visibility distance of at least 500 meters under night conditions.

- Power Requirement: Rechargeable battery pack with optional mains (AC) connection for continuous operation.

- Mounting Configuration: Pole‑mounted or wall‑mounted at checkpoint entrances, with quick‑release option for repositioning.

- Ingress Protection: IP65 or higher, weather‑resistant against dust, rain, and outdoor exposure.

- Deployment Mode: Portable but designed for semi‑permanent installation at security checkpoint entrances.

Q17. CLIN 0017 - High-Power Spotlights We would appreciate clarification regarding the intended configuration for this CLIN. Attachment 2 appears to reference characteristics including a 30W LED, rechargeable 2400mAh battery, zoomable focus, and high/low/strobe/SOS modes. However, the associated images appear to depict a checkpoint warning light and/or a tripod-mounted area light.

Please confirm whether CLIN 0017 is intended to be:

1. A handheld rechargeable spotlight;

2. A tripod-mounted scene/area light; or

3. Another type of lighting system.

Please also provide the required minimum lumen output, beam distance, operating runtime and battery/charging requirements.

A17. The intended configuration for CLIN 0017 is:

• Type of Lighting System: A tripod‑mounted scene/area light, suitable for checkpoint security operations. While handheld rechargeable spotlights are useful for inspection, the images and context indicate the requirement is for fixed, area‑coverage lighting.

• Minimum Lumen Output: Not less than 10,000 lumens, ensuring wide‑area illumination.

• Beam Distance: At least 300 meters, to cover vehicle lanes and perimeter zones.

• Operating Runtime: Minimum 6 hours continuous operation at high output.

• Battery/Charging Requirements: High‑capacity rechargeable lithium‑ion battery packs

(≥20,000 mAh), with AC mains charging capability and optional quick‑swap design for uninterrupted use.

• Modes: High/low/strobe/SOS modes acceptable, with preference for dual‑mode (flood + focused beam) for checkpoint versatility.

• Ingress Protection: IP65 or higher, weather‑resistant for outdoor deployment.

Q18. Regarding the Statement of Work (SOW) CLIN 0030 – Marksmanship Training, can the US Government (USG) clarify if the government require the following simunition-approved head/face protection, Throat protector, Groin protector, Gloves, Long-sleeved protective clothing, Optional arm and torso protection to be included in our pricing

A18. Yes.

Q19. Regarding the SOW Section IX. Schedule and Clauses - FAR 52.225-5 Trade

Agreements- the solicitation does not specify whether waivers or exceptions will be considered for individual non-designated-country products. Can the USG please clarify?

A19. FAR 52.225-5 shall apply. Specifically, PRC products are not acceptable.

Q20. We understand the solicitation is all-or-none and includes tactical equipment. We are therefore evaluating a teaming arrangement with an equipment supplier so that a compliant full offer can be assembled. Before we proceed, could you please confirm whether a teaming/JV structure using a specialized training provider and a separate equipment supplier is acceptable, provided a single prime offeror assumes full contractual responsibility?

A20. A teaming arrangement or a Join Venture proposal will be evaluated by the Government and can be considered acceptable if it meets all the requirements.

Q21. Could you please remove or revise specifications for CLIN001 regarding Bulletproof

Vests with plate carriers, as these appear to be related to hard armor plates, which is being requested in CLIN002 (unless the USG is requesting extra 300 sets of ballistic level 4 plates). Ballistic Rating: NIJ Level4 Stops 0.3-0.6 M2AP (armor- piercing rifle rounds);

Material: Ceramic (Alumina, Silicon Carbide or Composite Ceramic+ UHMWPE backing); Weight: 2.5-3.2 kg per plate (Ceramic), lighter UHMWPE hybrids=2kg.

A21. CLIN 0001 is Bulletproof Vests with plate carriers only, while the CLIN 002 represents the

Ballistic Plates level 4. The total will be 300 vets and 600 plates (2 plates for each vest).

Q22. Referencing RFQ Instructions to Offerors, Volume II Section 1.3: A training curriculum for all twelve (12) training courses, including topics, schedule, hands-on activities, and assessment methodology; Considering that initial pre-assessments have not yet been performed to establish baseline participant needs, could the US Government please confirm whether a fully finalized curriculum for every course is required at the time of proposal submission, or if preliminary draft syllabi/outlines are acceptable?

A22. Preliminary draft syllabi/outlines are acceptable.

Q23. Training Iterations and Participant Quantities. Please clarify the total anticipated number of training iterations under the contract. Does each of the twelve Training CLINs represent one five-day course for a maximum of 20 participants (12 total iterations), or may individual courses be required to be delivered multiple times to different groups? If multiple iterations are anticipated, please provide the estimated number of iterations for each course and the total anticipated number of trainees.

A23. One classroom training session per topic.

Q24. English-Arabic Interpreters. The SOW states that all spoken/orally presented training will be in English and references trainer experience conducting training using simultaneous interpretation. Please confirm whether INL/ISF will provide English-Arabic interpreters for the training, or whether the Contractor is responsible for providing them. If

Contractor-furnished, please specify the required number of interpreters per course/iteration, minimum qualifications, and whether interpretation is required during classroom instruction, practical exercises, pre-training assessment meetings, out-briefs, and other program activities.

A24. See A8.

Q25. Simultaneous Interpretation Equipment. Please confirm whether simultaneous interpretation equipment will be Government/ISF-furnished or Contractor-furnished. If

Contractor-furnished, please specify the required configuration and quantities, including any interpreter booths/consoles, transmitters, receivers/headsets, microphones, audio interface requirements, and on-site technical support.

A25. Depending on the location of the training; the contractor shall provide two simultaneous interpreters per course, headsets and 2 microphones.

Q26. Curriculum and Government-Furnished Training Materials. The SOW requires the

Contractor to design, develop, and deliver the curriculum and training materials. Please confirm whether INL/ISF will provide any existing Government-furnished curricula, lesson plans, Instructor Guides (IGs), Student Guides, training packages, standard operating procedures, reference materials, or previously approved course content that the Contractor is expected to adapt, or whether the Contractor is responsible for developing all such materials from inception.

A26. The contractor is required to coordinate with the trainers at the ISF academy to develop

(together) the required materials taking into consideration ISF laws and regulations.

Q27. Instructor Guides / Lesson Plans and Curriculum Format. Please clarify the required level of curriculum development for each course. Is the Contractor expected to provide formal Instructor Guides/Lesson Plans and Student Guides for each of the twelve courses in addition to presentations, handouts, exercises, and assessments? If so, please provide any required format, template, content standard, or minimum level of detail.

A27. No required format.

Q28. Arabic Translation Volume. The SOW requires translation of written training materials into Arabic. For pricing purposes, can the Government provide an estimated page or word count for the materials expected for each course, or should the Contractor independently estimate the translation volume based on its proposed curriculum? Please also confirm whether all instructor-facing materials, student-facing materials, technical data, operations manuals, tests, certificates, and other course documents require Arabic translation.

A28. The contractor can independently estimate the translation volume. Yes, all the documents shall be translated into Arabic as well.

Q29. Printing and Reproduction Requirements. Please confirm the required quantities and format for printed training materials. Should the Contractor assume one complete set of

Arabic-language materials per participant for each course, plus instructor and

Government copies? Please identify any requirements for color printing, binding, folders, certificates, name tags, tent cards, or other printed materials.

A29. Yes, the contractor shall assume one complete set of Arabic-language materials per participant for each course, plus instructor and Government copies. No format required, no requirement for colors or printing features.

Q30. Stationery and Classroom Consumables. Please clarify whether the Contractor is responsible for providing classroom consumables and stationery, including notebooks/notepads, pens, folders, flip charts, markers, name tags, certificates, and similar supplies for participants and instructors.

A30. Yes.

Q31. Government-Furnished Classroom and Audiovisual Equipment. Please identify what classroom and audiovisual equipment will be available at the ISF Academy in Aramoun and/or ISF Mobile Forces premises in Dbayeh at no cost to the Contractor, including projectors, screens, laptops/computers, sound systems, microphones, internet access, whiteboards, tables, chairs, and power access. Please clarify which of these items the

Contractor is expected to provide.

A31. The projectors, screens, laptops/computers, sound systems, internet access, whiteboards, tables, chairs, and power access will be provided.

Trainers shall bring their laptops with them; trainees don’t need to have laptops in these types of training. Contractor shall provide Microphones.

Q32. Training Venue, Practical Exercise Areas, and Range Costs. Please confirm that the identified ISF training locations and any areas required for practical exercises will be provided at no cost to the Contractor Please identify any venue charges, range fees, permits, utilities, security costs, or other facility-related expenses that must be borne by the

Contractor

A32. Confirmed, no fee for the venue must be borne by the Contractor.

Q33. Meals, Refreshments, and Water. Please confirm whether meals, coffee breaks, refreshments, and bottled water for trainees, instructors, interpreters, and other training personnel will be provided by the Government/ISF or are expected to be provided by the

Contractor

A33. Two coffee breaks including cookies/light sandwiches shall be provided by the contractor during the training days.

Q34. Local Transportation and Personnel Logistics. Please clarify whether the Contractor is responsible for local transportation for trainers, interpreters, training equipment), and course materials between lodging, training locations, ranges, and other activity sites. Please also confirm whether all airfare, lodging, local transportation, per diem, visas, immunizations, and related personnel travel costs are to be incorporated into the applicable Training CLIN prices and will not be separately reimbursed.

A34. Yes, it’s responsibility of the Contractor. For the training equipment ISF can assist. Also, all the costs related to the training shall be incorporated in the training CLIN and will not be separately reimbursed.

Q35. Marksmanship Training - Simunition-Capable Weapons and Rounds. For the

Marksmanship course, the SOW states that the Contractor shall bring sufficient rifles and pistols compatible with Simunition and that these weapons are to be transferred/donated at the conclusion of training. Please specify the minimum required quantities of Simunition-capable rifles and pistols, as well as the minimum quantity of Simunition rounds required per participant and/or per training iteration and any required weapon type, caliber, manufacturer compatibility, or accessories. Please also clarify responsibility for the international shipment and importation of these firearms, ammunition/Simunition, and related equipment into Lebanon, including export/import licenses, end-user documentation, customs clearance, permits, secure storage, in-country transportation, taxes/duties, and any Embassy/INL coordination required. Will INL/U.S. Embassy Beirut facilitate or provide the necessary authorizations, documentation, customs support, and designated consignee/recipient for these controlled items? Finally, please confirm the required post-training transfer/donation process: the entity to which the rifles and pistols are to be transferred, whether an INL/U.S. Embassy representative will formally accept and/or execute the donation to the Gendarmerie/ISF, what transfer or property documentation the Contractor must provide, and at what point title and responsibility for the weapons pass from the Contractor to the Government/recipient.

A35. The Vendor shall include for training purposes 240 rifles and 240 pistols as 12 rifles and pistols for each emergency and inquiry brigade is needed in order to continue the daily tactical training.100,000 rifle rounds and 100,000 pistol rounds, 200,000 total.

The contractor shall be responsible for getting the relevant certificates and any other documentation related to the import process. The end user will be responsible for receiving these items and keeping them safe in the required locations.

Q36. Government-Furnished / Existing ISF Equipment for Practical Exercises. Please identify what equipment is currently available to ISF personnel and may be used during practical exercises and scenarios. Where the SOW requires the Contractor to assess current equipment and recommend additional equipment, please clarify whether any additional items identified after award would be Government-furnished, separately procured, or required to be (provided by the Contractor within the existing Firm-Fixed-Price contract)

A36. Contractors shall provide all the equipment for training.

Q37. Medical Emergency Evacuation Coverage. Please confirm whether the Contractor is required to provide medical emergency evacuation (MEDEVAC) coverage, emergency medical evacuation insurance, or other medical contingency coverage for Contractor personnel supporting the training. If required, please specify the minimum coverage, applicable personnel, geographic scope, and any required evacuation or emergency response arrangements.

A37. Yes, it is required, but it’s up to the contractor to specify the minimum coverage.

Q38. Trainee/Student Per Diem and Allowances. Please confirm whether the Contractor is responsible for providing any per diem, daily allowance, transportation allowance, lodging, or other payments/reimbursements to ISF trainees participating in the courses, or whether all trainee-related allowances and expenses will be the responsibility of INL/ISF.

A38. No, payments/reimbursements to ISF trainees participating it’s not responsibility of the contractor.

Q39. Initial / Pre-Training Assessment - Costs and Travel. Please clarify whether the initial/pre-training assessment is included within the applicable Training CLIN pricing or will be separately funded/reimbursed. If Contractor personnel are required to travel to

Lebanon specifically to conduct the assessment prior to training, please confirm whether the Contractor should include the associated professional days, airfare, lodging, per diem, local transportation, interpreter support, and other travel-related costs in its Training

CLIN pricing. Please also identify the anticipated duration of the assessment and the number/type of Contractor personnel expected to participate

A39. Yes, the cost of the initial assessment shall be included. Anticipated duration of five working days.

Q36. Please confirm the expected invoice and payment schedule, including whether payment will be made upon equipment delivery and acceptance, following completion of each training course, or according to another milestone/payment arrangement.

A36. Payment will be 30 days after receipt of invoice, provided that goods/services are received and accepted.

Q37. Please confirm the total number of officers to be trained, whether all officers must attend all

12 courses or different officers will attend different courses, and how many times each course must be delivered.

A37. The total number of trainees in all the total number of classrooms will be 240 ISF members. Not all members will follow all the courses. The decision on the participants will be coordinated on the ground with ISF.

Q38. Can multiple courses be conducted during the same week for different groups, or must the courses be delivered one after another?

A38. Yes, they can.

Q39. The Price Schedule shows a quantity of “1 Course” for each training CLIN. Should the price cover one delivery only or all required repetitions of that course?

A39. Price shall include all required repetitions also.

Q40. Should the Contractor propose a duration between 30 and 40 hours for each course, or will

INL/ISF determine the required duration?

A40. The duration shall be 40 hours per week- 8 hours per day over 5 days.

Q41. What facilities and equipment will ISF provide at Aramoun and/or Dbayeh, including classrooms, practical training areas, Simunition training areas, protective equipment, medical support, and secure storage?

A41. Yes. ISF will provide at Aramoun and/or Dbayeh, including classrooms, practical training areas, Simunition training area, secure storage. The protective equipment would be preferable for contractor to bring it. For medical support. ISF will provide support for ISF members.

Q42. Must the pre-training assessment be conducted in person in Lebanon? If yes, how long should it take, and is a written assessment report required?

A42. The pre-training assessment shall be five working days, and a written assessment report is required

Q43. Can training begin before all Activity 2 equipment is delivered, or must all equipment be delivered and accepted before training starts?

A43. Training can begin after all equipment arrives.

Q44. Please confirm the required type, caliber, and platform of the rifles and pistols. Will UTM or an equivalent non-lethal training system be accepted instead of Simunition?

A44. For training rifles and pistols, only training weapons that cannot be converted to lethal weapons are acceptable. Conversion kits used to transform lethal weapons into training weapons such as Ultimate

Training Munitions (UTM) conversion kits or Simunition conversion kits are not acceptable for this award. If there are no UTM or Simunition options that are solely for training and cannot be converted to lethal weapons, an alternate training weapon such as Airsoft or other non-lethal Pneumatic weapons that mimic m4s and Glocks are acceptable.

Q45. Please confirm the type and model of radios currently used by ISF, including the applicable encryption standard or protocol.

A45. The ISF has confirmed that the training is 7. Counter Improvised Explosive Devices and

Unexploded Ordnance and 8. Operating Encrypted Radios are not a priority and can be removed from the list. Accordingly, 240 ISF members will be trained on the following 9 specialized training topics (revised from the original 11):

9 Specialized Training Modules (non-exhaustive):

1. Surveillance Techniques

2. Raid Rapid Techniques

3. Operations in Urban Terrain / Close Quarter Battle (clearing buildings, clearing rooms, crossing danger areas)

4. Intervention Techniques / Apprehending Suspects

5. Setting Up Cordons

6. Security Check Points (Vehicle and Pedestrian)

7. Intelligence and Operations Cycle (using intelligence to inform operations; how to collect information at the operations site to generate future intelligence)

8. First Aid, Tactical Rescue, and Casualty Evacuation

9. Marksmanship (Pistol and Rifle) Contractor shall bring enough rifles and pistols compatible with simunition rounds to train the number of personnel set for each training iteration. Contractor shall also provide enough simunition rounds to conduct each round of training. Contractor will leave the simunition capable rifles and pistols with Gendarmerie Training Team at the conclusion of training so they can continue to use simunition rounds for their own internal training.

Q46.-Is this bid open for all nationalities?

A46. Yes.

Q47 and Q.48. Reserved

Q49. Being a SAM registered Lebanese company are we allowed to offer?

A49. Yes.

Q50. Can we offer any origin of goods, or if needs to be from a defined origin?

A50. Products shall be Trade Agreement compliant.