Responses_to_Questions.pdf

RFP Document Reference Section Title Question Answer

Attachment 3 2.3.1 Specific Personnel Requirements Can the Government please confirm the SSM certifications referenced in section 2.3.1 are included in the proposal out of page count? Certifications will not count towards any page count stated in the solicitation

Attachment 3 4.1; 4.5.3

Quality Control Plan (QCP)

The Government states, "The QCP shall be submitted at time of proposal submittal. "Can the Government please confirm the Quality Control Plan (QCP) is included out of page count?

PWS Para 4.1.1 amended 'the QCP shall be submitted ten (10) days after award for COR(s) approval and any proposed changes must be approved by the COR(s)'.

PWS Para 4.1 amended 'QCP shall be submitted ten (10) days after award and if any changes are made, a copy is provided to the COR(s) for approval.

Attachment 3 4.4.4 Deliverables

In section 4.1 and 4.5.3 the Government states, "The QCP shall be submitted at time of proposal submittal.". In Section 4.4.4, the Government states "The Contractor shall provide an outline of the Quality Control Plan as part of the requirements contract Proposal." Can the Government please confirm only the QCP outline is due at the time of proposal submission?

PWS Para 4.1.1 amended 'the QCP shall be submitted ten (10) days after award for COR(s) approval and any proposed changes must be approved by the COR(s)'.

PWS Para 4.1 amended 'QCP shall be submitted ten (10) days after award and if any changes are made, a copy is provided to the COR(s) for approval.

Attachment 3 4.4.4.1 Management/Staffing Plan Can the Government please confirm the Management / Staffing Plan referenced in section 4.4.4, Table 2, Item 1, and section 4.4.4.1 is to be included outside of page count?

PWS Para 4.4.4 and 4.4.4.1 changed from Management/Staffing Plan to Staffing Plan to match Section L. The staffing plan is part of the word count.

Attachment 4 4.1 Building 1245 PWS

The ACF requirements identify a, “maximum of 20 individuals to be screened and moved through the facility in a timely manner during peak periods.” Will the Government confirm if it estimates 20 foreign national contractor personnel on-site during peak construction for the renovation of Building 1245?

PWS Para 4.1 amended to ' The ACF shall be of adequate size to allow during peak periods approximately 20 individuals to be screened and moved through the facility in a timely manner. This metric does not refer to the number of onsite construction personnel'.

Attachment 3 3.0 Equipment Section 3.3 requires the contractor to provide an Access Control Facility with electronic door hardware. Will any integration to the base system will be required from the ACF?

PWS Para 3.3 added 'The ACF will not integrate with the base system other than for water and electrical hook up'.

Attachment 3 2.1.4.2 IMPS

Will the Government confirm if air travel for all personnel mobilizing in support of a specific TO is reimbursed under that TO or if only surge airfare costs are reimbursable under a specific

TO?

IAW PWS 2.1.4.2, 2.1.4.3 and 2.8 Only the air travel costs for personnel supporting surge operation is reimbursable. Only air travel for one way travel to the United Kingdom are reimbursable. Any associated costs with visas and any other country entry requirements should be incorporated into the fully burdened labor rates for each labor category.

PWS 2.5.2.5.1

The requirements for the training instructor are unique and unlike any we have seen in similar procurements for USAF, US Army, DoS or even the private sector. In fact they are so specific that it appears very few people in the industry could qualify as a trainer. In order to help bidders determine if they can meet this standard could the Government provide:

a. What is an acceptable certifying entity for a ‘Master Trainer’ in the discipline of

CAG/CST?

b. 6 years of experience seems like a very specific time frame associated with a particular individual. Would the Government consider a candidate with 3-5 years’ experience?

c. Experience with 5 different projects is rather challenging, but to further constrain that by requiring 2 to be OCONUS and 1 to be MILCON, again suggests that the Government has a very specific person in mind for this requirement. Could the Government please share the name and contact information with all bidders so that everyone might be able to propose this same individual?

d. Would the Government consider broadening the standard so that bidders can propose alternative candidates who have significant expertise and experience but not this very specific mix?

e. Given that this is a Performance Work Statement and that the goal of the contract is to have fully trained CAG/CSTs who can perform in accordance with the PWS, would the Government consider implementing a test of CSTs who are trained by whomever the contractor selects as their trainer regardless of background?

a. PWS Para 2.5.2.5.1 added 'or equivalent nationally recognized certification'.

b. PWS Para 2.5.2.5.1 amended to ' Must have at least three (3) to five (5) years direct experience in working ICS 705 construction projects with at least four (4) years in a leadership/management role'.

c. There is no specific person in mind. Experience range has been made broader by decreasing number of OCONUS projects from two (2) to one (1).

See PWS Para 2.5.2.5.1

d. Experience range has been made broader. See b above

e. Government will consider implementing a test of CSTs who are trained by whomever the Contractor selects as their trainer regardless of background as long as they have appropriate and demonstrable skill set. The test will be administered by the Local Security Officer at the 48th Fighter Wing Advanced Programs Office.

RFP -

Will the Government extend the proposal due date to allow more time after questions are answered?

Due to the construction timeframe, the Government does not foresee extending the proposal date.

PWS 5.4.1 -

Section 5.4.1 in the PWS states that Contractor personnel performing work under this contract as SSMs or CSTs shall have an active personnel security clearance at US Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) Level in the Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS).

Will the Government read on individuals to obtain SCI level before they can begin working on a project?

PWS Para 5.4.1 added ' with SCI eligibility and the Government will read in locally'.

PWS 2.5.2.5 -

Section 2.5.2.5 in the PWS states that the contractor shall provide a fully developed training course designed to prepare CSTs and CAGs for security surveillance services. The contractor shall provide a minimum forty (40) hour CST training course and a minimum twenty (20) hour SSM training course. Will a Department of State CST/CAG training certificate, conducted within the past five (5) years, be used to fulfill this requirement? authorized to make the determination if a person is eligible to work on this contract?

Yes, a Department of State CST/CAG training certificate conducted within the past five (5) years will fulfill this requirement and provides authorization to determine if the person is eligible to work on this contract.

PWS 2.5.2.5 -

Section 2.5.2.5 gives a minimum number of training hours for CSTs and SSMs. Is there required training for CAGs as well? If so, what are the minimum required hours?

PWS Para 2.5.2.5 added ' and a minimum twenty (2) hour CAG training course'.

RFP L-6.2.4 -

This section states “This section shall present a clear, concise description of how Offerors plan to meet RFP requirements” and asks offerors to explain the proposed approach to meet PWS requirements, which requires offerors to address PWS Sections 2, 4 and 5 (Services, Quality Control, and Environments, Safety, Health, Security). However, the evaluation criteria limited to staffing and equipment. Please clarify the evaluation criteria in relation to our description of the proposed approach.

Only the three (3) technical sub factors of staffing plan, recruitment, training and retention plan and mobilization/equipment plan will be evaluated.

PWS 2.1.4.3 -

The referenced paragraph states that air travel reimbursements shall apply only to personnel in support of surge requirements and only apply for one-way tickets to the United Kingdom.

However, surge personnel may require travel back to the United States. Is there a reason why air travel reimbursements apply only to one-way tickets?

IAW PWS 2.1.4.2, 2.1.4.3 and 2.8 Only the air travel costs for personnel supporting surge operation is reimbursable. Only air travel for one way travel to the United Kingdom are reimbursable as market research suggests that travel to the United Kingdom is likely to be procured without too much notice, therefore increased costs for a air travel ticket. Any associated costs with visas and any other country entry requirements should be incorporated into the fully burdened labor rates for each labor category.

PWS 2.3.2.2 -

The referenced paragraph states that the SSM is “Responsible for the accreditation of the SWA. ” Per the ICD-705, accreditation is the responsibility of the AO, and not the SSM. Can you please clarify the responsibilities of the SSM in relationship to accreditation of the SWA?

PWS Para 2.3.2.2 Amended 'Responsible for providing the required evidence to support the recommendation for accreditation by the AO as required by the Fixed Facility Checklist (FFC)'.

PWS 2.5.2.5 -

The PWS states “The Contractor shall provide a fully developed training course designed to prepare CSTs and CAGs for security surveillance services ”. Please describe the proof the Government would like that shows that a contractor has already designed and delivered the training course to US Government employees. For instance, would the Government require letters of evaluation from the US Government and students who have taken the course?

PWS Para 2.5.2.5 Added: The Contractor shall provide within ten (10) days after award, a training syllabus or materials as well as any past certifications to demonstrate the Contractors training capability.

PWS 2.5.2.5.1 -

If the instructor is not a certified Master trainer, how should the offeror prove – beyond a simple statement of fact – that their proposed instructor has at least three (3) years of experience providing ICD/ICS 705 training?

PWS Para 2.5.2.5.1 added ' as demonstrated in a statement of facts with suitable evidence e.g. letters of recommendation, certifications, etc.'.

PWS 2.5.2.5.1 -

The PWS states the instructor “Must have at least six (6) years direct experience working in ICS 705 construction projects with at least four (4) years in a leadership/management role ”.

Can the government confirm that ‘direct’ means physically on the project site working as a CAG, CST, or SSM and NOT as a PM working off the site?

PWS Para 2.5.2.5.1 added ' must have at least 3 to 5 years direct experience either on or off site working in ICS 705'.

PWS 2.5.2.5.1 -

The PWS states the instructor “Must have at least six (6) years direct experience working in ICS 705 construction projects with at least four (4) years in a leadership/management role ”.

Can the government confirm ‘leadership’ means SSM or CST Lead? PWS Para 2.5.2.5.1 changed to ' in a SSM or CST lead roles'.

PWS 2.5.2.5.1 -

The PWS states the instructor “Must have three (3) years’ experience of working on ICD/ICS 705 OCONUS construction projects” . Can the government confirm that this means physically present on ICD/ICS 705 OCONUS construction projects and NOT managing them from the US? PWS Para 2.5.2.5.1 added ' in an onsite overseas environment'.

PWS 2.5.8 -

The referenced paragraph states that offerors must include the employee name on their employee badge. Typically on ICD-705 OCONUS construction projects, it is not considered best practice to identify the security personnel by name visible to foreign nationals. Will the government allow the contractor to meet this requirement with the issuance of standard site badges (with photo) but without the name of the security person? PWS Para 2.5.8 removed 'employee name'

PWS 2.7.2 -

In section 2.7.1 the PWS states “The working hours of the Construction Site workers are Monday to Friday 0700 to 1700 excluding UK holidays .”, however, in section 2.7.2 the PWS states “The following US and UK holidays apply to OCONUS performance ” and “The Contractor may be required to perform on US and UK holidays, including Bank Holidays, occurring during the normal workweek unless otherwise directed by the CO. ”. Should the contractor price in to work UK holidays, US, holidays, all holidays, or no holidays?

PWS Para 2.7.2 changed to The Contractor may will be required to perform on US holidays however it is anticipated the Contractor will not be required to work and UK holidays, including Bank Holidays. If UK holidays are to be worked this will be by exception and the Contractor will be given seventy-two (72) hours’ notice to allow for scheduling of personnel

PWS 2.9 -

Referenced paragraph states that SOFA is not applicable to this contract. Does this mean that UK taxes must be applied to all costs?

It is the Contractors responsibility for ensuring that any applicable UK taxes such as business or income taxes are paid or an appropriate exception applied in accordance with UK Law. This should be accounted for in proposed prices.

PWS 2.9 -

Referenced paragraph states that SOFA is not applicable to this contract. Can the government please explain how a contractor will confirm that they have included all applicable UK taxes into their proposal prices?

Per Section M-3.4.2 the Government will conduct a price analysis rather than cost analysis.

PWS 3.1.3 -

Does the contractor need to provide personnel trained and qualified in using the NLJD? If so, how can the contractor show evidence of having current employees with NLJD training, such as a certification?

The Contractor shall provide NLJD trained and qualified personnel evidenced with training documentation such as manufacturer certification. The training documentation should be provided to the COR(s) within fifteen (15) days of award

IAW 3.1.3.

PWS 3.1.7 -

The offeror must purchase staff radios capable of working on authorized frequencies. The cost of the radios will vary with the required frequency. What is the authorized frequency that we can use in county?

PWS 3.1.7 added ' that comply with any UK country requirements'.

PWS Para 3.1.7 Provides information with process for using radios on base.

PWS 3.4.1 -

Referenced paragraph states that the interior of the Secure Storage Area will contain materials, including an inventory system (computer). Who will provide the SSA “inventory system (computer)” and who will develop the material tracking system for use in the SSA? PWS 3.1.9 added ' to provide material tracking capabilities'.

PWS 4.4.4.1 -

The referenced paragraph states that the Management/staffing plan is to be provided with the proposal and provides a list of subjects that we must cover in the plan. This list includes information that is not referenced in sections L or M. Where in the proposal is the offeror to place the plan?

The Contractor should provide this information under the technical proposal under sub factor A Staffing Plan.

PWS 4.4.4.1 -

The referenced paragraph states that the Management/staffing plan is to be provided with the proposal and provides a list of subjects that we must cover in the plan. This list includes information that is not referenced in sections L or M. Is the Plan exempt from page count? The staffing plan is included in the word count listed in section L.

PWS 4.4.4.1 -

The referenced paragraph states that the Management/staffing plan is to be provided with the proposal and provides a list of subjects that we must cover in the plan. This list includes information that is not referenced in sections L or M. What are the evaluation criteria for the Management Plan? Only the elements listed in Section L will be evaluated.

PWS 4.4.4.3 -

The referenced paragraph states that the draft outline of the QC Plan is to be provided with the proposal, but sections L and M do not mention the QC Plan. Where in the proposal is the offeror to place the plan?

The QCP is not required to be included in the proposal, instead it should be provided 10 days after award.

PWS 4.4.4.3 -

The referenced paragraph states that the draft outline of the QC Plan is to be provided with the proposal, but sections L and M do not mention the QC Plan. Is the QC Plan exempt from page count?

The QCP is not required to be included in the proposal, instead it should be provided 10 days after award therefore is not required to be part of the page count.

PWS 4.4.4.3 -

The referenced paragraph states that the draft outline of the QC Plan is to be provided with the proposal, but sections L and M do not mention the QC Plan. What are the evaluation criteria for the QC Plan?

The QCP is not required to be included in the proposal, instead it should be provided 10 days after award.

PWS 5.4.1 -

The PWS states that “Contractor personnel performing work under this contract as SSM or CST shall have an active personnel security clearance at US TS Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) Level ” and “Secret SCI” for CAGs, however, sections 2.3.2.1, 2.3.3, 2.3.4 and appendix A only require the SSM and CST to have TS and a CAG to have Secret. Please clarify the minimum clearance requirement for each labor category.

PWS Para 5.4.1, 2.32.2.1, 2.33 and appendix A amended to reflect:

SSM & CST - TS w/SCI eligibility CAG - US Secret

PWS 5.4.1 -

Please provide the clearance requirement for any contractor Program/Project Managers (PM) that will oversee contract operations and access the site as necessary to ensure proper performance by all contractor personnel.

PWS Para 5.4.1 Added ' Any Program/Project Managers that are incidental to overseeing contract operations to ensure proper performance by all contractor personnel are required to have an active personnel security clearance at US TS with SCI eligibility'.

Please confirm if we are to propose IDIQ rates in the Labor Category Pricing Matrix, which we are then to use in creating a Firm Fixed Price solution for the Sample Pricing Matrix on the Building 1245 Performance Work Statement.

Correct, the proposed rates in the Labor Category Pricing Matrix should be used to create a solution for the Sample Pricing Matrix for Building 1245.

- - - Would the Customer confirm if this will be a single award IDIQ?

IAW 52.216-1, This will be a requirements contract rather than a single award IDIQ.

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