Q and A - IBDSS-05 May 2026.docx

Questions and Answers

1. The notice states this requirement is for an office space within an existing building at RAF Mildenhall. Please confirm whether the contemplated effort is the renovation and secure fit-out of existing interior office space into an ICD 705-compliant SCIF, or whether the Government is instead contemplating construction of a SCIF within a different host environment such as a warehouse, hangar, or other larger shell building. If within existing office space, please clarify the general facility type and whether any significant supporting infrastructure upgrades are anticipated beyond normal SCIF-related modifications. This effort is a renovation and secure fit-out of an existing interior office space into an ICD-compliant work center. We expect to modify and/or reroute supporting systems within the work center to become compliant with IC Technical Specifications for ICD/ICS 705.

1. The RFI states that a Top Secret Facility Clearance is mandatory. Please clarify whether this requirement is tied to a project-specific condition at RAF Mildenhall, such as performance within or immediately adjacent to an existing SCIF/SAPF, required access to classified areas or classified program information during design/construction, or another installation-specific security requirement. In our experience, OCONUS SCIF design/build and installation efforts do not always require the constructor itself to hold a TS FCL unless the scope, location, or execution approach necessitates it. Please also clarify whether the Government intends to sponsor a facility clearance for an otherwise qualified offeror that does not currently hold a TS FCL, or whether only firms with an existing TS FCL will be considered. 32 CFR 117.9(5) The requirement for a favorable entity eligibility determination (also referred to in some instances as an FCL) for a prime contractor includes instances where all access to classified information will be limited to subcontractors. A prime contractor must have a favorable entity eligibility determination at the same or higher classification level as its subcontractors. ***If the construction Contractor is the prime they will require an FCL. A GCA or a currently cleared contractor may sponsor an entity for an entity eligibility determination at any point during the contracting or agreement life cycle at which the entity must have access to classified information to participate (including the solicitation or competition phase).

1. I did not read any requirements for the access control and video surveillance system to be FICAM compliant. I was wondering if this will be a requirement for the SCIF? All systems and sub-systems penetrating and/or terminating the perimeter of the work center will be compliant with guidance set forth in IC Tech Specs for ICD/ICS 705. Deviations may be authorized by the Accrediting Official (AO) on a case-by-case basis.

1. The description reads as if this will be a retrofit of interior room, or some interior space. Is this a correct interpretation? Correct.