F1AEW183030100_Cultural_Advisor_Questions_and_Answers.pdf

F1AEW183030100 Cultural Advisor Questions and Answers

1. Question: Is it the Government intent that the contractor provides one individual as a cultural advisor or multiple individuals to cover the requirement?

a. The contractor will provide one (1) cultural advisor to cover the requirement.

2. Can the interpretation and translation services be provided off-site by other personnel

a. Contractor employee will be able to telework if allowed by the Contracting Officer Representative in certain situations. This will not be any every day occurrence.

3. (Ref. PWS Para 1.7 “To ensure a smooth transition the service provider must arrive at the 386th AEW no later than 1 Dec 17 and be able to take over all duties and responsibilities beginning 15 Dec 2017. The purpose of this phase-in period is to…”) What is our part in phasing-in our candidate?

a. Please see the updated Performance Work Statement Rev. 1 para 1.7

4. (Ref. PWS Para 2.3.1 “In accordance with DODI 3020.41, Operational Contract Support (OCS)

(dated 20 December 2011), Enclosure 3, unless otherwise stated in the contract, all pre-, during- , and post- deployment medical evaluations and treatment are the responsibility of the Contractor, to include a fitness physical for each candidate linguist. An exit physical, similar to the deployment physical, will be administered and recorded upon return from the USCENTCOM AOR.”) Can medical and physical evaluations only take place on base?

a. The contractor is responsible for getting their employees the physical before they start performance and immediately after they end performance. The site of the physical may take place in their home state by a doctor that is qualified to give physicals.

5. (Ref. PWS Para 2.3.6 “The Contractor will process security clearances for all Cultural Advisors assigned to this contract and ensure that they have been granted a minimum of a DOD approved, "SECRET" security clearance before dispatching them to perform linguist duties under this contract.”) Will we be given a security clearance package to help us process our cultural advisor?

a. No, the contractor is responsible for making sure their contract employee has a “SECRET” Security Clearance.

6. (Ref. PWS Para 3.1.1 “In compliance with contract clause 52.246-4, "Inspection of Services -Fixed Price" located in the contract, the Contractor shall provide a Quality Control Plan (QCP) that contains, at a minimum the performance requirements in the PWS. The QCP shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer for acceptance no later than 5 days prior to contract start date.”) Is there a quality control plan in place that we can use as a template?

a. There is no quality control plan in place, this is a new requirement.

7. (Ref. PWS Para 3.6.2 “All Cultural Advisors are required to complete the Advanced Law of War training per DFARS 225.7402-4. The training is provided by the Defense Acquisition University and will be provided by the Government during the Phase-In period.) What does this involve?

a. This training will be taken by the contract employee during the phase-in period.

8. Lodging- Will the provider be required to stay on base? Does the government provide lodging? Is there a cost associated with it?

a. The contractor will be responsible for off-base lodging for the contract worker (See Performance Work Statement Rev. 1).

9. Food- Will the provider be allowed to eat in the galley? Is there a cost associated with it?

a. The contractor employee will have access to the Dining Facility on base at no cost.

10. Transportation – is there government funded transportation to and from provided lodging?

a. If contractor employee is using on base lodging then there will be no need for transportation, all life support services and work location are within walking distance.

If the employee is expected to travel long distance off base for duty related responsibilities then transportation will be provided. If the contractor employee is staying off base then the contractor will be responsible for transportation to base.

11. What are the stated requirements for them to accomplish

a. A position description is provided in the Performance Work Statement

12. What are the SOFA agreement requirements

a. We do not have a SOFA will Kuwait.

13. For military, we have to ensure we have a company credit card. Will we have any responsibility for the candidate?

a. The contract worker will not be issued any type of government credit card.

14. Do we get a copy of the SOFA agreement for Kuwait?

a. There is no SOFA

15. How can I verify my candidates’ security clearance?

a. You can look in the Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS) or call the Security Investigations Index (SII)

16. How much/when is the contractor able to take vacation time?

a. The contractor will purpose their company vacations time when submitting their proposal in accordance with their company policy. Suggestion is 4 weeks paid leave, up to 2 week period. The base operates 365 days a year so there will be no holidays off, this will need to be vacation time. If there is emergency leave it will need to be coordinated through the COR and the Contracting Officer and will not be paid time off.

Approval and amount is at the discretion of the COR and Contracting Officer.

17. Is there an incumbent performing these services?

a. There is no incumbent, this is a new requirement for Ali Al Salem

18. What is the anticipated start date?

a. 45 days after contract award

19. Will the Government assist the contractor in securing visas and work permits for its personnel?

a. No, this is the contractors responsibility

20. Alternatively, is this work performed under a bilateral agreement and a Letter of Authorization (LOA) is sufficient for the contractor to live and work in Kuwait?

a. Will be processed upon contract award.

21. Will the Government offer transportation (or reimburse the contractor for costs) related deployment and demobilization of personnel to and from Kuwait?

a. Yes, please see Para 2.3.3 in the Performance Work Statement

22. Will the Government require the contractor personnel to process through CRC at Ft. Bliss?

a. No.

23. Past Performance: Given the LPTA nature of the acquisition, will the Government allow companies with no past performance (or if there is no relevant past performance) to be rated natural/acceptable?

a. In order to be rated acceptable the contract employee must meet all criteria put in the Performance Work Statement.

24. Could the Government please confirm 2 distinct volumes are required (e.g. Technical Volume & Price Volume)?

a. The contractor will be required to submit documents to prove they meet all technical criteria set forth in the solicitation and Performance Work Statement.

25. Could the Government please clarify in which volume completed Offeror Representations and Certifications should be included?

a. Technical

26. Reference Solicitation Instructions to Offerors; Quote Specifics 1(c) requires a “copy of all certificates and qualifications for each Field Service Representative to be used on the project”.

Could the Government please clarify what this is referring to?

a. This is referring to qualifications of the employee that the contractor sends to fill the requirement.

27. Reference Solicitation Instructions to Offerors; Quote Specifics 4 indicates a copy of completed Offeror Representations and Certifications should be included. Could the Government please confirm this is referring to Attachment 3?

a. This is referring to Attachment 3.

28. Reference Solicitation Instructions to Offerors; Evaluation Basis of Award states “The technical area will be evaluated on an “acceptable” or “unacceptable” basis. If the quotation received is determined to be “unacceptable” in any of the Sub factors, the vendor will receive an overall “unacceptable” technical rating.” The Evaluation section does not provide any criteria upon which Technical Capability will be evaluated. Could the Government please provide Solicitation or PWS references and their performance objectives that will be reviewed for compliance/noncompliance?

a. Reference Paragraph 1.2.1.2 section (g).

29. Reference Attachment 5 Past Performance. The form does not allow for the population of international phone numbers (i.e. using a “+” sign or international phone format). Could the Government please change/remove this restriction on the form?

a. The contractor doesn’t have to submit this exact form. This is only an example that they can use to see what format they need to submit their past performance information on.

30. Reference Bid Schedule and Attachment 4 Price Quote. Could the Government please confirm if both documents are required for submission (i.e. the Bid Schedule on the solicitation and Attachment 4)?

a. Attachment 4 is required. The Bid Schedule on the solicitation is optional.

31. Reference Attachment 4 Price Quote. Could the Government please clarify whose contact information is required at the bottom of the form (i.e. authorized negotiator, preparer, etc.)?

a. An authorized individual of the company that is allowed to enter into a contract with the Government on behalf of the company.

32. Reference PWS 1.2 “The Cultural Advisors’ primary function is to furnish administrative and interpreter services for the following locations: 386th AEW and all tenant and geographically separated units to include Abdullah Al Mubarak Air Base (AMAB)” Could the Government please verify the primary performance location (i.e. ?

a. The primary performance location for the life of the contract will be Ali Al Salem AB. During the base year a lot of the work will be in support of Abdullah Al Mubarak AB. All transportation that is needed for official duties will be supplied by the Government.

33. PWS 1.2 Could the Government please provide the other performance locations that will be supported by the Cultural Advisor and the amount of time (i.e. travel) spent away from the primary performance location?

34. Will lodging and meals be provided to contractor staff while on travel?

a. Meals will be provided to the contractor on base during official duties. The contractor has the option of having their personnel stay on base or off base. If the contractor chooses to have their employee stay off base then the contractor will be responsible for setting up their living arrangements. The Governments preferred method of lodging is for the contractor employee to stay on base lodging.

35. Could the Government please confirm that all references to “Host Nation” are dealing only with Kuwait?

a. All references to “Host Nation” are dealing only with Kuwait.

36. PWS 1 states “Contractor shall provide…cultural advisors capable of…standard English

(minimum at the 9th grade level)…” whereas PWS 1.2.1.2(g) states the requirement is a proficiency of 3+, which is considered Professional Performance by ILR standards. Could the Government please confirm the requirement for English?

a. Proficiency of 3+. Please see Performance Work Statement Rev. 2

37. Could the Government please confirm how many cultural advisors are required for this effort?

PWS 1.2.1 states “a total of one contractor position is required to be filled to perform the tasks described in the PWS”, however PWS 1.2.1.1 implies more than one cultural advisor. In addition PWS 1.2.1.2 implies the need for a separate full-time position in addition to the tasks in PWS

1.2.1.1. Could the Government please clarify this ambiguity?

a. This requirement is for one (1) contractor employee to fulfill the requirements of the Performance Work Statement.

38. Who is the incumbent contractor currently providing this support?

a. There is no incumbent contractor, this is a new requirement.

39. PWS 2.1.1 states computers and other office equipment will be furnished by the Government based on availability. Who is responsible for procuring required computers and/or office equipment in the event Government-provided equipment is not available, and how should this be charged to the contract?

a. The Government will provide all necessary access to office equipment.

40. PWS 2.2.3 states unofficial travel for the on-site contract manager...will be conducted at the expense of the contractor. Does the Government require offerors to propose an on-site contract manager or any other type of PMO staff?

a. No. On-site contract manager is referring to the contract employee.

41. Clearance requirements are “Secret.” Are interim Secret clearances acceptable?

a. Interim Secret clearances are NOT acceptable.

42. What is the validity period for the Cultural Advisor’s language proficiency test?

a. IAW proficiency test policy

43. Is third-party language proficiency testing a requirement?

a. If it is not in the Performance Work Statement then it’s not a requirement.

44. Is proctoring a requirement for language proficiency testing?

a. Need to find this info

45. Are there any educational equivalencies allowed for the 10 years cultural advisor/interpreter experience (i.e., Bachelor’s degree)?

a. There is no educational equivalency; we are looking for someone who has experience.

46. Is a Kuwaiti driver’s license required? If so, this requires a Bachelor’s degree attested by the ministries, two-years residency, and minimum of $2,000 per month salary.

a. A Kuwaiti Diver’s license is not required.

47. Can the Government provide separate CLINs for Defense Base Act insurance in accordance with CENTCOM precedence?

a. This is not a requirement that will be evaluated in the proposal.

48. Shall the offeror include sponsorship costs, to include visas, work permits, etc., in the labor CLIN?

a. There will be no visas or work permits required.

49. Are the Cultural Advisors covered under the SOFA with Kuwait?

a. There is no SOFA with Kuwait.

50. Will the Government provide/arrange base badging for the Cultural Advisor?

a. Yes

51. Is a Kuwaiti-administered HIV blood test required before employment as part of the local sponsorship program?

a. No

52. Addendum to 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors: QUOTE SPECIFICS: Basis of Award: states, “The award will be made to the vendor whose quotation represents the best value to the government. As allowed by FAR 13.106-2(b)(1), the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) selection process shall be applied. Award will be made to the vendor who is deemed responsible and responsive, and represents the best value to the government based on selection of the lowest evaluated price that is deemed technically acceptable.” As allowed in the stated FAR clause, the Contracting Officer “has broad discretion in fashioning suitable evaluation procedures,” however it appears that two subjective approaches that may be contrary to each other are being used – Best Value and LPTA. Please clarify.

a. LPTA will be used.

53. PWS 1.2.1.1.(k) states, “Clearly and accurately follow processes established by the Host Nation

Coordination Officer (HNCO) for tracking and completion of immigration responsibilities.” Whose immigration status should the Cultural Advisor track and complete?

a. Removed

54. PWS 1.7.3. states, “Complete personnel requirements (work force).” Please clarify.

a. Will be covered in phase in period.

55. PWS 1.7.4. states, “Obtain base passes, and security clearances, if required.” Does this imply that Cultural Advisors may report for duty without a valid Secret clearance? This also contradicts with 2.3.6. that states, “The Contractor will process security clearances for all Cultural Advisors assigned to this contract and ensure that they have been granted a minimum of a DOD approved, "SECRET" security clearance before dispatching them to perform Cultural Advisor duties under this contract.”

a. Contractor employee is required to have a valid SECRET security clearance prior to contract start date.

56. PWS 1.7.5. states, “Complete training requirements and accomplish necessary training of service provider employees.” What are the training requirements?

a. Will be covered in phase-in period.

57. FAR 45.201(a) states, “The contracting officer shall insert a listing of the Government property to be offered in all solicitations where Government-furnished property is anticipated (see 45.102).”

PWS 2.1 states that the Government “will furnish all routine administrative equipment and supplies,” but fails to provide a listing. Will the Government include an ODC CLIN in the event that equipment and supplies are required, and to cover travel and other direct costs?

a. It is not anticipated.

58. PWS 2.1.1.2. states, “The U.S. Government will furnish identification cards authorizing Base

Exchange privileges (if available and authorized to be used by contract employees) for Cultural Advisors in the USCENTCOM AOR.” Since pay and allowances are dependent on Government-provided facilities, are the identification cards authorizing Base Exchange privileges available and authorized to be used by contract employees?

a. Yes, Base exchange privileges will be available and authorized to be used by the contract employee

59. PWS 2.1.1.3 states, “The Cultural Advisor and COR shall conduct a joint inventory of all government-furnished equipment.” Who is the other Joint party conducting the inventory (who is currently signed for it) and how will the offeror conduct an inventory five days before contract award?

a. Contractor and COR will conduct any inventory before contract start (could be accomplished during phase in period) and another inventory 5 days prior to contract completion.

60. PWS 2.1.1.3 states, “The Cultural Advisor and the COR shall jointly determine the working order and condition of all equipment and document their findings on the inventory. In the event of a disagreement between the Cultural Advisor and the COR on the working order and condition of equipment, the disagreement shall be treated as a dispute under the contract clause entitled, "Disputes." If a dispute is not filed, the working order and condition of equipment is under the responsibility of the Contractor.” Please provide the listing of the Government property to be offered to ensure our Cultural Advisor has a complete understanding of the serviceability requirements of all offered sets, kits and outfits.

a. All equipment will be basic office equipment (i.e. computer, phone, printer).

61. PWS 2.2.3 states, “If military air is not available, the Government will not be obligated to provide travel via commercial air.” Does this imply that the Contractor is responsible to provide commercial air travel to perform official duties and will these costs be reimbursable by the Government?

a. The Government will handle all official duty travel arrangements.

62. PWS 2.3.2. states, “In the event a contracted linguist is unable to perform his or her duties due to illness or other reasons, the Contractor is responsible for providing the name (and all other applicable/necessary information) of a suitable replacement within 48 hours to the COR and CO.

The vacant position shall not exceed 15 calendar days over the current contract year. The replacement is expected to be in place by the 15th calendar day.” Is CRC waived for replacement cultural advisors (wait time is 30 days, plus seven days for attendance)? This also contradicts with 2.3.4. that states, “The Contractor shall furnish all necessary immunizations for Cultural advisor personnel, not earlier than 30 days prior to their scheduled departure for the

USCENTCOM AOR…”

a. See the Performance Work Statement Rev. 2

63. PWS 2.3.3. states, “The Contractor shall furnish all transportation from CONUS to contract place of performance and to the Contractor's preparation and processing site in CONUS.” Since CRC normally transports US contractor personnel from Fort Bliss, Texas to theater, does this imply that CRC is not required?

a. Government will be responsible for official travel.

64. PWS 3.1. QUALITY CONTROL states, “The Contractor shall develop and maintain a quality control program to ensure services are performed in accordance with commonly accepted commercial practices for the Cultural Advisor position. The Contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify and prevent defective services from recurring.” Will the Government provide their Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan to ensure compliance?

a. Please see the attached QASP

65. PWS 3.1.1. states, “In compliance with contract clause 52.246-4, "Inspection of Services -Fixed

Price" located in the contract, the Contractor shall provide a Quality Control Plan (QCP) that contains, at a minimum the performance requirements in the PWS. The QCP shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer for acceptance no later than 5 days prior to contract start date.” Will the Government publish quality standards since only tasks are covered in the PWS?

a. Quality standards are in the Performance Work Statement.

66. The Service Delivery Summary demands perfect (100%) performance by the offeror. It also defines a “valid customer complaint” as one of unacceptable personnel conduct or the individual’s inability to perform the required service in accordance with this PWS. Does the Government expect perfect performance without regard to workload (not published in the PWS) and that all customers understand the terms and conditions of the PWS and what would be considered a valid complaint?

a. All complaints will be submitted through the Contracting Officer who will make a determination if the complaint is valid or not.