Draft RFP Questions and Responses.pdf

NASA Protective Services Contract – South Region (NPSC-SR)

Questions and Responses to DRFP Question

RFP Area Requirement/

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Question Government Response

1 DRFP

Cover Letter

3 The Cover Letter (4) A “Top Secret” Facility Clearance Level is required at the time of proposal submission for this acquisition. For proposals submitted as Joint Ventures, the facility clearance must be granted in the name of the Joint Venture. We would like clarification on the following item regarding a conflict with Small Business Administration (SBA) regulations:

Federal Register /Vol. 85, No. 201 / Friday, October 16, 2020 /Rules and Regulations states that Under SBA regulations, a joint venture cannot hire individuals to perform on a contract awarded to the joint venture (the joint venture cannot be ‘‘populated’’). Rather, work must be done individually by the partners to the joint venture so that SBA can track who does what and ensure that some benefit flows back to the small business lead partner to the joint venture. SBA allow a joint venture to be awarded a contract where either the joint venture itself or the lead small business partner to the joint venture has the required facility security clearance. Given the SBA rules and regulation that a Joint Venture cannot be “populated”, will NASA align it response to the SBA rules and regulation in allowing JVs along as all of the members in the JV cleared at the required clearance level? We have attached the SBA reg to this email as reference.

The RFP has been updated for consistency with 13 CFR 121.103(h)(4).

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Question Government Response

2 Small Business Administration (SBA) regulations:

Federal Register /Vol. 85, No. 201 / Friday, October 16, 2020 /Rules and Regulations states that Under SBA regulations, a joint venture cannot hire individuals to perform on a contract awarded to the joint venture (the joint venture cannot be ‘‘populated’’). Rather, work must be done individually by the partners to the joint venture so that SBA can track who does what and ensure that some benefit flows back to the small business lead partner to the joint venture. SBA allow a joint venture to be awarded a contract where either the joint venture itself or the lead small business partner to the joint venture has the required facility security clearance.

Given the SBA final rules regarding Joint Ventures, will NASA align it RFP/Solicitation to the SBA rules in allowing JVs as long as all of the members in the JV is cleared at the required clearance level? Attached is the SBA regs for reference.

The RFP has been updated for consistency with 13 CFR

Cover letter 3 To increase competition and in accordance with SBA guidance, please consider allowing unpopulated Joint Ventures where both entities have Top Secret Facility clearances in place at time of bid, but the Joint Venture is pending approval of the final Top Secret clearance.

The RFP has been updated for consistency with 13 CFR

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Question Government Response

DRAFT PWS

Quality Plan

1.3.E

7 Please confirm the POC to support the Center GIDEP Coordinator can be an additional duty assigned to an existing employee.

The POC for the GIDEP coordinator is at the discretion of the Contractor.

5 DRAFT PWS

Emergency Preparedness

3.1. 16 Emergency Management (EM) supports Fire Services during hazardous operations/exercises/launch support, as does PSCC/dispatch, who supports FD with a console operator monitoring fire alarms; Recommend the Government clarify that Fire Services is a Customer to these Departments.

Yes, Fire Services is a customer.

See PWS section 4.0 Protective Services Communication Center (PSCC) 4.0 paragraphs B, C, E, and K.

6 DRAFT PWS

Locksmith Services

5.2 23 Please clarify the appropriate manufacturer certifications required by the locksmiths by location.

Certifications are identified in Attachment D1. PWS and Annexes.

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Question Government Response

7 DRAFT PWS

Locksmith Services

5.2.A and 5.2.B

23 Please provide workload indicators for the number, type, and frequency for locks, safes, vaults, and cabinets that require repairs so that offerors can adequately propose locksmith supplies.

Historical information has been uploaded to the Bidders Library.

Note: This information is provided for information purposes only to assist Offerors in gauging the volume and types of services that may occur in various areas of the Performance Work Statement during contract performance.

However, this information is not to be construed as a limit or guarantee of future work or the actual volume of services required, nor is it representative of an obligation or commitment of the Government.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive representation of all work performed by the contractor. It is the responsibility of the Offeror to understand requirements and propose adequate resources to meet the requirements of the solicitation.

8 Attachment D1

6.1.2 Canine

Operations/E

Are all K9's on this contract Multi-Purpose? KSC has 6 Explosive/apprehension dogs and 2 Narcotic and apprehension dogs.

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Question Government Response

9 Attachment D1

6.1.2 Canine

Operations/L

30 What explosive compounds are required for K9 certification? Are these explosives accessible by authorized K9 handlers? What is the frequency of explosives exchange when they become unserviceable (NASA-STD-8719.12., 5.27.6) Condition Code C?

The exact Government procured explosives compounds used for training do not impact contractor performance. The frequency of unserviceability is determined by NASA Explosive Safety.

10 Attachment D1

6.1.2 Canine

Operations/M

30 What is meant by "Maintain explosives"? The Contractor maintains a GOLAN style bunker which stores the explosive training aids. The bunker is located within proximity of the kennels and the Security Police headquarters buildings.

Handlers are required to complete a logbook for entering and exiting the bunker.

11 Attachment D1

6.1.2 Canine

Operations/N

30 Does "providing recommendations" mean recommending vendors?

Yes.

12 Attachment D1

6.1.2 Canine

Operations/O

30 Is the "Kennel Supervisor the same as the Kennel Master described in "I"?

The KSC Annex has been updated.

13 Attachment D1

6.1.2 Canine

Operations/ O-3

31 Is the referenced "Canine Team Training Course" a NASA course?

The KSC Annex has been updated.

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Question Government Response

14 Attachment D1

6.1.2 Canine

Operations/ O-4

31 Is the referenced "Canine Team Instructor Course" a NASA course? Is this in addition to the requirement of the Kennel Supervisor possessing a nationally recognized K9 Instructor Certification?

The KSC Annex has been updated.

15 Attachment D1

6.1.2 Canine

Operations/P

31 Who administers the referenced written test? The administration of the test is at the discretion of the Contractor.

16 DRAFT PWS

Weapons Storage Areas

6.4.E 30 Please clarify if weapons clearing barrels are government provided.

Attachment D1 PWS and Annexes have been updated to identify that weapons clearing barrels are Government or Contractor provided.

17 DRAFT PWS

Flag Protocol

6.5.F. 31 Please provide historical quantities of flags that have been purchased at each location.

See response to Question #7 for historical information, if any.

DRAFT PWS

Firearms Certification

6.6.1 33 Recommend the Government clarify what is considered an approved firearms instructor course.

See example in PWS 6.6 paragraph K.

19 DRAFT PWS

Identity Credential and Access Management

7.0.E 37

Please provide historical quantities of badging supplies that are needed at each location.

See response to Question #7 for historical information, if any.

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Paragraph # Page

Question Government Response

20 Identity Credential and Access Management

(ICAM)

7.0. J and L 37

Work currently assigned to Personnel Security is now being moved to Badging Office per the PWS.

The Badging Office does not possess capability/ training/authority for the task. Recommend the Government clarify if the intent is to move the task to the Badging Office.

The requirements of PWS 7.0 paragraphs J and L are covered under Identity Credential and Access Management (ICAM).

21 Attachment D11 Wage Determination s

92-

Please provide full copies of Collective Bargaining Agreements and associated Seniority Lists in order for offerors to accurately price all wages and benefits required in each CBA document.

The collective bargaining agreements are available in NPSC- SR Acquisition Website Bidders Library at https://procurement.ksc.nasa.gov/np sc-sr.

F.5.7.3 (a)(2) 106

Will the Government provide the associated addendum/amendments with the current wage and benefit information for the following CBAs:

MSFC SPO, MSFC Dispatchers, MAF SPO, and Stennis Security Officer & Security Support specialists?

See response to Question 21.

23 KSC Annex Internal Security Education and Training

Table 6.6 35 There is normally only one Range Master assigned. Recommend the Government clarify that it intends to have three Range Masters vs one.

This change will have pricing implications.

The KSC Annex has been updated to reflect that only two firearm instructors are required to have range masters training.

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Question Government Response

24 KSC Annex Identity Credential and Access Management

(ICAM)

7.0.M

Florida DAVID and NCIC checks are not currently done at KSC. Recommend the Government clarify its intent to add these requirements. Additionally, recommend the Government clarify who is responsible for the cost of the terminal required for these checks and the required DAVID and NCIC training.

KSC ANNEX 7.0 paragraph M.

states, "All Badging personnel will have the appropriate SATERN and IDMAX access training and Florida DAVID and NCIC training" and the training and terminal for DAVID and NCIC is Government provided.

25 KSC Annex Identity Credential and Access Management

(ICAM)

7.0.Q 56 Recommend the Government clarify if it intends to realign Badging Functions under the Deputy Operations Manager or Resource Protection Manager instead of the current structure where Badging functions are aligned with PERSEC.

KSC Annex 7.0 Q has been updated.

26 SSC Annex

NASA

Protective Services Training

9.0. A, B and

F

31 Recommend the Government clarify why A, B and F are not applicable at SSC.

The SSC Annex 9.0 has been updated to include paragraphs A, B, and F.

PWS WSTF

Annex - Attachment

D1 WSTF

Table 1.0 Operations Positions

2 Column listed as CLN. Can the Government clarify what does CLN mean or refers to?

The WSTF annex is updated.

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Attachment D1 WSTF/Section

1.0 Program

Management

- Item K

Table 1.0 Operations Positions

2 Column listed as Pre-Priced. Can the Government clarify what does Pre-Priced mean or refers to?

A prepriced option is a position that has been priced at time of award which requires the Government to exercise the line item (position).

Attachment D1/1.0 Program Management

- Item K

Table 1.0 Operations Positions

2 Right Column in Table 1.0 Operations Positions state "Participate in Flex Friday". Can the Government clarify what does Flex Friday mean or refer to?

Refer to each annex for information, if any, regarding staffing requirements on days the location or Center has reduced operations.

30 PWS WSTF

Annex - Attachment D1/1.0 Program Management

- Item M

Paragraph 4 4 It is stated that: "The Contractor will have approximately 4 Associate Contractor Agreements (ACA) with WSTF Contractor Organizations".

Can the Government clarify what these Associate Contractor Agreements are?

See Attachment D16 Glossary and Acronym list.

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Question Government Response

31 PWS MSFC

Annex - Attachment

D1 MSFC

Section 1.8 Vehicle Management /Item I Paragraph (1)

It is stated that: "Provide fuel for Contractor provided vehicles. At MSFC, the Contractor may have access to the Government fuel station, at their expense. At MAF, the Contractor may have access to the Exchange fuel station, at their expense..." Can the Government provide information on the estimated number of miles per vehicle at MSFC and MAF per day/week/year?

This data is not available.

32 PWS MSFC

Annex - Attachment

D1 MSFC

Section 2.0

INFOSEC

and

COMSEC -

Item K/ Paragraph (1)

10 It is stated that: "Provide for the destruction of CUI/SBU/FOUO material for the MSFC community a minimum of one day per week.

Provide a minimum of 40 secure collection bins at no less than 12 buildings on MSFC as approved by the COR, with a capacity of shredding 100,000 pounds per year...". Can the Government clarify what equipment is required for the destruction of

CUI/SBU/FOUD?

It is the responsibility of the Contractor to meet this requirement.

The Government does not prescribe the equipment to meet the performance requirement. See updated PWS 2.0.

33 PWS SSC

Annex - Attachment

D1 SSC

Section 1.8 Vehicle Management/ Section J

9 This paragraph states: "Provide and maintain all vehicles necessary to perform the requirements and positions of the PWS and this annex. The Contractor shall provide one (1) van for the locksmith and one (1) for the captain and moving security items around the center..."Can the Government provide information on the estimated number of miles to properly price fuel and maintenance expenses?

This data is not available.

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Question Government Response

34 PWS SSC

Annex - Attachment

D1 SSC

Section 6.4 Weapons Storage Areas (Security Armory)/ Section H

23 Section H states: "Issue a rifle to trained and certified SPO that shall be performing the duties of auto-patrol in accordance with DRD S1.6-1…" Can the Government confirm if rifles are GFE or

CFE?

See Attachment D14 SSC Government Property.

35 Attachment D4 Uniforms Equipment and Grooming Requirements

Security Police and Security Officers/(b) First Paragraph

101 Recommend the Government clarify the level of body armor required. Currently, officers at KSC use Level IIIA, but the RFP calls for Level III, which has a higher level of protection.

The RFP requirement is for a level III, not level IIIA.

36 F - Proposal Instructions

F.5.a. 101 Please confirm the note regarding commitment letters and OSHA form 300As being excluded from Page count refers to the past performance volume only.

Yes, signed letters of commitment and OSHA Form 300A submittals are excluded. See F.5 (a) Note.

37 F.7.2.(a) 112

The RFP states contracts cited by the offeror shall meet the criteria established in F.6.2 and that the Government will evaluate the provided safety reports (OSHA Form 300A). Can the Government please confirm that offerors are only required to submit their OSHA Form 300A for the cited past performances?

The OSHA Form 300A is required for each contract referenced in the past performance volume.

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F - Proposal Instructions

F.5.b. 101 Please clarify if font smaller than 12-point type will be allowed for charts, tables, or graphics.

No, font not smaller than 12-point is required for all text, including charts, tables and graphics. The RFP has been updated to clarify.

39 F - Proposal

F.5.b.3 101

Please confirm the narrative portion of the price volume can be submitted in PDF format rather than Microsoft Excel.

The RFP has been updated to clarify.

40 F - Proposal Instructions

F.6.1.b 101 Please provide minimum qualifications for Contract Manager Key position. This will ensure the baseline for acceptability is consistent among all offerors.

The RFP has been updated to clarify.

41 F.5 (c) 102 Recommend the Government clarify what is meant by "shall be Indexed".

Recommend the Government clarify which volumes shall be indexed, such as the Price Narrative and Model Contract.

The RFP has been updated to clarify bookmarks are required instead of indexing.

Key Personnel Resumes

F.6.1.b. 102 Please confirm there are only 4 Site Managers designated as Key whose resumes are required, or if Site Manager resumes are also required for the 2 White Sands locations and the Michoud Assembly Facility.

There are 5 site managers each requiring a resume at KSC, MSFC, MAF, SSC, and JSC (which includes the WSTF and WSC locations). The RFP has been updated to clarify this.

43 RFP F.6.2 (d) 15

105 Recommend the Government confirm if the OSHA Form 300A are only for the three cited contracts or all contracts.

The OSHA Form 300A is required for each contract referenced in the past performance volume.

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F - Proposal

F.6.4.a 108 Since Volume 4 must be submitted in Microsoft Word, we request the Government provide Microsoft Word versions of the standard forms and contractor required fill-ins for completion.

Sections A-F of the RFP has been released in Microsoft Word.

45 F.7 Evaluation Factor for Award

F.7.1

109 NASA states, "potentially acceptable" as an approach when evaluating the "Pass/Fail" technical volume. Can the Government provide additional clarity as to what a "Potentially Acceptable" evaluation may introduce to a PASS/FAIL Volume? If the Government intends to introduce a "Potentially Acceptable" rating for the technical volume, we recommend NASA provide an opportunity to vendors to clarify the rating, if Potentially Acceptable, and open discussions to seek clarity with the bidder.

The term "Potentially Acceptable" is defined at RFP F.7.1.(b)(3). The Government has clarified that it will hold exchanges with offerors rated "Potentially Acceptable". See RFP F.7(b)(1).

46 F.7.3 Volume 3: Price

(1) Phase-in price/(b)

112 What is the phase-in period/timeframe for this effort?

See Attachment F2 NPSC-SR Price Proposal Template, Instructions Tab.

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Attachment F.2 Price Proposal Template

Column M, GYY 22 DL -

GFY 26 DL

Tabs

Will the Government please provide background data on how total productive hours were identified (within Column M of the F.2) per labor category ?

For various Centers, the post details are broken out per post rather than per Labor Category within the D1, therefore the minimum requirements listed in Column M across F.2 are not clearly linked to D1 and PWS documentation. To ensure vendors are generating their solution to consistent standards without making inaccurate assumptions, will the Government please provide a consistent manning table, per site and post that clearly links to hours identified in the F.2?

No, the Government will not provide a manning table or background data regarding the minimum labor categories in Attachment F2 NPSC-SR Price Proposal Template.

48 Please confirm that proposed Key Personnel must only be eligible to obtain a clearance at time of proposal submission.

The Government does not require Key personnel or any personnel to be eligible for a clearance at the time of proposal submission.

49 Top Secret Will there be a designated company or government agency that will be provided to conduct background checks for the Top Secret Facility Clearance?

The Defense Counter Intelligence and Security Agency provides background investigations for the Government.

https://www.dcsa.mil/mc/ctp/nisp/

50 Top Secret Time frame to obtain a Top Secret Facility Clearance?

See the National Industrial Security Program Page https://www.dcsa.mil/mc/ctp/nisp/

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Question Government Response

51 Top Secret Facility clearance level is required at the time of proposal submission. Is the Top Secret Clearance for the owner of the company submitting the proposal? Or for the top level management employees as well including subcontractors?

The Facility Clearance level applies to the company but not an individual. Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency Portal National Industrial Security Program (NISP) Central Access Information Security System (NCAISS) https://ncaiss-ps3.dss.mil/identity/?_adf.ctrl-state=12njodgn3t_1&_afrLoop=220 9364602265909& afrWindowMode =0& afrWindowId=null

52 RFP Will NASA be splitting up the contract for companies who specialize in specific areas? Or one company is bidding on the contract in its entirety for them to then subcontract out areas as they wish?

This contract will be a single award.

53 RFP The request for proposal that was due on May 13, 2021 at 4:30pm was for contractors to state what areas within the contract they are looking to service?

The May 13, 2021 date was the date comments were due on the NPSC- SR Draft RFP. See Notice ID 80KSC020NPSC-SR-SS at https://beta.sam.gov/opp/f07594377 5404b3ebe6715678eba92e4/view

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54 Price Proposal

What is the current pay per position from the current contractor?

See NPSC-SR RFP Attachment D11 Wage Determinations and the collective bargaining agreements available in NPSC-SR Acquisition Website Bidders Library at https://procurement.ksc.nasa.gov/np sc-sr for labor rate information.

55 Price Proposal

Current employees that retain a right to work are making a set dollar amount, can you provide an average wage scale for the current employees in place by position?

See response to Question #54.

56 Price Proposal

Any additional staff the new incoming awardee will need to provide that is not mentioned in the SR Price Proposal?

Additional staffing not covered in the pricing templates is at the discretion of the Offeror.

57 Price Proposal

Are there standard NASA uniforms worn by security teams or uniform personnel?

See NPSC-SR RFP Attachment D4 Uniforms, Equipment and Grooming Requirements at Notice ID 80KSC020NPSC-SR-SS at https://beta.sam.gov/opp/f07594377 5404b3ebe6715678eba92e4/view

58 Training

Is the incoming contractor required to pay for the 152-hour security training requirement? Or is this a course funded by NASA and does not need to be added into the price proposal?

There is no charge to the Contractor for the course. The Contractor is shall cover all travel expenses for students traveling to other locations for training.

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Question Government Response

59 Property and Equipment

What additional equipment will a contractor need to provide that is not on the 4 property and equipment spread sheets that was provided with in the solicitation?

The Government does not determine any additional equipment for contract performance.

60 8(a) Certification

If a company has the paperwork submitted for 8A certification, can that company still submit a RFP if they have not been approved by June 24, 2021?

Offers are solicited only from Small Business concerns certified by the SBA at time of proposal submission. See NPSC-SR RFP Clause C.7. FAR 52.219-18 Notification of Competition Limited to Eligible 8(A) Participants (MAR 2020).