Responses to Industry Questions.pdf

Question Number RFP Section Questions Response

SOW Section 5.7

If the contractor company is an SBA 8(a) firm, is it excluded from the Secret Security Clearance?

No. All offerors regardless of size status must have Secret clearance at the time of proposal submission in order to be considered for award.

RFP Terms and

Conditions Please, confirm that 41 U.S.C 6707, paragraph (c) applies to this

No, but please refer to FAR 52.222-41 "Service Contract Labor Standards"

Attachment 5 -

WD

Is FPS aware whether the current contractor is in negotiation with any unions, and if so would that information be available prior to the submission deadline?

FPS does know of negotiations in process but we do not have a status as to when a new CBA may be received. If received prior to award an post post award amendment will be published allowing any offerors who submitted a conforming proposal to update their price proposal.

Instuctions to Offerors - Price

Proposal

In accordance with Instructions to Offerors, Price Proposal, paragraph C (page 290 of 321), FPS states that the Government ‘may use this breakdown to conduct a price realism evaluation’. The government also states in paragraph 7 (page 291 of 321) that 'may be rejected if it is found to be materially unbalanced in the base period or any option periods. Unbalanced pricing exists when, despite an acceptable total evaluated price, the price of one or more line items is significantly overstated or understated.’ Since bidders were given the option to either use SCA Wage Determination (Guard II: $18.81 per hour) or the current wage based on the expired CBA wage ($28.05 per hour), will the government reject offers utilizing the SCA Wage Determination for being materially unbalanced since a $9 per hour reduction in pay rate could increase operational risk from turnover?

Please see Amendment 0003. Wage determination 2015-4233 Revision 20 was replaced with wage determination CBA-2019-12689. No service employee engaged in performing work on the resultant contract shall be paid less than the wages and fringe benefits established in CBA-2019- 12689. The Government may conduct a price realism evaluation for the purpose of measuring an offeror’s understanding of the solicitation requirements and for assessing the performance risk inherent in the contractor’s price.

Instuctions to Offerors - Price

Proposal

Paragraph 6 (page 291 of 321) states that prices will be ‘evaluation to ensure that they are fair and reasonable for performance of the requirements established in the RFP.’

Given the $9 per hour delta in the SCA/WD and current wage rate, how will FPS conduct a fair and reasonable assessment since armed guards on Federal contracts in the metro- Philadelphia area with the DOD and TSA are making $25 per hour?

Please see Amendment 0003. Wage determination 2015-4233 Revision 20 was replaced with wage determination CBA-2019-12689. No service employee engaged in performing work on the resultant contract shall be paid less than the wages and fringe benefits established in CBA-2019- 12689. The Government may conduct a price realism evaluation for the purpose of measuring an offeror’s understanding of the solicitation requirements and for assessing the performance risk inherent in the contractor’s price.

SOW Exhibits - Post Exhibt

Reference Attachment 2 – Post Exhibit and Exhibit 10: Will a PTS device be required for each post listed on a post exhibit, even if multiple posts are in the same area?

No, there will not be a PTS device required for each post in locations with multiple posts. Posts in close proximity to each other can share tablets.

The Government estimates 74 tablets total will be required for this contract, which include 10% as reserve/ replacement tablets. Please refer to RFP Section 04 "Prices" paragraph E for more information regarding the pricing of PTS. Vendors, also asked to use their own judgment in determining the number of tablets needed to meet the requirement.

SOW Exhibits - Post Exhibt

Reference Attachment 2 – Post Exhibit: Many posts appear to have errors with respect to calendar days and work days. Each post listed below has less than 365 calendar days in column AC of the post exhibit, in addition to being short work days in column AD of the post exhibit as noted in the below summary.

Can the government please provide clarification.

Please Amendment 0005 for a revised copy of the post exhibit.

SOW Exhibits - Post Exhibt

Reference Attachment 2 – Post Exhibit: For posts on the exhibit that have 250 work days listed in column AD, can the government confirm this is the correct work day count for posts that operate M-F?

Please Amendment 0005 for a revised copy of the post exhibit.

SF1449 - Price

Schedule Is a separate Excel Pricing Schedule required in addition to the SF1449? If yes, will the government provide?

There is no separate Excel file provided for the pricing schedule.

10 General Who is the incumbent contractor currently providing PSO Triple Canopy 11 SOW Exhibits - What is the current weapons platform used by the incumbent The current weapon is 9mm 12 SOW Exhibits - Are shotguns required at any facilities? No

SOW -

Qualifications Are current contractor employees fully qualified in terms of training completion?

All PSOs who stand post on the contract meet the SOW training qualifications.

SOW -

Qualifications

Are the current PSOs and Supervisors trained to the NWDTP standards in the solicitation?

As far as known, all PSO and Supervisors currently assigned to locations with screening requirements currently meet the NWDTP standards.

SOW Exhibits - Post Exhibits

Is the level of effort reflected on the Post Exhibit the same level of effort that is currently being performed by the

Yes, but please also refer to RFP Section 03 "Mazimum Quantities."

SOW - Section 5.2.2.1

Does the incumbent guard force require all new medical certifications?

Please see section 5.2.2.1 of SOW. All new hires require a medical and physical exam before they stand post. Incumbent PSOs are required to take a medical and physical exam every 5 years. It is the responsbility the vendor to ensure each PSO meets the requirement of the SOW before they post under the new contract.

SOW - Section 5.2.4.1

Do all incumbent PSOs require a fresh drug screen during transition?

Please see Sec 5.2.4.1 of the SOW: New Hire PSOs shallsubmit to a urine drugscreeningaspart of initial pre-employment and medical examination.

Incumbent and New Hire PSOs may undergo random and Government-requested urine drug screenings throughout the contract period. PSOs must undergo urine drug screening every five (5) years as part of the physical medical examination.

SOW Exhibits - Post Exhibits

Attachment #2 Philly Metro Post Exhibit indicates all posts, including Roving Posts require a dedicated relief officer for breaks and meals. Please confirm.

All post required relief. It it is responsbility of the vendor to determine how relief is provided under the contract.

SOW Exhibits - Post Exhibits

About half of the posts on the Attachment #2 Philly Metro Post Exhibit indicate 5 or 7 days staffed per week, but the corresponding work days vary from 40 to 335 per year. Would the government provide an updated Post Exhibit?

Please Amendment 0005 for a revised copy of the post exhibit.

SOW Exhibits - Post Exhibits

Attachment #2 Philly Metro Post Exhibit does not indicate Agency. Would the government include this information for agency specific requirements or training?

Please Amendment 0005 for a revised copy of the post exhibit.

Attachment 5 -

WD

Many CBA terms allow the CBA to continue in effect after the negotiated dates, unless either party gives notice in writing of the desire to modify or terminate the agreement. Was the CBA terminated in writing? No. Please Amendment 0003.

22 Attachment 5 - Is there an addendum or update to the CBA for wages and No

Attachment 5 -

WD

The government has incorporated WD 2015-4233 into the current requirement, but also include some of the specific historical CBA requirements for pricing. I the contractor prices according to the WD, will the government allow a price adjustment in base year should the DOL or NLRB consider the CBA valid?

Please see Amendment 0003. Wage determination 2015-4233 Revision 20 was replaced with wage determination CBA-2019-12689. No service employee engaged in performing work on the resultant contract shall be paid less than the wages and fringe benefits established in CBA-2019- 12689. The Government may conduct a price realism evaluation for the purpose of measuring an offeror’s understanding of the solicitation

Attachment 5 -

WD

If the vendor prices according to the specific historical CBA requirements, but finds there are other financial requirements in the full CBA, will the government allow a price adjustment in base year?

Please see Amendment 0003. Wage determination 2015-4233 Revision 20 was replaced with wage determination CBA-2019-12689. No service employee engaged in performing work on the resultant contract shall be paid less than the wages and fringe benefits established in CBA-2019- 12689. The Government may conduct a price realism evaluation for the purpose of measuring an offeror’s understanding of the solicitation requirements and for assessing the performance risk inherent in the contractor’s price.

RFP Terms and

Conditions Will EO 14026, Increasing Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors be incorporated into this contract?

Yes. Please see Amendment 0004 updating FAR Clause 52.222-55 under the RFP.

SOW - Security Requirement

The RFP states that offer much have active secret FCL upon time of submission but makes no mention of subcontractors requiring an FCL. IAW with the NISPOM a prime contractor who currently holds a secret or top secret FCL can sponsor a subcontractor for an FCL once awarded a contract that requires an FCL. If the Prime who holds an FCL intends to

Subcontractors will only require a FCL if their workforce will be required to stand post at locations that have Secret clearance posts.

SOW - Security Requirement

Does FPS have an approved vendors list for the Post Tracking System that currently integrates successfully with their LMS? If so, please provide an approved vendors list that can

Please see SOW Exhibit 10, part 6 for the approved vendor list

Statement of Work Section

5.3.5

The Statement of Work at Section 5.3.5 states: “Once a completed personnel security package has been received, the standard processing time is generally up to twenty-one (21) calendar days, so long as there are no derogatory issues.” For planning purposes, what is the true average processing time for clearances in the last 12 months? If processing time consistently exceeds 60 days, will the Government consider allowing entry on duty with Quick-Checks?

The standard processing time is still 21 days. FPS has been experiencing delays but the average processing time when these delays occur is not known. Quick-Checks will only be used for entry on duty when services are required under the ESS

CLIN.

29 Pricing

Are the incumbents medically qualified under the new SOW?

Will new medicals be required for all incumbents during transition?

Please see section 5.2.2.1 of SOW. All new hires require a medical and physical exam before they stand post. Incumbent PSOs are required to take a medical and physical exam every 5 years. It is the responsbility the vendor to ensure each PSO meets the requirement of the SOW before they post under the new contract.

30 Pricing

Would the Government confirm that the contractor has to cover the cost of wages for each PSO required to complete the Act 235 8 hour refresher course to maintain certification?

The vendor is responsible to ensure all PSOs meet the ACT 235 requirement for the state of Pennsylvania. Please refer to SOW section 4.4 regarding the responbility of costs.

31 Pricing

Would the Government confirm that the PSOs are also required to obtain a Pennsylvania State permit to carry in addition to the Act 235 in order to carry the fire arm loaded to and from the work locations?

The vendor is responsible to ensure all PSOs meet the ACT 235 requirement and all other requirements for the state of Pennsylvania. Please refer to SOW section 4.2.

Proposal Submission

Requirements, Paragraph 4

The specified font size is 11pt. Would the Government consider allowing the use of 10pt font size for tables and graphics?

Yes for tables and graphics only. The Government is responsible for any mistakes in review of the proposals due to reduced sized font in the tables and graphics.

SOW 9.5, Post

Tracking System When does the Government anticipate the new Post Tracking System (PTS) will become active on this contract? 10/1/2022.

Section 6.6.5

Weapon Would the Government identify which weapon is currently in use on the contract? The current weapon is 9mm

35 C.1 Staffing Plan Would the Government please provide the number of TAS and ESS hours performed in each of the last three years?

Staffing Plan has been removed from the Management Approach factor of this requirement.

The average annual TAS (including ESS) hours for this requirement over the past 3 years is 11,000 hours. The average amount is not a representation of the amount of TAS/ESS that may be ordered under this procurement.

SOW - Security Requirement

Can you please provide information on the security clearance requirement and the application process?

Information on the FCL process can be found here, https://www.dcsa.mil/mc/ctp/fc/. The webpage has an FCL Process Checklist. In addition, the website contains videos explaining the process.

A company has to be sponsored for an FCL by a GCA or another defense contracting company that is already cleared. A company cannot sponsor themselves. A DCSA Facility Clearance Branch then reviews the sponsorship request, and makes a decision.

FPS will not sponsor vendors for clearance under this requirement.

SOW - Security Requirement

How can our company obtain the security clearance needed to meet the requirements of this solicitation?

Information on the FCL process can be found here, https://www.dcsa.mil/mc/ctp/fc/. The webpage has an FCL Process Checklist. In addition, the website contains videos explaining the process.

A company has to be sponsored for an FCL by a GCA or another defense contracting company that is already cleared. A company cannot sponsor themselves. A DCSA Facility Clearance Branch then reviews the sponsorship request, and makes a decision.

FPS will not sponsor vendors for clearance under this requirement.

Page 17-18 of 321, Wage

Determination Will the Government evaluate performance risk associated with the proposed wage and fringe benefits of an offeror?

The Government may evaluate performance risk in this area, but please see Amendment 0003. All vendors shall price in accordance with revised Attachment 5 - Wage Determination provided under this amendment.

Page 17-18 of 321, Wage

Determination

Will the Government provide an initial equitable adjustment for wages and fringe benefits for PSO supervisors, Contract Manager, Trainers, etc. in the event a new CBA is

In the event a new CBA is incorporated after award, please refer to RFP Section 04 "Prices", paragraph C.

Attachment 2, Post Exhibit

There are several rows that reflect posts operating M-F, however the number of Work Days does not align (Row 40-65 for example). Can the Government confirm column T-AB and

Please Amendment 0005 for a revised copy of the post exhibit.

Section 04.

Prices, B 2.

(Pages 17 & 18 of 321)

As no Collective Bargaining Agreement was provided, can the Government confirm bidders are required to use the data provided on Page 17 & 18 of 321 (Items 1-6 shown below) to price this contract?

Please see Amendment 0003. Wage determination 2015-4233 Revision 20 was replaced with wage determination CBA-2019-12689. No service employee engaged in performing work on the resultant contract shall be paid less than the wages and fringe benefits established in CBA-2019- 12689. The Government may conduct a price realism evaluation for the purpose of measuring an offeror’s understanding of the solicitation requirements and for assessing the performance risk inherent in the contractor’s price.

Section 04.

Prices, B.

Contingency Pricing

Under Section 04. Prices, B. Contingency Pricing, item #2 of the RFP, it notes H&W is paid at the rate of $4.65 p/h. How many hours per week is H&W paid on and more specifically, on what hours is H&W paid?

Please see Amendment 0003. Wage determination 2015-4233 Revision 20 was replaced with wage determination CBA-2019-12689. No service employee engaged in performing work on the resultant contract shall be paid less than the wages and fringe benefits established in CBA-2019- 12689. The Government may conduct a price realism evaluation for the purpose of measuring an offeror’s understanding of the solicitation

Section 04.

Prices, B.

Contingency Pricing

Under Section 04. Prices, B. Contingency Pricing, item #2 of the RFP, it notes Vacation hours, yet there is no distinguishing if the vacation hours are for full-time employees. Does the chart reflect vacation accruals for only full-time employees? If so, how are vacation hours for earned for part-time employees?

Please see Amendment 0003. Wage determination 2015-4233 Revision 20 was replaced with wage determination CBA-2019-12689. No service employee engaged in performing work on the resultant contract shall be paid less than the wages and fringe benefits established in CBA-2019- 12689. The Government may conduct a price realism evaluation for the purpose of measuring an offeror’s understanding of the solicitation requirements and for assessing the performance risk inherent in the contractor’s price.

Section 04.

Prices, B.

Contingency Pricing

Under Section 04. Prices, B. Contingency Pricing, item #2 of the RFP, it notes Sick/Personal Leave for only full-time employees?

Are these hours earned on a weekly basis or is there a block grant of the hours at the beginning of each contract year?

What is the accrual rate for part-time employees?

Please see Amendment 0003. Wage determination 2015-4233 Revision 20 was replaced with wage determination CBA-2019-12689. No service employee engaged in performing work on the resultant contract shall be paid less than the wages and fringe benefits established in CBA-2019- 12689. The Government may conduct a price realism evaluation for the purpose of measuring an offeror’s understanding of the solicitation

Section 04.

Prices, B.

Contingency Pricing

Under Section 04. Prices, B. Contingency Pricing, item #2 of the RFP, it notes Holiday hours worked are paid at one and a half the regular hourly rate plus up to 8 hours the regular rate of pay for the holiday benefit. How many named holidays are there and what are they? Is it the intent of FPS for offerors to include the Juneteenth National Independence Day holiday in their pricing if it is not part of the aforementioned holidays??

Please see Amendment 0003. Wage determination 2015-4233 Revision 20 was replaced with wage determination CBA-2019-12689. No service employee engaged in performing work on the resultant contract shall be paid less than the wages and fringe benefits established in CBA-2019- 12689. The Government may conduct a price realism evaluation for the purpose of measuring an offeror’s understanding of the solicitation requirements and for assessing the performance risk inherent in the contractor’s price.

Section 04, Prices

Is there any provision for Bereavement Leave payment? If so, how many hours per employee and are there any special requirements?

Please see Amendment 0003. Wage determination 2015-4233 Revision 20 was replaced with wage determination CBA-2019-12689. No service employee engaged in performing work on the resultant contract shall be paid less than the wages and fringe benefits established in CBA-2019- 12689. The Government may conduct a price realism evaluation for the purpose of measuring an offeror’s understanding of the solicitation

Section 04, Prices Is there any provision for Jury Duty payment? If so, how many hours per employee and are there any special requirements?

Please see Amendment 0003. Wage determination 2015-4233 Revision 20 was replaced with wage determination CBA-2019-12689. No service employee engaged in performing work on the resultant contract shall be paid less than the wages and fringe benefits established in CBA-2019- 12689. The Government may conduct a price realism evaluation for the purpose of measuring an offeror’s understanding of the solicitation requirements and for assessing the performance risk inherent in the contractor’s price.

Section 04, Prices

Is there any provision for payment to employees when they undergo physical examinations required by the Statement of Work?

It is solely a business decision of the vendor to determine whether to pay, and the amount to pay, PSOs for the time it takes to undergo the physical examination required in the SOW.

Section 04, Prices Is there any provision for payment to employees for meal breaks? If so, what are the specifics?

Please see Amendment 0003. Wage determination 2015-4233 Revision 20 was replaced with wage determination CBA-2019-12689. No service employee engaged in performing work on the resultant contract shall be paid less than the wages and fringe benefits established in CBA-2019- 12689. The Government may conduct a price realism evaluation for the purpose of measuring an offeror’s understanding of the solicitation

Section 04, Prices What are the minimum wage and fringe benefits should each vendor use?

Please see Amendment 0003. Wage determination 2015-4233 Revision 20 was replaced with wage determination CBA-2019-12689. No service employee engaged in performing work on the resultant contract shall be paid less than the wages and fringe benefits established in CBA-2019- 12689. The Government may conduct a price realism evaluation for the purpose of measuring an offeror’s understanding of the solicitation requirements and for assessing the performance risk inherent in the contractor’s price.

51 SOW - Transition

In light of the new technology, weapon and ammunition refresh requirements will FPS consider a transition CLIN specific to the 90-day transition to allow for a more reasonable and consistent hourly rate throughout the contract periods?

There will not be a separate transition CLIN for this requirement.

52 SOW

Do you have a list of mobile broadband providers for each location?

The government does not have or maintain listings of broadband providers in the area. Vendors are responsible to research and acquire appropriate broadband access.

53 SOW - Exhibit 10

In Exhibit 10, Contractor-Provided Equipment, you stated Cellular Data at 4G LTE and Ports (SIM Card) for cellular data.

Does the computer need a wireless 802.11AC Wireless card since those are harder to procure due to the issues overseas

No it is not required but is recommended as without it, the equipment can not be connected to Wi-Fi if the vendor decided to use wireless cellular hotspots.

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