JanitorialServicesSolicitation-Second_set_of_questions.docx

JANITORIAL SOLICITATION QUESTIONS & ANSWERS PART 2

19PM0718Q0019

1. Questions: Could we have the projected/average consumption of the following items (speculation would significantly affect the cost, since we would have to protect ourselves to the highest expected consumption):

0. 2ply ultra absorbent paper towels “Kleenex” by Kimberly Clark (Multi Fold, 150 towels each pack as specified)

0. 2ply jumbo roll toilet paper “Kleenex”(250 meters roll as specified)

0. Antibacterial Liquid Soap (gallons)

Answer: The potential bidder should determine the estimated quantities based on the total employees population (Approximately 500 persons in office + 150 Consulate customers per day). Attachment #3 indicates the number of toilets, lavatories and paper towels dispensers.

1. Question: Is the minimum wage for cleaning contractors working in the U.S. Embassy expected to be different from Panama´s law?

Answer: Please refer to Paragraph 8.2 Local Labor Laws (Page 14). ´ The Contractor shall comply with all local labor laws, regulations, customs and practices pertaining to labor, safety & health and similar matters, to the extent that such compliance is not inconsistent with the requirements of this contract.

1. Question: Is there any specified procedure/schedules for the delivering of monthly supplies?

Answer: No. Deliveries for monthly consumption are the Contractor responsibility. For security reasons, all deliveries to the U.S. Embassy must be scanned at the SCAC. A request for access must be submitted 24 hours in advance.

1. Since we have to propose the prices for the base year and the following years (option year 1 through 4); do we have to previously contemplate the expected minimum wage increase? Statistically, we can expect an increase in the minimum wage of about 8% every 2 years in Panama.

Answer: Yes. This is a fixed price contract. “The contractor shall perform janitorial work, including furnishing all labor, material, equipment and services, for the U.S. Embassy Panama. The price listed below shall include all labor, materials, insurance (see FAR 52.228-4 and 52.228-5), overhead, and profit. The Government will pay the Contractor the fixed price per month for standard services and a fixed rate per square meter for any temporary additional services that have been satisfactorily performed.

1. Is there a cost involved in the ID´s for US embassy contractor employees?

Answer: No

1. As explained in documents, the carpet shampooing of high traffic areas is quarterly and for the total area is semi-annual. Could we have the approximate area of high traffic areas? We have the area for the total areas in the document.

Answer: Potential bidders must perform their own calculations from Attachment #3: New Embassy Compound (NEC) Area (Square Meters) Information Worksheet. The DESCRIPTION column indicates WORK AREAS, HALLWAYS, STORAGE AREAS, WORK ROOM AREAS, etc. total carpet area.

1. Does deep cleaning (carpet shampoo, application of wax coats, etc.) also have to be done during the regular working schedule in the Embassy or can we schedule those services at night when there is less or no traffic at all with an escort? In the document it mentions that all standard services are to be delivered on regular Embassy working days and hours, but deep cleaning wouldn´t be considered as standard services.

Answer: Embassy Regional Security Office (RSO) is analyzing it. RSO will come out with the final decision.

1. In our company, we have trained deep cleaning teams with supervisors that realize them periodically for each client. We don’t realize deep cleaning tasks with the standard daily service employees. What procedure would we have to follow in order to program the entry of the deep cleaning team (if allowed)?

Answer: The information on the deep cleaning team (refer to Attachment #2 will have to be submitted the same way as for regular employees. Please refer to Paragraph 4.4. Personnel Security (page 12).

1. As observed in the documents, there is an area that requires the contractor employee to be escorted in order to provide the cleaning service (main building). It can be observed that theirs an area of 838 sq. meters in second and third floor and the scheduled hours to perform the cleaning tasks is 1 hour daily for each. We can see a time constraint to deliver all the daily/weekly tasks in this specific area. How many contractor employees are allowed to enter to this area with an escort to perform this tasks? If only one employee is allowed, is there a variant on the expected daily/weekly routine for this area?

Answer: The escort is allowed to accompany a maximum of 4 people at a time and must be with them all the time. In other words, contractor staff will not be able to move alone thru the restricted (CAA) areas unless accompanied by the escort.

1. In referral to the information demonstrating the ability to perform the contract, it mentions to include the project manager. Can the operations manager of our company (industrial engineer with undergrad and master studies in the U.S.) be displayed as the temporary project manager (wouldn´t actually be the assigned project manager), since we would have to hire a skilled project manager for this particular contract if we get selected? The main person in charged for capacitation in our company also speaks perfect English and would help us for the capacitation on-site during the transition phase of the contract. The operations manager would be the main contact with the capacitator and the project manager on site.

Answer: Yes, the Project Manager shall be capable of personnel management, material and equipment inventory control, provide guidance to subordinates, etc.

The project manager should be a person responsible for the day-to-day supervision of the staff, of performance as well as resolving issues/problems.

1. It is required that all materials and chemical products to be environmentally friendly and it also requires the contractor to provide bleach. Should we seek an environmentally friendly alternative for bleach? There are new alternatives that could replace the use of bleach in the Embassy.

Answer: Yes, but all product data must be submitted for approval by COR

1. Is there any procedure to introduce gasoline equipment or is it prohibited? For example, high-pressure washers for daily maintenance of external areas (parking lot).

Answer: Yes, you are allowed to bring gasoline powered pressure washers on the compound for outdoor use. However, request for access must be submitted 24 hours in advance.

1. Regarding to insurances, we can observe that it mentions bodily injury and property damage with the specific amounts to be covered. Regarding the efficient completion of contract operations; are we required to have a compliance bond? If required, how much should it cover (percentage of the contract value)?

Answer: No bond is required.