SolQuestionsandAnswers.doc

Q1. Section 3. Paragraph (c): Civilian owned and operated lodging facilities are not acceptable due to security concerns surrounding the training taking place. Is commercial lodging allowed or does the contractor have to provide a secure facility?

A1: Contractor has to provided a secure lodging facility. Regular commercial lodging such as the local “Best Western” is not acceptable.

Q2. Section 2. Paragraph (a) and (b) Is there an assumed number of MPK9 and Handlers to be trained?

A2. As stated in section 2. Paragraph (b) the Government anticipates at least 4 to 6 students per year. We are looking to establish an Idefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract. The Government, at this time, does not have an ‘exact’ number per year.

Q3. Section 2. Paragraph (e) the contractor shall maintain a sufficient number of trained dogs to be used as spares… Is there a clarification to the term “sufficient” i.e. 1 spare per 3 students?

A3. There is no clarification to “sufficient”. It should be noted that if any selected dogs fails for any reason during training, the Contractor will be able to provide an acceptable replacement dog. In light of our SOW, past history tells us that dogs fail more often than most contractors believe.

Q4. Is location a factor for training? i.e. Will one location suffice, or does there need to be a second location to support both west coast and east coast?

A4. One location will suffice. Personel from any location will travel to the awarded vendors location for training.

Q5. Question for section 12. Canine certification and Training. Is the evaluator a government agent or from the contractor company?

A5. The evaluator will be the Government.

Q6. Could you please advise if there is a page limit for the response to the RFQ.

A6. No page limit.

Q7. In section 7.(c) regarding the MARSOC Veterinary Corp Officer examination, where will that take place and who will be responsible for transportation of the canine if neccessary?

A7. Will take place at the contractors facility.

Q8. When the government provides the dog, who will be responsible for shipping the dog to the training facility?

A8. The Government will ship the dog to the training location at no cost to the contractor.

Q9. Could you please advise what method(s) for submitting a proposal for this request are acceptable.

A9. Email, fax, or hard copy are acceptable. However, burden of proof of delivery by the deadline rests with the contractor.

Q10. On page 5, Item 3 (c), Lodging, Equipment and Equipment Storage: The solicitation states that “Civilian owned and operated lodging facilities are not acceptable due to security concerns surrounding the training taking place.” Is it acceptable to utilize a private housing facility that is occupied solely by military handlers/canines in training that provides all required amenities?

A10. That is acceptable, assuming travel by military members will be kept to a minumum between lodging and training site.

Q11. On page 6, Item 6 (a), Canine Assessment and Selection, the solicitation states that “Breed: The Belgian Malinois, Dutch Shepherd, and/or crosses of such breeds shall be the only acceptable Multi-Purpose Canine (MPK9).” Please clarify if German Shepherds are acceptable breeds for this effort.

A11. German Shepards ARE NOT acceptable breeds.