Attachment 1 - Amendment 0001 Govt Responses to Industry Questions.pdf

Attachment to Amendment 0001 Government Responses to Industry Questions

Multi-Purpose Canines H92239-21-R-0003

Industry Questions Government Responses

1.

QUESTION: Regarding Past Performance, is it allowable to submit a Performance Information Sheet to 1 SFG or 75th RR MPC Program Managers?

Yes.

2. Reference: RFP, addendum to far 52.212-1, instructions to offerors-commercial items, 8. Proposal Submission Requirements:

QUESTION: Can the Government clarify what is required of a “protected version” and “unprotected version”? For example, is the Offeror expected to password protect files on the CD?

3. Reference: Section L.8 Page 80 Submission requirements note 1 protected and 1 unprotected electronic copy:

QUESTION: Can the USG clarify what is meant by protected and unprotected?

4. Reference: Section L. 9.1 page 80 states, “Designate on the volume cover which proposal package contains the original, executed copy of the RFP and which contains copies.”:

QUESTION: As this is an electronic submission all provided submissions would be copies – would the USG consider removing this requirement, or clarifying?

Please refer to the revised Section 7, Proposal Format.

5. Reference: RFP, addendum to far 52.212-1, instructions to offerors-commercial items, 8. Proposal Submission Requirements.

QUESTION: Can the Government clarify if the Offer should submit 1 CD with all 4 volumes or 1 CD for each volume

Each volume shall be submitted individually.

6. Reference: RFP, addendum to far 52.212-1, instructions to offerors-commercial items, 7. Proposal Format; Each volume shall contain a glossary of all abbreviations and acronyms used with an explanation for each.”

QUESTION: Can the Government confirm the glossary of all abbreviations is excluded from the page count in Volume 3 – Factor 2 – Past Performance?

7. Reference: RFP, addendum to far 52.212-1, instructions to offerors-commercial items, 9. volume 1 – qualifying criteria Section 9.1 states “Designate on the volume cover which proposal package contains the original, executed copy of the RFP and which contains copies.” However, volumes are electronic copies.

QUESTION: Can the Government confirm this is not required?

8. Reference: RFP, addendum to far 52.212-1, instructions to offerors-commercial items, 9. volume 1 – qualifying criteria; Section 9.3 states “A conformed contract copy from this RFP with the original signature of an official authorized to contractually bind the offeror in Block 30A of the SF 1449.” However, volumes are electronic copies.

QUESTION: Can the Government confirm this is not required?

Please refer to the revised table at

8. Proposal Submission Requirements.

Please refer to the revised table at

9. Reference: RFP, addendum to far 52.212-1, instructions to offerors-commercial items, 11. volume 3 – factor 2 – Past Performance: Section 11.1.2 states “Summary of Changes Limited to 5 pages, describing the role of the offeror and

Please refer to the revised table at each subcontractor, teaming partner, and/or joint venture partner that the offeror is required to provide Past Performance Information Sheets”

QUESTION: Are the 5 pages allotted for the Summary of Changes outside of the 20-page limit for the volume?

10. Reference: RFP, Section SF 1449:

QUESTION: Can the Government provide additional details regarding what costs need to be priced into each CLIN and differentiation between each CLIN?

The Offeror’s pricing shall include all costs associated with the respective CLIN in order to perform the requirements stated in the

PWS.

11. Reference: RFP, Section SF 1449.

QUESTION: Can the Government clarify what the quantities represent for each

CLIN?

Please Refer to the Summary of Changes for the revisions made to the SF 1449

12. Reference: RFP, page 84, 12:

QUESTION: Are contractors required to provide an Excel document contained proposed prices for each CLIN in the Schedule B?

Yes, please refer to Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, 12.1, Price.

13. Reference: General, QUESTION: When is the anticipated award

The Government anticipated award o/a 15 September 2021.

14. Reference: RFP, PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT, part 4 contractor furnished items and services, Section 4.2.1:

QUESTION: Should the Government conduct a K9 acceptance test, how soon after award and prior to course start date will the K9 acceptance test be conducted?

Yes. It will be conducted a week prior to the course start date.

15. Reference: RFP, addendum to far 52.212-1, instructions to offerors-commercial items, 10. volume 2 – factor 1 – technical capability; Section 10.2.1 (b) (ii) k.

Combat Mission Scenarios:

QUESTION: Does combat scenarios with MPC include fast roping and repelling?

No

16. Reference: Section L.6; Page 79 Submission requirements are via carrier or walk-in.

QUESTION: Can the USG confirm how (and with what notice) walk-ins should be coordinated?

Please consult with the Security Desk upon arrival.

17. Reference: Section L.8 Page 80 Phase II requirements are outlined throughout the document:

QUESTION: Can the USG confirm that no details for Phase II response are required for Phase I response?

There is no written response required.

18. Reference: Section L.8 Page 80 PP requirements note SF294 and SF295 submission:

QUESTION: The SF294 is not required for Small Business – as this is a 100% set aside contract – would the USG consider removing this requirement?

The SF295 is obsolete, having been replaced by the esrs.gov system, where USG can confirm summary status – would the USG consider removing this requirement?

Please refer to the table at 8.

Proposal Submission Requirements, which states “if required”.

19. Reference Section L.9.3-page 80 Section states, “…with the original signature of an official authorized to contractually bind the offeror in Block 30A:

QUESTION: As this is an electronic copy submission, would the USG accept a signed, scanned and inserted file with original signature?

20. Reference: Section 11.1.2 page 83: Section references “Summary of Changes” and then asks for details on roles of offeror and subcontractor(s).

QUESTION: Can the USG clarify what changes it is referencing or anticipating be provided in Offeror’s Roles / Responsibilities discussion?

The Offeror shall describe the role that they performed for each Past Performance record.

21. Reference: Section 11.2 Page 83 Section references Past Performance Information Sheets as if they were a formal document.

QUESTION: Does the USG have a format intended for these PP Info Sheets or should these be provided in contractor format?

Please refer to Technical Exhibit 4, Past Performance Questionnaire, provided as a separate attachment to the solicitation.

22. Reference: Section 12 page 84-85; Section provided details on Pricing requirements in excel format

QUESTION: Can the USG confirm that the only requirement for this Volume is one spreadsheet (.xlsx format) for response and no formal Price Volume (i.e., narrative) is required?

As a pricing template was not provided, can the USG confirm that pricing is to be provided in contractor format?

Please refer to Section RFP, Section 12, Price, 12.2.

Requirements > Price.

23. Reference: Part 3.3-page 58 Part 3 states “return transportation of handler and canine will be at the government’s expense.”

QUESTION: Can the USG confirm that handler travel to the training facility will also be at the government’s expense?

Yes

24. Reference: 52.216-1 page 106 States “The Government contemplates award of an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity Contract with Firm Fixed Price Task Orders resulting from this solicitation.”

QUESTION: Is the firm fixed unit price offered for each CLIN / contract period considered a not-to-exceed amount for the life of the contract?

The stated CLINs do not include a not-to-exceed amount.

25. Reference: Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, #4-page 79 Section states “The Government intends to award a single award as a result of this solicitation.”

QUESTION: Please confirm if it is the USG’s intent to award to a single IDIQ awardee or if multiple companies will receive an IDIQ award at the IDIQ stage with single awards at the task order level?

The Government intends to award a single award as a result of this solicitation.

26. Reference: Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, #4-page 79 Section states “The Government intends to award a single award as a result of this solicitation.”

QUESTION: If the intent is to award to a single IDIQ awardee should bidders assume it is mandatory to bid on all task order solicitations?

Please refer to revised FAR Clause 52.216-1.

27. Reference: PWS 1.5.2 page 52 States “All training shall be conducted on-site at Contractor’s location”

QUESTION: Is the Contractor allowed to use off-site locations such as theaters, Railway stations, rivers, lakes, livestock etc.

See 5.3.3 of Performance Work Statement.

28. Reference: Contractor Furnished items & services 4.5.1 page 65 Instructors shall be certified in the state to operate and handle night vision devices

QUESTION: Virginia does not offer a certification in Government issued night vision device. Is familiarization and previous experience acceptable?

Yes previous experience is acceptable and preferred. No licensing is not required.

29. Reference: Specific Tasks 5.3.3 page 67 States “Areas shall be owned, leased or authorized for use by the Contractor”

QUESTION: This contradicts statement in PWS 1.5.2.

Which is correct?

Areas shall be owned, leased or authorized for use by the Contractor. See 5.3.3 of PWS

30. Reference: The RFQ states in several places that the course is between 6 -8 weeks.

QUESTIONS: Does the contractor determine what is the required length of the course in order to perform to the PWS or does the government?

The timeframe will be determined by the submitted POI to meet PWS requirements and approved by the Government.

31. Reference: Page 51, 1.5.1(a)(1) states Contractor shall be subject to scheduled and/or random testing by trained Government teams to assess proficiency of the student MPC teams…

QUESTION: Does that mean trained teams who can properly evaluate MPC tactics and canine handling? Are canine trainers the “Trained Government teams”?

Trained Government teams are appointed by the USG.

32. Reference: Page 51, 1.5.1(b)(3), Guarantee. It states that spay, neuter or gastropexy surgeries performed by the government on the dog prior to any return to Contractor shall not void the warranty or return policy.

QUESTION: What if the dog dies or during the procedure or as a result of the procedure is unable to perform as a result of the procedure?

USG assumes the liability of the canine in this instance.

33. Reference: Page 53, 1.5.3.5 states that the Vendor must prescreen applicants using E-Verify Program website to meet the established employment eligibility requirements.

QUESTION: What applicants does this section apply Applicants to whom and what?

This section refers to all applicants.

34. Reference: Page 59, 4.2 Multi-Purpose Canine states that the Government reserves the right to bring any MPC that meets their requirements to the course.

QUESTION: Does the Contractor have the ability to test the MPC to ensure the canine has the ability to successfully pass the course.

No, the USG will determine if the canine is qualified to attend the a Basic Handler Course.

35. Reference: Page 67, 5.3.2(4) states that gunfire neutralization will be conducted by individual units after successful completion of the basic handler course.

QUESTION: Does this statement prohibit the Contractor from performing gunfire familiarization as the requirement of the section states that the canine must be neutral to excessive loud noises?

No

36. Reference: RFP pages 80 and 81 provide a table displaying Proposal Submission Requirements. This table outlines requirements for only electronic copies. However, on page 79 paragraph 6 states that “No emailed proposals will be accepted.”

QUESTION: Please provide guidance on how you wish hard copy proposals are to be submitted

Does the required glossary count against each volumes page count?

37. Reference: Weapons and Explosives

QUESTIONS: Will trainees’ weapons arrive in locked cases?

Yes, all sensitive items will be locked in an appropriate storage container. See PWS section 4.5.1

38. Reference: Weapons and Explosives

QUESTION: Please provide clarity on the logistical process associated with receiving blank ammunition for training a long with the quantity that will be provided for each class.

Please refer to the revised 4.2.3 of the PWS.

39. Reference: Weapons and Explosives: Page 63 of the solicitation document states that the explosive odors are to include “Water Gel”. Water Gel is no longer produced by manufacturers in the US since there are much more efficient and effective products available to the blasting and mining industry, which has rendered Water Gel obsolete. Additionally, explosive providers no longer provide this and any explosives that are available are “new old stock” most likely 1-2 years old.

QUESTION: Was Water Gel purposefully placed on the explosive list and a requirement

Please Refer to 4.2.3 of PWS

40. Reference Equipment: The equipment list does not include reward toys or pouches for the reward toys

QUESTION: Was the purposely omitted? If these items are required to be provide is there a specific reward toy that is required? Additionally, does USSOCOM have a specific reward toy pouch it requires?

Original Kong or Kong ball.

Students will bring extra from home stations.

41. Reference: Equipment:

QUESTION: Page 65 specifically states that the equipment kit will include “Rex Specs”. These are a specific brand; is it USSOCOM’s intent to have that brand of canine eye protection issued or is the intent that the canine equipment issue include googles that meet or exceed Military Standards MIL-PRF-32432, ANSI Z87.1 2015 and EN166 CE?

Please Refer to revised section

4.4.1.16 of the PWS

42. Reference: Equipment

QUESTION: Page 64 outlines that handlers will be issued a bite sleeve. Please provide all the required specifications for this item.

Please refer to revised section

4.4.1.14 of the PWS

43. Reference: Canine Selection

QUESTION: What is the required ratio of available canines during the selection process? Page 59 paragraph 4.2 outlines this ratio however there is ambiguity as it also states that there is a requirement for “2 spare canines”

The ratio is 1 spare canine to every 5 canines in the class. With no less than 2 spares per class.

44. Reference: Canine Selection:

QUESTION: Page 60 states that the contractor is responsible for processing all of the “blood, urine, and fecal samples” which are to be collected by the Government Veterinary Corps Officer. Please provide additional details associated with the timeline and process for scheduling and conducting this.

The samples will be conducted and sent out for testing a week prior to the canine selection date.

45. Reference Lodging and Classroom No, 1 student per room.

QUESTION; May lodging rooms by double occupancy?

46. Reference: Lodging and Classroom

QUESTION: May lodging rates beyond initial year be adjusted at same percentage increase as Government per diem rates?

47. Reference: Lodging and Classroom

QUESTION: What minimum / maximum common area meeting room size is desired?

1 desk and chair per student that promotes a “healthy” learning environment.

48. Reference: Lodging and Classroom

QUESTION: Please specify the requirements associated with a “fully furnished shared kitchen space”.

Requirements consist of a refrigerator, microwave, sink with running water, and pantry storage area.

49. Reference: Lodging and Classroom

QUESTION: What is the minimum required classroom space for the USASOC Veterinarian Corps representative?

Each student will have a desk and chair. The room should be big enough to provide a conducive environment for learning.

50. Reference Part 5 Specific Tasks Paragraph 5.3.2 (8) states that “USASOC designated Veterinary Services will conduct basic handler veterinary medical training at the basic handler course site for the handlers during the first week of the course. This training will be composed of a minimum of 12 hours of instruction, spanning over no more than three (3) consecutive days.”

QUESTION: For the purposes of POI development, how much time is required to be allotted for this block of instruction daily?

As much time that is needed for the Veterinarian to complete his POI, as this will be partially determined by the size of the class.

51. Reference: RFP p. 81, 9.5 Section 4- A copy of its sources of supply (Supply Chain) which comply with all federal and states trade agreements.

QUESTION: In this section, does the Government require specific documentation/certifications and/or vendor agreements, or solely a list of the contractor’s sources of supply for canines, equipment, explosives, etc. along with a statement certifying that all source supply/vendor agreements comply with all federal and state trade agreements and relevant regulatory and legal requirements?

Please refer to revised RFP p. 81,

9.5 Section 4.

52. Reference: RFP p. 64, 4.4. Equipment: The Contractor shall provide all equipment necessary to meet the requirements under this PWS, not otherwise provided by the Government in Section

QUESTION: Is it the intent of the Government that the contractor by a specific number of equipment packages (as demonstrated by the CLINs), or is the contractor required to purchase an equipment package for each student?

The specific numbers of the CLINs will be determined NLT than 30 days prior to the start of the class

53. Reference: RFP p. 64, 4.4. Equipment: The Contractor shall provide all equipment necessary to meet the requirements under this PWS, not otherwise provided by the Government in Section

QUESTION: Will the student retain the equipment after finishing the course, or is the contractor able to reuse the equipment?

The student will retain the equipment that was purchased only in the equipment package.

54. Reference: Section 1.5.4.1.4. of the RFP states:

The Contractor shall be properly licensed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) to possess and store explosive substances and shall have an approved magazine on-site at their kennel or training location for the storage of explosives. If such license is lost or revoked during the contract period, the Contractor must notify the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) within 72 hours

QUESTION: If the bidder intends to perform the training at the Subcontractor's facilities as opposed to the Prime Contractor's facilities, would it be acceptable to the Government for the Subcontractor to hold the BATF licenses in lieu of the Prime?

If so, would the Government consider amending the requirements under section 9.4 of the Solicitation, to allow for the "Team" to hold the license, rather than requiring that the Prime be the BATF license possessor? (For reference, see RFP H92239- 21-R-0003, page 81, 9.4: 9.4. "Section 3-A Copy of the prime contractor’s Ammunition, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) license or permits, which allows performance of all functions within the PWS.)”

Please refer to revised RFP, Section 9.4.