Q_ _A's_Amendment_03.docx

1)In Exhibit C, can the term "units" be clarified? Are units the actual line items of accountable property or something else?

The Pacific Northwest Region, Region 6 has 19 National Forests. The term “unit” is referring to the location of a National Forest Headquarters location i.e. “Gifford Pinchot National Forest” located in Vancouver, Washington.

2) Exhibit A mentions U.S. Forest Service Property Management Information System (PMIS) and Equipment Management Information System (EMIS). Are these two GOTS or COTS systems? And are they similar to Remedy or CA-Unicenter which are utilized within the General Services Administration, which is listed at the top of Exhibit B Personal Property Policy and Operational Framework.

Both systems are managed by the National Finance Center (NFC) Legacy system which requires authorized access.

3) Is there an inventory plan already established, or will the contractor be required to develop a Plan of Action & Milestones?

The Contractor’s approach, experience, budget and project plan will provide mutual “meeting of the minds” regarding timelines and adequacy of resources prior to award. The personal property inventory is not volatile and has remained reasonably standard practice for decades. The processes are manual, low technology and simply require quick and effective communications. Exhibit A is a sample of previous direction from the USDA, Forest Service National Office.

4) Because this project is associated to multiple locations, is there any travel required? If so, would it be reimbursable?

We don’t anticipate any travel, a contractor’s proposal drives any need to travel

5) We are currently procuring personnel for this project that have experience with logistics, workflow, process engineering, warehousing and inventory management. Do you feel there are any other functional or technical skills that would complement this type of experience (i.e. accounting or IT backgrounds, clearances, etc)?

The Contractor’s approach, experience, budget and project plan will provide mutual “meeting of the minds” regarding timelines and adequacy of resources prior to award. The personal property inventory is not volatile and has remained reasonably standard practice for decades. The processes are manual, low technology and simply require quick and effective communications. Furthermore, the contractor should know the environment (per solicitation and provision) to conclude the skill and abilities necessary.

6)Is it ok to send 3 candidates with differing backgrounds in our proposal (all would be the same cost to the government but would allow for additional options) or would you just prefer one recommended candidate?

Resources and budget are exclusively the contractors duty . Reasonable and best value is what the government evaluates prior to award.

7) Is suspect there is not a current incumbent providing this service and level of effort?

No Contractor has provided this service previously.

8) Is this a new requirement and or government position-, which the government decided to fill by contract?

The contract approach is new.

9)Is this on-going vacancy and or newly created position?

Not applicable, the term requirements are per the solicitation.

10) Will there be any travel involved?

a. Is it reimbursable?

b. What will be the location of travel?

c. How many trips?

d.

We don’t anticipate any travel, a contractor’s proposal drives any need to travel.

11) What specific training will be required?

None, expectation is contractor is capable of executing property management function per solicitation requirement.

12) What type property systems and software currently utilized to track and maintain Department of Agriculture property?

The National Finance Center (NFC) Legacy stem which requires authorized access.

13) Does the contractor have any responsibility during the project to add additional personnel (contract personnel full or part-time- to meet project timeline- if the project deems necessary to add personnel; as it relates and IAW the following Statement of Work/Performance Work Statement:

The Contractor’s approach, experience, budget and project plan will provide mutual “meeting of the minds” regarding timelines and adequacy of resources prior to award. The personal property inventory is not volatile and has remained reasonably standard practice for decades. The processes are manual, low technology and simply require quick and effective communications.

1. Will there be a base office (at the RO) for the contractor’s use? If so, will the USFS provide office equipment such as computer?

1.

The Contractor is responsible for providing their own space and equipment.

1. Because the work is spread-out throughout OR and WA, would you prefer that I quote the travel expense separately or included in the lump sum?

We don’t anticipate any travel, a contractor’s proposal drives any need to travel

1. Is it possible that I can obtain a sample inventory checklist and bi-weekly status report?

No checklist is active to date. The contents of a future checklist includes those items that must/should be filed in personal property files such as:

1. Purchase order

1. Shipping receipt

1. AD-112 – Lost & Stolen Report

1. Invoice

1. Prop304 report

The bi-weekly status is self-developed and sent to Government by the Contractor. The bi-weekly report format maybe provided in the contractors proposal.

Will all inventory/cycle counting be conducted simultaneously among all the locations?

Yes, see Exhibit B. This letter signed by the USDA, Forest Service, Deputy Chief provides direction for the 2012 Inventory for Accountable Personal Property.