Laundry Services Recompete RFI (003).pdf

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Laundry Services Recompete

FA570224QC024

RFIs

10/11/2024

Question:

Is the offer due on Oct 16? Yes

Are you looking for best quote to perform everyting on the PWS? Yes

The bundle items are not charged to the contract.

Special Wash and Dry-Cleaning: Segregation and specialized handling of petroleum-soiled items and medical linens, as well as dry-cleaning services as specified under AFMAN 34-135.

Is there a guideline how much overage you can charge per piece of clothing? We do not charge for

Answer:

Guidance Update // AFMAN 34-135 has been superseded by DAFMAN 34-135, LODGING PROGRAM. Attachment 4 is the Installation Laundry and Linen Program

Question:

"In attachment ""Attachment 1 - PWS Laundry Service,"" Appendix A ""List of Allowed Items"", kindly note that QTY (EST) is empty. Thus, how can we provide a Total Price (EST)?

Appendix A lists all clothing and linens allowed to be laundered under this contract. Any item not listed in Appendix A will be charged to the customer. We do not charge our customers for utilizing the services.

Due to the nature of this requirement, there are no specified quantities that we can provide. At this time, only the estimated workload can be provided. In terms of pricing, contractors shall price per item in-accordance with the List of Allowed Items (Attachment 1 – PWS Laundry Service 10 Oct 2024, Appendix A)

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Do you require the unit prices in Qatari Riyals or USD?"

Answer: USD

Question:

"(w) Commercial Registration Data – Qatar (or applicable) (1) Offerors shall include a copy of their Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Commercial Registration Data, signed and certified by the Qatar Chamber - Registration and Commercial Licenses Department. The applicable activity code 9601101 must be for the purpose of this acquisition, or the offeror may not be considered for award.

Based of the above information, it shows that we must submit this information, granted as a US company we naturally wouldn't have these. However, the subcontractor company we are utilizing does. Would we need to/ be able to submit their certificates whenever we submit our offer? "

Answer:

The prime offeror must have the Commercial Registration Data, signed and certified by the Qatar Chamber – Registration and Commercial Licenses Department to be considered for award.

Question:

"Referring to the subject matter (Notice ID: FA570224QC024), could you please let us know if the proposal should be sent by email or a different method. Are you the POC for clarifications, if not could you please share the contacts for the concerned person.

Answer:

All offers must be submitted electronically to the Contracting Officer – SSgt Love Gaunt via email at alexander.love_gaunt@us.af.mil

Question:

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We would like to inquire about the detailed quantity schedule for all parts related to the laundry services. Is there a specific schedule available that outlines the quantities and types of parts required?

Answer: I believe they may be asking if there was a schedule available, and if there was a clarification about estimated amount in the ULA.

Due to the nature of this requirement, there are no specified quantities that we can provide. At this time, only the estimated workload can be provided. In terms of pricing, contractors shall price per item in-accordance with the List of Allowed Items (Attachment 1 – PWS Laundry Service 10 Oct 2024, Appendix A)

Question:

Is it possible to receive a briefing or any information on previous contract awards related to this scope of work?

Answer:

Information will not be provided to the vendors they can find it themselves.

Question:

Additionally, we would appreciate clarification on the following points:

Is it mandatory for the contractor to hold a commercial license in Qatar or a work license specific to the region?

Answer:

(w) Commercial Registration Data – Qatar (or applicable) (1) Offerors shall include a copy of their Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Commercial Registration Data, signed and certified by the Qatar Chamber - Registration and Commercial Licenses Department. The applicable activity code 9601101 must be for the purpose of this acquisition, or the offeror may not be considered for award.

Question:

Does the contractor need to demonstrate previous performance or experience in the same field to be eligible for consideration?

Answer: Yes

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Question:

"Can we submit as teaming partners?

If we subcontract the job, does the client consider the capabilities and qualifications of our local subcontractor as ours?"

Answer:

Yes, primary contractor will be ultimately responsible.

HNCC response also applies but your comment is correct Prime Contractors are the entity that is in charge of making sure they are complying with all of ours and Qatar’s standards

Question:

I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to request clarification regarding the term "ELRS" in Appendix B of the Estimated Monthly Workload table in Solicitation FA570224QC024 for laundry and dry-cleaning services. Could you kindly provide more details or a definition of what "ELRS" refers to in this context?

Answer:

ELRS is a customer that utilizes the special wash services.

Question: Page 2, Clause 1. Scope of Work Description of Services

US Forces, and Coalition Forces, at AUAB shall receive services free of charge for normal use laundry and organizational dry-cleaning items, to include special wash items. Any item not listed in Appendix A will be charged to the customer.

For free of charge are you referring to list of items mentioned in Appendix A which will be invoiced on credit basis? And by free do you mean that this will be paid by the US government?

Answer:

The services are “free of charge” for the customers at the time of drop-off/pick-up.

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Question: "Page 2, Clause 1.2 Count of Articles:

1.2.2 The contractor shall destroy all receipts kept on AUAB every 90 days, by shredding with the use of a shredding machine that has been approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

How about the data the is available on the system? Since all the receipts will be digitally printed through a thermal printer using our laundry management software."

Answer:

Statement is referring to physical receipts. What systems are you referring to?

Question: "1.4 Wash Services

1.4.4 Medical Clothing and linen:

Information has been shared for the washing and drying procedures (71 degrees Celsius for > 25 minutes and dried at 120 degrees Celsius) How many minutes should the items be dried at 120 degrees?"

Answer:

All items are to be completely dry. We do not determine how long that takes.

Questions:

1.7 Missing and Damaged Articles

1.7.1, 1.7.2, 1.7.3, 1.7.4 Will there be any depreciation considered on the value of the item/s?

Answer:

1.7, 1.7.1, 1.7.2, 1.7.3, 1.7.4, for missing and damaged articles will be adhered to.

Depreciation will not be considered.

Questions: "2.4 Manpower

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2.4.1 The Contractor shall have one centrally located laundering facility and manpower available to launder up to 900,000 articles per month, as per the Contract Schedule. The contractor shall also have adequate manpower to operate the AUAB laundry facility and that waiting times for laundry drop off and pick up customers is no longer than 10 minutes per customer.

How many laundry staff need to be allocated to operate AUAB laundry facility?"

Answer:

Staffing should be adequate to fulfill contract requirements.

Questions:

"2.4.2 The Contractor may use hired USN and LN/OCN contractor personnel to accomplish this task order, except as otherwise stated. The Contractor shall provide OCN monitors IAW local policy, AUAB Instruction 31-102, Security Escort Program to execute daily operations.

Will this be necessary since gate passes will be applied for the vehicles as well as the laundry staff will be operating in AUAB laundry facility?

Answer:

Yes it is an additional requirement

Could you please share with us the estimated quantity of each item mentioned in Appendix A”?

Answer:

Intent of Appendix A is to list all clothing and linens allowed to be laundered under this contract. US Forces, and Coalition Forces, at AUAB shall receive free of charge for normal use laundry and organizational dry-cleaning items, to include special wash items.

Questions:

I would like to inquire about the details regarding the mobilization period for the project. Specifically, we seek clarification on whether we are expected to take over

7 | P a g e the job in phases from the current contractor or if full mobilization will be required from the outset.

Answer:

(for internal only)There are a couple of options the default is usually the incumbent contractor will help with this portion of the phase in phase out so that there is not disruption of services, But given the nature of why this recompete is happening the incumbent isn’t allowed to win; your team will ultimately decide what the schedule will look like and update the PWS to reflect but I can give advice where it’s needed this one should probably be a phone call.

I understand the nature, but I would like to go the course with no disruption. I have Phase 1 COR training on 3 Oct @ 1500 I can stop by.

Questions:

"Could you kindly provide details on the following:

Do the curtains have a standard size, or are there multiple sizes?

What are the sizes of the towels, sheets, blankets, etc.? Are there multiple sizes for these items, and if so, could you specify the dimensions?

What are the sizes of the dining cloths?"

Answer: Contractor should be able to provide laundry services for all requested items. There are multiple sizes for items you are asking about.

Questions:

1. Performance Work Statement (PWS) - Laundry Services

1) Surge and Unexpected Requirements (Section 1.12)

a) Question: Could you clarify the Government's expectations for surge capacity?

b) Question: What is the maximum increase in laundry volume anticipated during troop surges or unexpected situations, and how will this be communicated to the contractor?

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Answer: The Government will not forecast an increase in troops. The contractor is expected to support at a minimum peak monthly load of 64,385.20 items or a 10% increase from the total estimated peak monthly workload – 58,532 (Attachment 1 – PWS Laundry Service 10 Oct 2024, Appendix B).

Questions:

Laundry Ticketing and Accountability (Section 1.2)

a) Question: Regarding the laundry ticketing process, can you provide more details on how the Government expects the contractor to reconcile missing or damaged items with laundry customers?

b) Question: What specific format is required for the IOU (shortage) ticket mentioned in Section 1.7?

Answer: Section 1.7 is clear. The contract will either locate missing item, repair the item or reimburse the customer.

Questions:

Medical Linen Requirements (Section 1.4.4)

a) Question: Are there specific certifications or standards (beyond temperature guidelines) that medical linen washing and packaging must comply with, such as healthcare or military standards?

Answer: No.

Questions:

Transportation Vehicles (Section 1.11)

a) Question: Are there specific security or safety features required for the laundry transport vehicles beyond the enclosed space and locking doors?

b) Does the Government provide any specific guidelines for vehicle maintenance?

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Answer: The contractor will be responsible for all maintenance on the vehicle. The vehicle is required to keep vehicle registration current. As long as the vehicle is able to pass all requirements for registration the vehicle may operate on base.

Questions:

Mobilization Plan (Section 2.1 of the PWS and Section vii of the RFQ)

a) Question: Could you clarify if there are any specific metrics or deliverables expected from the contractor regarding the mobilization plan beyond the setup of facilities, staffing, and transportation? Are there any additional Government oversight or milestones during the mobilization period?

Answer: The government will provide an office for the contractor. The government will assist to provide a smooth transition.

Questions:

Rewash (Section 1.6)

a) Question: Could you clarify what specific quality control standards need to be followed for rewash procedures?

b) Question: How is "unsatisfactory laundering" defined, and what metrics will the Government use to evaluate the need for rewash.

Answer: In the past items were returned because they had a bad odor, still wet, and still soiled.

Questions:

Base Access and Nationality Requirements for Personnel

a) Question: According to PWS Section 2.2.2 and Attachment 2, Clause 252.222- 7002 (Compliance with Local Labor Laws), Are OCN Monitors required to be US nationals or can. they be other ally countries (UK, GE, AUS)?

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Answer: “The Contractor Representative shall meet the requirements set-forth in PWS Section 2.2.2 and Clause 252.222-7002:

COMPLIANCE WITH LOCAL LABOR LAWS (OVERSEAS) (JUN 1997)

(a) The Contractor shall comply with all—

(1) Local laws, regulations, and labor union agreements governing work hours; and

(2) Labor regulations including collective bargaining agreements, workers’ compensation, working conditions, fringe benefits, and labor standards or labor contract matters.

(b) The Contractor indemnifies and holds harmless the United States Government from all claims arising out of the requirements of this clause. This indemnity includes the Contractor’s obligation to handle and settle, without cost to the United States Government, any claims or litigation concerning allegations that the Contractor or the United States Government, or both, have not fully complied with local labor laws or regulations relating to the performance of work required by this contract.

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b) of this clause, consistent with paragraphs 31.205-15(a) and 31.205-47(d) of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, the Contractor will be reimbursed for the costs of all fines, penalties, and reasonable litigation expenses incurred as a result of compliance with specific contract terms and conditions or written instructions from the Contracting Officer.

(End of clause)”

Questions:

Government Furnished Equipment (GFE)

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a) Question: As per PWS Section 2.1.1.1 (Facilities and Equipment), what Government Furnished Equipment (GFE), if any, will be available for the contractor's use?

b) Question: Does the Government plan to provide any laundry-specific equipment, vehicles, or other support assets?

Answer: The PWS states what equipment the contractor will provide. 2.1.1.1 The Government shall not be responsible for providing the contractor any equipment needed to perform services specified in the contract.

Questions:

Federal Security Clearance Levels Required for OCN Monitors

a) Question: According to PWS Section 2.4.2 (OCN Monitors) and Attachment 2, Clause 252.222-7002 (Compliance with Local Labor Laws) and 2.12.1.2Pass and

Identification Items: Is a Federal Security Clearance Level (FCL) required for OCN. (Other Country National) Monitors (USN/EXPAT) to work inside the base and are. there is any additional screening or vetting procedures beyond the local labor law requirements.

Answer: There will be additional screening and vetting through Security Forces.

Questions:

Transfer of management

a) Question: As per PWS Section 2.1.1.2 (Facility Inspection), could you clarify what handover protocols, if any, are in place for the transition between the incumbent. contractor and the new awardee (Phase Out/In procedures)?

b) Question: Is there a formal process for inventory transfer, records handover, or operational continuity expectations during the transition period?

Answer: Safety, Contracting and a COR will inspect the facility and then provide a timeline to fix any issues. EFSS Lodging COR does have access to inventory, and records.

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Questions:

Commercial Registration Data – Qatar (Section viii)

a) Question: Is there a deadline for submitting the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Commercial Registration Data, signed and certified by the Qatar Chamber?

b) Question: Does this need to be included with the initial proposal submission, or can it be submitted at a later date before, during or after the award?

Answer:

A: We are not the agency to answer this.

(w) Commercial Registration Data – Qatar (or applicable) (1) Offerors shall include a copy of their Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Commercial Registration Data, signed and certified by the Qatar Chamber - Registration and Commercial Licenses Department. The applicable activity code 9601101 must be for the purpose of this acquisition, or the offeror may not be considered for award.

B: Vendors need to have all certs at the time of solicitation to the government

Questions: OCN Monitors

a) Question: Are there any specific nationality requirements or restrictions for the OCN Monitors assigned to this contract, particularly regarding security protocols at the base or local labor laws in Qatar?

b) Question: Should the contractors reside on base or off base?

c) Question: Is Defense Base Act Insurance required for OCN Monitors and/or OCN Staff?

Answer: They must abide by the local escort policy.

Questions: 3. Additional Contract Requirements and Terms (Attachment 2)

1) Public Disclosure of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Clause 52.223-22)

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a) Question: Are there any additional reporting requirements for contractors regarding greenhouse gas emissions, or is the disclosure limited to a one-time certification at the time of proposal submission?

2) Safeguarding Covered Defense Information (Clause 252.204-7012)

a) Question: What specific types of "covered defense information" are anticipated to be shared with the contractor, and are there additional cybersecurity requirements beyond the standard NIST SP 800-171 compliance?

Answer:

(1a) Further explanation may be found on Acquisition.gov (52.223-22 Public Disclosure of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Reduc on Goals-Representa on. | Acquisi on.GOV)

(2a) Further explanation may be found on Acquisition.gov (252.204-7012 Safeguarding

Covered Defense Informa on and Cyber Incident Repor ng. | Acquisi on.GOV)

Questions: 1) Evaluation Factors (Section 52.212-2)

a) Question: Can you provide more detailed information on how technical capability and past performance will be weighted in comparison to price during the evaluation process?

b) Question: Will there be a minimum threshold of past performance required for consideration?

c)Question: How much will capacity of the technical ability to surge output be weighted into technical consideration?

Answer: (a) “The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government...”

(b) No minimum. Though, it is in the best interest of the contractor to provide sufficient evidence of capabilities (past performance) to provide for this requirement in-accordance with (IAW) Attachment 1 – PWS Laundry Service 10 Oct 2024.

(c) The base population fluctuates, constantly. Provide sufficient evidence of capabilities (past performance) to provide for this requirement in-accordance with (IAW) Attachment 1 – PWS Laundry Service 10 Oct 2024. In addition to the PWS, the contractor is expected to support at a

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Questions:

Certifications and Representations (Attachment 2 and 3)

1) ADDENDUM TO FAR PROVISION 52.212-1, INSTRUCTIONS TO

OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

(2023)

a) Question: Can you confirm whether any additional compliance or certification beyond the requirements in FAR 52.212-3 and DFARS 252.204-7012 is required for offerors to ensure full compliance with local labor laws and information security protocols in Qatar?

Answer: Compliance and certifications IAW the PWS and associated clauses identified in the solicitation. By default, contractors shall ensure compliance with local labor laws and information security protocols in Qatar.