Exchanges for ER Physician 2.pdf

Exchanges received for ER Physician requirement (part 2).

1.) Question: Will proposals be accepted that begins performance December 1st, 2012?

Answer: Unfortunately December 1st is too late to begin performance for this requirement.

2.) Question: How does a U.S. prospective contractor consider proposal price and cost of living for an overseas requirement of this type?

Answer: See attached guidance below. Housing economy may be surveyed at www.rightmove.co.uk . It is the contractor’s responsibility to provide and research cost of living and visa requirements beyond this guidance.

Attached Guidance:

NOTICE TO POTENTIAL CONTRACTORS

FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY

This is to inform all potential contractors on the current support policy for RAF Lakenheath, United

Kingdom.

1. The contractor is responsible for bearing the costs of the following items:

a. Movement and/or storage of household goods and personally owned vehicles.

b. Before shipping a personally owned vehicle ensure that the UK will allow you to bring it into the country. Military/DoD civilians are authorized to ship one per military/DoD civilian member per the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). A contractor may not be authorized since they do not fall under the SOFA. It may be more beneficial to purchase a UK spec used car. Generally, you can find a decent used UK spec car for around $3000.

c. Obtain and maintaining VISA which grants entry to and the right to work in the UK. Go on line and view the UK Border Agency’s website for further information.

d. Federal income taxes, Medicare, and Social Security contributions. W-2’s are not provided.

e. Government housing is not provided nor available.

f. Logistical Support (Base Exchange, Commissary, Morale Welfare & Recreation (MWR), and

Service Station privileges) may or may not be provided. The Performance Work Statement will indicate if Logistical Support is provided.

g. Contractor children are authorized to attend Department of Defense Dependent Schools

(DODDS) and pay the tuition cost. For additional information please visit www.dodea.edu and click on the European link. British schools are also available in the local area and can be researched online.

2. When living on the British economy here are some items that you may want to keep in mind:

a. Have sufficient funds to get into a home – normally you are required to put down a security deposit worth one and a half months rent along with the first month’s rent. This can be very expensive depending on rental cost. Research UK Letting Agents for information on rental housing and costs. (Example: a 3-bedroom home costs £900.00 per month resulting in an approximate cost of £2250.00 (1.5 months worth of deposit and first month’s rent) – that translates into $3533.00 using the current 1.57 exchange rate.)

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/ http://www.dodea.edu/

b. Utility deposits – generally not required in the UK, but recommend you research.

c. Electricity. Uk standard is 220V. Appliances from the US, unless dual voltage will require a transformer in order to operate in the UK. US TVs will not be able to receive UK channels.

This is because Europe uses PAL and the US runs on NTSC.

d. Purchasing fuel on the economy is very expensive, go online and check current prices. Please note that fuel is purchased by liter. If you are authorized Logistical Support you may purchase fuel on base.

e. Contractors may be required to pay Council Tax which is based on your homes location within any given city/town/village. This generally covers garbage, sewer, Police, etc. As a contractor you do not fall under the SOFA therefore you may NOT be exempt from paying

Council Tax. Suggest you research online.

f. Other taxes/costs that are required:

i. Annual Television Tax (about £120)

ii. Road Tax (depends on the type of vehicle and if you pay yearly or semi-annually.

Annual cost could be anywhere between £100 to £300)

iii. Ministry of Transport test (MOT) – annual vehicle inspection. (about £40)

iv. Light conversion for U.S. Specification vehicles (if imported).

g. Rent and utilities are set up for automatic withdrawal so getting a UK checking account may be beneficial. If authorized Logistical Support this can also be done at the Community Bank on the base.

3. The above information is by no means all inclusive but rather a snap shot of what you may encounter.

If a staffing agency is being used certain costs may be covered by that agency. Please check with them for details. If submitting an independent proposal, it is advisable that you seek legal council to determine what may be required in order to work or be employed in the UK.

4. Note: This information is geared towards contractors who do not have Military/DoD dependent status. Dependents should already have a VISA and are authorized Logistical Support based on their dependency status.