Questions and Answers.pdf

Questions and Answers

1. Can companies from outside of the US apply for this?

This contract requires the company to possess a Facility Security Clearance. In order to be eligible for a Facility Clearance, an organization must be legally organized and existing in the

United States. Employees to include Key Management Personnel must be US citizens to obtain a

US security clearance.

2. Can the tasks related to RFP be performed outside of the US?

See answer to Question #1.

3. Can proposals be submitted via email?

Yes.

4. We can’t seem to located anywhere in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) what level of clearance is required for personnel. Can you provide the level of clearance needed to do the work?

The PWS has been updated to address this question. For classified requirements, personnel may be required to have any of the clearances listed in Paragraph (h) of Section 5.

5. Is there an incumbent vendor for this bid?

No.

6. Was there a previous RFP for these services?

No.

7. Can you provide the volume of historical usage for interpreting services?

For unclassified requirements: 2019 – 213.5 hours total, 2020 – 639.5 hours total, and 2021 to date – 33 hours.

8. Would you allow for separate line items for HIPAA compliant Video Remote Interpreting

(VRI)?

This would not be acceptable for classified requirements. Awaiting additional information from the requiring activity concerning unclassified requirements.

9. Will you entertain bids that require minimum utilization for on-site interpreting?

Awaiting additional information from the requiring activity.

10. The price list quantity for “Less than 24 hours’ notice cancellation (after hour/same day request/weekend rate)” as ½ each. What does “1/2 each” mean?

This was a mistake and the price list has been updated to correct this.

11. It is industry standard that sign language interpreters are secured with a 2 hour minimum for each assignment. Would you consider adding that?

This will not be added to the PWS. However, it is each company’s business decision how to build this into their proposed pricing.

12. The price list indicates travel costs as “1 each”. Can this line item be modified for the quantity to be “per mile” instead?

No, due to the fact that this cost element is meant to capture all elements of travel, not just mileage driving.

13. Will our interpreters be required to purchase a parking pass? What are the parking fees?

No.

14. How many last minute (less than 24 hour notice) assignment cancellations were made by the

Department in 2019 and/or 2020?

None.

15. Will there be requests made for after hours? If so, how often?

Estimated less than six (6) per month.

16. On average, how many interpreters are need on-site per visit?

One (1) interpreter.

17. What is the period of performance for this contract? When does the Government anticipate making an award and commencing contract services?

There is currently no estimate for when this will be awarded. However, as stated on page 4 of the synopsitation document, it will be effective through five years from the date of award.

18. Can you clarify the deaf consumer’s role within the WPAFB and the AFMETCAL?

These services are required for Government employees.

19. How technical is the jargon to be interpreted?

Technical terms will vary from assignment to assignment. Services may be required for briefings being given by scientists, engineers, business professionals, etc.

20. Approximately how many deaf/hard of hearing individuals will benefit from this service?

The number of individuals will vary over time. Awaiting additional information concerning a rough estimate.

21. Will this BPA be awarded to multiple agencies? If so, how will the work be distributed?

Potentially. This BPA will be awarded to up to two (2) companies. The synopsis and description have been updated to reflect this. The BPA(s) will be awarded to the company or companies that submit the technically acceptable proposal with the lowest total evaluated price as stated in the clause at FAR 52.212-2.

22. Will the Government change the 24 hours cancellation policy to a 48 hours cancellation policy?

Awaiting more information from the requiring activity.

23. Section 4 states “Travel costs shall be in accordance with the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR)”.

Do we need to put the mileage in the interpreting hourly rate?

Mileage can be included within the travel cost element.

24. Will the Government pay for the contractor and interpreters to take the required training that is stated in Section 5?

It is each company’s business decision how to build this into their proposed pricing. The required training is estimated to take 20 to 30 minutes.

25. Who pays for the clearance(s) required for this opportunity?

Awaiting additional information.

26. Is the entire quotation truly not to exceed 5 megabytes?

This restriction is put in place to ensure that proposals can be received via email. Awaiting more information concerning the maximum file size allowed for our system.

27. Are you requiring that the offeror submit all representation and certifications on page 26-44 of the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation in the offeror’s submittal even if they are already active in the System for Award Management (SAM)?

No, any reps & certs that are already completed within SAM are not required to be completed again separately within the synopsitation document.

28. We do not possess a Facilities Clearance or Top Secret. Therefore, any requirement for clearance would need to be removed from the PWS.

This requirement will not be removed from the PWS.