VENDOR_QUESTIONS_AND_ANSWERS.pdf

ATTACHMENT A DJM-14-A32-R-0006

A0001

SECTION SECTION NUMBER QUESTIONS ANSWERS

C C.4.2.2

Does the Government consider Law Enforcement Management

Experience as an acceptable qualification in lieu of contract management experience?

The SOW has been amended, see Amendment 0001.

Additionally, there is an exception for incumbent Contract

Managers currently serving under a CSO contract.

C C.5.1.2 What is the level of preliminary background check required by the

Government--i.e., National, State, County, etc.?

The CSO position has been designated as a Moderate Risk

Public Trust Position which receives a suitability determination. The vendor is required to provide fully vetted applicants that they expect to pass the USMS

Suitability criteria. The vendor should take whatever steps they deem necessary to achieve that goal.

C C.8.1 What is the anticipated length of time for an applicant's full background investigation to be conducted?

100 days

C C.8.3 How often will the Government conduct periodic re-investigations? Every 5 years

C.9 C.9 Please clarify if drug testing is required.

Drug screening is not one of the medical requirements in the CSO SOW. See contract clause FAR 52.223-6 Drug

Free Workplace. Under this clause, the cost of compliance is a contractor responsibility. Also, please note that CSOs must comply with Sections C.14.2.3, C.14.2.4, C.14.2.31, and, C14.2.32 (performance standards regarding the use of controlled substances, including prescription medications, and, alcohol)

C C.9.1.5 What is the percentage of personnel FOH disqualifies for performance under the current USMS CSO contracts?

Approximately 3%

SECTION SECTION NUMBER QUESTIONS ANSWERS

Section B and C C.9.1.6

The RFP states that there will be some additional medical information or testing requested by the Government if the initial or annual examination is not conclusive, and that the associated costs will not be reimbursable to the Offeror. Since the Offeror must estimate the costs associated with providing for and administering these additional medical requirements, and it is our understanding that these costs may be substantial, please provide the number or percentage of initial and annual exams that lead to demands for additional information or testing in each Circuit annually.

We do not have this information broken down by Circuit, but we believe that approximately 60-70% receive some sort of supplemental request.

C C.9.1.6 What percentage of annual medical exams require follow-up consultation resulting from the Government's review?

Answered above

C.9.2

Selecting and

Qualifying

C.9.2.3 Would the Government consider releasing the list of currently approved physicians?

The Government does not maintain a list of approved physicians. This is the offeror/contractor's responsibility.

C C.9.3 How many CSOs are currently not working under the current contract pending additional medical reivew by FOH?

Approximately 150 CSOs are out for medical reasons. This number includes those who have been removed from duty, as well as those CSOs for whom we have received CSO

001s informing us of medical leave of absence, Workers

Compensation absence, or FMLA absence.

C.9.3 C.9.3.3

How long on average does it take for the government to review medical documentation and conduct federal background investigation to place a

“new” CSO on duty?

Approximately 115 days

SECTION SECTION NUMBER QUESTIONS ANSWERS

C.9 C.9.3

Since its implementation in 2001, the current CSO Medical Standards policy, and the resulting disqualifications of CSOs for medical reasons has been a source of contention with CSOs and their unions. Lawsuits have been filed against the USMS and the contractors are also named as defendants in each suit as they are the employers. These actions by CSOs, usually under the ADA, were being filed every year. Question/Request for

Clarification: 1. Are these still occurring? 2. If so, in order to allow offerors to realistically price their proposals, please provide data from which it will be possible to accurately estimate a realistic cost for legal actions arising from CSO medical disqualifications by the USMS.

1. Yes; 2. There is not an average cost associated with legal actions.

C.9.4 C.9.4.3 Do all current personnel meet the screening, medical and training requirements?

No because some CSOs are on waivers pending further review of their medical package. And new hires do not go through Phase II training immediately

C C.9.4.3

Section states that a CSO “illness” is a reason for submission of a CSO

001. CSOs may miss work due to the common cold, flu, stomach virus, etc., all of which may be temporarily debilitating; however, are not necessarily chronic or long-lasting. The next section (C.9.4.4) mandates that a CSO 012 be submitted and a determination made (by FOH) before the CSO is allowed to return to duty. Can “illness” be further defined, or a

“minimum” amount of lost-time be associated with the absence before

“triggering” the CSO 012 requirement for illness?

A CSO 001 and CSO 012 do not have to be completed for an uncomplicated case of cold or stomach virus. In the case of influenza, a CSO 001 and CSO 012 do not have to be completed unless there are complications (i.e. symptoms requiring urgent medical treatment; development of flu related complications; worsening of chronic health problems; etc) or a protracted recovery period (i.e. longer than 14 days).

C C.10.2.3

The SOW states that vacancies created by a CSO exceeding 120 days, regardless of reason of status (e.g. FMLA, Workers Comp, Medical

Issues/MLOA, LWOP, or other) shall be filled on a temporary basis.

Does this include CSOs who are removed from duty by FOH pending supplemental info? In some cases, CSOs are issued multiple MRFs.

Yes. Section C.10.2.3 states "Vacancies created by a CSO exceeding 120 days…" therefore an applicant package should not be submitted prior to 120 days.

C C.10.2.3 Do Contractors have to wait the entire 120-day period during a CSO vacancy until they are required to fill on a temporary basis? Answered above

SECTION SECTION NUMBER QUESTIONS ANSWERS

C C.10.2.3 Are the start-up costs for temporary CSOs reimburseable regardless of whether they are assigned to the contract for a period of 18 months?

It will be based on the tenure of the exiting CSO.

C C.10.2.3

Are there any situations in which incumbent CSOs have been vacant for

120 days, requiring the awardee to back-fill positions with temporary personnel?

No, this is a new requirement.

C C.13.1.2

This section states that "all training and qualification material shall be provided in an editable electronic format." Since this training material is proprietary to the contractor, it is normally not released in a format that can be edited. Can you please clarify the reason for this requirement and why the government would have a need to edit the contractor's training material?

In order to edit and correct training material or practices submitted by the contractor that are not in compliance with

USMS training standards or practices

Statement of

Work C.2.1

Daily Time and

Attendance

C.24.1.1 Second paragraph, please refer the Offeror to the Government's Security

Standards that it must meet.

The Government sets out requirements regarding electronic record keeping in FAR Subpart 4.700 Contractor Records

Retention and FAR Clause 52.224-1 Privacy Act

Notification and 52.224-2 Privacy Act.

C GENERAL

Do all incumbent District Supervisors work a Court Facility located within their District?

Yes, they primarily work in the main office within the district

C GENERAL Can USMS proivde turnover rate for FY 2013 by District and Court?

This information is not maintained by District or Circuit, but it is approximately 15-20 percent Nationwide.

C C.3.1.1

According to the RFP, the COR will provide the Contractor with post orders for each post.

How often are the post orders reviewed/updated and who exercises responsibility for maintaining the post orders?

Reviewed as needed and the COR maintains them

C C.3.1.1.1

Equipment Settings - How does the Government publish the screening equipment settings which the Contractor shall ensure all screening equipment is set to?

Screening equipment settings are standardized and the information distributed to the JSI/COR who provides the informaton to the contractor following award.

SECTION SECTION NUMBER QUESTIONS ANSWERS

C C.3.1.1.1

Does the term "Roving" patrol refer specifically to a foot patrol at a site or are their vehicle patrols as well in this contract?

If there are vehicle patrols in this contract is the contractor expected to provide these vehicle or are these vehicles the property of the US

Government?

If the contractor is expected to provide a vehicle to this contract, what types of specifications are vehicles required for work on this contract?

No vehicle patrols are required

C C.3.1.1.1 Will the government provide storage areas for the Reports and Records which are considered Government property?

Aside from the records the Contractor is required to maintain in accordance with FAR 4.700 Contractor

Records Retention, the contract requires the contractor to maintain the official record. The contract requirement is for these records to be centrally maintained by the

Contractor and be made available to the Government upon request for the purposes of periodic compliance reviews.

The cost associated with the storing of reports and records should be included in the contractors other-direct costs.

(See CLIN #1 and L.5.3.1, paragraph 1(iv))

C C.3.2.3

The RFP provides (3) LCSOs, one per shift, are required for facilities designated to operate on a "24 hours" basis. Will the LCSO's be required to work 7 days a week? Or does the Government require the LCSOs to be posted 5 days a week?

Varies by facility

C C.3.2.3

The section provides the following, “The Contractor shall provide an

LCSO at each court facility stated in Section B of this contract.” The

S.GA tab in the Price Summary sheet for Circuit 11th does not have a

LCSO assigned to building 600 James Brown Blvd Augusta, GA.

Unchanged, these spreadsheets are estimates.

SECTION SECTION NUMBER QUESTIONS ANSWERS

C C.3.2.3

Question: Please clarify whether there is an LCSO assigned to building

600 James Brown Blvd Augusta, GA in the 11th Circuit Price Summary sheet, S.GA tab. If so, please also provide a revised Price Summary Sheet or authorize contractors to modify the Price Summary Sheet.

Answered above

C C.3.3

Please clarify the numbers, locations and role of Lead Special Security

Officers (LSSO) and Special Security Officers (SSO). There is no reference to how many, what locations they are posted at. Additionally there is no reference to these positions on the Price Summary Sheets.

The 11th Circuit / N/GA (19M) has a SSO task order.

Total LSSO/ SSO positions: 23

LSSO: 2

SSO FT: 19

SSO Shared: 2

Total people: 25

C C.3.4 Will the Government provide office space in courthouses to the District

Supervisors?

If space is available the DS will be allowed to use it. Most offices provide space.

GENERAL C.3.4 Does the Government provide office space for the District Supervisors? Answered above

C C.3.4 Will the government provide administrative space for the District

Supervisor position?

Answered above

GENERAL C.3.4 Does the Government provide office space for the CM? No

C C.3.4 Will the government provide adminstrative space for the Contract

Manager position?

Answered above

C.3.4 C.3.4.1

This section states the DS shall serve as the primary point of contact for the Government to discuss technical and security related requirements through regular site visits to primary and sub-offices. The Contractor shall provide adequate DS site visits necessary to successfully manage contract requirements. Question/Request for Clarification: Does the Government reimburse the travel of District Supervisors to visit the sites in their districts?

No, these costs are the responsibility of the Contractor and are not reimbursable under CLIN #4 CSO Reimbursable

Travel. See C.3.4, paragraph 1, The Contractor shall provide adequate DS site visits necessary to successfully manage contract requirements.

C.3.4 C.3.4.1

Please clarify if there are a minimum number of inspections to be conducted per year by the District Supervisors of all court facilities within their district.

At least quarterly but as many as need to ensure that you company is doing the job you said they would do.

SECTION SECTION NUMBER QUESTIONS ANSWERS

C C.7.2 What is the historical attrition rate for CSOs in each Circuit?

This information is not maintained by Circuit, but it is approximately 15-20 percent Nationwide.

C.7 C.7.3 What is the historical turnover rate for Circuits 6, 7 & 11? See above

C C.7.2

The sections provides, “The Contractor is responsible for start-up costs to fill a vacant CSO position. The Contractor will be reimbursed by the

Government only if the departing CSO had been employed by the current

Contractor continuously for a minimum of 18 months.”

Question: If the contractor is awarded the new contract and hires the incumbent personnel, will the incumbent personnel’s previous time on the contract count towards this 18 month requirement?

Yes. If the contract is awarded to a new contractor, and assuming that the incumbent personnel transition to the new contract, the incumbent's previous time on the contract will count towards this 18 month requirement.

C C.7.2

Per section C.7.2, "Contractor shall be reimbursed by the government only if departing CSO had been employed by the current contractor continuously for a minimum of 18 months." Please confirm that a new contractor will be reimbursed for the replacement of any incumbent personnel who transition over, regardless of the 18-month minimum.

Answered above

GENERAL

Can the Government provide a list of how many, if any, vacant positions there are in each circuit and their locations?

As of 7/29/14 there are 28 vacancies without a pending applicant in the 6th,7th and 11th Circuits. There are 38 pending applicants in 6th, 8 pending applicants in 7th and 32 pending applicants in 11th.

C.15 C.15.5

If CSOs receive special deputation by the USMS, are they still required to complete the guard training, weapons training required and be licensed by any of the individual States? If so which state(s)?

They are required to complete all training and no state licensing is required.

C C.16.1.2 What is the average amount of hours of shared time CSOs work each week?

20 to 40 varies greatly week by week dependant upon the number of vacancies within the district

C.16.2 C16.2.2 Are LCSOs self-breaking? Breaks should be scheduled by the LCSOs

C.16.2 C.16.2.2 Please clarify if Lead Court Security Officers and Rovers are able to provide relief to the CSO force.

Yes

C.16.2 C.16.2.2 Can the shared CSOs perform break services as part of their normal duties?

Yes

SECTION SECTION NUMBER QUESTIONS ANSWERS

C.19 C.19.1

With the exception of uniforms and body armor, are radios, weapons, ammo and such to be provided by the Contractor in start-up and later reimbursed by the Government?

No. See C.19 Government Furnished Property

C C.24.1 Is an LMS or an electronic Time and Attendance system currently in use in the 6th, 7th, or 11th Circuit?

No

Section

L.5.2.1 and

C.24.1.1

C.24.1.1

With the electronic TAS implemented by the successful Offeror, will paper timesheets still be required after the implementation of a new timekeeping system?

C.24.1.1 requires the Contractor to provide and maintain at all times an automated and integrated Daily Time and

Attendance System (T&A System) as an official time and attendance record for each court facility.

C C.24.1.1

The SOW states that the T&A system shall be installed during the transiton period and be operational on the contract start date. While we understand that this would be desirable, it presents a tremendous operational challenge. The contractor must train more than 1200 CSOs who have no experience with this type of automated system. The CSOs will not be employees of the new contractor during the transition period and the contractor will have limited ability to conduct training. In addition, substantial equipment must be delivered to 120 sites, securely installed, and tested during a short transition period where the new contractor does not have operational ownership at any of the sites. This is expensive equipment, and there will be no contractor employee on site to receive the equipment. While we understand the desire to rapidly deploy the Time and Attendance system, the transition circumstances are not conducive to a smooth transition. Would the government consider a installation period of 30 - 60 days after contract start to allow for a controlled, lower risk implementation of the new Time and Attendance system?

No. A contract will be awarded to a successor contractor

(the incumbent or another) before the transition period starts. The contract start date is a performance start date that follows the transition period. At contract start, the successor contractor shall be ready to perform all the requirements of the contract. The cost associated with the transition should be included in the contractors other-direct costs. (See CLIN #1 and L.5.3.1, paragraph 1(iv))

Section

L.5.2.1 and

SOW

C.24.1.1

C.24.1.1

If it is discovered by the successful Offeror that they are unable to obtain internet connectivity at a particular site, will the successful Offeror be able to use the Government's internet's connectivity?

No, the Contractor must provide mobile equipment and wireless connectivity.

SECTION SECTION NUMBER QUESTIONS ANSWERS

Statement of

Work

C.24.1.1

C.24.1.1 How many software licenses are needed at each District and at

Headquarter?

All JSI/CORS and approximately ten USMS Headquarters

Staff will require access to the system.

Statement of

Work C.2.1

Daily Time and

Attendance

C.24.1.1

First paragraph, references "An official time and attendance record for each court facility authorized CSOs" , does the electronic time and attendance apply to SSOs as well as CSOs?

See C.2 Scope of Work, 3rd paragraph, last sentence "The services ordered under an IAA (generally for SSOs) shall be in full compliance with the terms and conditions of this statement of work."

C C.24.6 Is the recently revised version of the Monthly Activity Report template currently in use in the 6th, 7th, and 11th Circuit?

Yes

C C.3.4

When a DS is vacant due to vacation or otherwise and the CM provides for DS services, does the Contractor lose the ability to bill for the DS's time?

Yes, the contractor cannot bill against two positions when the work is being performed by one individual, or when the work is being picked up by the Contractor's corporate employees.

C C.18.3.1

C.18.3.1 states that CSO Uniforms are Government Furnished Property

(GFP), C.18.3.1.3 states that the Contractor shall purchase and replace uniforms work by the CSOs, and C.18.3.2 states that uniforms are part of

CLIN #2. It is unclear if the CSO uniforms will be purchased from suppliers by the Contractor and invoiced to the Government under CLIN 2 or whether the Government be providing these uniforms. Can the

Government clarify the CSO Uniform requirements for purchase or issuance?

CSO and SSO Uniforms are paid for by the Government under contract CLIN #2 and #6, and as such become

Government Furnished Property (GFP). Soft Body Armor is also purchased by the Contractor, accepted by the

Government as GFP with the Contractor being reimbursed under CLIN #5. All GFP transitions from the incumbent to the successor contractor, including the CSO and SSO uniforms previously issued. All other GFP listed in C.19 is purchased by the Government and provided to the

Contractor.

SECTION SECTION NUMBER QUESTIONS ANSWERS

C C.18.3.1

“CSO Uniform Requirements” pg. C-52 provides, “The Contractor shall purchase and replace uniforms worn by the CSOs and shall use the same supplier to maintain uniformity.”

Question A: Does the Government (JSI/CORs) prefer that the new

Contractor use the same supplier as the incumbent Contractor for either the CSO uniform standard or the SSO uniform standard?

Question B: If the answer to Question A is “Yes,” please provide the name and contact information of the uniform supplier currently being used by the incumbent Contractor in each Circuit.

No, the Contractor is responsible for establishing a source of supply capable of meeting the stated standards for CSO and SSO uniforms. The Contractor is required to use the same supplier during the life of the contract to maintain uniformity. (See C.18.3.1.1 and Attachment J.4€ SSO

Uniform Standard).

C C.19.2 Question: Please provide section C.19.2?

The requirements of the old C.19.2 are addressed elsewhere in the SOW, particularly in C.19.5. Section 19.2 has been marked out as Reserved.

Statement of

Work C.25

Quality

Assurance

C.25.1.1

The SOW states that the Contractors CSO QCP shall use a performance metric to measure the QCP considering 'Delivery Performance' (second sub-bullet under the last bullet). What does the Government specifically mean by 'delivery performance'?

Performance that sucessfully delivers the contract requirements in accordance with the contract schedule.

Statement of

Work C.25

Quality

Assurance

C.25.1.1

Under the last bullet, it states "shall use a performance metric to measure the QCP... ". Is the Contractor to measure the QCP itself or rather the contractor's performance to requirements? Please clarify?

See C.25 for a complete explanation of a metric-based inspection system that evaluates internal controls, procedures and security practices relative to all major areas of contract administration and management.

SECTION SECTION NUMBER QUESTIONS ANSWERS

C.25

“Quality Assurance” pg. C-63 provides, “The Contractor’s Quality

Control Inspectors shall conduct inspections in accordance with the Court

Security Officer and Corporate Quality Control Plans (QCPs) as frequently as necessary to ensure effective contract performance, and each court facility shall, at a minimum, be inspected on a quarterly basis.”

Question A: Will the Contract Manager be required to travel to each district?

Question B: If so, what are the frequencies and durations of each trip?

Question C: Will the District Supervisor be required to travel to each court facility?

Question D: If so, what are the frequencies and durations of each trip?

Contract Managers (CM) and District Supervisors (DS) are not required by the contract to travel to each district and/or facility for the purposes of quality assurance inspections.

However, under paragraph C.3.4.1, the Contractor shall provide adequate DS site visist necessary to manage contract requirements. CMs are responsible for contract administration and ensuring the Contractor is conforming to the contract requirements. While the CM is not required to travel, the CM is responsible and CMs are known to travel as necessary to fulfill their responsibilities. The contract requires Quality Control Inspectors other than the LCSOs and CSOs, and those inspectors may include the CM, DS, or others in accordance with the Contractors QCP. The frequency of travel and the duration of the trips varies by location and reason.

C C.26.2

Section states that…”within 90 days following contract award, the

Contractor shall submit to the Contracting Officer for approval a Phase-

Out Transition Plan.” Is this requirement intended for the “successor,” or the “incumbent” Contractor? If intended for “successor”…should it refer to Phase-In Transition Plan? In addition, 90 days would indicate a date after the “start-up” given the current solicitation timeline. In either case, what benefit is there to a Transition Plan describing a transition that has already occurred?

Upon award, the contract awardee (successor) becomes the incumbent Contractor, and within 90 days of that award, the contract requires the new incumbent (successor) to deliver a Transition Plan. The plan will define the steps the new incumbent (successor) will take at the conclusion of the contract to transition the contract to their successor.

SECTION SECTION NUMBER QUESTIONS ANSWERS

G G.6 (b)

Section states that “Price adjustments are limited to direct labor hourly rates, fringe benefits and the accompanying increases or decreases in social security and unemployment taxes and workers compensation insurance, and shall not otherwise include any amount for other direct costs, general, and administrative costs, overhead, or profit.” CBAs include annual increases for items such as uniform maintenance, pension, etc. not normally considered fringe benefits under SCA definitions. Are

“price adjustments” allowed for these items delineated in the CBAs?

Refer to FAR Clause 52.222-43 for allowable costs

G G.7 (a)

Section states that “The Contractor shall prepare and submit one (1) invoice per CLIN per month for the District…” Is this intended to state the “maximum” allowed? If so…can the “Start-Up Cost” CLIN invoice be submitted quarterly instead of monthly?

No. Each element of the Start-Up Costs must be invoiced for separately. See G.7(g) . A copy of the MAR must be provided with the invoice and be updated to show the

Medical Examination, Uniform Issue Date, and/or

Weapons Qualification Date matches the invoice demonstrating the deliverable has been received.

Sections H &

L H.12 and L.5.2.1

Section H.12 states that Training and Weapons Qualifications instructors are considered Key Personnel. The proposal instructions (Factor 5) state that the offeror shall identify and provide resumes for all Key Personnel except the incumbent Contract Manager and District Supervisors, and also states that offerors should not contact incumbent personnel prior to award.

Will you please confirm that resumes for individual trainers should not be included in the proposal, but that they will be treated as Key Personnel for approval and replacement purposes once hired.

Should the proposed Training and Weapons Qualification

Instructors be incombent personnel, resumes are not required, the Offeror shall identify their intention to hire incumbent personnel in their proposal. Following award any changes will be require approval in accordance to the contract regarding Key Personnel prior to performance under these contracts.

Sections H &

L H.12 and L.5.2.1

Training Instructors are listed as key personnel for the purpose of requiring USMS approval and consent. Is the Offeror required to provide any information or resumes regarding individual proposed training instructors? Or in lieu of resumes, can the Offeror provide Attachment 7F

- Training and Weapons Qualification Instructors?

Offerors are required to provide resumes regarding each proposed training instructor, unless they are hiring incumbents. If it is the Contractor's intention to hire incumbents this intent should be stated in the proposal.

Attachment 7F - Training is a post award deliverable. (See

C.13.6.2)

SECTION SECTION NUMBER QUESTIONS ANSWERS

C C.19.10 Will the government confirm if all incumbent personnel have been issued unexpired soft body armor kits?

The Government cannot confirm this. The Soft body armor inventory is conducted by the current CSO Contractor and is believed to be correct. Funding has been provided to replace any expired soft body armor kits which are listed in the Contractor provided inventory.

C C.19 and C.19.10

C.19 states that Soft Body Armor Kits are Government Furnished

Property; C.19.10 states the contractor shall provide Soft Body Armor

Kits. It is unclear if the CSO soft body armor kits will be purchased from suppliers by the Contractor and invoiced to the Government under CLIN

#5 or will the Government be providing these soft body armor kits. Can the Government clarify the CSO Soft Body Armor Kits requirements for purchase or issuance?

CSO Soft Body Armor Kits shall be purchased by the Contractor from a supplier the Contractor selects and inviced to the

Government under CLIN #5. The Government currently purchases CSO Soft Body Armor Kits from Armor Express

(Brian Buchanan, 859-402-0180, brian@armorexpress.com).

The Contractor is reponsible for identifing a supplier and providing documentation to the Government demonstrating that the Contractors selection for CSO Soft Body Armor Kits meets the requirements of the SOW found in J.4(D), USMS CSO Soft

Body Armor Requirements. The Contractor shall not issue any

CSO Soft Body Armor Kits untill the Government verrifies the

Contractors selection meets the SOW requirements.

B B.7

Can you please clarify how the cost for firearm instructor hours and annual trainer instructor hours are treated? Is instructor time allowed and covered as part of the 1966 total estimated number of hours and billable at the Basic Rate?

Or should the cost of instructors be covered in the Contractor's overhead?

Frequently the Firearm Instructor is a CSO or LCSO and as such their hours are billed against the 1966 basic hourly rate. When the Firearm Instructor is not a CSO or LCSO the cost of the instructor is to be covered in the Contractor's other-direct-costs

(overhead).

C C.2

Will the USMS provide contractors with basic utilities in the facilities, such as a phone line, or internet access, if not will the Government permit the contractor to provide these utilities within the facilities?

Typically, Contractors are not provided a phone line or internet access. The Contractor should propose wireless connectivity to support the contract requirements.

C C.12.1.3

The SOW states that all weapon qualifications will be preceded by an instructor-led review of proper, safe, handling procedures for the current service weapon. Is this part of the 2 hours that the contractor can bill for?

Yes. This is performed during the same period

SECTION SECTION NUMBER QUESTIONS ANSWERS

C C.12.2.1 Question: Which locations currently have CSOs and LCSOs carrying OC spray?

None at this time.

C.12.2 C.12.2.1

This section states the U.S. Marshal may authorize CSOs assigned to their

District to carry Oleoresin Capsicum Aerosol (OC Spray) device.

Question/Request for Clarification: Which Marshall districts authorize OC for this 8 hours GP training?

See above. It may, when deemed necessary, become a requirement in which case the government will provide the necessary training and equipment.

C C.12.2.1 In what Districts are CSOs authorized to carry O.C. spray? See above, none at this time

Statement of

Work C12.2

Less-Than-

Lethal

C.12.2.2 Are recertifications for carrying of OC Spray to be conducted by the

Government or the Offeror?

Recertification is conducted by the Government.

C C.12.4 How many hours is the Government provided instruction training?

Phase II Orientation is 24 hours of training provided by

Government personnel.

C.12.4 C.12.4.4

Depending on the Circuit and location of the CSO scheduled to attend

Phase II Orientation, travel time will be required, sometimes more than eight hours. Question/Request for Clarification: 1. Will the government reimburse the contractor for CSO travel time to and from the

CSO Orientation? 2. If so, will the government reimburse the contractor for travel hours exceeding eight hours in a single day?

1. Yes; 2. Yes, typically all Government required travel expenses are paid.

CLIN #4 and

C.12.4.4 C.12.4.4

Aside from CSO Orientation (Phase II) is travel reimbursable for any other training? If yes, what other training?

None

C.12.4 C.12.4.4.8 How should the cost for the shadowing CSO be shown/priced when they are engaged in OJT?

On-the-Job-Training (OJT) hours are part of the 1966 basic hourly rate.

C C.13.2

The SOW states that "the Contractor shall provide access and an initial training session to help authorized Government personnel navigate the

LMS system". If conducted on a one on one basis with an instructor at each site, this would involve considerable expense that it presumably not billable. May the Contractor provide a webinar or LMS module tailored to the USMS audience to accomplish this training? This would allow a standardized, tailored, and more efficient training delivery to USMS personnel.

Yes, this should be provided along with the contractor provided computer equipment.

SECTION SECTION NUMBER QUESTIONS ANSWERS

C.13 C.13.2

Online Learning Management System LMS. Question/Request for

Clarification: What is the current system being used or is this a new requirement? The RFP states that the LMS is to be hosted by the contractor. LMS hosting firms normally offer larger storage capacities with multi-user, back-up, security and firewall capabilities that far exceed those of a self-hosted LMS. Additionally, hosting firms represent a substantial cost savings of thousands of dollars annually.

Yes, This is a new requirement for the 6th,7th, and 11th

Circuits. However, this requirement is currently in use in the 2nd, 4th, 9th, and 10th Circuits. Hosting the LMS is the responsibility of the contractor

C.13 C.13.2 Would the Government consider allowing a LMS that is not self-hosted by the Offeror?

No, we would not consider at this time.

Weapon

Safes &

Clearing

Barrels

C.19

Please confirm that the government is providing all weapons safes or other storage units and weapons clearing barrels. If not, please indicate the item, quantity and type required for each district.

Confirmed as Government Furnished Property

C C.19.1 What are the locations under the current contract where the CSOs and

LCSOs carry the Oleoresin Capsiucm spray?

Not Applicable at this time in the 6th, 7th, and 11th

Circuits. However, it could become a requirement. The

Government would provide the equipment and training.

C C.19.1 How many CSOs and LCSOs are required to carry the Oleoresin

Capsicum (OC) spray under the current contract?

None at this time

B B.3 The base year is from Dec. 1, 2014 – Sep. 30, 2015 (10 months) and the option years are from Oct. 1 – Sep. 30 for their respective years (12 months). In the Price Summary Sheets the estimated amount of hours performed during the base year are identical to the estimated amount of hours performed in the option years (1966 hrs.).

Question: Please confirm that the estimated amount of hours performed during the 10 month base year should be identical to the estimated amount of hours performed during the 12 month option years.

1966 is the correct number of hours. These hours are for evaluation purposes only.

SECTION SECTION NUMBER QUESTIONS ANSWERS

B B.3 and Attachments

J.1(D)

The Base period of performance is 10 months; however, the same 1966 annual hours are used. Are the 1966 hours provided in the pricing summary sheets (Attachment J.1(D)) correct for the shorter base period?

1966 is an esimated number of hours for a 12 month period of performance. The number of hours is only used for evaluation purposes.

B CLIN #4 All CSO travel, including travel for training, shall be submitted in accordance with Federal Travel Regulations (FTR) and the terms and conditions of the contract. As travel is not listed to be included in CLIN#1

– Basic Rate, is there a separate document to be submitted for CLIN#4

CSO Reimbursable Travel upon proposal submission, or are these costs only to be invoiced as they occur in accordance with G.7 Invoice

Requirements?

Yes, CSO Form-010 CSO Travel Authorization and CSO

Form-011 CSO Travel Expense Reimbursement are included under Attachments J3(C) and J3(D)

B B.6 Estimated Quantities section provides, “The Government has the right to unilaterally add, decrease, cancel, or modify services stated in each task order issued at the established prices, provided the change is within scope of the contract and the associated task order; and the change does not cause the Government to fail to order the guaranteed minimum number of hours under the contract.

Question A: Is the government aware of or anticipating any major expansions/contractions that would lead to a significant change in the number of CSOs required?

Question B: If yes, please provide more detail so the contractor may plan accordingly.

No, the Government does not anticipate any major expanstions or contractions that would lead to a significant change in the number of CSOs required.

Section: H.1

Subcontractin g Restriction

(a) Due to the fact that the Contracting Officer must approve subcontracting requests, how long after contract start will the contractor have to modify their program to incorporate the various subcontracted areas?

See L.8: If the apparently successful offeror fails to negotiate a subcontracting plan acceptable to the

Contracting Officer, the offeror will be ineligible for award.

SECTION SECTION NUMBER QUESTIONS ANSWERS

H.1

Subcontractin g Restriction

(secondary reference L.8

Small

Business

Subcontract

Program)

(a) and (b) The SOW in H.1 (a) states “the contractor shall not subcontract any work under this contract”. Will the Government consider removing this restriction so Offerors can meet the small business subcontracting goals?

No, H.1(b) states that the following: In establishing plans and setting goals, offerors shall consider the restrictions in this provision as the controlling requirement.

Section: H.1

Subcontractin g Restriction and L.8

Small

Business

Subcontract

Program

(a) and (b) The subcontracting restrictions stated within H.1 (a) require advance approval, in writing by the Contracting Officer, however H.1 (b) and L.8 require a submission of a small business subcontracting plan within the proposal. For a truly accurate small business subcontracting plan to be submitted, an Offeror would need to secure agreements with small business contractors in advance of submitting their proposal. Please clarify how you intend for the offerors to comply with the conditions of

H.1 (a) and meet the submission requirements of H.1 (b) and L.8.

H.1(b) answers this question: In establishing plans and setting goals, offerors shall consider the restrictions in this provision as the controlling requirement. Accordingly, subcontracting plans may identify needs other than CSO services Accordingly, subcontracting plans may identify needs other than CSO services (e.g., uniforms, travel services, other direct costs and indirect corporate requirements) and appropriate strategies to acquire direct portions of CSO work requirements if and when authorized by the USMS Contracting Officer. At this time the USMS

Contracting Officer has not authorized subcontracting strategies to acquire CSO work requirements. All security personnel providing CSO and SSO services under current

Circuit-wide CSO contracts are employed by the prime contractor. See Amendment 0001

SECTION SECTION NUMBER QUESTIONS ANSWERS

Section: H.1

Subcontractin g Restriction

(a) And (b) Section H.1 Subcontracting Restriction states “(a) Except as specifically stated in this contract (Reference Section I, Clause titled

Subcontracts [FAR 52.244-2 (Oct 2010) or approved in writing in advance by the Contracting Officer, the Contractor shall not subcontract any work under this contract. It is contemplated that approval will be given for subcontracting certain phases of the work when, in the opinion of the U.S.

Marshals Service, such subcontracting will not adversely affect the quality of delivery of services nor the difficulty or cost of inspection and testing.

All requests for approval to subcontract must be submitted in writing to the Contracting Officer for consideration and approval. (b) Consistent with FAR requirements, this RFP requires the submission of a small business subcontracting plan that will be evaluated as part of the selection process. Applicable USMS subcontracting goals are provided in Section

L, paragraph L-8 of this RFP. In establishing plans and setting goals, offerors shall consider the restrictions in this provision as the controlling requirement. Accordingly, subcontracting plans may identify needs other than CSO services (e.g., indirect corporate requirements) and appropriate strategies to acquire direct portions of CSO work requirements if and when authorized by the USMS Contracting Officer.” 1) In Paragraph 1, Please clarify the phases of the work the U.S. Marshals Service considers appropriate for the subcontracting plan that will not adversely affect the quality of delivery of services. 2) Is it the intent of the U.S. Marshals

Service to have the Small Business Subcontracting Plan submitted with specific areas that meet the subcontracting goal of 42% without naming specific vendors to fill these areas? 3) Due to the fact that the Contracting

Officer must approve subcontracting requests, How long after contract start will the contractor have to modify their program to incorporate the

Answered above

H.5 What is the due date for the quarterly financial statements? Quarterly financial statements are due within 30 days following the end of the quarter. See Amendment 0001.

H H.6 Will company licenses be required 14 days after request from the

Contracting Officer following award?

Yes, See F.3(d)(iii) Deliverables

SECTION SECTION NUMBER QUESTIONS ANSWERS

H H.12 Please confirm that for the purpose of this contract, key personnel include only company principals who have a primary management role within the business entity as it relates specifically to the USMS CSO Program.

No, Key Personnel includes principals with a primary management role within the business entitiy.

J 6th Circuit Attachment

J.1(D) and Attachment

J.1(E)

There are differing addresses for Judicial Building/Facility [7] [I]. Which address is correct for Judicial Building/Facility [7] [I], and will these documents be edited to reflect the identical address?

111 First Street, Bay City, MI. They are the same address.

J 11th Circuit Attachment

J.1(D) and J.1(E)

The 11th Circuit Attachment J.1(D) has a different order of addresses than that of 11th Circuit Attachment J.1(E). Will this discrepancy in order disrupt the flow of evaluation when comparing the buildup of rates on

11th Circuit Attachment J.1(E) to those rates applied on 11th Circuit

Attachment J.1(D)?

No

J.9 2.A.4 Does the pension refer to prevailing wage contributions to a pension account or just employee pre-tax contributions?

Pension refers to the prevailing wage contributions to a pension account.

L L.4 Please confirm that proposers must address all the requirements of

Sections L and M for the Technical Proposal--specifically L.5.2 and M.4--and not all SOW requirements contained within Section C unless so stipulated.

Confirmed, the SOW is a design/detailed SOW defining all work required. The six stated technical factors are the only factors being evaluated.

Section L.5.1 L.5.1.2 Layout Can charts, graphs, illustrations and tables be smaller than 12 point Times

New Roman, as long as they are legible?

10 points.

Section L.5.1 L.5.1.2 Layout Can the Offeror use a font other than Times New Roman? No

SECTION SECTION NUMBER QUESTIONS ANSWERS

L L.5.1.2 This section provides in relevant part, "Proposals shall include a customary typeface, 12 point, Times New Roman font, and no less than ½ margins. This applies to charts, graphs, illustrations and attachments, but does not apply to thumbnail images."

Question A: 12 point font is somewhat large for tables and graphs would the Government reconsider allowing Offerors to use a customary typeface of 10 points, Times New Roman for tables and graphs exclusively.

Question B: Please confirm that offerors may include essential RFP information (solicitation number, page number, etc.) in headers and footer within the margins.

Yes and Yes

L L.5.1.4 Is Volume II Business Proposal required to be packaged separately from

Volume III Financial Information?

Yes

L L.5.2 Will the Proposer's cover letter be exempt from the 30 page limitation for the Technical Proposal?

No, see L.5.2, only a table of contents and Tabs/Separators are exempt from the 30 page limit. Attachments are limited to those required by each Factor and may be subject to an attachment page limit.

L L.5.2; Factor 2 Attachment J.7(E) includes test questions. Should test questions be included within the draft sample lesson plan submitted by proposers?

Yes, with a reference to and location of the correct answer within the draft sample lesson plan.

L L.5.2; Factor 2 Attachment J.7(F) includes an information table for proposer's training instructors. Should proposers include a completed table as an element of the "narrative statement regarding compliance with the Training and

Weapons qualification instructors"?

Offerors are required to provide resumes regarding each proposed training instructor, unless they are hiring incumbents. If it is the Contractor's intention to hire incumbents this intent should be stated in the proposal.

Attachment 7F - Training is a post award deliverable. (See

C.13.6.2)

L L.5.2; Factor 3 Offerors are required to have a T&A system installed and tested at court facilities during the 60-day transition period. Will an awardee, or an awardee's service representative, have access to spaces occupied by incumbent personnel for the purpose of installing a T&A system?

This equipment is mobile and connectivity is wireless. The equipment cannot be permanently installed in the court facility.

SECTION SECTION NUMBER QUESTIONS ANSWERS

L L.5.2; Factor 3 Offerors are required to have a T&A system installed and tested at court facilities during the 60-day transition period. Depending on the type of

T&A system, offerors may need to install equipment in spaces occupied by incumbent personnel throughout the 60-day transition period. Who will be responsible for ensuring the integrity of the installed T&A system during the 60-day period to ensure it remains functional at the start of the new contract?

Answered above

L L.5.2.1 Factor 3: Daily Time and Attendance System (T&A System) provides in relevant part, “The offeror shall provide a written narrative explaining how their proposed webbased T&A System is capable of meeting the

SOW requirements…All proposed dates and times submitted must be realistic and adhered to following award.” This same section provides, “Attachment: Proposed T&A System Information

• Technical Aspects

• Capabilities

• Hosting and Accessibility

• Implementation Plan”

Question: Please clarify whether:

a. Offerors are to provide both a written narrative that includes all the information in the paragraph cited above as well as an attachment that describes the list of bulleted elements cited above, or

b. Offerors are to provide an attachment that responds to both the paragraph and the bulleted elements.

Question a. is correct, this is a narrative with an attachment.

SECTION SECTION NUMBER QUESTIONS ANSWERS

L L.5.2; Factor 5 Factor 5 requires offerors to identify each key person's responsibilities related to the contract management and oversight for specific element; i.e., "Recruiting Plan and Practices." It is unclear whether the identification of a key person's responsibilities related to each element is to be included as an Attachment to Factor 5 and therefore separate from the page count.

Please confirm that the identification of each key person's responsibilities related to each bulletized element is to be included as an Attachment to

Factor 5 and will not count against the 30-page technical response page limit.

Clarified at an Attachment, See Amendment 0001

L L.5.2; Factor 5 Are proposers required to submit complete resumes for all company principals, regardless of their involvement on the USMS CSO Program?

Answered above

L L.5.2.1 Factor 6 It is unclear whether Past Performance Surveys should be sent to references by the offeror, or if the USMS will contact the referneces. Can you please clarify how the references will be contacted? If the surveys are to be provided by the offeror, please provide instructions on how they should be transmitted from the reference to the USMS.

See last line of second paragraph which reads: These references are to be returned with the proposal .

L L.5.2.1 FACTOR 6: Past Performance

Question: Is an Offeror limited (minimum and/or maximum) in the number of contracts it may provide within this section?

No, but the references submitted should be in acccordance with the requirement: ... for efforts similar to the

Government requirement performed during the last five years (maximum).

L L.5.2; Factor 6 Are proposers limited in the number of Past Performance Reference

Sheets and Past Performance Surveys they submit?

Answered above

Section L Factor 6 Past Performance

Attachment 8(D) CPARS

Update Questionnaire

In order to provide Contractor past performance information to update the

USMS on performance since the last CPAR was issued, should the

Offeror use Attachment 8(D) CPARS Update Questionnaire or should the

Offeror provide this information in the Past Performance section? Will this information be evaluated as part of Factor 6?

Yes, Attachment 8(D) should be provided in the Past

Performance Section and yes it will be considered in the evaluation.

SECTION SECTION NUMBER QUESTIONS ANSWERS

Section L Factor 6 Past Performance

Attachment 8(C)c

Can the Offeror use a table that duplicates the information provided in

Attachment 8(C)?

No, the Offeror should use the forms provided and the references given should be of the same scope and size.

L L.5.3, paragraph 4.k Is it the Government's intent that offerors request that references return completed Past Performance Survey forms, Attachment J-8(A), to the offeror for inclusion in the offeror's Business Proposal, or should offerors have references return the completed surveys directly to the Contracting

Officer?

Answered above

L L.5.3.1 L.5.3.1 provides that "fully burdened rates ... shall be in compliance with the CBAs for SCA covered services". Please clarify whether specifically the offeror is required to quote fully burdened rates that are in compliance with all terms of the applicable CBAs as to wages, benefits, and other provisions, utilizing the CBA rates in effect on October 1, 2013, and maintaining those rates for the base period and all option periods, without escalating the rates, or decreasing the rates below the amounts specified in and required by the CBA.

Yes, this is correct. The CBA rate in effect on October 1, 2013 is being used for price evaluation only, see L.5.3.1 second paragraph stating: At the time of contract award, the contract will be modified to include all FY 2015 CBAs, both new and existing

L L.5.3.1 Regarding subsection L.5.3.1 and the question posed above, more specfically, if there are any CBAs that provide rates effective 10/01/2014

(E.g. NOH and SAL), should Offerors use only the 10/01/2014…