ASL_Questions_Answers-Final.docx

ASL questions Q1: According to paragraph 3.2 of the PWS, the interpreter is required to interpret phone calls; use the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD), and other forms of specialized or computerized communications.

Q1a: What does other forms of specialized or computerized communications entail?

Q1b:Does other forms of specialized or computerized communications include a video replay system (VRS)?

Q1c:If the use of VRS is an option, does the interpreter need to be onsite?

Q1d:In addition, how much of hours are anticipated per month using TDD and other forms of specialized or computerized communications?

Q1e:Will we have to be equipped with other forms of specialized or computerized communications or will DoDEA have the equipment in house?

A1: At the current time, we do not have the requirement BUT as we hire new personnel, that requirement/need can/will change, especially since this is a 5 year award.

A1d: We currently have 1 person using TDD and she does not require assistance. A1e: Any future equipment requirements will be in a new contract award supporting this award, at a later date, when and if the requirement becomes a necessity. Therefore, at the moment, there are currently no projected hours for any type of equipment.

Q2: PWS requirement that interpreters be certified by ASL University, is it a hardest requirement? Or does that requirement intend to mean certified by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)?

A2: Either certification is acceptable

Q3a: 1.Can you provide some information on the American Sign Language University that is referenced in section 2.2 of the PWS? We are not familiar with this entity. We have only found an informational site by this name, not an accredited certification body. Do you have a website we can reference?

A3a: The contractor must possess national certification, be certified by the American Sign Language University, and registered with both National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID). Instead of “THE” ASL university, it should read “AN” ASL university Q3b: Are resumes included in the page limitation specified (maximum 10 pages) for Volume I?

A3b: Yes

Q3c. Were these services previously announced in 2014 as Solicitation # HH601014RPCPD011? If yes, what was the result of that solicitation?

A3c: Yes but cancelled as the PWS was incomplete and didn't meet our current needs

Q3d: Is there an incumbent currently providing these services to DoDEA?

A3d: Yes but our needs have changed and the current award expires this year- HQ0034-10-D-0011

Q3e: If there is an incumbent, who is it?

A3e: TCS Associates

Q3f: What has been the biggest challenge in finding ASL interpreting services for DoDEA employees and visitors?

A3f: No challenges that I am currently aware of.

Q3g. Re: Section 13.0 of the Performance Work Statement, ".paid time ends when the on-site assignment ends." Industry standard is to pay interpreters for the amount of time that is reserved for their services, or until the assignment ends, whichever is greater. Will the DoDEA consider amending the solicitation to include this language?

A3g: The award document will state that interpreters will be paid for their time worked. We will know, ahead of time, how much time will be required on what day(s) to plan accordingly, so there shouldn't be any time extra worked over and above what we state up front.

Q4: Has a contractor performed similar work to this for the government in the past? If available, please provide the incumbent contract number.

If you are unable to provide a contract number, is it safe to assume this is a new requirement for the government?

A4: HQ0034-10-D-0011/0019 Washington Headquarter Services Acquisition contract

Q5a: 1. Whether companies from Outside USA can apply for this?

(From India or Canada)

2. Whether we need to come over there for meetings?

3. Can we perform the tasks (related to RFP) outside USA?

(From India or CANADA) Q5b: 4. Can we submit our proposals via email?

A5a: An interpreter is required to be physically present at the Mark Center, 4800 Mark Center Dr, Alexandria, VA 22350, so tasks cannot be performed outside of the USA.

A5b: No email submission for proposals.

Q6a: (1) Who is the incumbent contractor and for how long ?

Q6b: (2) If you have an incumbent ,what hourly rates are currently paid?

Q6c: (3) Is the Government paying for the background check and access badge ?

Q6d: (4) What mileage rate is allowed for transportation ?

A6a: Contractor is TCS Associates, contract POP is from 29 Sep 2014 through 28 Sep 2015 A6b: No Line item has been set aside for transportation, so the vendor is responsible for those costs A6c: The gov't pays for its part of the security piece and the vendor For anything else that may be required.

A6d: #2 is proprietary and would need to be formally requested through FOIA.

Q7a: Can you provide the name of the incumbent? Contractor is TCS Associates, contract POP is from 29 Sep 2014 through 28 Sep 2015. Is that firm eligible to bid on the current RFQ? Yes. Cost of the current contract? $42,613.20 Q7b: How many employees will be supported under this contract? Currently, 5 employees.

A7a: All small business vendors that can meet the requirement are eligible to bid.

A7b: Currently 5 employees but we have many openings for hire

Q8: Has a contractor performed similar work to this for the government in the past? If available, please provide the incumbent contract number.

If you are unable to provide a contract number, is it safe to assume this is a new requirement for the government?

A8: We are currently under a WHS contract HQ0034-10-D-0011/0019