SF30 Questiions and Answers for 19TC1226R0001.pdf

SBU - CONTRACTING AND ACQUISITIONS

1. Are there any existing approved or preferred brands already being used for products such as soap, tissues, paper towels or wipes? If yes, may we have the list?

Response: The contractor can propose any brand for approval that complies with the specification in the solicitation.

2. If no brands are mandated, can we propose alternatives if they meet the sustainability requirements and EPA guidelines mentioned in the RFP?

Response: Yes.

3. If available, can you please share past consumption data (monthly or yearly) to help us estimate quantities more accurately?

Response: The post does not keep a record of the contractor's consumption data. For your reference, we have gathered the details of the consumables for the month of December from the current contractor, which are listed below. Please note that the post will not be responsible for the accuracy or genuineness of this data.

Tissue (2 Ply X 150) – 1,425 nos.

Paper roll (2 ply) – 1,100 nos.

Handsoap – 5 Gallon.

Seat Cover – 25 packets.

4. Are clear trash bags required everywhere or only in certain areas?

Response: Clear bags are only required for shredders,

5. Will the Consulate require the contractor to maintain a specific minimum quantity of consumables onsite (for example a 30-day stock), or can we set our own replenishment cycle if service levels are maintained?

Response: The Consulate does not specify a stock limit. It is the Contractor's responsibility to ensure that materials are consistently available.

6. In case of higher-than-normal usage due to special events, delegations, or increased traffic, should these extra supplies be considered part of the fixed monthly cost, or would they be handled separately?

Response: For an after-hours special event, the consulate will consider it in a separate Purchase order. However, for any regular events occurring during office hours shall be covered under the contract.

7. Is there any expected change in staffing levels, visitor traffic, or operations over the next contract year that could affect consumable usage or cleaning frequency?

Response: No.

8. For escorted areas, what access hours should we plan for, and will escort availability be guaranteed to avoid delays?

Response: After the contract is awarded, the Facility Management team will collaborate with the Contractor to finalize schedules based on the customer's convenience.

9. Will we have storage space onsite for consumables and cleaning materials, and are there any limitations on size or chemical storage rules we need to follow?

Response: The area (adjacent to Janitor breakroom) shown to the team during the site survey is the only storage space available for the Janitorial team.

10. Are there any sensitive surfaces or finishes (such as marble, stainless steel, wood, specialty coatings) that require specific cleaning products or instructions?

Response: Consulate surfaces have marble, stainless steel and wood surfaces. As the expert, the contractor is expected to be use the right product or methodology pertaining to each surface. However, Janitorial team must obtain consulate COR’s approval before using any new chemicals on site,

11. If the products we propose require approval, is there a standard review timeline or process (e.g., product list submission, sample testing, and final confirmation)?

Response: Please consider 2 weeks for Consulate review.

12. For the air freshener dispensers already installed — do you prefer that we continue using the current fragrance and brand, or are alternative-approved options acceptable?

Response: The Consulate is satisfied with the current brand and fragrance. However, if there are any proposals for alternative brands or products, these must be submitted for review and receive prior approval from the COR before installation and use.

13. Can you please confirm whether waste collection and disposal fall under the contractor’s scope? Specifically, should we only collect and transport waste to the designated disposal point within the compound, or are we also required to manage off-site removal through a licensed waste vendor?

Response: The Contractor is responsible for collecting waste from various designated locations within the compound and storing it in the main garbage room located in the Consulate Compound. Dubai Municipality will collect general waste twice a week, while the Consulate will handle the disposal of other types of waste.

14. The RFP indicates that the boom lift will be provided by the U.S. Government; however, during the site visit it was mentioned that fuel for the boom lift would be the contractor’s responsibility. To allow us to accurately estimate operating costs, could you please confirm the make and model of the boom lift currently in use, including the fuel type (diesel/petrol/electric/hybrid)? In addition, could you please clarify the approved procedure for bringing fuel into the Consulate compound, including any security, documentation, escort, or scheduling requirements applicable to fuel delivery?”.

Response: Details given below Make: Haulotte Model: HA61JRT Fuel: Diesel

As on date, there are no special requirements to bring in fuel to the consulate, fuel is treated like any other product. The Janitorial team must send an email to Facility Management team with the details of the product they plan to bring on site. Then FAC will coordinate with the security team for approval. However, later if there is any change to the process, Facility Management team will let the Contractor know in advance.

15. “Could you please confirm whether all personnel deployed under this contract must be under the contractor’s own visa sponsorship? Additionally, is it permissible for the contractor to engage qualified and experienced manpower through a reputed, licensed labor supply or manpower services company in Dubai for the subject project, provided all personnel meet the security clearance, training, and compliance requirements of the

RFP?”

Response: Please refer to Section 3 – A.4 - Evidence that the offeror can provide the necessary personnel (all proposed personnel must be direct employees of the contractor and sub-contractor employees shall not be used to perform any services under this contract), equipment, and financial resources needed to perform the work. Subcontracts and teaming agreements are not acceptable.

16. Joint Venture Eligibility and Responsibility To ensure full compliance with responsibility and performance requirements, please confirm whether a declared Joint Venture (JV) between a U.S.-registered prime contractor and a UAE-licensed janitorial services company is eligible to participate, provided the JV is fully disclosed at the time of proposal submission.

Response: Please refer to Section 3 – A.4 - Evidence that the offeror can provide the necessary personnel (all proposed personnel must be direct employees of the contractor and sub-contractor employees shall not be used to perform any services under this contract), equipment, and financial resources needed to perform the

17. Additionally, please advise whether the JV’s combined experience and financial capacity (inclusive of the local operating partner) may be considered in meeting technical capability and financial responsibility requirements under this solicitation.

Response: Please refer to Section 3 – A.4 - Evidence that the offeror can provide the necessary personnel (all proposed personnel must be direct employees of the contractor and sub-contractor employees shall not be used to perform any services under this contract), equipment, and financial resources needed to perform the

18. Incumbent Contract Information

To support accurate pricing and technical planning, please advise whether any non-proprietary incumbent contract information (e.g., contract value, scope-level summaries) is available to offerors. If such information is releasable, kindly advise on the appropriate request mechanism or point of contact, including whether submission of a formal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request is required.

Response: Such information is available on Sam.gov and FPDS.gov

19. Current Contract Value Please confirm the current annual contract value of the incumbent janitorial services contract for reference and benchmarking purposes.

Response: Such information is available on Sam.gov and FPDS.gov

20. · Government-Furnished Equipment (GFE)

Please provide the current list of contractor equipment available onsite, including any Government-Furnished Equipment (GFE) that may be used under this contract.

Response: GFE are mentioned in the Contract. Consulate doesn’t maintain the list of equipment the contractor has or use.

21. Consumables Usage Data If available, please provide the average monthly consumption data for janitorial supplies (e.g., paper products, cleaning chemicals, consumables) for the past six (6) months, to support accurate pricing and supply planning.

Please refer to response to question 3

22. Boom Lift and Scissor Lift – Licensing & Compliance Focus Response: The boom lift and scissor lift operators shall have a valid driving licence from RTA, Dubai.