Misawa CST Services - RFQ FA520525Q0010_Questions _ Answers.xlsx

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Misawa Construction Surveillance Technician (CST) Service
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FA520525Q0010
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This document is a Questions and Answers (Q&A) file for a Misawa Construction Surveillance Technician (CST) Services solicitation (FA520525Q0010) issued by the Department of the Air Force Pacific Air Forces. The requirement involves providing six Construction Surveillance Technicians (CSTs) for on-site physical performance at Misawa Air Base, Japan, with an anticipated 180-day work period. Key details include a requirement for US Top Secret clearance, work hours from 0700-1800 with additional opening and closing procedures, and an anticipated start date of 20 October 2025.

The solicitation includes specific requirements for CST personnel, such as possessing a 40-hour CST training course certification, maintaining security protocols, monitoring foreign national construction workers, and conducting material inspections. Contractors are responsible for their own visas, lodging, and transportation, with the government providing some logistical support. The proposal is due by 14 September 2025 at 7:00 PM EDT, with a best value source selection approach that equally weighs technical capability and price. The project involves supporting a construction project with an iFortress, and contractors must provide a Management/Staffing Plan and Quality Control Plan outline with their proposal.

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Questions

#DOCUMENT NAMESOLICITATION REFERENCEPAGE NUMBERQUESTIONClarificationUSG Response
1PWSSection 2.1.1.15Section 2.1.1.1 States; All aspects of physical, personnel, technical, administrative, and procedural security as required to fully comply with and the Construction Security Plan (CSP). CSP to be provided by US Government (USG) and Site Security Manager (SSM).
The CSP was not provided with the RFP documents - Can the CSP be provided?N/AThe CSP is still under construction. GMS
2PWSSection 2.1.25Section 2.1.2 States The exact start date of the onsite performance is to be set at a later date after contract award through coordination by the USG and contractor. This date is contingent on the amiable delivery date of the iFortress. Would the CST not need to be on site prior to the arrival of the IFortress material?N/AAs of now, the USG is awaiting the delivery date of the iFortress. It is not expected for the CST to be on site for delivery of the iFortress.
3PWSSection 2.1.2.15Section 2.1.2 States; An anticipated ratio of CSTs to foreign construction workers is 1:4.
What is the estimated number of workers?N/AThe USG anticipates only needing 6 CSTs for the duration of the project. Once the finalized schedule is received by the USG (expected in Sep 25)
4PWSSection 2.1.25Can the Government confirm the period of performance for this project? 180 days is listed but is that work days or calendar days?N/AWe anticipate the PoP to be no more than 180 Work days of onsite work.
5PWSSection 2.3.16Section 2.3.1 states: The Contractor shall provide nonpersonal services of CSTs to successfully protect the integrity of the facilities throughout renovations, construction, Warranty Calls, and FF&E of the facility.

What is the warranty period for the facility?

N/AThe warranty calls period is from physical completion to acceptance of the iFortress construction project by the USG. The USG is not expecting any warranty calls at this time. The PoP covers the acceptance period. If a need should arise, this will be addressed by Contracting.
6PWSSection 2.3.16Section 2.3.1 states: The CST must possess and maintain a US TOP SECRET (TS) clearance. For some projects in active spaces, the CSTs may need to possess and maintain a US TOP SECRET (TS).
Is this suppose to indicate TS SCI being that it indicates active space? Will all personnel require TS-SCI prior to the project starting or will the local SSO be able to read on personnel?N/AThis project only requires US Top Secret (TS) clearance.
7PWSSection 2.3.26Section 2.3.2 states: The Contractor shall work IAW the respective CSP provided by SSM/USG, and ICD/ICS 705.
What version of the Tech Spec is going to be utilized?N/AICD 705 1.5.1
8PWSSection 2.3.36Bullet #2 states: Monitor the activities of all foreign national construction workers and personnel on the SCS.

Will there also be Cleared American Workers on the site and are we too also monitor them? N/A This project does not involve Cleared American Guards.

There is a potential for uncleared USG Americans onsite but only short term for inspections.

9 PWS Section 2.3.3 6 Bullet #6 states: Material inspections include use of specialized equipment including X-Ray, NLJD, etc.

Is there an X-Ray machine and NLJD on site, or will we need to provide our own?N/ARequired equipment for material inspection will be provided by the USG. Xray will not be utilized, materials are secure shipped or manually inspected.
10PWSSection 2.4.48Are there restrictions on how we capture the CSS documentation on site?N/ADocumentation delivery and format on site to be specified by the USG. Shared Camera and handwritten notes will be used. GMS
11PWSSection 2.7.112Language in 2.7.1 states: There may be times when the Construction Site workers will be required to work outside the normal hours…

Will this be in addition to the normal scheduled site hours?

Can the Government confirm how the contractor should price the possibility of outside normal work hours?N/AContractor should price for normal hours. If a need arise, this will be addressed by Contracting.
12PWSSection 2.712States work hours are 0700 to 1800 and for the IMPS contractor to add 1 hour each day for opening and closing procedures, which calls for a 12-hour day for the IMPS contractor. However, on the solicitation page 3 CLIN 0004 states a 13-hour work day. Can the Government confirm how many hours the IMPS contractor will need to cover per day?N/ACST required to work up to 13 hours each day. This includes 1 hour for opening and 1 hour for closing procedures.
13PWSSection 4.4.3.114Section 4.4.3.1 states: Management / Staffing Plan. The Contractor shall provide a Management / Staffing Plan that clearly defines the Contractor’s approach to planning and controlling the contract and execution of its multiple projects.

Can the Government provide the construction schedule and estimated number of construction personnel be provided? N/A This project is for six (6) CSTs. Management/Staffing plan shall reflect contractors approach for planning and controlling of this.

USG expects to receive notial schedule in Sep.

14PWSSection 5.4.217Will personnel have access to the base during elevated FPCON Levels?N/AIt is the expectation that Contractor personnel will have access to the base during FPCON levels. However, this is determinant on the FPCON level and real-world threat posed.
15N/AN/AN/ACan the government confirm if there will be an Access Control Facility (ACF) on site with office space, or will the contractor be required to procure an ACF?N/AContractor is not required to procure an ACF.
16N/AN/AN/ACan the overnment confirm if providing site badges will be the requirement of the contractor?N/AUs to provide (DBIDS) badges for contractors
17N/AN/AN/ACan the Government confirm if there will be a Secure Storage Area (SSA) on site?N/AThere will be a Conex within SCA compound during construction controlled by SSM team.
18N/AN/AN/AThere is no mention of a supervisor, Will the Government consider adding a Lead CST labor category?N/ASSM will be the lead.
19Solicitation - FA520525Q0010CLIN 00043States the anticipated physical on-site performance duration of the project is 180 days at 13 hours per day.
However, the PWS states work hours are 0700 to 1800 and for the IMPS contractor to add 1 hour each day for opening and closing procedures, which calls for a 12-hour day for the IMPS contractor. Can the Government confirm how many hours the IMPS contractor will need to cover per day?N/ASee Question 12
20Solicitation - FA520525Q0010B.1.(c)39Please confirm that CPARs are acceptable as part of the narrative to validate recent and relevant contracts of similar scope.N/AA listing is required. Contractor is free to include CPARS but should consider page limitations.
21Price ProposalN/AN/APlease confirm if all ODCs (Travel, Per-Diem, Rental Car, and other direct costs) should be included on the labor rate?N/APricing will be fully burdened.
22N/AN/AN/AWill the GCA sponsor a Facility Security Clearance (FCL) for the awardee?N/ANo, GCA will not sponser an FCL. Active TS clearance is required.
23N/AN/AN/AApproximately how many CSTs will be required?N/Asix (6)
24N/AN/AN/AApproximately how long will the project last?N/AOn-site duration is anticipated to be 180 days. Contractor shall perform kick-off meeting and re-performance training prior to onsite PoP.
25N/AN/AN/AApproximately how many CAGs will be required?N/AN/A. This project does not include providing CAGs.
26N/AN/AN/AIs this a prime contract or will the awardee be a sub?N/ARequirement is for contractor to provide CSTs.
27N/AN/AN/AAre the CSTs expected to be DOS certified?N/ADOD equivalent certificate will suffice.
28Solicitation InstructionsPage 41, Para C.4.(a)N/AThis section states, "Each Part shall contain a Table of Contents, Cross References, and the List of Tables and Drawing (if applicable)." However, the Part III price proposal will be submitted in Excel. Are offerors to include these items in the Excel file as separate tabs for Part III or does the government require a separate Word document/narrative for Part III?Where to put the Table of Contents, Cross References, and the List of Tables and Drawing in Part IIIAs per the solicitation, the USG requires vendors to complete Section B of the SF1449 and Attachment no.5. Submit as PDF as your Part III is response to the RFQ. These will be submitted as Part III (Price proposal). Extreme care should be exercised to ensure that no price data of any kind are included in any other Part of the proposal.
29Solicitation InstructionsPage 41, Para C.4.(f)N/AThis section states, "Page margins shall be a minimum of 1 inch top, bottom, and each side." however the margins in the "5.+Pricing+Sheet.xlsx" file that offerors are to use for our Part III response have different margins. Are offerors permitted to change the margins in this file or should we leave them as they are?Margins requirement for "5.+Pricing+Sheet.xlsx"Offers are allowed to change the margins of the pricing sheet file in preparation of Part III of their proposal.
30Solicitation InstructionsPage 39, Para B.3.(b)N/AThis requirement states, "Insert proposed unit prices and extended amounts in Section B for each Contract Line-Item Number (CLIN)." however the government has also provided "5.+Pricing+Sheet.xlsx" - are offerors to submit both of these files to be compliant or is submission of "5.+Pricing+Sheet.xlsx" sufficient?Submit "5.+Pricing+Sheet.xlsx" or Section BOffers are required to submit both Section by and pricing sheet. Totals in this sheet shall match values provide in Section B for each Line-Item. Dat provided in this attachment shall be used by the USG as supporting data for values in Section B.
31PWSPage 4, 2.1.2.1N/AMobilization/travel costs not clearly addressedShould airfare, local transportation, and mobilization/demobilization be priced as direct reimbursable costs or built into fully burdened labor rates?Pricing will be fully burdened.
32PWSPage 4, 2.1.2.1N/ACST-to-worker ratio 1:4 listedIs the 1:4 ratio a mandatory requirement or a planning estimate? How should contractors handle coverage if the ratio changes due to more workers on-site?The 1:4 ratio is the max to be expected. If any changes are needed due to increase this will be addressed by Contracting.
33PWSPage 10, 2.5.4N/ARequirement to minimize turnover but no evaluation linkageWill the Government evaluate proposals based on workforce stability/retention programs and past performance in maintaining continuity of cleared CST personnel?Award will be made to the contractor who represents the best value to the Government in terms of technical capability and price. Technical subfactors are Management/Staffing Plan and Quality
34PWSPage 11, 2.7.1N/ADuty hours 0700–1800 plus 1 hr daily open/close; 72-hour notice for off-shift.Will CSTs be eligible for overtime/shift differential, or must extended/weekend hours be included in base pricing?overtime and or shift differential is not anticipated at this time. If a need should occur, it will be addressed by Contracting.
35PWSPage 11, 2.8N/AContractor responsible for visas and Japan entry requirements.Will visas be coordinated under SOFA, or must contractor independently secure and fund work visas?Contractors will be required to secure their own Visas. SOFA status will be granted via a Letter of authorization for eligible members.
36PWSPage 12, 3.1 and page 8 2.4.4.6N/AContractor must supply digital devices w/ photo capability and computer system.Are there security standards (e.g., DISA, FIPS-140-2 encryption) for these devices that must be priced in?Very small project. Shared camera and hand written notes.
37PWSPage 11-12, 2.10N/AIndividual Logistical Support (billeting, commissary, medical) authorized.Will the Government provide on-base lodging (VOQ/BOQ) on a priority or reserved basis for CST personnel, or should contractors assume commercial off-base housing as the baseline for cost proposals?Contractors will be granted Lodging logistical support. However, it is the contractor's responsibility to make reservation. Off-base lodging is also an option.
38PWSPage 16, 5.4.3N/AInstallation access passes require 21-day advance submissionCan access pass processing run in parallel with visa/theater clearance, or must clearances be finalized first?They can run parallel.
39PWSPage 19, 5.5.4N/AServices not deemed essential in crisis/base closure.If performance is suspended during crisis/closure, will the Government reimburse standby costs (lodging, labor, etc.) for mobilized staff?In the event of a crisis, closure or suspension, Costs incurred will be handled by Contracting in coordination with the contractor to resolve.
40PWSPage 21, Appendix AN/ACST must have 40-hour CST course certificate.Given that the Department of State’s Construction Surveillance Technician (CST) Course is widely recognized across U.S. Government as the industry standard, will the Government require this specific course to satisfy the training requirement?DOD equivalent cert will suffice.
41PWSSection M, Eval criteria - not stated in PWSN/AEvaluation method (Best Value vs. LPTA)Given the mission-critical nature of secure construction and the unique expertise required of CSTs, can the Government confirm whether award will be evaluated on a Best Value Trade-Off basis, where factors such as CST qualifications, specialized training and OCONUS past performance reduce mission risk, or if the intent is to apply a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) approach?Award will be made to the contractor who represents the best value to the Government in terms of technical capability and price. This is not a LPTA or Trade-off source selection.
42PWS4.4.4.3.2N/A"PWS Paragraph 4.4.3.2 on page 14 states:

""The Contractor shall provide an outline of its Quality Control Plan, describing its Quality Control process / Quality Management System, as part of the contract proposal. The Contractor shall deliver the complete Quality Control Plan to the US Government, as specified below and in PWS paragraph 4.1, as part of their proposal.""

Furthermore, the bottom of page 41 of the solicitation under ii.Sub-Factor II: Quality Assurance Plan states: ""The Contractor shall provide an outline of its Quality Control Plan, describing its Quality Control process / Quality Management System, as part of the contract proposal.""

There are contradictory requirements on submitting the QCP Outline or the complete QCP with the proposal submission.

Will the government please confirm that only the QCP Outline is required as part of the proposal and not the complete QCP? " Solicitation evaluation factors The Contractor shall provide an outline of its Quality Control Plan, describing its Quality Control process / Quality Management System, as part of the contract proposal. At a minimum, the Contractor's Quality Control Plan shall contain document processes and procedures to monitor and control requirements of the PWS.

Section 4.1.1 & 4.4.3 of PWS updated to reflect changes in red.

43SolicitationSF 14491The SF 1449 states the offer due date is "14 Sep 2025 07:00 PM." Please confrim that this refers to local (Japan) time.N/ADue date as captured in the SAM posting is 14 Sep 25 at 7:00PM EDT.
44SolicitationDescription/Specifications/Statement of Work4The solicitation states the project is incrementally funded, with FY25 funds available for CLINs 0001-0003 and the first 60 days of CLIN 0004. Question 1: Can you confirm the anticipated timeline for the release of FY26 funds for the remaining 120 days of CLIN 0004? Question 2: Please clarify the risk to the contractor if FY26 funds are delayed and whether there will be a stop-work order or other guidance.N/AAnticipated fund date for FY26 is currently unknown and is actively being tackled by the USG. If any issues with funding, Contracting and Contractor will come to agreed resolution via a supplemental modification.
45SolicitationInstructions, Conditions, & Notices to Offerors or Quoters39Question: Please confirm that a Table of Contents and Cross-Reference Index is required for each Part of the proposal. A Cross-Reference Index does not make sense for Part III, for example, since price is only supposed to be mentioned in this Part of the proposal.N/AEach part shall contain a table of contains
46SolicitationInstructions, Conditions, & Notices to Offerors or Quoters39This section states that "Responses shall consist of three (3) separate parts;…" Question: Please clarify whether we should submit one file/document consisting of three Parts, or if three separate files/documents are required. Since a table of contents is required for each Part, we assume that three separate files/documents are required, but wanted to confirm.N/AProposals can be submitted as one file or 3 separate files. Either option is acceptable but 3 separate files is preferred.
47Solicitation52.212-2 Evaluation-Commercial Products and Commercial Services41Point (a) in this section states: "The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

i. Technical Capability and ii. Price [Contracting Officer shall insert the significant evaluation factors, such as (i) technical capability of the item offered to meet the Government requirement; (ii) price; (iii) past performance (see FAR 15.304); and include them in the relative order of importance of the evaluation factors, such as in descending order of importance.]

Technical and past performance, when combined, are Equal Importance [Contracting Officer state, in accordance with FAR 15.304, the relative importance of all other evaluation factors, when combined, when compared to price.]"

Question: Can the CO please update the text in the brackets above so Offerors may know the relative importance of each factor? N/A Evaluation factors and relative importance are provided in the clause.

Factors: i. Technical Capability and ii. Price Importance: Equal importance 48 Solicitation 52.212-2 Evaluation-Commercial Products and Commercial Services 41 Point (a) in this section states: "The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

i. Technical Capability and ii. Price [Contracting Officer shall insert the significant evaluation factors, such as (i) technical capability of the item offered to meet the Government requirement; (ii) price; (iii) past performance (see FAR 15.304); and include them in the relative order of importance of the evaluation factors, such as in descending order of importance.]

Technical and past performance, when combined, are Equal Importance [Contracting Officer state, in accordance with FAR 15.304, the relative importance of all other evaluation factors, when combined, when compared to price.]"

However, the proposal "Instructions, Conditions, & Notices to Offerors or Quoters" shown on pages 39-40 do not list Past Performance as a requirement. Question: Can the CO please confirm that Offerors are not required to submit any past perforamance write-ups in their proposals (other than the list of contracts required in proposal Part I)? N/A No past performance write up is required. However, as stated on page 39, a listing of any recent and relevant contracts of similar scope. Recent defined as with in the past five (5) years, revenant is defined as similar scope and or magnitude.

49PWSEQUIPMENT11Question: Can you provide a list of all equipment that will be Government-provided?N/APens, Logs, shared camera, wands
50PWS2.1.24The PWS references an "amiable delivery date of the iFortress" as a contingency for the start of on-site performance. Question 1a: Has the delivery date for the iFortress been established? Question 1b: If not, what is the expected notification period prior to mobilization? Question 2: Please clarify how much advance notice the contractor will receive before mobilization is required.N/A1a. Delivery date has not been established, but is anticipated to be in the next month.

1b/2. Contractors will be provided reasonable time for mobilization prior to onsite performance. It is understood that several actions must take place prior to on-site work (Visas, submission of training documents, SPOT completion) all of which will take time. a date is TBD and agreed upon by both USG and contractor.

51PWS2.1.24PWS 2.1.2 states "The expected timeline for physical onsite work for this project is estimated to be a 180 day period of performance. This on-site PoP does not factor in other preliminary performances of a kick-off meeting, mobilization, and pre-performance training." Question: Is there an expected or recommended timeline for mobilization, or is it up to the Contractor to recommend the number of days?N/AContractor provides their estimation for mobilization
52PWS2.3.14The PWS requires CSTs to possess and maintain a US TOP SECRET (TS) clearance. Question 1: Will the government sponsor crossover or reciprocity for clearances from other agencies, or must all CSTs already have an active TS clearance in DISS? Question 2: Please clarify the process and timeline for clearance verification.N/A1. Being in DISS is likely necessary due to the potential for delays with crossover/reciprocity from other agencies. Active TS clearance in DISS is desired.

2. Process for clearance verification, if awarded we will provide the SMO code and vendor with send in access requests.

53PWSAppendix A21The labor category for CST requires a 40-hour or greater CST Training Course. Question 1: Please clarify if prior completion of a 80-hour CST training course offered by the U.S. Department of State is acceptable to meet this requirement. Question 2: Is contractor-provided training acceptable if it meets the stated requirements?N/AOD and DOS are acceptable.
54PWS2.5.2.18The PWS requires proof of training to be provided NLT 15 days prior to commencement of physical performance. Question 1: If a CST is replaced during the contract, is there a minimum lead time for submitting new training records for replacement personnel? Question 2: Please clarify the process for onboarding and training new/replacement CSTs during the performance period.N/APlease refer to PWS - 2.5.4
55PWS2.5.4.1 Key Personnel Replacement/Substitution10Question: Are all six CSTs considered Key Personnel?N/AYes
56PWS2.811The PWS states the contractor is responsible for ensuring legal operation in Japan, including visas. Question 1: Will the government provide any support or documentation to facilitate SOFA status or visa applications for US personnel? Question 2: Please clarify the process and timeline for obtaining SOFA status and any government support provided.N/ASOFA status will be granted by the contracting Officer to eligible personnel (US Citizens with cleared background check) by the Contracting Officer via the Letter of Authorization generated in SPOT-ES.
57PWS4.4.313The deliverables table requires a Management/Staffing Plan and Quality Control Plan at proposal submission. Question: Are there templates or specific formats required for these plans, or is contractor format acceptable as long as all required elements are addressed?N/AContractor format acceptable as long as all required elements are addressed.
58PWS4.4.3.113The Management/Staffing Plan requires listing all personnel involved in contract execution. Question: Please confirm that this refers to the Offeror's management and administrative personnel, and not to the CSTs themselves.N/ARefers to management and administrative personnel. However, if CST names are available, contractor may submit as well.
59PWS4.4.3.113The Management/Staffing Plan provided in the Offeror's proposal must include the "Names and resumes of CSTs planned for execution of this contract, if already on staff." However, the "Instructions, Conditions, & Notices to Offerors or Quoters" provided on page 2 of Amendment 1 to the solicitation states that "(c) Contractors may submit resumes of available CSTs but this is not required...Resumes will not be considered for evaluation for award decision. Question: Please confirm that Offerors will not be penalized in the technical evaluation of their proposal for not including CST resumes.N/ACST resumes is not an evaluated criteria. Refer to Solicitation, page 39 para B.2(c): Resumes will not be considered for evaluation for award decision.
60PWS2.5.49The PWS requires minimal personnel turnover and a maximum 7-day vacancy for key positions. Question 1: Will the government allow for exceptions in cases of unforeseen circumstances (e.g., medical emergencies, visa delays)? Question 2: Please clarify the process for requesting waivers or extensions for personnel replacement timelines.N/APosition vacancies shall not exceed 7 calendar days from start of vacancy to request for CO acceptance of replacement, unless otherwise approved in writing or directed in advance by the CO. Coordination must be down with the CO in the event a situation is to occur.
61PWS4.1.112This section states that the QCP must be submitted with the proposal and updated as needed. Question: Is a specific format required, or is contractor format acceptable?N/AContractor format acceptable
62PWS5.4.516The PWS requires compliance with DoDM5220.22V2_AFMAN16-1406V2 for OPSEC. Question: Will the government provide access to these documents and any required training, or is the contractor responsible for sourcing these materials?N/ADoDM5220.22V2_AFMAN16-1406V2 can be provided by the USG if needed.
63N/AN/AN/AQuestion 1: Please confirm that the Contractor will need to provide housing and transportaiton for the six CSTs in Japan. Question 2: Are there any restrictions or minimum requirements for the Contractor-provided housing & transportation?N/AThe price of the contract will be fully burden. Lodging and transportation shall be factored into the pricing.

Contractor will require 4EJ or international drivers license. 4EJs can be provided by the USG as part of the Logistical Support provided amenities.

64N/AN/AN/AQuestion: If the Q&A is not posted to bidders within one week of the proposal due date, will the Government please extend the proposal submission date by at least 1-2 weeks?N/AThe USG anticipates posting the Q&A prior to due date to allow time for proposal generation. However, if needed the USG holds the right to extend the solicitation.
65N/AN/AQuestion: For pricing & recruitment purposes, we will need to assume a start date for the contract. What date should we assume?N/AExpected start date (20 Oct 2025) is based on when materials will ship and is subject to change. A finalized schedule should be available by the week of 8 Sep 25.

This date is only an estimate.

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .