Questions_ _Answers_from_Pre-Proposal_Conference.docx

Questions & Answers from Pre-Proposal Meeting November 9, 2016 AG-004GG-S-17-0001 – Janitorial Contract for Deschutes NF Supervisors Office

1. Question: How many employees does the current contractor have?

Answer: The contract is performance based so the contractor uses as many as necessary to meet contract requirements.

2. Question: How many people work in the building?

Answer: Approximately 190.

3. Question: If there is a delay in obtaining background checks, will contractor employees have to work during the day in the mean time?

Answer: We found out that if the contractor can show proof of a criminal investigation check (fingerprint check) that will be acceptable until the national check by the Forest Service is complete. Amendment 1 modified the solicitation to reflect this.

4. Question: Will subcontracted carpet or window cleaners be required to have a background check?

Answer: No. However, they must be supervised by a contractor employee who has a completed background check. Amendment 1 modified the solicitation to reflect this.

5. Question: How often do the large recycling bins (not personal ones) need to be emptied?

Answer: As needed, but recommend emptying when half full to ensure there is space for the following days recycling. Amendment 1 modified the solicitation to reflect this.

6. Question: Is contractor responsible for emptying small blue recycle bins at individual desks?

Answer: No, employees will empty those themselves into the larger recycle bins around the building.

7. Question: Is the Wage Determination for Service Contract Rates updated annually?

Answer: Yes, when the contracting officer exercises the option, they will provide the updated Wage Determination and allow the offeror to adjust their price if the contract wages don’t meet the new requirements. See FAR 52.222-43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards –Price Adjustment (page 8 of solicitation)

8. Question: Who empties the sharps containers in the bathrooms?

Answer: The government does, but the contractor should dust the top of them.

9. Question: Is the contractor responsible for providing the bags for the sanitary disposal receptacles in the stalls in the women’s restrooms?

Answer: The government has a large supply that the contractors may use until depleted. After that the contractor is responsible for providing. These receptacles shall be emptied daily. Amendment 1 modified the solicitation to reflect this.

10. Question: Is the contractor responsible for cleaning the throw rugs?

Answer: No, they are cleaned and replaced weekly under separate contract.

11. Question: Is the contractor responsible for cleaning computer monitor screens.

Answer: No.

12. Question: Is the contractor required to clear/clean the walkways outside the building?

Answer: No, interior only.

13. Question: Is there a supply room in the Packing Shed.

Answer: No, the only Janitor’s Closet is in the main building.

14. Question: For carpet cleaning, do chair protectors need to be moved.

Answer: No, the contractor will clean around any items remaining on the floor. Employees will be advised in advance of when carpet cleaning will be done.

15. Question: Does the contractor have to clean interior windows that have anything posted on them (i.e. Snowflakes to prevent bird strikes) Answer: No. However, employees will be advised in advance of when windows will be cleaned and asked to remove anything taped to the window.

16. Question: What kind of hand soap is used in the bathrooms?

Answer: Bathrooms in the main building have a SureFlo Soap Dispensing System which requires contractors to refill using replacement soap tank cartridges. Bathrooms in the Packing Shed have powdered soap dispensers, but contractors may provide individual liquid soap pumps in lieu of powdered soap.

17. Question: Do the stairs in the stairwells need to be scrubbed on a regular basis?

Answer: Stairwells are considered “entrances” and need to be “free of obvious surface dust, dirt, debris, carpet stains, trash, streaks, smudges….” as required by paragraph 3 of the Specific Task on page 22 of the solicitation. Any additional cleaning needed would be requested by modification. Amendment 1 modified the solicitation to reflect this.