Questions and Answers for PATT Oversight RFQ 693JJ620Q000003.pdf

Questions and Answers for PATT Oversight RFQ 693JJ620Q000003

For the CLINs outlined in the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice

CLINs 0001 – 2001 (Base Year and Two Options), Laboratory Compliance Inspections and Proficiency Testing (QA-QC)

1. Please describe in some detail the role and responsibilities of the Contract Lead. Could some or all of this role be assigned to someone who meets FRA requirements as an expert in this area, but does not hold professional credentials as a FABFT or equivalent?

The RFQ/SOW has been amended to offer further clarification.

The Contract Lead need not have a Forensic Toxicology credential. Consultation can be done by anyone qualified on the contract and acceptable to the COR/SME. The Contract Lead must have expertise in transportation safety and testing regulations, substance abuse, and a generalist’s knowledge of toxicology and interpretation of results.

Reminder to refer to number 3 Technical Quotation under Quote Requirements for further instructions about proposing key personnel.

2. There is no CLIN line for proficiency testing in the RFQ. This the delivery of a product, to necessarily include the cost of producing the materials for the open and blind testing, the cost of product analysis by one or more referee laboratory(ies), and the cost of shipping of the finished product samples to both the referee laboratory(ies) and FRA post-accident laboratory. Only one

(1) additional CLINs or Sub-CLINs line would be necessary. The offerors cannot build the price into labor hours since labor hours are at the option of FRA and do not have to be used while the proficiency program is the set delivery of a product required by the Statement of Work (SOW).

Proficiency testing (QC/QA) is under CLIN 0001, 1001, etc. The offeror is intended to break out the charges of the laboratory compliance inspections and the proficiency testing as subordinate elements to that CLIN. Refer to Subtasks C.2.1 Subtask-Inspection and C.2.2 Subtask- FRA Post Accident Laboratory Proficiency Testing in the RFQ/SOW. The hours allocated should be adequate to fulfill both.

CLINs 0002 -- 2002 (Base Year and Two Options), Class I Railroad Part 219 Compliance Review Services

1. Please describe in some detail the role and responsibilities of the Contract Lead.

The RFQ/SOW has been amended to offer further clarification.

Refer to Section C.3 TASK 2- RAILROAD PART 219 COMPLIANCE REVIEW SERVICES for expectations of the “technical experts” which also encompasses the responsibilities of the Contract Lead in the Class I Railroad Part 219 Compliance Review Services CLINs.

Contractor technical experts must be prepared, qualified, and to the extent needed, credentialed to conduct interviews and assess documents and records with railroad officials and vendor representatives (MRO, SAP, BAT etc.); make written recommendations and identify noncompliance or deficiencies with respect to Parts 40 Part 219; provide appropriate, relevant operational guidance; and write reports of findings for use by FRA.

2. There is no role for a senior forensic toxicologist in the railroad review services. Should the title be Senior Compliance Specialist or something similar? If the title is to remain as a forensic toxicologist, please describe in some detail what the role and responsibilities of a toxicologist will be in an onsite audit of a railroad’s compliance with Part 219.

Senior Forensic Toxicologist should be Subject Matter Expert – Railroad Substance Abuse instead. This change is reflected in the amended RFQ/SOW.

3. How many inspectors should the vendor be expected to provide for a Class I Railroad audit, for an audit of Class II or commuter Railroad audit, or for a service agent (like a railroad contractor, MRO service, etc.)?

A Class 1 Railroad audit would require the Contract Lead and one or two technical experts based on the size of the audit and a Class 2, Commuter Railroad, or service agent audit would require one technical expert (which may or may not be the Contract Lead).

Reminder to refer to number 3 Technical Quotation under Quote Requirements for further instructions about proposing key personnel.

CLINs 0003 -- 2003 (Base Year and Two Options), Class I Railroad Part 219 Compliance Expert Consultation

1. Can the role of Contract Lead be filled by more than one person? This would be especially valuable to FRA if your contractor has personnel to call on with different special skill sets and expertise (Part 40, Part 219, Parts 240 and 242, Part 382, etc.).

Yes, any technical expert (including the Contract Lead) with the specific required skillset may provide consultation. That consultation should however, be coordinated (and/or concurred) through the Contract Lead.

Reminder to refer to number 3 Technical Quotation under Quote Requirements for further

CLINs 0004 -- 2004 (Base Year and Two Options), Travel Direct and Indirect Cost

1. Since labor for travel will be costed under CLINs X001- CLINs X003, why is there a request for a Proposed Labor Hourly Rate? Should this category be excised from this CLINs?

Proposed Labor Hourly Rate has been omitted from these CLINs. This change is reflected in the amended RFQ/SOW.

For the Statement of Work (SOW)

1. SOW Section C, Subtask C.2.1, Item e. The SOW is not current in terms certifications required and/or expected of the forensic toxicologists performing equivalent-level laboratory inspections.

The following is recommended:

Qualification will be defined as holding a credential as a Fellow of the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (F-ABFT), a Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (D-ABFT- FT, D-ABFT-FA, or D-ABFT-FD), or another equivalent credential acceptable to the FRA SME and COR. At least the lead laboratory inspector for every FRA post-accident laboratory inspection must hold the F-ABFT credential.

This change is reflected in the amended RFQ/SOW.