RFP Phase 2 QA.xlsx
XLSX spreadsheet 151 KB Posted
- Attached to
- DHS-wide Uniforms III Contract
- Solicitation number
- 70B01C26R00000004
About this file
This document is a Questions and Answers (Q&A) file for the DHS-wide Uniforms III Contract (Solicitation Number 70B01C26R00000004), providing detailed responses to vendor inquiries about the Request for Proposal (RFP). The contract is a Department-Wide Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) vehicle for purchasing uniforms and quartermaster services, with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) serving as the Executive Agent for DHS and its component agencies. The contract will serve approximately 135,000 employees across multiple federal agencies, including CBP, ICE, TSA, FPS, and FEMA, with a base period of three years and four additional option periods totaling five years.
Key details include a two-phase proposal process with site visits to quartermaster facilities, specific uniform specifications for various components, and strict domestic sourcing requirements under the Kissell Amendment. The RFP requires vendors to provide approximately 1,700 uniform items, develop a web-based uniform request system, manage quartermaster services at federal training centers, and comply with small business subcontracting goals. Notable requirements include providing domestically sourced textiles, meeting specific performance standards, offering made-to-measure options, and implementing a comprehensive change management process. The anticipated award date is October 1, 2026, with proposals for Phase 1 due on December 19, 2025, and a down-selection process to determine Phase 2 participants.
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RFP Questions
DHS UNIFORM III RFP QUESTIONS
| RFP Quest. # | Phase 1 or 2 | Responsible Office | Topic | Document | Page # | Paragraph # | Question | Answer | |
| 1 | 1 | Procurement | Response | SF 1449 | Is it acceptable for the offeror’s response be submitted as a hard copy, sealed response to the Contract’s Specialist address and attention in Box 9 of SF1449 Form or is submittal via e-mail the only option? | ||||
| a. What is the protocol if the submittal is too large to send via E-Mail? | No. Submittals, with the exception of the samples and the oral presentations, shall be made electronically as indicated in the solicitation. For example, files can be zipped or separated into separate e-mails, if necessary, if an offeror encounters an issue with size transfer limitations. | ||||||||
| 2 | 1 | Procurement | FAR Clarification | SF 1449 | Page 1, Block 27A | ||||
| a. Is the FAR 5.212-1 a misprint – see below? | Yes, this is a misprint. It should read “FAR 52.212-1, FAR 52.212-4.” | ||||||||
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| 3 | 1 | Procurement | Response | SF 1449 | Page 1, Block 28 | |
| a. Is the requirement to submit 1 original and 1 copy of the response for each phase? Please confirm how many copies of each volume need to be submitted in the response. | Only one copy is due with the submission of Phase 2, including acknowledgement of each amendment to the solicitation, exclusive of Amendments 1 and 3. | |||||
| 4 | 2 | Program | Pricing | SF 1449 | Page 2, Note: Monthly Quartermaster/Fit Center are costs for Contractor staffing and operations at the academies. The Contractor shall provide separate pricing for Artesia, Glynco, and Charleston academies consistent with the applicable wage determinations. (This applies to the Base Term and Options). |
a. Where should this cost be added, as there is no call out on attachment A – CLIN Pricing List – All DHS Uniforms III?
| b. Is there a specific format to submit this info? | Added tab to version 2 of Attachment A. | |||||
| 5 | 2 | Procurement | Pricing | SF 1449 | Page 4, Quartermaster Services (Option Period 4) |
a. Is Item #200 a misprint and should it be Charleston for measuring services only – see below?
190 DESCRIPTION- GLYNCO 12 MO See Attachment A Monthly Quartermaster-Fit Center (On-Site Quartermaster/Uniform Services Operations – Section 4.3) 200 SCRIPTION- GLYNCO 12 MO See Attachment A Monthly Quartermaster-Fit Center
| (On-Site Quartermaster/Uniform Services Operations – Section 4.3, measuring services only) | Yes, Line item 200 should read CHARLESTON | |||||
| 6 | 1 | Procurement | Billing | SF 1449 | Page 5, II.9, Electronic Invoicing and Payment Requirements – Invoice Processing Platform (IPP), Note 2 - States that billing for CBP shall be limited to once per month. | |
| a. Is this also the case for all other DHS Components? | Yes | |||||
| 7 | 2 | Procurement | Security Quartermaster | SF 1449 | Page 7, II.13, Security Procedures (Applies to Quartermaster Services Only), (a) Controls |
a. Where can we access a copy of the most recent versions of the following:
i. CBP Handbook 1400-05D, v.7.0, Information Systems Security Policies and Procedures Handbook
ii. DHS Sensitive Systems Policy Directive 4300A, v.13.1
iii. DHS Sensitive Systems Handbook 4300A, v.12.0, or latest available version.
iv. DHS Instruction 121-01-007-01, Rev. 01, The Department of Homeland Security Personnel Security, Suitability and Fitness Program, Chapter 2, Personnel Security Program Standards, §13. Citizenship Requirements The CBP Handbook 1400-05D, v.8.0, Information Systems Security Policies and Procedures Handbook has been included as an attachment to the RFP. For the remaining documents, please refer to the clause 3052.240-72 which provides the following link: https://www.dhs.gov/dhs-security-and-training-requirements-contractors
| 8 | 2 | Procurement | Security Quartermaster | SF 1449 | Page 8, II.13, Security Procedures (Continued), (b) Security Background Investigation Requirements | Does not appear to be a question, but setting up question 9. | |
| 9 | 2 | Procurement | Security Quartermaster | SF 1449 | To Confirm, will CBP initiate the BI (Background Investigation) or SSBI (Single Scope Background Investigation) for Awarded Contractor Quartermaster Employees? | BI (Background Investigation). The quartermaster contractor employees will not require "Top Secret" clearance. | |
| 10 | 2 | Procurement | Security Quartermaster | SF 1449 | Page 8, II.13, Security Procedures (Continued), (b) Security Background Investigation Requirements | ||
| a. Does the BI (Background Investigation) or SSBI (Single Scope Background Investigation) apply to any other Awarded Contractor Employees outside of the Quartermaster locations managing the contract, i.e. office personnel? | No. | ||||||
| 11 | 2 | Procurement | Security Quartermaster | SF 1449 | Page 8, II.13, Security Procedures (Continued), (b) Security Background Investigation Requirements |
a. Is the employee list the awarded contractor shall submit within ten (10) working days after award of this contract a list of all employees who will work on the contract or just the Quartermaster employees?
| b. Could an extension greater than ten (10) working days safter award of the contract be granted to the awarded contractor requirement to provide a list containing the full name, social security number, place of birth (city and state), and date of birth of employee candidates who possess favorably adjudicated BI or SSBI that meets federal investigation standards? | a. All; b. No. | |||||
| 12 | 2 | Procurement | Security Quartermaster | SF 1449 | Page 8, II.13, Security Procedures (Continued), (c) Security Responsibilities |
a. Where can we access a copy of the most recent versions of the following:
i. Questionnaire for Public Trust and Selected Positions
ii. Questionnaire for National Security Positions
iii. Fingerprint Chart
iv. Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) form
v. Criminal History Request form
| vi. Financial Disclosure form. | These are not required for offerors to submit a proposal. However, please refer to the clause 3052.240-72 which provides the following link: https://www.dhs.gov/dhs-security-and-training-requirements-contractors | |||||
| 13 | 2 | Procurement | Security Quartermaster | SF 1449 | Page 8, II.13, Security Procedures (Continued), (d) Notification of Contractor Employee Changes – thru Page 9, II.13, Security Procedures (Continued) | |
| a. Do these requirements pertain to only Quartermaster Services or all the Contractor’s personnel? | Applies only to Quartermaster personnell who are on site. | |||||
| 14 | 2 | Procurement | Security Quartermaster | SF 1449 | Page 9, II.13, Security Procedures (Continued), (e) Non-Disclosure Agreements |
Page 9, II.13, Security Procedures (Continued), (e) Non-Disclosure Agreements
| a. Where can we access a copy of the most recent versions of DHS Form 11000-6? | These are not required for offerors to submit a proposal. However, please refer to the clause 3052.240-72 which provides the following link: https://www.dhs.gov/dhs-security-and-training-requirements-contractors | |||||
| 15 | 2 | Program | Facilities | SF 1449 | Page11, II.17, Government Property |
a. Does DHS have set locations for the 3 on-site operations (Quartermaster Locations – Artesia, NM, Glynco, GA, and Charleston, SC) that the awarded contractor will
| manage during the life of the contract? i.e. the awarded contractor will not need to secure a location for the 3 required Quartermaster locations. | There are set locations for the two main locations and a room to measure students at Charleston will be provided when needed. | |||||
| 16 | 1 | Program | Site Visit | SF 1449 | Page 60, IV.1, Pre-Proposal Site Visit |
a. Will there be 2 individual visits scheduled for each of the locations – Artesia, NM & Glynco, GA the week of December 8th?
b. Can we choose to visit only 1 location, or do we need to visit both locations?
| c. Will there be any visit scheduled for the Charleston, SC location? | Notification was sent previously regarding dates and locations. Artesia is December 9 and Glynco is December 11. You can choose to attend both, one, or neither. No, there will not be a visit for Charleston. | |||||
| 17 | 2 | Program | Pricing | SF 1449 | Page 61, I.1,1,2, (m) Kissel Amendment and Trade Agreement Act Application | |
| a. The Attachment A (CLIN Pricing List – All DHS Uniforms III) is missing the column named Kissel Covered Items Yes/No”. Please advise if this column will be added to a new Attachment A? | The column is named "Front Line Duty Item" (Column F), not "Kissel Covered Items Yes/No". A "Yes" would mean that it is Kissell Covered. | |||||
| 18 | 2 | Procurement | Pricing | SF 1449 | Page 62, I.1.1.3, (m) Kissel Amendment and Trade Agreement Act Application | |
| a. Is the timeline for an Offeror who wants to make a Kissell Non-Availability Determination request 2 weeks prior to the closing date of the Phase 2 of the solicitation? | No. The timeline isn’t sufficient for OMB review. | |||||
| 19 | 2 | Procurement | Pricing | SF 1449 | Page 63, I.1.1.8, (m) Kissel Amendment and Trade Agreement Act Application |
a. The request is “Offerors are required to indicate the Country of Origin for each item on Attachments A and B (CLIN Lists and Components Specifications, respectively).
i. There is no column in Attachment A to populate the Country of Origin. Where do we need to indicate Country of Origin?
| ii. There is no Attachment B, as Attachment B1-B12 are all the specs for each agency and item. Where do we need to indicate Country of Origin on Attachments B1-B12, if required? | Attachment A has been updated. Please refer to Attachment A, Version 2. | |||||
| 20 | 2 | Procurement | Pricing | SF 1449 | Page 63, IV.8, Introduction to the Pricing Structure |
a. Please provide clarification or additional details on the following statement: “All pricing submitted under Items 10, 50, 90, 130, 170 shall be in accordance with HSAR 3052.225-70 Requirement for Use of Certain Domestic Commodities (DEVIATION 13-01).”
| b. Where can we locate these items 10, 50, 90, 130, 170? | a. The language cited in this question has been updated to read “All pricing submitted under Items 10, 50, 90, 130, 170 shall be in accordance with HSAR 3052.225-70 Requirement for Use of Certain Domestic Commodities (NOV 2024),” consistent with the version of the clause that has been included in the solicitation. b. Page 2-4 of the RFP refers offerors to Attachment A. Attachment A is the list of specifications. Attachment A is the CLIN list attachment B is the specifications. | |||||
| 21 | 2 | Procurement | Pricing | SF 1449 | Page 64, IV.8, Introduction to the Pricing Structure (Continued) |
a. Please provide clarification or additional details on the following statement: “All pricing submitted for quartermaster services under items 20, 30, 40, 60, 70, 80, 100, 110, 120, 140, 150, 160, 180, 190, and 200 shall be in accordance with the Service Contract Labor Standards and the referenced Wage Determinations in II.3 above.”
| b. Where can we locate these items 20, 30, 40, 60, 70, 80, 100, 110, 120, 140, 150, 160, 180, 190, and 200? | a. Offerors shall submit pricing in accordance with those standards as specified; b. Page 2-4 of the RFP refers offerors to Attachment A. Attachment A is the list of specifications. Attachment A is the CLIN list attachment B is the specifications. | |||||
| 22 | 1 | Procurement | Past Performance | SF 1449 | Page 64, Phase 1: Factor 1 – Past Performance |
a. Please clarify this request: “Past Performance (Contract Reference Data) shall be submitted using the data sheets indicated (Appendix B) for a maximum of 3 pages.”
| b. Is the correct template Attachment E: Past Performance Contract Reference Data (2020 – 2025)? | Yes, Appendix B should read “Attachment E – Past Performance Contract Reference Data Sheet (2020-2025)”. Reference: RFP SECTION III - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS. | |||||
| 23 | 1 | Procurement | Past Performance | SF 1449 | Page 64, Phase 1: Factor 1 – Past Performance |
a. Please clarify this request: “The Government will be contacting the references identified on the Past Performance Contract Reference Data Sheets (Appendix B) to inform its evaluation of past performance.”
| b. Is the correct template Attachment E: Past Performance Contract Reference Data (2020 – 2025)? | Yes, Appendix B should read “Attachment E – Past Performance Contract Reference Data Sheet (2020-2025)”. Reference: RFP SECTION III - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS. | |||||
| 24 | 1 | Procurement | Past Performance | SF 1449 | Page 65, IV.9, Submission Requirements for Consideration as an Offeror to the Solicitation (Continued) | |
| a. Is it looked upon unfavorable if there are no subcontractors on past or current contracts? | No. | |||||
| 25 | 1 | Procurement | Past Performance | SF 1449 | Page 65, Phase 1: Factor 2 – Prior Experience |
a. Please clarify this request: “Prior Experience shall be submitted using the form indicated (Appendix C) for a maximum of 6 pages.”
i. Is the correct template Attachment F: Prior Experience Form (2020 – 2025)?
b. The request is for the offeror to provide at least two (2), and no more than three (3), written detailed descriptions demonstrating the Offeror’s direct prior experience with successful projects of comparable scope for a maximum of 6 pages. However, the form is 3 pages, and we would only be able to submit 2 and not 3 detailed descriptions without going above the maximum of 6 pages. Please confirm the correct maximum number of descriptions we can submit or the correct maximum number of pages. a. Yes, (Appendix C) should read “Attachment F: Prior Experience Form (2020 – 2025)”. Reference: RFP SECTION III - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS.
b. Yes, the Attachment F, Prior Experience Form is 3 pages, so the maximum number of pages is 9, should an offeror submit the maximum number of 3 written detailed descriptions of its prior experience with projects of comparable scope.
26 1 Procurement Distribution SF 1449 Page 65, Phase 1: Factor 3 – Distribution Capacity
a. Please clarify this request: “Distribution Capacity shall be submitted electronically with a maximum of 2 pages for this submission.”
b. Can we submit this response as a hard copy 2-page document with all other responses?
| c. If not, what are the requirements to submit other than via electronically? | a. Correct; b. No; c. Submissions shall be electronic as indicated in the solicitation. | |||||
| 27 | 1 | Procurement | Transition Plan | SF 1449 | Page 66, IV.9, Submission Requirements for Consideration as an Offeror to the Solicitation (Continued), Transition Plan |
a. Please clarify this request: “Transition Plan shall be submitted electronically with a maximum of 3 pages for this submission.”
b. Can we submit this response as a hard copy 3-page document with all other responses?
| c. If not, what are the requirements to submit other than via electronically? | a. Correct; b. No; c. Submissions shall be electronic as indicated in the solicitation. | ||||||
| 28 | 1 | Procurement | Response | SF 1449 | Page 66: How will the advisory notification be issued to all offerors? | Advisory Notices will be emailed to offerors in reply to the Offeror's submissions for Phase 1 | |
| 29 | 2 | Procurement | Response | SF 1449 | Will there be a deadline for receipt of questions from the approved offerors moving to Phase 2? | ||
| a. i.e. will there be an opportunity for approved offerors to ask questions or clarify the requirements for Phase 2? | Yes. Another opportunity will be given to ask further questions in Phase 2. | ||||||
| 30 | 2 | Procurement | Response | SF 1449 | Page 66, Submission Requirements for Consideration as an Offeror to the Solicitation (Continued), Phase 2: Factor 5: Technical Approach |
a. Please clarify this request: “In Volume II, the offeror shall submit their Technical Approach, with five (5) approximately equally weighted subfactors. Volume II is limited to 25 pages in total, including the cover page. Subfactor A: Required Plans and Requirements Planning submissions will not count against the 25-page limit for the Technical Submittal. However, the total number of pages allotted for plans shall not exceed 15 pages. This is in total not 15 pages for each plan, thus the overall total maximum number of pages for Volume II shall not exceed 30 pages.
| b. What is the correct maximum number of pages for Volume II – 25 or 30 pages? | The Technical Approach shall not exceed 25 pages. The plans do not count against the Volume II page count. However, the plans shall not exceed 15 pages in total. The maximum page limitation for Volume II, in total, is 40 pages. | ||||
| 31 | 2 | Program | Response | Page 68, Submission Requirements for Consideration as an Offeror to the Solicitation (Continued), Subfactor B: Uniform Samples |
a. Do samples need to be embellished or are blanks samples acceptable?
b. Is there flexibility on the color of the samples? Can it be an available color or does it need to be final approved lab dip. If not, is a swatch required?
c. Is it acceptable for samples to be 1 color and correct color swatches be included with the samples?
d. Will samples be returned to the offeror?
e. Will we be provided with the logos, for each of the items listed below, in a hi-res image or jpg. format to create and submit a sample in Phase 2?
f. Evaluation Sample sizing - what is the size required?
g. Evaluation Sample – Sourcing - if we do not make the sample, can these be 3rd party sourced for submission? a. No, they are not required for this phase to have the actual customization with badges and patches.
b. For this phase, there is flexibility with color. Offeror can submit swatches along with samples to show they can match color if desired.
c. Yes.
d. DHS was not planning on shipping the items back to the offerors. The plan was to dispose of the samples. If the offeror would like samples returned, they would need to provide shipping containers/labels so the Government can ship back without incurring additional costs.
e. CBP will provide additional information on the RFP for the CBP seal to include pantone colors and image.
f. No specific size is being requested or required.
g. Yes.
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| SF 1449 | ||||||
| 32 | 2 | Program | Response | SF 1449 | Page 69, Submission Requirements for Consideration as an Offeror to the Solicitation (Continued), Subfactor C: Logistical Functions – 2. Unique Sizing (all uniform items, including made to measure, female uniform items, maternity wear) – Minimum Requirements | |
| a. Please advise if there is the possibility of extending the delivery date for made-to-measure items to 120 calendar days. | Yes, RFP has been changed to reflect 120 days. | |||||
| 33 | 2 | Procurement | Response | SF 1449 | Page 69, Submission Requirements for Consideration as an Offeror to the Solicitation (Continued), Subfactor D: AbilityOne & UNICOR and Subfactor E: Small Business Subcontracting Plan | |
| a. Are these requirements independent of each other or could they overlap to fulfill the requirement? i.e. Use Ability One Partners to meet Ability One requirement and Small Business requirement. | These are separate subfactors | |||||
| 34 | 2 | Procurement | Pricing | SF 1449 | Page 71, Submission Requirements for Consideration as an Offeror to the Solicitation (Continued) |
a. Contractors are also to provide a “Discount Schedule” for price reductions for bulk purchases of items by CBP, TSA, FDA, and FPS as shown below:
i. For Single Delivery Order Purchase of 100-299 units of an individual CLIN ___% discount will apply to those items.
ii. For Single Delivery Order Purchase of 300 units or more of an individual CLIN ___% discount will apply to those items. In either case all units must be shipped to a single delivery location to qualify. (This excludes any Cold Weather Gear and does not apply to any of the other Components).
| a. Where should this info be included? Is it acceptable to add it to Attachment A on the Other Line Tab? | Added to version 2 of Attachment A. | ||||||
| 35 | 1 | Procurement | Transition Plan | What is the estimated award date if the Transition Period is only from 10/01/2026 – 01/31/2027? | Award is anticipated by 10/01/2026 | ||
| 36 | 2 | Procurement | Pricing | Will DHS provide brand name info, sourcing info, or advise where certain items ae currently being purchased to the awarded Contractor? | No. Offer should include items that meet the specifications. There are no sole sourcing requirements. | ||
| 37 | 2 | Program | Specs | Specs | Will you please confirm if FAMS items also need to be Kissell or can FAMS items be TAA? | FAMS items must be provided by domestic or by Chilean sources. | |
| 38 | 2 | Program | Specs | Specs | Will DHS provide Pantone Colors for all the items? | Not all DHS Specs call out a pantone, if required they should be part of the specifications. | |
| 39 | 2 | Program | Specs | Specs | Will DHS provide all logos in a hi-res image or jpg. format to create First Article Samples and proceed to production? | Additional Logo/CBP Seal information is provided. | |
| 40 | 2 | Program | Specs | Specs | Some specifications request full grain leather, for the boots. | ||
| a. Does full grain leather include suede or nubuck if the upper leather is a cowhide leather? | This will vary per item. The item must meet specification requirements . | ||||||
| 41 | 2 | Program | Specs | Specs | Will the font for the DHS Logo for socks please be provided? | There is no specific font requirement, font is flexible. DHS needs to be visible and distinguishable. | |
| 42 | 2 | Program | Specs | Specs | One specification was asking for a dual durometer EVA Midsole. | ||
| a. Can a dual durometer PU Midsole meet the requested specification? | Item can be dual durometer EVA Midsole or equivalent. PU may be acceptable as long as it does not impart excessive rigidity making the boots uncomfortable. | ||||||
| 43 | 2 | Program | Specs | Specs | One specification specifically requested a coil zipper. |
a. Will a boot with a YKK zipper fulfill the spec for a coil zipper?
| b. Does it need a coil zipper? | Yes, zipper could be coil zipper or equivalent. YKK is a brand that makes coil zippers. | ||||||
| 44 | 2 | Program | Specs | Specs | Teflon or Stain/Soil Release - Several specifications require Teflon or stain/soil release. Please note this will be challenging to meet if the items cannot contain PFAS. | Understand this is true. Based on state legislation items cannot contain PFAS. Understood that this will be a challenge but please find items that offer Stain/Soil Release properties that are PFAS free. | |
| 45 | 2 | Program | Specs | Specs | Material Weight - Is there any flexibility on material weight in the specifications? | Yes, Material weight may fluctuate plus or minus 10% as long as it doesn’t impact material strength. | |
| 46 | 2 | Program | Specs | Specs | Material Composition - Is there any flexibility when a material calls out a specific percentage such as 65% cotton/ 35% polyester? | Yes, variability is allowable as long as it doesn't adversely impact key performance parameters required for that item in operation environments. | |
| 47 | 2 | Program | Specs | Specs | 100% flame resistant meta-aramid fabric (Nomex® or similar) - if the material passes ASTM D6413 and material requirements - does it need to be 100% meta-aramid? | Fabric can be 100% flame resistant meta-aramid fabric or an equivalent fabric as long as it meets flame test requirements. | |
| 48 | 2 | Program | Specs | Specs | Please see attached list of items missing specifications. | ||
| a. Will you please provide the missing specs? | See tab labeled Spec Questions for specific responses. | ||||||
| 49 | 2 | Program | Allowance Accounts | PWS | Page 3, Scope, Overview of Order Types – Allowance Account Orders | ||
| a. Are Uniform Allowances Managed in Dollars or Points? | Dollars | ||||||
| 50 | 2 | Program | First Articles | PWS | Page 5, Provisioning of Uniform Items |
a. To confirm, First Article Samples (FAS) will be required for all 2K+ styles (Non-COTS, COTS, and MCOTS) once the award is made per the timetable on Page 5, Table 1: Scheduled Dates for Items approvals?
b. Will all First Article Samples Need to be embellished?
| c. If so, will DHS provide the embellishment (patches, etc.) for the First Article Samples? | Yes, first articles are due by the date in the RFP for all styles including COTS, MCOTS, and Non-COTS). Yes, first articles will have to include all the required customizations and embellishments. No, DHS will not provide any patches or other embellishments. The vendor will be responsible for providing all uniform items, patches, badges, insignia, etc. as required by the contract. DHS will not be providing any items to the vendor. | |||||
| 51 | 2 | Program | WBS | PWS | Page 11, Web-Based System (WBS) |
a. The website shall provide the DHS or FDA Specification numbering system. No contractor item or inventory numbers or identification will be accepted.
b. Is the request that the DHS or FDA Specification Numbering system be used on all orders, packing lists, invoices, etc.? a. The website does not have to contain a DHS or FDA CLIN#, contractor item or inventory number is acceptable. PWS modified.
b. for non-website orders or bulk orders that require a contract mod, along with invoices, the DHS or FDA CLIN# must be used.
52 2 Procurement PWS PWS Page14, 4.5.5 Customer Service
a. Statement reads “Federal Error! Reference source not found. (Appendix C) will be excluded from operating days.”
| b. Will you please clarify the above? | "Error! Reference source not found." was the word "Holidays" in the document before it was uploaded. PWS is revised to read, "Federal Holidays (Appendix C) will be excluded from operating days." | ||||||
| 53 | 2 | Program | MTM | Will cut and sow be only required in made-to-order orders? | Some items will be cut and sow, other items will not be. Majority of the items are COTS items. Please refer to Attachment B for specifications for each item. | ||
| 54 | 1 | Program | Stock | Will the employees at the base locations need stock of all items? | Not clear on the question as employees are located throughout the U.S. and other locations. The offeror is responsible for developing their own inventory plan on where they would like to store and distribute inventory. Inventory is needed at the academies for returns and exchanges. | ||
| 55 | 2 | Program | Bulk Orders | Will there be and expectations of urgent bulk orders? | Yes. | ||
| 56 | 2 | Program | Allowance Accounts | PWS | Authorized account holders are sent to the contractor in electronic format. |
QUESTION: Can you provide an example of electronic format so a data import mechanism can be created?
QUESTION: Does the file contain the email address for the user?
QUESTION: Does the list include who is authorized to use a credit card?
QUESTION: Does the list include who is authorized for bulk orders?
QUESTION: Is the user account number sent in this file?
QUESTION: Is the ship to location, for each user, in this file? Yes, a sample file in excel is being provided - Example of S2V Data Yes, it contains email address of the user.
No, any user can use their own personal credit card, and components will have Government Purchase Card holders that will place orders as well. DHS will not be providing a list as it changes frequently and there are thousands of Purchase Card holders, most of which will probably never place an order on this contract.
No, there is not a list of who is authorized for bulk orders.
Account information is available in the file.
Shipping locations are tied to organization codes to make it easier to manage.
57 2 Program Credit Card PWS The agency is notified when a person uses a personal credit card.
QUESTION: How long does the agency have to respond to cancel a personal credit card transaction per para 5.3?
QUESTION: How does the contractor handle rejection of personal credit card after
| shipment? | This would apply to orders that have been accepted by the offeror, but not fulfilled at the time of the rejection request. Contractor would cancel the order before it is fulfilled. If the order has been fulfilled, then the option would be a refund process which would involve returning the items that were shipped in order to process a refund. | |||||
| 58 | 2 | Program | Data Files | PWS | Do you have an EDI ANSI X.12 data interchange transaction or other | |
| electronic mechanism to perform computer to computer updates? | No, CBP would need to work with vendor to establish data interchange. | |||||
| 59 | 2 | Program | Allowance Accounts | PWS | User account numbers are a maximum of 15 characters. | |
| QUESTION: What is the minimum length of an account number? | No set minimum. | |||||
| 60 | 2 | Program | Web Portal | PWS | The web portal will be hosted on AWS GovCloud. Its security and network boundaries |
will conform to an equivalent of FEDRAMP Moderate. The web portal will not store any Personal Identifiable Information (PII). Only email address, first and last name.
QUESTION: Is the agency requiring an ATO for the web portal?
QUESTION: If an ATO is required, what level?
| QUESTION: If an ATO is required, will the agency be the sponsor? | Did not see any reference to AWS GovCloud or FEDRAMP in the PWS. There will be PII information and will require a Privacy Threshold Analysis which will be coordinated by CBP. ATO not required. | |||||
| 61 | 2 | Procurement | Kissell | Will within-Spec substitutions that conform to the manufacturing compliance | ||
| need to be vetted the same way a Kissel substitution is done? | All items must meet Kissell requirements or must have an approved waiver. | |||||
| 62 | 1 | Program | Turnover Times | What are the expected turnover times the government is looking for post award? | It depends on which CLIN and which Component. Some components may transition their bulk orders at award, other more complex situations may take up to 12 months to transition. | |
| 63 | 2 | Program | Web Portal | Will the government want the webportal fully functioning upon submission? | Not upon submission, but capability will be evaluated as part of source selection and a fully functioning system will need to be in place shortly after award as part of the transition period. | |
| 64 | 2 | Program | Web Portal | Will the government allow for a line item on pricing to include maintenance of the |
webportal? Creating this portal is extremely costly, and maintaining it is costly per year as
| well. | No, not a separate line item. Should be part of operating or carrying costs which would be part of the pricing of each individual item. | ||||||||
| 65 | 1 | Procurement | Response | We saw the individual page limits, is there an overall page limitation on the | |||||
| solicitation volumes? | Each of the factors has a page limitation. In each factor, pages beyond the limitation will not be considered. | ||||||||
| 66 | 2 | Program | Quartermaster | For the presence at FLETCE Facilities, do we need to have our own store, or will | |||||
| we be given space? | Space will be available at the FLETC locations. | ||||||||
| 67 | 2 | Program | Inventory | What are the stocked warehousing expectations? | If this is an inventory question, the offeror will have to determine inventory levels necessary to meet the demand and delivery timelines of the items per the information contained in the solicitation. | ||||
| 68 | 1 | Procurement | Response | RFP | 64 | 4 | Please confirm that the Contract Reference Data (Attachment E, referenced in the RFP as Appendix B) is the form to be used to provide an Offeror’s Factor 1 submission. | Yes. | |
| 69 | 1 | Procurement | Response | RFP | 65 | 4 | Please confirm that Prior Experience, Factor 2 referred to as (Appendix C) in the RFP is Attachment F. | Yes. | |
| 70 | 1 | Procurement | Response | RFP | 64 &65 | 4 | For Factor 1 and Factor 2 should the offeror submit the same examples for Factor 1 and Factor 2, or should these be different examples for a total of 6 examples between Factor 1 and Factor 2? | It is at the Offeror's discretion which past performance and prior experience examples are the most relevant to demonstrate your company's Past Performance and Prior Experience. | |
| 71 | 1 | Procurement | Response | RFP | 65 | 1 | Reference: Under Factor 1, IV.9 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSIDERATION AS AN OFFEROR TO THE SOLICITATION(CONTINUED), there is mention that the “evaluation of past performance will include an evaluation of the Offeror’s past performance in complying with the requirements of FAR clause 52.219-8 Utilization of Small Business Concerns.” |
However, the only field for Small Business utilization information appears on the template for Factor 2 (Attachment F).
| Q: Is the Offeror expected to include this information in its Factor 1 response under description of services? | No. | |||||||
| 72 | 1 | Procurement | Response | RFP | 64&65 | 4 & 6 | Reference: On Page 64 it states that the Offeror is to submit up to three (3) Prior Experience Forms - Attachment F (each are three (3) pages). This requirement would bring the page limit for Factor 2 to 9 pages (3 pages for each example). However, on page 65, it states that Prior Experience shall be submitted using the form indicated (Appendix C) for a maximum of 6 pages. |
| Q: Would the Government please confirm the page count for Factor 2 is 9 pages? | Yes. The maximum number of pages for Factor 2 is 9, should offerors submit the maximum number of Prior Experience examples (3). | |||||||
| 73 | 1 | Procurement | Response | RFP | 65 | 11 | Reference: For Factor 3, the Offeror is to provide information on the following: how the offeror will “meet the requirements for inventory control management, warehousing, and tracking of all inventories, either manufactured or sourced to ensure secure storage and timely deliveries of all uniform items in accordance with current commercial standards. The proposal shall demonstrate how well the offeror will manage levels of inventory to meet the Government’s requirements as well as how the offeror plans to distribute items to official government duty stations and process returns” with a maximum of 2 pages. |
| Q: Due to the amount of information required for the response would the Government consider increasing the page limit for Factor to three (3) pages? | No. | |||||||
| 74 | 1 | Procurement | Response | RFP | 60 & 64 | 5a & 4 | Reference: On Page 60 it states that “(a) The Offeror shall not exceed the specified page limitations stated (cover pages and table of contents will not be counted toward the specified page limits). The Government will not consider any pages in excess of the limitation for evaluation purposes.” |
However, on Page 64 it states that an “offeror may include one (1) additional page to allow Offerors to include a Cover Letter or Cover Page, if desired. This means the maximum page count shall not exceed 18 pages in total for Phase I, Volume I.”
| Q: Would the Government please confirm that a cover page, cover letter, Table of Contents, and acronyms list be excluded from all page counts for both Phase 1 and Phase 2 to facilitate Government’s proposal evaluation.? | Offerors may submit a cover page, cover letter, and/or table of contents, if desired; however, proposal content to be evaluated shall begin on a separate page and numbering shall begin there with Page 1, such that an easy assessment may be made by the government that the page limitations are adhered to. | |||||||
| 75 | 1 | Procurement | Response | RFP | 66 | 6 | Reference: Per Page 66, it states that Volume II is limited to 25 pages in total, including the cover page or cover letter. Further, it states that Subfactor A: Required Plans and Requirements Planning submissions will not count against the 25-page limit for the Technical Submittal. However, the total number of pages allotted for plans shall not exceed 15 pages. This is in total not 15 pages for each plan, thus the overall total maximum number of pages for Volume II shall not exceed 30 pages.” |
| Q: Would the Government please confirm that the total page count for Volume II is 40 pages? | Correct, the total page count for Volume II that shall not be exceeded is 40 pages. | |||||||
| 76 | 1 | Procurement | Response | RFP | 66 | 6 | Reference: Per Page 66, it states that Volume II is limited to 25 pages in total, including the cover page. Subfactor A: Required Plans and Requirements Planning submissions will not count against the 25-page limit for the Technical Submittal. However, the total number of pages allotted for plans shall not exceed 15 pages. This is in total not 15 pages for each plan, thus the overall total maximum number of pages for Volume II shall not exceed 30 pages.” |
| Q: The Government is requesting the following plans: Quality Control Plan, Security Plan, and Customer Satisfaction/Service/Outreach Plan. To best address the minimum requirements for each plan, would the Government please consider expanding the page count for the plans to twenty (20) as these plans require a great amount of detail to permit the Offeror to provide sufficient detail for the Government’s review? Also, as these are stand-alone plans, confirm that the cover, table of contents and acronyms are excluded from the page count. | No. Offerors may submit a cover page, cover letter, and/or table of contents, if desired; however, proposal content to be evaluated shall begin on a separate page and numbering shall begin there with Page 1, such that an easy assessment may be made by the government that the page limitations are adhered to. | |||||||
| 77 | 2 | Procurement | Response | RFP | 70 & 66 | 2 & 9 | Reference: For the oral presentation (Factor 6) (Page 70) it states that “the Offeror’s management approach shall demonstrate how the offeror will meet the requirements of the PWS to include how they will manage the approximately 1,700 items on the contract, how they will be set up to manage the various components and their POCs, and how they will ensure compliance with the Performance Standards, including the Key Performance Indicators, how they will meet the Scheduled Dates for Item Approvals, and other deliverables included in the PWS.” |
However, in the Technical Approach (Factor 5) (Page 66) it states that the “narrative for the Technical Approach must be written in a clear, concise fashion describing precisely what the Offeror proposes to do to meet the requirements under the Performance Work Statement. The Technical Approach shall cover the Offeror’s approach for achieving each individual task area of the Performance Work Statement in sufficient detail for it to be evaluated. The Offeror’s Technical Approach shall show proposed methods and techniques for completing the performance requirements under the Performance Work Statement.”
| Q: Would the Government please confirm it expects the Offeror to only mention its management approach in Factor 6 – the oral presentation and not in Factor 5? | Submission shall be a Technical Approach. The word Management was included in error. | |||||||
| 78 | 2 | Procurement | Response | RFP | 70 | 1-4 | Reference: For Factor 6, it states that “Offerors shall give an Oral Presentation of their Technical and Management Approach and shall provide sufficiently detailed descriptions for successfully accomplishing objectives. Specifically, the offerors must address sections 4.4 Web-Based System (including live demo), 4.9.2 Order Data Reporting (including real time data), 6.4 Change Management Process, and meeting the key performance indicators identified in section 7.1 Performance Indicators and Metrics, Contract-Wide specified in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and demonstrate the soundness thereof. The technical and management approach shall reflect a clear understanding of the services to be rendered as described in the PWS. |
“The Offeror’s management approach shall demonstrate how the offeror will meet the requirements of the PWS to include how they will manage the approximately 1,700 items on the contract, how they will be set up to manage the various components and their POCs, and how they will ensure compliance with the Performance Standards, including the Key Performance Indicators, how they will meet the Scheduled Dates for Item Approvals, and other deliverables included in the PWS.”
“The oral presentation must include a demonstration of the offeror’s Web-Based Uniform Requestion System (WBURS), as well as how they will meet the reporting and data requirements, and how they will manage the uniform allowance accounts, and allowance account change requests.”
“The Government will allow up to 60 minutes for this portion of the oral presentation.”
| Q: Would the Government consider increasing the time for the presentation to ninety (90) minutes to ensure there is adequate time for the Offeror to run a demonstration and provide a presentation of its technical and management approach? | Yes, the government will allow 90 minutes instead of 60 minutes for part 1 of the Oral Presentation. | |||||||
| 79 | 2 | Procurement | Response | RFP | 75 & 78 | 6 & 6 | Reference: For the evaluation of Phase 2: Factor 5 – Technical Approach it states that “the technical approach will be evaluated based on the following subfactors, which have the following relative weights - Subfactors A-E are approximately equal in importance to each other.” |
| Q: Would the Government please advise if the evaluation of the technical approach would be the following found on Page 78: “The proposal will be evaluated on the Offeror’s overall proposed technical approach to achieving the requirements of the PWS and its demonstrated ability to perform the work; on the content and completeness of the Offeror’s technical proposal and the responsiveness to the requirements identified in the PWS and RFP; the extent to which the Offeror’s solution reflects a demonstrated understanding of the requirements, and sound, practical, and feasible methods to accomplish all tasks, and proposed acceptable methods for ensuring the quality of deliverables and uniform items in accordance with the PWS. Unique concepts, features, and other approaches offered in the proposal may be considered in terms of the degree to which risks are identified and minimized, as well as the potential benefits to be derived by the Government therefrom.” | Correct. | |||||||
| 80 | 2 | Procurement | Response | RFP | 78 | 4 & 5 | Per Subfactor E, Small Business Subcontracting Plan, can the Government address these 2 issues: | |
| 1. | Basis of Percentages |
Please confirm whether the percentages delineated in the solicitation are intended to represent:
| • | (a) A percentage of all subcontracted dollars, or |
| • | (b) A percentage of the total contract value. |
Note : This distinction is critical to ensure accurate reporting and compliance with the government’s expectations.
| 2. | Credit for Lower-Tier Subcontracting | ||||||||
| • | Please clarify whether credit will be given for small business subcontracting performed by second- and third-tier subcontractors. | ||||||||
| • | Understanding whether lower-tier subcontracting counts toward the prime contractor’s goals will help us structure our plan to maximize small business participation throughout the supply chain. | a. Yes; b. No; 2. No. | |||||||
| 81 | 2 | Program | Samples | RFP | 60 | Iv.1 | Will the Government permit site-visit access to view TSA First Article Samples, or alternatively provide additional detailed and comprehensive technical product specification information or samples for these items? | No. TSA does not store First Article Samples and does not have any additional technical information on the items other than what was provided in the specifications. | |
| 82 | 2 | Procurement | Samples | RFP | 62 | IV.6 1-7 | Would the Government please consider providing a list of any items that [have] currently been issued a Non-Availability Determination? | The following items are currently subject to a nonavailability waiver: Tactical Pants (FAMS102/103), Defender Shirts (FAMS119/120/121/122), and the 5-in-1 Jacket (FAMS094/095/100). | |
| 83 | 1 | Procurement | Response | RFP | 71 | 13 | Due to the oral presentations occurring in person would the Government please consider providing an estimated timeline on when these presentations would be scheduled? Or can the Government please provide a timeline for the Phase 1 to Phase 2 down select? | This will be provided during Advisory Notifications for Phase 2. | |
| 84 | 2 | Procurement | Response | RFP | 71 | 13 | Would the Government please confirm what materials are to be submitted on Tuesday, March 10, 2026? | All listed documents and fabric samples which are to be submitted for Phase II. PHASE 2: FACTOR 5: TECHNICAL APPROACH, and all its subfactors, and FACTOR 7: PRICE. | |
| 85 | 1 | Procurement | Response | RFP | 60 & 61 | IV.4(f)-5(h) | Recommend that tables and graphics permit 10-point font as this approach will facilitate additional space to provide the required information to adequately evaluate the proposal | No. | |
| 86 | 2 | Program | Pricing | PWS | 27 | 2 | In alignment with industry best practices would the Government please consider allowing Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) in lieu of coefficients for COTS products? | No. | |
| 87 | 2 | Procurement | Pricing | 27 | 1 | Reference: Per the PWS, Page 27 it states that “the Change Management Process will use the following methodology to allow items to be added to the contract. For items not manufactured by the Contractor, the items shall be sourced to the maximum extent practicable only through original-source manufacturers, not through distributors, pass-throughs or “middlemen.” Regardless of how items manufactured by an entity other than the Contractor are sourced, any coefficient (discussed below) will only be applied to the original manufacturer’s price. The only exceptions in this process are AbilityOne and UNICOR who may be treated as manufacturers under this section. |
Q: We respectfully request clarification on the following:
| 1. | Definition of “Middlemen” | |||||
| • | Does the government’s use of the term “middlemen” include small business resellers, distributors, or partners who may not be original manufacturers, but who add value through logistics, compliance, or specialized services? | |||||
| • | If so, how does the government intend to reconcile this restriction with the requirement to maximize small business participation under the subcontracting plan? | |||||
| 2. | Impact on Small Business Participation | |||||
| • | Would this sourcing requirement effectively eliminate the role of small business distributors or resellers in the supply chain? | |||||
| • | Or will small businesses that provide legitimate value-added services (e.g., integration, compliance, specialized sourcing) still be considered eligible subcontractors under this provision? | 1. Yes. Government does not reconcile the small business participation as we have no privity to these subcontractors. 2. No. No. | ||||
| 88 | 1 | Procurement | Response | Amendment 2 | Reference: Per the Sam.gov announcement, AMENDMENT 0002 must also be signed and submitted to the government when submitting Phase 1 Proposals. No formal acceptance/signatures are required for Amendment 0001, as Amendment 0001 was a SAM system entry correction only.” |
| Q: Would the Government please advise how Offerors should submit the signed Amendment – should this document be an Appendix to Volume I? | The signed SF1449 and SF30 are submitted separately and they do not count against the page limitations. These are not due until Phase 2. | ||||||
| 89 | 2 | Program | Pricing | Specs | Per Spec sheet CID7-07-15, would the Government please confirm that since holsters must be approved by the “OTD, Use of Force Center of Excellence” may we have a complete list of approved models? | There is no list of approved holsters as OTD/LESC has certain requirements that the holsters must meet and therefore they will remain the SME regarding holster requirements as those requirements do change frequently. | |
| 90 | 2 | Program | Pricing | Attachment A | Will the Government please identify any items listed in Attachment A, “CLIN Pricing List – All DHS Uniforms III” that have been discontinued or are known to be scheduled for removal and/or replacement from DHS/CBP Uniform II to DHS/CBP Uniform III? | CLIN list was updated to show any discontinued items that are removed from the program. | |
| 91 | 2 | Program | Specs | Attachment A | Reference: CLIN FPS-090 states “U DUCK INSULTATED COVERALL” as the Product Description. However, the corresponding specification sheet references this item as “U Navy Mesh Ballcap – Police”. |
| Q: Will the Government please advise if there is a discrepancy between the Appendix A CLIN Listing and the provided Specification sheets, which reference should serve as the default for how the offeror is to respond? | CLIN was updated to Navy Mesh Ballcap | |||||
| 92 | 2 | Program | Specs | Attachment A | Reference: CLIN FPS-090 states “U DUCK INSULTATED COVERALL” as the Product Description. However, the corresponding specification sheet references this item as “U Navy Mesh Ballcap – Police”. |
| Q: Will the Government allow for similar clarifications noted above in a second question/answer period during Phase 2? | CLIN was updated to Navy Mesh Ballcap | ||||||||
| 93 | 2 | Procurement | Small Business | Attachment G | Will the Government please confirm if the current incumbent is meeting the Small Business requirements as stated in Subcontracting Guideline in Attachment G? | This information will not be provided. | |||
| 94 | 1 | Procurement | Small Business | Attachment G | Is there any consideration for COTS vs non-COTS products related to the small business goal calculation? | No. | |||
| 95 | 1 | Procurement | HOPR | Was there a tutorial provided for HOPR H.R. 5574 in the RFP package? | No. | ||||
| 96 | 1 | Procurement | HOPR | Is HOPR H.R. 5574 referenced in solicitation number 70B01C26R00000004? | No. | ||||
| 97 | 2 | Procurement | HOPR | Has the Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation (HSAR) been updated to | |||||
| include HOPR H.R. 5574 information? | The Department has implemented the requirements of the HOPR Act via HSAR Class Deviation 23-02, Implementation of the Homeland Procurement Reform Act, dated June 28, 2023. The deviation is publicly available at https://www.dhs.gov/publication/current-hsar-deviations. The amendment to the solicitation incorporating answers to questions will also include the appropriate deviated HSAR clauses implementing HOPR. | ||||||||
| 98 | 2 | Procurement | HOPR | Have there been any official opinions from DHS on how CFR 3025.7002-1 and H.R. | |||||
| 5574 interact? | No, there has not been any official opinion from the Department on the interaction between the Kissell Amendment and the HOPR Act; they are separate and distinct requirements. | ||||||||
| 99 | 2 | Procurement | HOPR | Have there been any official reports from the DHS Office of Inspector General for | |||||
| H.R. 5574 sent to Congress? | Information on the activities of the DHS OIG can be found at https://www.oig.dhs.gov/. | ||||||||
| 100 | 1 | Procurement | Resumes | RFP | 61 | IV.5(h) | Are resumes to be no more than two pages for each person assigned to the contract or no more than two pages in the aggregate? | Not applicable. Resumes are not required. | |
| 101 | 1 | Procurement | Resumes | RFP | 61 | IV.5(h) | Are resumes due as part of the Phase 1 or the Phase 2 submission? | Not applicable. Resumes are not required. | |
| 102 | 1 | Program | Turnover Times | RFP | 65 | IV. 9 | The turnover of inventory items is one of the procedures required to be explained in the Transition Plan. Will DHS be purchasing the |
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