Chapel Vendor Questions and Answers v2.pdf

FA561325Q0008- Chapel Consolidation Services

Vendors’ Questions:

1.On Para (iv) of Page 2, the Government mentions the “613a Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) may apply to this requirement.” According to online searches, this is a German law that re-quires new companies taking over a new contract to hire incumbent German citizens at the then-prevailing wage of the previous employer. Will the Government provide the position(s) and current pay rate(s) of the affected positions on this contract to ensure an even playing field for offerors?

A-1. No the Government will not provide position and current pay rates. It is up to the vendor to propose appropriately.

2. On Page 5 under ADDENDUM TO 52.212-2, the Government indicates that “The two lowest priced quotes will be rated for technical acceptability.” Will the Government confirm that the reason for evaluating the two lowest quotes is to evaluate and grade the qualitative differences of technical acceptability between the two lowest-priced offerors? Otherwise, why would the Government be comparing and contrasting the two lowest quotes for technical acceptability, if not for qualitative differences?

A-2. No, the Government is not evaluating/grading the difference between offerors.

The offeror must meet the technical requirements and be the lowest offeror for an award.

3. On Page 6 under Sub-Factor 1: Past/Present Experience, the Government requires that “the offeror’s experience working a requirement of similar scope and complexity as identified in the PWS. A minimum of one (1) year of experience is required.” QUESTION:

Would the Government consider changing the requirement to indicate that the one year of experience include at least one *overseas* contract (with same scope and complexity), but performed by the Prime Contractor only?

A-3. Yes, one year of experience as a subcontractor or a prime contractor overseas or in country is still experience. Please provide necessary documentation of proof.

4. Under Sub-Factor 1: Past/Present Experience, is the Government requesting *both* a completed Attachment 3 *and* a two-page narrative detailing the offeror’s relevant experience?

A-4. Please fill out Attachment 3 but do not go beyond 2 pages.

5. Under Sub-Factor 2: Management Approach, will the Government be requiring résumés and letters of commitment for all proposed personnel?

A-5. No, the request is for a 3-page management approach outline.

6. Would the Government please confirm the expected duration for transition or phase-in activities?

A-6. The goal is to have a one-month phase in. However, that could change during the course of the acquisition cycle. Flexibility is appreciated and the phase-in period shall be included in the contractor’s pricing.

7. Since past performance will be evaluated based on “scope and complexity,” would the Government please clarify how many past performance examples are required specifically by the prime contractor/offeror in Attachment 3 (as opposed to teaming partners and/or subcontractors)?

A-7. Per the instructions do not go beyond 2 pages of Attachment 3.

8. Given that “complexity” is an evaluation factor, and that the PWS spans multiple labor categories and religious groups, will the Government require that past performance examples demonstrate de-livery of at least three labor categories across a minimum of two faith traditions in order to meet the “complexity” criterion?

A-8. Per the Sub-factor 1, the offeror shall submit information pertaining to past work experience. The more examples the better.

9. Please provide the Service-Contract Act Wage Determination for this contract.

A-9. This is the offeror’s responsibility; if it is necessary for this requirement.

10. In the solicitation I am finding no mention of the Defense Base Act (DBA) insurance. Is it required, the DBA insurance, for this contract? And if yes, must the German citizen employees also be covered under it? I am wondering if German Employers’ Liability Coverage (Betriebshaftpflichtversicherung) is acceptable instead of DBA insurance for both German and United States employees?

A-10. It is the responsibility of the offeror to decide if the DBA is applicable or not, per paragraph (vi) of the Combo Solicitation.

11. While the solicitation states that past performance will be evaluated based on “scope and complexity,” there is no mention of magnitude. Will the Government establish a minimum contract value or scale as part of the relevance assessment to address magnitude?

A-11. The offeror is provide past performance within Attachment 3 (up to a 2 page limit). Please see LPTA award description within the Combo Solicitation. Magnitude is not a factor for evaluation.

12. Given the unique nature of chapel operations in a military setting, will the Government consider requiring that at least one past performance example reflect successful delivery of chapel services in a military environment?

A-12. No, the Government is accepting similar scope and complexity past performance.

13. Attachment 3 includes space for three formatted past performance entries. Is the Government expecting no less than three past performance examples?

A-13. Per the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation directions up to two pages would be accepted of Attachment 3.

14. We would like to know if this is a brand new contract OR if there is (was) an incumbent performing these services.

A-14. - This is not a brand new requirement, it is a recompete.

15. If not brand new, could you please provide the current / previous contract number?

A-15. FA561320D0014

16. Attachment 3 - Past and Present Experience Sheet - To substantiate claims of strong service delivery on relevant and recent contracts, does the Government require submission of Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs)? If so, will the Government accept Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) evaluations in lieu of or in addition to PPQs?"

A-16. No, the US Government is not requesting PPQs.

17. PWS 1.1.2.8/PWS 4.1.16. The PWS states: The contractor shall provide a suitable employee substitute of equal or greater qualifications when a worker will be absent. Is there a defined period of absence by which a replacement employee must be available or is the expectation that a replacement employee is available for any and all absences? Any absence that prevents the contractor to fulfill the requirements of the PWS, the con-tractor will need to provide suitable substitute (e.g., sub-contract a piano player, etc.)?

A17. For any absence that prevents the contractor fulfilling the requirements of the PWS, the contractor will need to provide suitable substitutes (e.g., sub-contract a piano player, etc.).

18. The PWS states: The Contractor is solely responsible for all tax liabilities, to include any local or Host Nation taxes. However, there are several recent instances in LPTA solicitations where the awardee hires 1099/freelance contractors contrary to host nation regulations.

How will the Gov't ensure that any company awarded this solicitation is in compliance with this paragraph?

A-18. This is between the contractor and its employees; it is not the Government’s business. However, the contractor shall not violate any U.S. or Host Nation laws in performance of this contract. If the Government identifies any violations the contract may be subject to termination or other contractual remedies.

19.The PWS states that the contractor shall reimburse for emergency medical services.

How will those costs be determined?

A-19. That is between the contractor and the employee. But again, the Government will not be footing the bill for medical care with these positions. All medical care provided by the Government will result in an itemized bill that will be provided to the contractor.

20.The places of performance do not indicate if the Gov't expects all positions to be available to perform services at all places listed or if there are certain positions "assigned" to certain chapel. Will the Gov't please clarify?

A-20. All services take place in the Kaiserslautern Military Community (KMC) area.

Services will normally be provided at the same location each week (Ramstein AB).

However, the government reserves the right to change where some services are provided (see para 3.7.1 of the PWS).

21.There is no definition of alternate place of performance. Is this expected to be within the local area (typically 40-mile radius)?

A-21. Yes, inside the Kaiserslautern Military Community. The PWS has been amended to include Kapaun/Vogelweh Air Station Chapel as the alternate place of performance.

22.The PWS requires that contractor personnel provide their personal email address. This is contrary to European privacy laws. Will the Gov't accept a work (company) email in lieu of a personal email?

A-22. Yes, PWS has been amended to include a personal or work email.

23.This paragraph states the MDA will provide 118 units; however, the subparagraphs add up to 120 units. Will the Gov't provide clarification?

A-23. This was an oversight on the Government, the PWS has been amended from 118 to 120 for all three MDA positions.

24. The PWS lists multiple positions (such as MDA) with similar qualifications. Is the Gov't open to alternative staffing options, such as combining positions?

A-24. It is up to the contractor to decide how to fulfil the contract. However, one person may fill multiple positions, but one person may not fill multiple positions in the same service. The contractor is cautioned against this in case the positions require action at the same time. The contractor is responsible for ensuring that all positions are filled including fulfilling the outlined responsibilities in the PWS.

25. This paragraph lists a range of hours (90-100) with variability throughout the year;

however, the pricing volume requires an FFP of months. Given that there is a difference of potential 120 hours per year that the contractor cannot price accurately, will the Gov't consider changing the pricing volume to hours?

A-25. No the Government will not consider changing the price volume to hours. FAR

12.207 states that firm fixed price contracts shall be used for commercial services;

thus, the contractor’s pricing shall cover all work hours/units as outlined in the PWS including any variances for the positions listed (see section 2 of paragraph 9 and addendums for specific work hour requirements)

26.This paragraph states an expected work week of 20-25 hours; however, the pricing volume is a FFP in months. Given that there is a difference of potential 60 hours per year that the contractor cannot price accurately, will the Gov't consider changing the pricing volume to hours?

A-26. See A-25

27. The PWS requires that the candidate be able to read & teach Arabic, and have a DoD letter of endorsement. These requirements very specific, and contradict an LPTA solicitation. Will the Gov't consider changing this to a best value evaluation basis?

A-27. No, the Government will not change to a best value evaluation basis as this a lowest technically acceptable price source selection based on the factors listed in the combined synopsis/solicitation including meeting the requirements of the PWS (see technical acceptability subfactor 2). Upon award, the contractor will be required to provide the candidate’s information including its DoD letter of endorsement.

28.This paragraph states variability in working hours per month; however, the pricing volume is FFP in months. Given that there is a monthly difference that the contractor cannot price accurately, will the Gov't consider changing the pricing volume to hours?

A-28. See A-25

29. Are these positions currently filled?

A29. Not all positions are currently filled as the current contract is an indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ).

29. If these positions are filled, are they filled by 10 different individuals?

A-30. See A-29

30. CLINs 0001-0004 have units in months; however, in the PWS the units are blocks of 120 minutes. Will the Gov't change the pricing volume to match the PWS units for these positions?

A-30. See A-25

31. A site visit was held for this solicitation. Will the Gov't provide meeting minutes from that site visit?

A-31. The site visit was canceled because of lack of participation confirmation.