Questions and Answers.pdf

Questions & Answers

1. Would the Solicitor (AF) be amiable to sponsoring an agency clearance for a bidding Small Business? Or could these be interim?

No. It is the responsibility of the contractor to have the appropriate FCL as required in the tentative DD254.

2. If a company has a secret FCL will the government be willing to sponsor that company for a Top Secret FCL to meet the requirements of this proposal?

No. You should have the appropriate FCL as required in the tentative DD254.

3. The Requirements state that the offeror must provide "Escorts are used in up to five separate locations simultaneously at a historical total average of 200 man hours per week." (a) Given the unknown quantity of hours, the FFP nature of this contract, and the small business aspect, would the government consider making this a Labor Hour or T&M contract? (b) If not, will there be any relief given if the historical average of 200 hours is exceeded on a weekly basis? (c) What about relief if the historical average is exceeded on an on-going basis? (Ref: PWS, Page 2, Article 1)

This will not be a Labor Hour or T&M contract. No relief will be granted if the 200 hours are exceeded on a weekly basis. There will be occasions contractors must stay past a normal eight hours due to unforeseen circumstances or in support of emergent construction or emergency maintenance requirements; these circumstances can be expected to happen once a month; for up to 16 hours per occurrence/month.

4. The PWS states that "Normal workday hours will be scheduled any time between 0600 and 1800. Up to four man-weeks a year may be scheduled incrementally by man-days as second shift hours with one weeks’ advanced notice. Second shift standard workdays may start at any time after 1000 and work as late as 2400. Escort requirements will be published at least one week in advance by the government. There will be occasions contractors must stay past a normal eight hours due to unforeseen circumstances or in support of emergent construction or emergency maintenance requirements; these circumstances can be expected to happen once a month; for up to 16 hours per occurrence/month."

(a) Would the Government add additional Hourly ST and OT rates to the contract to minimize these unknown risks to small business offerors?

No, this is a FFP contract.

(b) While we understand the importance of having on-call staff for extra escort work, would the Government consider providing more that a one week notice for second shift personnel?

FA481422TF115

If second shift is required, applicable SOCS-EN personnel/COR, will make every attempt to relay information concerning the possibility of a second shift requirement well in advanced of one week. However, all information is not conclusive; thus, in some unforeseen scenarios, at best the government would be able to provide a weeks’ notice.

(c) Are the base FTE staff that covers day shift expected to cover second shift duties? Or are these additional personnel that will be added to this FFP contract when needed? (Ref: PWS, Page 2, Article 1)

If second shift is required, the contractor’s staff will adjust weekly scheduled hours to satisfy this requirement. For example, if five contractors were assigned to the contract working from 0700- 1530, M-F; however, a second shift requirement emerged, it is possible two contractors will continue to work 0700-1530, M-F, yet three contractors may support a second shift from 1330- 2400L, Tues.- Sat. Ultimately, consideration of the second shift is incorporated into the historical average of 200 man-hours per week. Furthermore, no additional FTEs will be required if a second shift is imminent. Additionally, at the discretion of the Government, the surge option may be executed to support a second shift.

5. In FFP contracts, there is generally ways that the contractor can manage the total workforce by releasing personnel early if they have worked extra time during the week, thereby keeping hours at 40/week, but Article 1.1.2 seems to require escorts to fill other roles while not escorting. Are escorts to fill any remaining 40 hour work week hours with the responsibilities outlined in Article 1.1.2? Or are these duties only on an ad hoc basis? (Ref: PWS, Page 3, Article 1.1.2)

Duties outlined in Article 1.1.2. can be expected to be completed on an ad hoc basis; only when personnel are not actively engaged in responsibilities outlined in Article 1.1.1.

6. The RFP states that "Additionally, the offeror shall submit pricing information to support the completeness and reasonableness of their proposed prices provided as part of Attachment #3.)". Please clarify what pricing information is requested. (Ref: RFP, Page 4, Article G(3))

In the pricing volume, offerors should not merely provide a completed attachment 3, pricing worksheet. Offeror shall submit pricing information to support the completeness and reasonableness of their proposed prices.

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7. Is there a transition period length requested by the Government? (Ref: RFP, Page 6, Article 2.D(2)(a))

In accordance with PWS Section 4.3. Transition/Phase-In/Turnover: Upon award of the contract or employee departure, the contractor shall have 14 days to fill the positions.

8. Will there be any cost relief to the contractor on this FFP contract if overtime exceeds the 16 hours/month or 192 hours/year? (Ref: FAQ, Question 6)

No.