QA - 19GT5025Q0032.pdf

Q&A 19GT5025Q0032 - Guatemala - Clerical Support

Personnel & Eligibility

1. Can local na�onals (Guatemalan ci�zens or residents) be u�lized to perform the clerical support services?

Vendors may propose qualified local or U.S. staff, provided all mandatory requirements, including clearances and eligibility, are met.

2. Are there any restric�ons or preferences for U.S. ci�zens vs. host-country na�onals in staffing?

The solicitation does not restrict staffing to U.S. citizens. Qualified personnel may be proposed, provided they meet all requirements outlined in the solicitation.

3. If local na�onals (Guatemalan ci�zens or residents) can be u�lized, are they eligible for RSO background check for the clearance?

All proposed personnel, regardless of nationality, must successfully complete the Regional Security Office (RSO) background check and clearance process prior to assignment.

4. Is prior experience working with the U.S. Embassy or Department of State preferred or required?

Prior experience with the U.S. Embassy or Department of State is not a mandatory requirement. However, relevant experience in similar clerical or administrative support services may be considered positively in the technical evaluation.

5. Will this requirement be subject to wage determina�ons or local labor law compliance for Guatemala-based hires?

Refer to page 11 - B.9 Laws and Regulations. All Guatemala-based hires must comply with local labor laws and regulations. Offerors are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable wage requirements, benefits, and statutory obligations under Guatemalan law.

6. Will interviews with proposed candidates be required as part of the evalua�on process?

No, the USG will not conduct interviews to the candidates. The Contractor will have to submit the candidate profile for review and approval.

7. Offerors must include "Evidence that the quoter operates an established business with a permanent address and telephone lis�ng in Guatemala or plans to establish an office within 30 days of contract award." The requirement unnecessarily restricts compe��on. Would the government please consider removing this requirement?

This does not restrict competition as you may choose to either establish a presence or work through a local partner.

8. Are ALL staff required to speak Spanish?

Refer to page 9 – B.7.4.1.1 Minimum Qualifications. Given the local operating environment, all proposed staff must be proficient in Spanish & English to ensure effective communication.

9. Will staff be allowed to travel to/from home periodically?

Staff are expected to reside locally and commute to the worksite. Work will be performed only during the established working hours outlined in the solicita�on.

10. Do you feel 3-4 staff, including the on-site contact, would be sufficient for this project?

Staffing levels may vary depending on the needs and specific requirements of the Embassy. The contractor is responsible for proposing sufficient personnel to ensure successful performance.

11. Will the staff require approval from COR to travel home periodically? Or will this be based on Visa allowances?

No visa allowances are included as part of this contract. Staff are expected to reside locally and commute to the worksite during the established working hours.

12. Is there any problem if I submit my quote as an individual, even though I am the manager of a company that already works for you?

All vendors are welcome to participate, proposals can be submitted by individuals or companies, as long as they comply fully with the eligibility and submission criteria.

13. Minimum number of personnel within the loca�on assigned by the Embassy.

Staffing levels may vary depending on the needs and specific requirements of the Embassy. The contractor is responsible for proposing sufficient personnel to ensure successful performance.

14. When atending to visitors, is there a preference for female/male staff?

The Government does not have any preference regarding gender, race, age, or religion. All personnel will be considered solely on their qualifica�ons and ability to perform the required services.

Timeline & Period of Performance

15. What is the expected start date of the contract?

Please refer to Section A.2, paragraph 3 on page 3 of the solicitation package.

16. Is there flexibility in the onboarding �meline for proposed personnel (in order to obtain clearance)?

Once the contract is awarded, the selected vendor must propose the personnel. The onboarding timeline will depend on the time required to complete the security clearance process, which must be finalized prior to the commencement of work.

17. If the proposed candidate does not pass the clearance process, are backup candidates accepted?

Yes. It is highly recommended that vendors propose qualified backup candidates to ensure continuity of services in the event that a primary candidate does not successfully obtain clearance.

18. Are there any required training or orienta�on sessions before work begins?

No. The requesting office will provide an initial orientation session and training material at the beginning of the service.

19. How many events will be held annually?

A minimum of two (2) events are anticipated annually.

20. How many atendees per event?

Each event will require one professional clerical support.

21. Are most events held on weekends?

Please refer to Sec�on B.2 on page 5 of the solicita�on package.

Proposal Submission & Format

22. Is there a preferred proposal structure (technical + pricing separately)?

Yes. For clarity and evaluation purposes, proposals should be submitted in two separate volumes. Please review Section I – Instruction on How to Submit a Quotation.

23. Is there a page limit or font/forma�ng requirement?

There are no specific page limits or font/formatting requirements for this solicitation.

Pricing & Invoicing

24. Will the requirement be subject to wage determina�ons or local labor law compliance for Guatemala-based hires?

Refer to page 11 - B.9 Laws and Regulations. Yes. All Guatemala-based hires under this requirement must comply with applicable local labor laws and regulations.

25. What is the invoicing frequency and payment method (monthly, quarterly, wire transfer, etc.)?

Refer to page 14 – E. 2 Invoicing and Paying Instructions.

26. What was the price you paid the last company that was awarded the contract, or would you be willing to give me a range?

There is no previous contract associated with this solicitation. Additionally, pricing information is not subject to public disclosure.

27. What is the award amount?

Pricing information is not subject to public disclosure.

28. How do you handle travel expenses?

No travel activities are anticipated under this contract; therefore, travel expenses are not applicable.

Evalua�on Criteria & Contract Details

29. Is the only key evalua�on criteria for award LPTA or do other factors apply (e.g., technical qualifica�ons vs. price)?

Refer to page 29, Section J - Evaluation Criteria. The U.S. Government intends to award a contract to the responsible company submitting an acceptable offer at the Lowest Price Technical Acceptable.

30. Is this a firm-fixed price contract or �me and materials (T&M)?

Firm-fixed price.

31. Will there be an opportunity for follow-on work or contract extensions a�er the base period (1 base year + 1 op�on year)?

Refer to page 3 and 4. The duration of the contract is Base Year + First Option Year Total.

32. Who is the incumbent?

There is no previous contract associated with this solicitation.

33. What is the contract number?

This is a new requirement; therefore, no contract number has been assigned yet.

End of Q&A