A00005 70Z03824QK0000003 Questions.pdf

TOOL ROOM SUPPORT SERVICES

70Z03824QK0000003

A00005 Q&A

1. Reference: Attachment 2, 9.1.1 – Tools/Equipment

Discussion: Attachment 2 Section 91.1 states: “The Contractor shall reimburse the

Government for the cost of the replacement of the tool if after investigation the Contractor is at fault.” The CBA also states: “The Company shall furnish full coverage tool insurance for proven theft of tools valued at $100.00 or more and for tools damaged by fire or flood while on the Company premises (worksite). The insurance is provided for those tools which appear on the Company's approved inventory”. Attachment 2 Section 7.1 - Required insurance does not call out any additional or special coverage for government tools under contractor control.

Question: Please provide the government inventory of tools and the respective value under contractor care and control. The inventory of tools will be provided at time of award.

2. Reference: Attachment 2, Section 3.5 - Holidays

Discussion: The government indicates “Any provision for this cost shall be included in the

Contractor's proposed rates and is not separately billable to the Government.”

Question: What is the historic workload that the contractor been required to work on a government holiday? Historically, contractors have not been asked to work a government holiday.

3. Reference: Attachment 2, Section 3.7 – Inclement Weather

Discussion: The government indicates “In the event of shutdowns created by inclement weather conditions, Contractor employee hours may be made up only if 1) the COR, CS, and

KO determine making the time up is beneficial to the Government, all employees are offered the opportunity to make up time and 2) the COR is available to provide appropriate oversight. Inclement weather plant shutdowns are the only time this option is available.” The language in this section seems to connotate the contractor is not paid for unworked hours, unless hours are made up.

Question: What is the historical workload impact to operations due to inclement weather?

Historically, the USCG has had very few shutdowns from inclement weather, which are normally due to snow/ice or hurricanes.

Question: In light of Attachment 2 Section 3.3.3 (“The Government will pay a firm fixed price for each Contractor employee…”), how will the government adjust the monthly invoice by the daily rate for instances of inclement weather? This Section refers to making up hours from plant shutdowns created by unplanned inclement weather conditions when the employee is not able to work the required forty (40) hour work week. This allows them to make up hours to meet production needs and timelines.

4. Reference: Attachment 2, 3.3.4; Attachment 3 52-212-2 Evaluation

Discussion: The government indicates in Attachment 2 Section 3.3.4 that “The daily rates for each contract base or option period of performance will be established at time of the contract option by dividing the monthly firm-fixed price by twenty-one (21).”

Question: Please confirm in Attachment 1 that the ‘DY’ units are to be calculated by taking the monthly rate divided by 21. That is correct.

5. Reference: 29 CFR § 4.173 - Meeting requirements for fringe benefits.

Discussion: Per Executive Order (EO) 14055, “Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers

Under Service Contracts,”, the incoming contractor is required to offer positions to the incumbent workforce. Pursuant to the Department of Labor Service Contract Act (SCA)

Wage Determination applicable to this solicitation and any resultant contract, paid-time off entitlements are based on continuous service.

Question: Please provide current length of service dates for the incumbent personnel by employee labor classification so as to properly estimate paid-time off fringe benefits owed?

Position Start Date

TPA 5/9/2022

TPA 2/24/2020

TPA 6/26/2023

TPA 8/1/2019

TPA 8/1/2019

TPA 4/1/2020

TPA 9/12/2022

TPA 8/1/2019

TPA 5/5/2022

TPA 9/20/2021

TPA 6/26/2023

Senior TPA 9/3/2019

6. Reference: Attachment 1_Updated CBA; Attachment 2, 3.3.4

Discussion: The government indicates in Attachment 2 Section 3.3.4 that “When any

Contractor employee is excessively absent (more than sixteen (16) working days during any period of performance) or a position is vacant for more than sixteen (16) working days, the

USCG will subtract a daily rate for each day the employee was absent or for each day past the required fill date in section 2.9 that a position was vacant from the monthly invoice.”.

The CBA new employee vacation earning rate would equate to 20 days of annual PTO leave

(6.16 per period * 26 periods / 8 hours per day).

Question: How does the evaluation of 3.3.4, 16 working day requirement account for statutorily earned and required paid-time off benefits? The CBA vacation earning rate and time off benefits do not apply to the Contract Terms and Conditions.

• General: Are all positions currently filled? 1 vacancy

• Given the presence of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), it is imperative for prospective bidders to comply with the monetary provisions outlined in the CBA, particularly those related to seniority. Accurate adherence to these guidelines is essential for correctly estimating burdened rates. To facilitate this, we respectfully request that the US Government provide a list detailing the seniority dates for each incumbent staff member. Please note that personal identifiers, such as names, should be excluded from this list to maintain confidentiality. This data is crucial for ensuring accurate and competitive bidding.

Position Start Date

• TPA • 5/9/2022

• TPA • 2/24/2020

• TPA • 6/26/2023

• TPA • 8/1/2019

• TPA • 8/1/2019

• TPA • 4/1/2020

• TPA • 9/12/2022

• TPA • 8/1/2019

• TPA • 5/5/2022

• TPA • 9/20/2021

• TPA • 6/26/2023

• Senior TPA • 9/3/2019

• Per the SOW Section 1.2, it is noted that the scope of this contract is designed to be adaptable, encompassing a variety of tasks and services beyond those explicitly detailed in the SOW. This flexibility may impose additional insurance coverage and financial resources. In light of this, may we kindly request that the U.S. Government provide clarification on the specific types of scalable services that may be necessitated under this contract? Primary Tasking is detailed in Section

2.1.2 and 2.2.2. Any other possible tasking will fall within the scope of work.

• Per the SOW Section 2.1.2 (M) 1, can the USG please explain if the contractor is responsible for laser-etching? If so, does the USG provide the laser-etcher? Yes, to both questions.

• The SOW Section 2.2.2 provides a substantial list if taskings pursuant to the Senior Tool and

Parts Attendant; however, the CBA Article 26 (6) states, “The supervisor shall not perform any production work except in case of instruction, and emergencies.” Although the SOW does not directly name the Senior Tool and Parts Attendant as a “Supervisor”, there are multiple instances within the SOW, such as the terminology in SOW Section 7.9.1, which allude to company Supervisor. For purposes of clarification, can the USG state that the Senior Tool and

Parts Attendant is considered the supervisor responsible and is responsible for providing the task listed under SOW Section 2.2.2? The SOW Section 7.9.1 is our standard contract safety language. Supervisor in this case refers to the company Program Manager or POC. The Senior

Tools and Parts Attendant has additional duties and responsibilities but is not considered a

Supervisor in this SOW.

• Per the SOW Section 3.7, the “Contractor employee hours may be made up only if 1) the COR, CS, and KO determine making the time up is beneficial to the Government, all employees are offered the opportunity to make up time and 2) the COR is available to provide appropriate oversight.” The combined synopsis and SOW specify that this is a FFP contract. If this is the FFP contract, can the contractor assume the only way to make up time would be that of approved overtime as specified in section 3.4? This Section refers to making up hours from plant shutdowns created by unplanned inclement weather conditions when the employee is not able to work the required forty (40) hour work week. This allows them to make up hours to meet production needs.

• The SOW Section 3.8 stipulates that travel will comply and be reimbursed IAW the provisions of

FAR 31.205-46; however, the CBA states travel will be reimbursed at the rates prescribed by the

U.S. General Services Administration (GSA} per diem rates. Because the SOW does not mention per diem, can the contractor invoice the per diem rates set by the GSA? Travel very rarely occurs but if requested by the Government, GSA per diem rates will be reviewed to determine the contractor travel estimate fair and reasonable.

• Per the SOW Section 3.8, can the USG please provide an historical annual amount of travel required if any? The only reason we ask is because the CBA provided in Amendment-1 pertains to the toolroom positions only; whereas CBA Article 14 stipulates that the Company will consider providing appropriate severe weather/outerwear for OCONUS assignments not to exceed $300.00 per employee. If such travel is required, contractors need to account for this in its pricing. Answered above.

• IAW SOW Section 7.7.1.1, can the government please provide a list of “any other personal equipment”? Personal Protective Equipment - The Contractor is solely responsible for ensuring all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) utilized by its employees meets all OSHA requirements and fully protects its employees.

• The SOW Section 7.8 and 10.0 requires the contractor to submit a Safety Plan to the Contracting

Officer at the time of the proposal submission; however, the Combined Synopsis Solicitation

52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Products and Commercial Services and 52.212.2

Evaluation-Commercial Items does not mention submission of a Safety Plan with the proposal.

Additionally, SOW Section 7.8 states that contractors shall include provisions for routine surveillance to ensure compliance with applicable safety regulations that encompasses all federal, state, and local laws including but not limited to OSHA Public Law 91-596 and the resulting standards, ALC Safety and Occupational Health Program Manual ALCINST M5100.48 series. Given the fact that ALCINST M5100.48 is not readily available to the public, can the USG please provide ALCINST M5100.48 if a Safety Plan is required at the time of submission? Yes, the instruction will be provided.

• The SOW Section 7.10.2 states, “Contract employees shall complete equivalent or similar ALC site-specific training, pertinent to position requirements, and provide copies of such training to

COR within thirty (30) calendar days after contract award; annually thereafter.” In order to properly price this effort, other than Forklift, can the USG please identify and explain “ALC site-specific training”? ALC has specific safety, environmental and security trainings. This list will be provided to the awardee.

• Per SOW Section 7.11, the contractor shall conduct a worksite assessment prior to start of contractual work, identify employees for medical surveillance, and monitor exposure levels per

OSHA standard. Because OSHA Subpart Z includes regulations on various specific substances, such as lead, asbestos, and benzene, as well as general requirements for hazard communication and employee training, risk mitigation may include various costly aspects associated with various masks, fit checks and annual medical screenings. To properly assess program costs, contractors would need to conduct the SOW stipulated worksite assessment prior to proposal bid. If this is not possible, can the USG please provide the latest EOSH or OSHA reports pursuant to exposure levels in the referenced work areas? No reports will be provided at this time and the vendor shall conduct the inspection after contract award.

• Per SOW Section 7.13, “Contractor shall have personnel licensed, at contract company expense, to operate a forklift and any other Support Equipment (SE) that may require special licensing according to the applicable OSHA standards and/or USCG regulations.” In order to provide accurate cost data, contractors must have a forward idea of what other SE requires licensing at the contractor’s expense. Can the USG please provide a list of SE or any other items that require licensing or certification that the contractor is expected to expense? For this requirement, the

TPAs only need licensing to operator a forklift. This is our standard safety language.

• Per SOW 7.14, “If the contract may require [pic] entry into confined spaces, the following will apply. (7.14.1) The contractor shall maintain its own confined space entry program, to include providing all training, equipment, forms, and all associated program functions.” The costs associated with Confined Space Entry (CSE) (training, equipment, calibration, medical screenings, insurance, etc.) is quite substantial; thus, without a definitive and clear explanation of the requirement(s) (defined scope, required number of certified FTEs, etc.) it is not possible to price this requirement as we are well aware of the associated costs and training. If the USG does not assume any roll/risk as stipulated in Section 7.14.2, we believe other bidders will not price this requirement accordingly, and as such, we will be at a significant cost disadvantage.

Question: Because we don’t fully understand why there is a CSE requirement in a toolroom support contract, will the USG consider deleting this requirement and/or revising it to a possible post award mod if CSE is required? This is standard safety language and states “if the contract may require…..” It is not expected the tool room attendants will require entry into confined spaces.

• Per the SOW Section 7.15.1, we submit that the web-link is not accessible to the public. Will the

USG provide access and/or the list of applicable training requirements as specified in this section of the SOW? Yes, a training list will be provided to the awardee. Additionally, the contract employees will have computer access to view and complete the training requirements.

• Per the SOW Section 7.15.2, whe web-link is not available to the public. Can the USG please provide a list of ALC site-specific training? Yes, a training list will be provided to the awardee.

Additionally, the contract employees will have computer access to view and complete the training requirements.

• Per the SOW 9.1.1, can the USG please confirm that toolroom personal are not required to provide any power or personal tools or equipment as stipulated in the CBA Article 26 (2)? That is correct. The USCG will provide access to general tools, equipment, and materials required in the performance of duties by the contractor employee.

• Attachment 3 – Terms and Conditions, pages 1-2. Would the government clarify if each factor (Technical Experience, Management Approach, Past Performance, Price) is its own individual volume? Yes, they are individual volumes.

• Attachment 3 – Terms and Conditions, pages 1-2. Would the government please detail the page limitations for each factor? There is no page limit for each factor or proposal.

• Attachment 3 – Terms and Conditions, page 1. In lieu of a SF1449, are offerors expected to furnish the items detailed in FAR 52.212-1 within a cover letter?

• Attachment 3 states that Past Performance will be evaluated on an “Acceptable,” “Unacceptable,” or “Neutral” basis. Is this the same methodology the government will use to rate the Technical Experience and Management Approach factors? Technical experience and Management Approach will be rated using a “Good, Satisfactory, Marginal, Unsatisfactory” scale.

• “Technical and past performance, when combined, are approximately equal to cost or price.”

Should this read “Technical, Management, and Past Performance, when combined, are approximately equal to cost or price”? Yes.

• Would the government please furnish the census data related to the current CBA and current workforce (to include current employment longevity at each position, the level of participation with regard to health insurance (employee only, employee & spouse, employee & child(ren), employee & family) to ensure accurate pricing can be developed.

• The Schedule of Supplies/Services requires offerors to propose daily rates for each unique position. Can the Government please clarify if the daily rate should be based on total annual workdays (260 days), the expected productive workdays specified in SOW Section 3.3.3 (230 days), or some other quantity of days? Answered previously.

1. Will the government clarify the page limit for the proposal? Answered previously.

2. Attachment 3, page 1, 52.212-2 Evaluation-Commercial Items states “Technical and past performance, when combined, are approximately equal to cost or price.” Will the government clarify how management approach will be evaluated? Answered previously.

3. Will the government clarify if this requirement will be awarded based on best value or lowest priced technically acceptable?

• There is not a questions due date listed on the solicitation. Is there a cut-off date for questions or are they accepted on a rolling basis? Question cut-off date is January 28, 2024, at 1600 EST.

• Due date listed as February 4th, 2023 – this date is a Sunday. Can the government verify if proposals are expected to be submitted on a Sunday? The solicitation has been extended until

February 9, 2024, at 1600 EST.

• Will the government provide a seniority list for all incumbent personnel? Provided at the beginning of the document.

• Attachment 2 specifies that a Safety Plan and Safety Manager must be supplied as part of the initial proposal submission, but the technical instructions do not mention inclusion of this plan.

Will the government provide instruction as to where in the technical response this plan should be included? Answered previously.

1. Page 22 of the SOW states: “The contractor Safety Plan shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer at the time of proposal submission and approved by SEHO prior to start of contractual work.” However, no Safety Plan is included in the Terms & Conditions document outlining all Evaluation Criteria. Would the government please include the Safety Plan within the Evaluation Criteria and specify which section of the proposal should include these details? Answered previously.

2. The Technical Requirements and Management Approach do not include guidance on page limits. Will the government offer a recommended page limit so companies can provide a comparable amount of information? Answered previously.