Attachment 4 - Pre-Solicitation Questions and Answers.pdf

Questions - Solicitation No. FA520526R0005 Escort Program Services - Misawa Air Base

Solicitation/Att achment Page Number/Section Question Government Response

RFP Page 3 The RFP shows each year as "1 Lot" and FFP, but the pricing sheet shows hourly rates and vehicle costs per month. Will this be FFP or T&M?

This will be a FFP IDIQ contract. Each task order shall specify the number of escorts and vehicles required.

RFP Page 24, B.4 The RFP requires the offeror to complete Section B of the RFP. There is no mention of Attachment 2 - Pricing Sheet. Is the offeror to complete and submit Attachment 2? As Section B shows 1 Lot for each contract year, do we use the totals from Attachment 2 as our Lot pricing?

Section L & M of the solicitation updated to reflect request for Pricing Sheet in Part IV.

PWS Page 4, Section 2.1.2.1 "Escorts must meet all requirements to receive a Restricted Area Badge (RAB) in accordance with the Base Defense Plan and DAFI 31-101".

Will the government provide the Base Defense Plan and DAFI 31-101?

USG will provide Base Defense Plan and DAFI 31-101 to awardee

PWS Page 5, Section 2.2.1

"Provide non-personal services of Flightline Cleared Escort Officials responsible for maintaining security and control of visitors within restricted areas by possessing a valid MAB RAB or being designated under the 35 FW Excort Program". Can the government clarify the requirements to be "designated under the 35 FW Escort Program?

"Designated under the 35 FW Escort Program" has been removed from the PWS.

PWS Page 5, Section 2.3.1 "There is a maximum of 3 attempts allowed to obtain the flightline driving privilege". Can the government clarify the requirements to obtain a flightline driving privilege?

After obtaining a CAC, the requirement will be to complete an online training course and pass the flight line driver test.

PWS Page 5, Section 2.3.1 Can the government clarify the requirements and specifications for vehicles?

Fully insured meeting all Japanese standards and safety road requirements. Contractor may provide any variation of vehicle (truck or cars) for transporting and escort quality of life while on site such as HVAC, enclosed from weather elements, etc.

PWS Page 9, Section 2.5.2.1 Is government training all on-line training? Is all training required prior to starting work?

Training will be a mix on in-person and online. All in-person training will be provided by USG.

PWS Page 11, Section 2.7.1 The RFP states the normal duty hours are Monday to Friday 0700 - 1800, but overtime may occur. If this is a FFP contract, how will additional costs for overtime be handled?

Overtime will be dictated by the CO and tracked for compensation. If overtime is anticipated, the USG will add a NTE CLIN or conduct a modification.

PWS Page 12, Section 2.9 "SOFA privileges include Visiting Officers Quarters on a space-avaialble basis." Should the offeror assume that lodging is or is not provided by the government for the escort staff?

Correct, lodging not provided. The LOA will grant permission to use base lodging at the contractor's expense but this is still dependent on space available.

PWS Page 12, Section 3.0 Will there be a reimbursable line item for mobilization costs (travel, etc.), PPE, equipment, supplies, etc.?

Mobilization CLIN will be added and included at TO issuance.

PWS Page 15, Section 4.4.4.1 "Approach to leverage personnel local to Misawa / Spouses if applicable." Does the government have a list of such qualified personnel?

No list, but this link to Misawa Ask Facebook page where you may find interested applicants:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/178010162249555/?ref=sh are

PWS Page 15, Section 4.4.4.2

"Contractor personnel performing work under this contract as Escorts shall have a valid and in scope personnel security Tier-1 investigation (formally NACI) background check in DISS at the time of the proposal submission". Is the government requiring the offerors to identify all personnel that will work on this 5-year contract at the time of proposal?

This requirement is for the company contract manager associated with the project. Escorts must possess Tier 1 background check prior to commencement of performance.

Attachment 2 N/A

Attachment 2 contains only hourly labor rates for escorts and monthly rates for vehicles. Given that there are costs associated with travel, lodging, subsistence, equipment, uniforms, transportation, annual incentives, DBA insurance, visas, vehicle fuel and maintenance, etc., how should the offeror price such items?

The hourly rate shall be reflected as fully burdened inclusive of contractor costs such as lodging, fringe benefits and hourly rate. Mobilization costs will be determined at each task order however consideration should be given to the fact that the price is fully burdened. The USG will evaluate the mobilization expense for allocability.

See updated Pricing sheet.

Solicitation FA520526R0005 6, Period of Performance

Can the Government confirm whether the Period of Performance start date of 1 June 2026 is firm or subject to adjustment based on the contract award timeline? Confirm start date and expected mobilization period.

1 June is the projected start date. The USG anticipates making award in early to mid May to allow time for mobilization. The start date is negotiable based on contract award date.

Solicitation FA520526R0005 General

Will the Government conduct a pre-proposal site visit at Misawa Air Base for interested offerors? Clarify whether a site visit will be scheduled.

The government does not anticipates doing a Pre-proposal visit unless requested by an interested party.

Solicitation FA520526R0005 General

If a site visit is conducted, will the Government allow offerors to observe representative construction areas and escort operations to better understand the operational environment? Clarify scope of any site visit.

The government does not anticipates doing a Pre-proposal visit unless requested by an interested party.

Solicitation FA520526R0005 General

If a site visit is not planned, can the Government provide additional information regarding typical escort work locations (flightline areas, restricted areas, controlled construction zones, etc.)? Clarify work locations.

The government does not anticipates doing a Pre-proposal visit unless requested by an interested party.

Anticipated work locations are within secured compounds and restricted areas in close proximity to the flightline and on the flightline requiring a RAB. It is unknown if there will be construction free zones at this moment.

PWS Attachment 1 4, Requirments

Can the Government clarify whether escort personnel will be assigned to specific construction projects or dynamically assigned based on daily tasking requirements? Clarify staffing assignment model.

TBD, escorts will be assigned based on project demands.

Assignment will be done by the lead escort in coordination with the project management office. As such, an escort may be assigned to one project or be tasked to relocate to another at a given time.

PWS Attachment 1 4, Requirments

Will escort personnel be required to remain present during periods when construction workers are staged on-site but not actively performing work (e.g., equipment staging, breaks, or administrative delays)? Clarify escort coverage expectations.

Escorts will be required to be on site at anytime general contractors are present. The anticipated work hours window accounts for opening and closing.

PWS Attachment 1 4, Requirments

Are escort services required whenever foreign national construction personnel are present within controlled or restricted areas, regardless of the activity being performed? Clarify escort requirements for foreign nationals.

Escorts will be required to be on site at anytime general contractors are present. The anticipated work hours window accounts for opening and closing.

PWS Attachment 1 4, Requirments

Will escorts be required to support multiple construction projects simultaneously within the same workday or shift?

TBD, escorts will be assigned based on project demands.

Assignment will be done by the lead escort in coordination with the project management office. As such, an escort may be assigned to one project or be tasked to relocate to another at a given time.

PWS Attachment 1 4, Requirments

Can the Government confirm the expected work schedules for escort personnel (e.g., standard duty hours, shift work, weekend operations, or extended construction schedules)?Clarify schedule expectations. See PWS 2.7

PWS Attachment 1 4, Requirments

Will escort services be required during weekends, holidays, or after normal duty hours to support construction schedules? Clarify overtime and surge requirements. See PWS 2.7

PWS Attachment 1 4, Requirments

Can the Government clarify whether escorts are required during contractor equipment mobilization and demobilization activities outside of standard construction hours? Clarify escort coverage during mobilization activities.

Escorts will be required to be on site at anytime general contractors are present. The anticipated work hours window accounts for opening and closing.

PWS Attachment 1 22, Clearnace Requirements

Can the Government confirm the required background investigation level for escort personnel (Tier 1 investigation or equivalent) and whether additional installation access vetting will be required? Clarify personnel vetting requirements.

See PWS Table 4. Additional installation access vetting may include a local "Misawa" background check for any offenses committed on the base in the past.

PWS Attachment 1 13, Equipment Mobilization

Are escorts required to provide their own Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or will PPE be issued by the construction contractor or installation safety office? Clarify PPE responsibilities.

See PWS 3.1.1 Escorts are required to be working on construction job site and shall process all appropriate PPE to remain complaint of OSHA and safety requirements to include but not limited to, eye protection, hard hats, steel/composite toe boots, and reflective gear as appropriate.

PWS Attachment 1 17, Reporting/Performance

Can the Government clarify the expected reporting procedures for suspicious activity identified during escort operations? Clarify reporting chain and documentation. Added 5.4.7 in PWS

Attachment 3 – Construction Projections Various, Escort Projection Table

The projected construction attachment lists estimated escort requirements by fiscal year and quarter. Can the Government confirm whether these projections represent expected peak escort demand or planning estimates only? Clarify escort staffing projections.

The attachment is for project projection basis and demonstrates the peak of demand for the FY. Escort demand will be calculated at each TO issuance.

Attachment 3 – Construction Projections Various, Escort Projection Table

Will the Government issue task orders or other direction to increase or decrease escort staffing levels as construction project requirements evolve? Clarify staffing flexibility expectations.

Escort demand will be calculated at each TO issuance. As demand increase an additional TO may be issued for the demanded duration.

PWS Attachment 1 N/A, Program Management

Does the Government expect the contractor to provide an on-site Program Manager or Site Supervisor during escort operations? The PWS requires a lead escort.

PWS Attachment 1 N/A, Facilities/Support

Will the Government provide workspace or staging areas for contractor management personnel supporting the escort program? Clarify workspace availability.

The USG will not provide GFP in this solicitation. Escorts may meet at designated locations on base for site assignment at the start of shift.

PWS Attachment 1 N/A, Security/Training

Are escort personnel expected to receive installation-specific security or counterintelligence awareness briefings related to construction security requirements at Misawa AB? Clarify security training expectations. See PWS

Solicitation FA520526R0005 24, Proposal Submission

Can the Government confirm the anticipated contract award date and expected mobilization period prior to the start of performance? Clarify timeline expectations.

1 June is the projected start date. The USG anticipates making award in early to mid May to allow time for mobilization. The start date is negotiable based on contract award date.

PWS Attachment 1 N/A, Base Access

What is the typical timeline for obtaining installation access badges for contractor escort personnel once they arrive at Misawa AB? Clarify badging timeline.

Badges can be secured in less than 3 weeks (time varies dependent on quantity and SFS workload at the time).

However, temporary passes can be issued int the interim.

PWS Attachment 1 13, Equipment Communication

Will the Government provide radios or other communication devices for escort personnel operating in construction areas, or must the contractor provide all communication equipment? Clarify equipment requirements. See PWS 3

N/A N/A What is the expected release date for this RFP?

We are expecting to release the solicition on or around 27 March 26.

Attachment 1, PWS Page 4, Section 1.0

Is this requirement considered a new program/requirement, or is it a follow-on to an existing contract? If it is a follow-on, could the Government provide the incumbent contractor and contract number? This is a new requirement.

Attachment 1, PWS Page 4, Section 1.0 Will the Government provide a transition period prior to performance start?

1 June is the projected start date. The USG anticipates making award in early to mid May to allow time for mobilization. The start date is negotiable based on contract award date.

Attachment 1, PWS Page 4, Section 2.0

Can contractor vehicles be shared across concurrent construction projects, or is a dedicated vehicle required for each project listed in the construction projection?

See PWS 2.3.1. Vehicles: Contractor shal provide and maintain a minimum of 1 (one) vehicle per project.

Attachment 1, PWS Page 4, Section 2.0

Does the Government anticipate construction activity primarily occurring during standard weekday daytime hours, or should offerors plan for extended or multi-shift operations?

See PWS, page 11, 2.7.1. Overtime will be dictated by the CO and tracked for compensation. Escorts will be required to be on site at anytime general contractors are present. The anticipated work hours window accounts for opening and closing.

Attachment 1, PWS Page 4, Section 2.0

Will government personnel ever supplement escort coverage for construction activities, or is the contractor expected to provide all escort services required for each project?

The contractor should expect to provide all escort services for each project.

Attachment 1, PWS Page 5, Section 2.2 Are contractor vehicles required to meet any specific criteria (flightline certification, AWD, etc.)?

Fully insured meeting all Japanese standards and safety road requirements. Contractor may provide any variation of vehicle (truck or cars) for transporting and escort quality of life while on site such as HVAC, enclosed from weather elements, etc.

Attachment 1, PWS Page 5, Section 2.3

Will escorts remain assigned to a single project location during a shift, or may escorts support multiple construction locations during the same shift?

TBD, escorts will be assigned based on project demands.

Assignment will be done by the lead escort in coordination with the project management office. As such, an escort may be assigned to one project or be tasked to relocate to another at a given time.

Attachment 1, PWS Page 5, Section 2.3

Can the Government confirm whether active-duty military personnel or other uniformed service members are permitted to perform work under this contract, either directly or in support roles? If so, please clarify any limitations on their participation

This may be a potential however any performance by active duty personnel must be done on their own time with command approval as an employee of the company.

Attachment 1, PWS Page 5, Section 2.3 Is there a prescribed escort-to-construction personnel ratio the

Government intends to enforce for this requirement?

The exact number of escorts will be dictatced at each TO level.

Attachment 1, PWS Page 5, Section 2.3

What is the expected timeline for obtaining base access credentials and Restricted Area Badges (RAB) for contractor escort personnel after contract award? See PWS, page 9, 2.5.2.1.

Attachment 1, PWS Page 5, Section 2.3

If escort services are currently being performed, will the Government support workforce transition to the follow-on contractor consistent with FAR guidance?

This is a new requirement. There is no incumbent work.

Attachment 1, PWS

Page 26 252.204-7021, Contractor Compliance with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Level Requirements (Nov 2025)

Does the Government anticipate that offerors will benefit from having personnel already credentialed or experienced with escort operations at Misawa Air Base, or will sufficient transition time be provided to allow newly recruited personnel to obtain required credentials and training? Personnel recruitment is the decision of the company. The

USG believes it would be benefical to secure personnel from local populous.

Attachment 1, PWS

Page 26 252.204-7021, Contractor Compliance with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Level Requirements (Nov 2025)

Paragraph (d)(1)(i) of the referenced DFARS Clause as used in the solicitation requires the offeror to have and maintain a CMMC status of CMMC Level 2 (Self). Can the Government please confirm the offeror must have a status of CMMC Level 2 at the time of award, or is an offeror that has a status of CMMC Level 1 and presents a plan for obtaining a CMMC Level 2 status within the base period of performance eligible for contract award? Level 2 is required.

Atachment 2, Pricing Sheet N/A

Does the Government provide any support or reimbursement for relocation costs associated with personnel required to perform under this contract? If so, please clarify the allowable relocation expenses and applicable policies.

The hourly rate shall be reflected as fully burdened inclusive of contractor costs such as lodging, fringe benefits and hourly rate. Mobilization costs will be determined at each task order however consideration should be given to the fact that the price is fully burdened. The USG will evaluate the mobilization expense for allocability.

See updated Pricing sheet.

Atachment 2, Pricing Sheet N/A

Can the Government clarify how Other Direct Costs (ODCs) should be proposed and handled under this contract? Specifically, should ODCs be included within the proposed pricing structure, and are there any restrictions or pre-approval requirements for ODC expenditures?

Proposed pricing should be fully burdened.

Atachment 2, Pricing Sheet N/A In regard to vehicle count, is this the number of vehicles that will be used by contract personnel or the number of vehicles being inspected?

This reflects the number of vehicles used by contract personnel.

Page 5 / Section 2.1.2.3:

Escort officials assume responsibility for the safe and secure conduct of their visitors and are required to maintain constant surveillance and control of their visitors at all times while in the restricted/controlled area and when Construction Surveillance Technician (CSTs) or Cleared American Guard (CAGs) are not involved. Escort officials must positively identify escorted individuals before allowing entry, inspect vehicles and hand-carried items, and verify completed to entry controller (as applicable).

Please clarify whether Cleared Escort Officials are expected to perform full screening functions including inspection of vehicles, tools, equipment, and materials when additional security elements (e.g., CSTs or CAGs) are not present?

Negative, Escorts will not be required to provide "full screening" Trianign will be provided by USG. CSTs and CAGs wil be present if needed required based on project.

Page 5 / Section 2.1.2.3:

Escort officials assume responsibility for the safe and secure conduct of their visitors and are required to maintain constant surveillance and control of their visitors at all times while in the restricted/controlled area and when Construction Surveillance Technician (CSTs) or Cleared American Guard (CAGs) are not involved. Escort officials must positively identify escorted individuals before allowing entry, inspect vehicles and hand-carried items, and verify completed to entry controller (as applicable).

Additionally, when escort officials are required to inspect vehicles and hand-carried items prior to entry, should this be interpreted as a comprehensive screening responsibility consistent with CST/CAG procedures, or as a more limited inspection/verification function?

More limited inspection function. Training will be provided by USG but will not be to the same level as CST/CAG inspection.

Page 5 / Section 2.2:

The Contractor shall provide non-personal services of Cleared Escort Officials to successfully protect the integrity of the facilities, flight line, and other projects throughout renovations, construction, Warranty Calls, and FF&E of the facility. The purpose of Escorts is to escort personnel to the worksite from the gate and to monitor personnel in controlled/restricted areas where CSTs and CAGs are not required applicable.

Please clarify the scope of Cleared Escort Official responsibilities with respect to gate access and visitor processing? Specifically, are escorts expected to sign in and sponsor uncleared visitors onto the installation, and does their role include providing transportation from the gate to the worksite, or is their responsibility limited to escorting and maintaining positive control once personnel have already been granted access to the base?

Escorts will be responsible to escort formt the Access Control Facility or restricted area gate, not the Base entry gate. They will not have to sign-in members or provide transportation for escortee.

Page 5 / Section 2.2.1:

Provide non-personal services of Flightline Cleared Escort Officials responsible for maintaining security and control of visitors within restricted areas by possessing a valid MAB RAB or being designated under the 35 FW Escort Program. They must be properly trained to detect unauthorized activities such as intelligence gathering, criminal acts, or sabotage. Training to be provided locally by US Government representatives.

Escort Officials (EOs) verify visitor identities, brief them on local safety and security rules, and inspect vehicles and hand-carried items. They ensure that individuals without RABs are either escorted or listed on an Entry Access List (EAL) and may delegate escort duties to other qualified personnel when necessary. EOs must maintain constant surveillance, never leave visitors unattended, and ensure their safe departure from the area.

Please clarify the specific training requirements for Cleared Escort Officials prior to assignment? In particular, what locally provided training by U.S.

Government representatives is required to ensure personnel are qualified to detect unauthorized activities such as intelligence gathering, criminal acts, or sabotage, and must this training be completed before performing escort duties or can it be conducted after assignment?

All local training training will be provided by USG. Escorts wil be required to complete Antiterroism and OPSEC within timeframe specific in the PWS.

Page 8 / Section 2.4.4.7: All documentation must be turned in to the COR(s) in digital format upon completion of this project and/or as requested by the US Government throughout the project.

The Contractor will provide the means to accomplish digital documentation through the supply of digital note taking devices that are also capable of taking accompanying photos of documented activities. Examples of such devices are tablets, or similar devices. The Contractor will also provide a computer system capable of compiling all documentation from the digital devices for turn over to the US Government.

Additionally, in support of the digital documentation requirements outlined in Section 2.4.4.7, will the Government provide workspace infrastructure (e.g., desks, power, network access) for the use of contractor-furnished devices, or should the Contractor plan to be fully self-sufficient in establishing these capabilities on-site?

No workspace will be provided by USG.

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