IFB_DTMA-95-B-2014-0001_QA_-_08_17_13.pdf

DTMA-95-B-2014-0001 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS I Page 1 of 3

INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) DTMA-95-B-2014-0001

U.S. MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY

SECURITY GUARD SERVICES

SOLICITATION QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

1. Please clarify that is solely an 8(a) opportunity and if so, for any or all 8(a)?

RESPONSE: Any 8(a) is eligible for consideration that meets the criteria in the solicitation.

2. Is this a new requirement or is there an incumbent contractor performing the work?

If there is an incumbent, could you please provide the contractor’s name, contract number, award date, expiration date, and value?

RESPONSE: The existing contract calls for the use of unarmed security services and therefore is materially different from the current solicited requirement. Prior contract data is not relevant.

3. Reference Section M Evaluation Factors for Award (pg 16): Will the government absolutely award to the lowest bidder who is both responsive and responsible, or is there a best value component involved?

RESPONSE: There is no best value component.

4. Please provide clarification on the requirements for gas mask training? C.14.5.5 noted on page 75?

RESPONSE: There is no requirement for gas mask training. Any statements to the contrary in the solicitation are deleted.

5. In reference to the submission requirements for the Proposal the government is asking for a Transition plan and Training plan. Could the government please specify if there is any proposal format, length, and page limitations for these and any other sections?

RESPONSE: No specific format is required.

6. Section M. EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD: States “To be eligible for consideration the offeror must have a minimum of three (3) year’s experience in an educational, military or law enforcement setting.” Will the government require any Past Performance to substantiate this evaluation factor?

RESPONSE: Past performance will be required of apparent low bidder. It is a pre-requisite to award.

7. Reference Section C -6. Paragraph C.6.1.5. The required Training Syllabi are in the MSAGSM to this SOW. Q: Will the government provide a copy of this manual to perspective bidders?

RESPONSE: This inquiry will be addressed at the pre-bid conference.

DTMA-95-B-2014-0001 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS I Page 2 of 3

8. Reference C.14.3 Contractor Furnished Vehicles. Question – Could the government identify the number of vehicles required and if white is the acceptable color?

RESPONSE: Two vehicles and white is acceptable.

9. Reference C.6.4 Training Requirements by Position and contractor furnished equipment in regards to ammunition(s). Question: Could the government provide exhibits 14b -17?

RESPONSE: Yes, please see Exhibit attachments.

10. Please confirm whether or not the government will evaluate the Technical Proposal that proposers are required to provide as part of their submission such as Transition Plan, Training Plan, Quality Control Plan, Staffing Plan or will bids be evaluated on the lowest fixed firm price as stated on page 16 of 18?

RESPONSE: All bids will be evaluated based on price. The solicitation is not a Request for Proposal (RFP). Plans will only be required by apparent low bidder/awardee. Please see Section C.16 - Deliverables in solicitation.

11. My company is listed as an interested vendor and are considering submitting a bid proposal for the Merchant Marine Academy on your recent solicitation. You have it listed as a competitive 8a set aside. We are currently 8(a) pending (processing) and should know within the next 30-60 days if we are accepted into the SBA'S 8a Program. Are we still eligible to at least submit a proposal even though we don't have confirmation on our 8a status quite yet?

RESPONSE: Generally, contractor must be eligible on dates bids are due. Please consult the Small Business Administrative (SBA) for further guidance.

12. Can the USMMA confirm whether or not the USMMA will accept experience from the firm’s principal/key personnel in the area of university, law enforcement, government or military setting? In other words, if the proposer does not have this experience, will USMMA accept experience from key personnel?

RESPONSE: Yes, key personnel experience will be accepted however if key personnel change, the standard will remain the same.

13. Can USMMA confirm what is the Department of Homeland Security/Federal

Protective Services (DHS/FPS) A-9 standard reference in paragraph C.4.1.1 on page 28 of 81?

RESPONSE: 9mm is the A-9 standards. Government has no restrictions on make of weapon.

14. Can the USMMA confirm if any bonds are required as reference in section c.4.2.1.2?

RESPONSE: No bonds are required other than any that may be required by New York State law for providing armed guards.

15. Does the USMMA have standard for the annual PFPS evaluations referenced on page

36, C.5.2.3.3?

RESPONSE: Please see Exhibit attachments.

DTMA-95-B-2014-0001 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS I Page 3 of 3

16. Can the USMMA provide copies of the Exhibits reference on page 44 of 81 C.6.4.1.2?

RESPONSE: Yes, please see Exhibit attachments.

17. What are the requirements for A-9 Firearms Training, referenced on page 45 of 81, c.6.6.1.1?

RESPONSE: The course teaches students how to properly handle and operate a firearm. It also covers single and double action and how to use the weapon’s site and safety functions.

Contractor personnel must meet the minimum APSO standard for Armed Guards to attend this training.

18. C.6.6.1.3 states that existing APSO must complete firearms training and certification on the new weapon within six months of the contract award. Does that mean that APSOs can start on the contract without firearms training?

RESPONSE: No, complete training is required prior to start.

19. What is the criterion for FPS Computer Based Training? How long is the course?

RESPONSE: Computer based Security Awareness Training is an annual requirement for all contractor personnel. The course takes approximately an hour to complete and may be done during work hours.

20. What is the criterion for Screener Training? Will USMMA provide lesson plans and criteria for this training?

RESPONSE: Screener training will be administered to all APSO’s working under this contract. USMMA will provide OJT and manuals to the Contractor.

21. Can USMMA provide the criteria for Recurrent Training, C.6.7.5? How long is the course? What is the criterion? Is it based on the SGIM?

RESPONSE: Yes, it is based on the SGIM.

22. Will the USMMA provide office space for the Project Manager?

RESPONSE: No.

23. Can the USMMA specify which posts require relief?

RESPONSE: Further clarification on this issue will be provided the pre-bid conference.

24. Can the USMMA specify which posts require relief?

RESPONSE: All APSOs get relief except for supervisor.

25. Are Lautenberg Statements required?

RESPONSE: Yes.