RFP_Questions.pdf

Questions from interested vendors for Polygraph Services Requirement

1. Will the contractor’s GFE/GFI plan be evaluated as part of this solicitation?

You must submit everything the RFP instructs you to submit in response to the solicitation. Everything you submit will be evaluated.

2. Does the Government expect for the contractor to price travel costs? No If so, how should travel be costed?

Travel requirement has been removed from this solicitation.

3. Will travel time be billable as an allowable FFP service beyond T&M for Travel and MI&E costs?.

The travel requirement has been removed from the solicitation.

4. If a Government employee is a “no show” for a scheduled polygraph exam, will the Government still allow billing for the polygraph examiner’s time and travel costs? Any cancelation within 24 hours prior to the scheduled test time will be considered a “no show”. Contractor will provide a FFP for a “no show”. No travel costs as travel requirement has been eliminated.

5. Will task orders be issued for less than 1 year, more than a year, or for the entire contract period of performance?

Not for more than 1 year. Sometimes less than a year.

6. Will 140 polygraph examinations be part of the first task order or will the number of polygraph examination be more or less; if so, by what percentage or count?

The only thing known at this time is that the first task order will be for at least the minimum guaranteed amount of the IDIQ contract.

7. Is there a backlog of 5--‐year cycle polygraph re--‐examinations; if so, how many polygraphs are backlogged and under what time period is the backlog expected to be resolved?

The solicitation does not mention any backlog.

8. How many examinations does the Government require per day, per polygraph examiner; are there a maximum and a minimum of examinations per day? There is no maximum or minimum number of examinations that need to be completed per day.

9. What is the government’s standard for exams/day/examiner? Are contractor examiners required to abide by this standard?

There is no maximum or minimum number of examinations that need to be completed per day.

10. Will multiple facilities in a single state meet the two (2) facility minimum requirement or must the facilities be in separate states?

It does meet the “minimum” requirement, however, as stated in the RFP the intent of requesting 2 facilities is to cover a broad geographical area.

The Government will be evaluating proposals on a “best value” basis.

11. Does the Government have a preference to certain States and specific cities within those States i.e. Dallas, Texas, Phoenix, AZ, Albuquerque, NM or Los Angeles, CA? Are any locations mandatory or required to be staffed with examiners fulltime.

The RFP does not specifically call out states or cities. Once again, the intent of requesting 2 facilities is to cover a broad geographical area.

The Government will be evaluating proposals on a “best value” basis.

12. What is the approval process for the examination room; will the approval be granted after IDIQ award?

See Section 6 of the SOW. Inspection of space happens after award.

13. Does the Government have requirements as to room size, ceiling height, and other room configuration requirements for the contractor examination room specifications? It was listed in the previous 8.20.2013 SOW.

The requirements for the room are specified in the SOW that was part of the solicitation.

14. How many suites does the Government anticipate/require for the 140 polygraph exams per month?

The RFP does not require a specific number of suites at a facility.

15. There are Tabs A, B and D listed; there is no Tab C. We assume this was a typographical error and Tab C was mislabeled Tab D. Is our assumption correct?

It is a typographical error. The Government will accept the final tab whether you label it Tab D or Tab C.

16. What level of clearance is required to perform work i.e. Secret, TS? If polygraph examiner or administrative support (data entry) staff have an active clearance is that acceptable to the Government?

All contractors will undergo a Background Investigation (BI) which does not afford a clearance (i.e. Secret or Top Secret). Reciprocity for active clearances can be approved but on a case by case basis.

17. What is the suspense date to have complete and signed DHS Form 11000--‐6, Contractor Non--‐Disclosure Agreement completed?

Must be completed prior to working on this contract.

18. Does the Government expect a sealed price proposal from subcontractor teammates?

No.

19. Is a facility clearance needed for this contract?

No, All contractors will undergo a Background Investigation (BI) which does not afford a clearance (i.e. Secret or Top Secret).

20. Do NCCA certified examiners supporting CBP Polygraph Examination

Services contract have to be licensed in each U.S. State where the exams are conducted?

Contractors should review the particular State’s requirements, but Contractor’s will only be conducting Federal polygraph examinations.

21. Will fully trained staff, other than examiners, be permitted access to e--‐QIP and other government information systems?

No, however all contractors will only have access to our Security Management Assessment Risk Tool (SMART).

22. May the software on government provided computers be modified or augmented by the contractor? Does the government provide AV and other security software?

No, government computers cannot be modified. Government computers will be imaged with all appropriate security software.

23. Will re--‐tests be required? If so, does the same billing rate apply? Can the same examiner perform the re--‐test or is a different examiner required?

If it has been determined that the test results are flawed or in error due to the fact that the contractor did not follow the procedures in the requirements documents, the re-test would be at the expense of the contractor.

If the applicant shows up for a test and the contractor determines that they’re unable to be tested because of influential circumstances (i.e.

medication, mental health, etc.) that would affect the overall results of the examination, the examination can be rescheduled and the no show rate will be billed to the Government. Also, the rescheduled examination will be billed at the regular FFP examination rate upon completion.

24. Are special--‐purpose “polygraph chairs” required?

No

25. Will the Government allow a Small Business to submit invoices every two weeks?

Invoices shall be submitted monthly in arrears.

26. Will the government pay the Contractor’s invoice at net 15 days?

Payment terms will be Net 30.

27. It is the Contractor’s understanding that CBP currently conducts one Law

Enforcement Pre-Employment Tests per day. Will the Government clarify how many Law Enforcement Pre-Employment Tests the Contractor will be allowed to conduct each day?

There is no maximum or minimum number of examinations that need to be completed per day.

28. If the CAD QC rejection of an examination requires additional testing, will the Government allow the Contractor to invoice for that next test?

If it has been determined that the test results are flawed or in error due to the fact that the contractor did not follow the procedures in the requirements documents, the re-test would be at the expense of the contractor.

If the applicant shows up for a test and the contractor determines that they’re unable to be tested because of influential circumstances (i.e.

medication, mental health, etc.) that would affect the overall results of the examination, the examination can be rescheduled and the no show rate will

29. Will the Government consider allowing examination rooms containing exterior windows to be covered with blinds or curtains to create a distraction free room?

SOW, section 6.2.b has been updated to reflect, “It is preferred that polygraph examination rooms be void of all windows. However, if windows are present, window blinds or curtains need to be utilized to create a distraction free environment.”

30. Will the Government consider allowing rooms that contain closed-circuit cameras to remain in the room if they are turned off or disabled?

SOW, Section 6.2.c has been added to reflect, “If closed circuit television (CCTV) equipment is present in polygraph examination rooms, recording of examinations is strictly prohibited. Also, monitoring of examinations can be performed but only by authorized personnel for examiner safety purposes.”

31. Will the LX4000 Polygraph System with the latest Lafayette software be acceptable to the CAD?

32. NCCA certifies that a Federal Employee has met the standards to graduate from the NCCA or under its predecessor names. Will the Government agree that this section means that the Contractor Examiners must have graduated from NCCA (or Former Federal Polygraph School names) and provide Graduation Certificates to the COR after contract award?

Yes, Section 9 within the SOW has been updated to reflect the following predecessor names are acceptable:

U.S. Military Police School/Army Polygraph School (USAMPS) Department of Defense Polygraph Institute (DODPI) Defense Academy for Credibility Assessment (DACA) National Center for Credibility Assessment (NCCA)- current name

33. Will the Government consider accepting a Certified Federal Polygraph Examiner who currently conducts polygraph examinations for the Federal Government and has conducted over 280 polygraph examinations since graduating from NCCA in November 2012 to conduct contractor examinations on this contract upon contract award?

No, Per the SOW, Section 9.3 that requires at least two (2) years of experience as a polygraph examiner.

34. Will the Contractor be allowed to invoice for the 5 orientation examinations at the awarded per-polygraph examination fee?

Yes

35. Will the Government allow the Contractor to invoice for a scheduled examination at the awarded per session fee when a CBP Applicant or Employee has been scheduled by the Contractor, and the CBP Applicant or Employee does not arrive for the appointment or cancels the scheduled appointment with less than 48 hours of documented notification to the Contractor?

Any cancelation or reschedule within 24 hours prior to the scheduled test time will be considered a “no show”. Contractor will provide a FFP for a “no show”.

36. Is there a Tab C for Volume II?

It is a typographical error. The Government will accept the final tab whether you label it Tab D or Tab C.

37. Will examiners be “deputized” or otherwise be designated as federal examiners, thereby negating the need for state polygraph licenses? Or will they need to obtain state polygraph licenses for the states in which they will operate?

Contractor examiners will be designated as Federal Examiners based on the requirements they have met to be federally certified and will only conduct Federal Polygraph examinations for CBP. Contractors should check with state regulations to see if they meet state requirements.

38. Do individual examiners need liability insurance?

39. What civil protections or immunities will contract examiners be given?

US Customs and Border Protection is not aware of any protections or immunities required.

40. Will re-tests be considered separate tests?

If it has been determined that the test results are flawed or in error due to the fact that the contractor did not follow the procedures in the requirements documents, the re-test would be at the expense of the contractor.

If the applicant shows up for a test and the contractor determines that they’re unable to be tested because of influential circumstances (i.e.

medication, mental health, etc.) that would affect the overall results of the examination, the examination can be rescheduled and the no show rate will

41. Will the presence of examiners and the failure of an examinee to report for an examination ("No-Shows") be compensable time?

a. If so, can the contractor bill by the exam rate for that "No Show" exam since the contractor would have already paid for the cost of the examiner to be present?

Same as question 40

42. Is there a maximum number of tests that an individual examiner be limited to?

No, It is up to the contractor and their ability to complete the number of examinations in the set timeframe when task orders are awarded.

43. Will the government or contractor be responsible for providing the audio recording equipment referenced on pg 48, 5.2.1.c?

SOW, section 7.1 has been updated to reflect, “The Government will provide laptops, audio microphone, and appropriate polygraph software to the contractor personnel.”

44. On page 46, in section 2.1 it states the contractor will support “polygraph examinations and other credibility assessment methodologies”. Please clarify if there are any other credibility assessment methodologies required or anticipated beyond the standard polygraph examination process?

Not at this time.

45. On page 47, section 2.4, it states the offeror must show capacity for 140 exams per month. What is the actual minimum exams per month anticipated for each task order award?

This is for an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract. It is impossible to guarantee a minimum number of exams per month since the quantity is indefinite.

46. What type of computer literacy is necessary to utilize SMART? Will the government provide training to examiners on use of the application?

Average computer literacy is needed to utilize SMART. The SMART system operates like a webpage and the Government will provide training during the 3 day orientation.

47. On page 62, it states “details need to be provided that clearly explain their processes, methodologies, strengths, and how it contributes maintaining our timelines for delivery.”

a. Please clarify the schedule of delivery. Is it anticipated to fluctuate throughout the five-year period based on intake schedule? If so, what are some anticipated dates for those fluctuations?

It cannot be determined at this time.

b. What is the anticipated deadline for the contractor to complete the backlog?

The solicitation does not mention any backlog.

c. How many of the 140 exams in a month will be backlog vs. new hires?

The solicitation does not mention any backlog. The 140 number is strictly a maximum number the contractor must have the ability to perform in a month.

48. On page 62, Section E it states the offeror should “detail their anticipated number of examiners and estimated yearly workload that will be needed to meet the deliverables within the solicitation.” Previously the RFP stated the offeror must demonstrate capacity to do 140 exams in a month. Is this the actual number of exams anticipated a month? If not:

a. What is the minimum number of exams the contractor will be required to conduct in any single day? What is the max?

It is impossible to ascertain minimums and maximums at this time.

Contractor needs to have the “ability” to perform up to 140 tests per month.

b. If the goal is 5,000 to 7,000 over the next five years, when does CBP anticipate to have the biggest surge in required exams? Lowest number?

This is for an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract. It is impossible to guarantee a minimum number of exams per month since the quantity is indefinite.

49. Aside from LEPET testing, the RFP mentions performing periodic examinations for existing employees. Will the government provide instructions on the polygraph testing format (MGQT, ZCT, etc.) that is desired for periodic examinations or will the contractor be allowed to use discretion in the application of testing formats?

Not at this time. LEPET testing is the only requirement.

50. With regard to polygraph examination Relevant Questions or question lists; will the government provide a question list of Relevant Questions (that incorporate target themes such as unreported criminal activity, drug use, etc.) that are required for use while utilizing the LEPET format or will the contractor use discretion based on input from the government?

The government will provide all examination formats and examination questions during the three day orientation. The contractor will not be permitted to use discretion in the application of testing formats.

51. On page 63, section 3 – Financial capability states that subcontractors are also required to submit the stated information if the total value of the subcontract is greater than $550,000. However the required information is quite sensitive. Would the government consider accepting “blind” or “sealed” submissions (a submission that the Prime doesn’t see) of subcontractor financial capability information? If so, please provide instructions on how they should submit directly.

Information needs to be submitted with the offeror’s response to the RFP.

52. In the event a prime uses a subcontractor, it is assumed that subcontractor indirect rates will be different from the Prime. In order to provide a breakdown of these rates, would the government be amenable to a sealed submission of subcontractor rates.

a. If yes, please clarify if the final per exam rate must be the same or if Prime and subcontractor rates can differ.

The Government has a contract with the prime contractor, not the subcontractor. Prime contractor will propose one rate.

53. On page 63, section 3 – Financial capability states the contractor and subcontractors should “specify whether or not the organization’s accounting system has been approved by a government agency.”

a. Please clarify what constitutes “approved” by a government agency. Is this referencing approved accounting products such as Deltek or Peach Tree or whether or not a company has undergone a DCAA audit?

b. As many small businesses do not have approved accounting systems, please provide instruction on what information the offeror should provide to demonstrate the acceptability of its or its subcontractor accounting systems.

If the organization’s accounting system has been approved by a Government agency (ie: DCAA), then please reference this approval in the solicitation response. If it hasn’t been approved by a Government agency, then indicate that it hasn’t.

54. On page 61, under Section 3 it states, “the offeror shall submit the same information pertaining to subcontractors.” However on page 64 under Tab D it states “the offeror shall identify all contracts or subcontracts performed in the three years… up to a total of three”. Partnerships between prime and subcontractors bring significant strength, cost savings, and reduced risk to the client.

a. Please confirm that the offeror can submit both prime and subcontractor past performance.

b. Please clarify if the limit of three past performance is per participating organization or for the partnership/consortium.

c. If past performance reports are limited to three for the entire partnership, please consider expanding that number so partnerships/consortiums can fully display their capabilities and past experience.

Past performance information is for the company that is responding to the RFP. Please follow the past performance submission instructions as written.

55. On page 51, section 9.1 and 9.2, it details the personnel requirements.

a. Please clarify that no additional certification or letter of good standing is necessary beyond the NCCA certificate.

As long as the contractor has graduated and is current on the NCCA certification as listed in section 9.2, then no other certifications or letters are necessary.

b. Please confirm that the NCCA certificate does not need to be submitted as part of the bid.

If current examiners have the appropriate certifications, then yes, please provide their current certifications.

c. Please clarify that examiners certified under previous names of the NCCA are also acceptable.

i. US Army Military Police School (USAMPS)

ii. Department of Defense Polygraph Institute (DODPI)

iii. Defense Academy for Credibility Assessment (DACA)

iv. National Center for Credibility Assessment (NCCA)

Yes, Section 9 within the SOW has been updated to reflect the following predecessor names are acceptable:

U.S. Military Police School/Army Polygraph School (USAMPS) Department of Defense Polygraph Institute (DODPI) Defense Academy for Credibility Assessment (DACA) National Center for Credibility Assessment (NCCA)- current name

56. On page 51, Section 9.3.1 that CAD will initiate orientation within ten business days after the EOD.

a. Is it anticipated that all examiners will participate in orientation at the same time?

No, examiners will have to complete a CBP background investigation before they can undergo orientation. In order to speed up the process the government will conduct as many orientations are necessary once examiners receive a favorable adjudication.

b. Will backup examiners be required to undergo orientation at project start?

In order for them to fill in upon short notice, we anticipate it would be necessary for them to have already undergone orientation. Is this correct?

Whether an examiner or a “backup” examiner, orientation is required for all examiners.

c. Will the government cover the cost of orientation (e.g. travel, compensation, meals, etc)? No. Orientations will be completed at the contractor’s facility.

d. Is it up to the offeror to provide the compensation rate during orientation?

Since the pricing instructions require a “per exam” rate, please clarify how we should present the compensation rate in our pricing proposal for the orientation period.

As stated in section 9.3.2 of the SOW, it states “Orientations will be completed at the contractor’s facility and will need to be included per-polygraph examination costs.” This means that any cost incurred by the contractor for the orientation process needs to be covered in the “per test” price quoted.

57. On page 62, Section E it states the “offeror shall also provide their polygraph examiners current certifications”. We assume the offeror is NOT required to submit the actual certificate in its submission rather just reference current certificates when describing personnel. Is this correct? A photocopy of the certificate will suffice to prove certification.

58. In the event that there is a cancellation or gap in schedule beyond the contractor’s control or in the event that the examiner is requested CAD to provide additional support outside the typical exam duties, please provide guidance on how examiners should be paid?

a. Will the government consider a submission of a non-exam hourly compensation rate for non-polygraph examinations performance? This would include days when the polygraph examiners are working at the request of CAD, but not doing examinations.

Contractors will not be required to work outside the requirements of the Statement of Work.

59. Will the government fund or allow the contractor to bill directly for required continuing education for contract examiners (such as attendance at annual training conferences at APA, AAPP, and or at NACA for specialized courses such as “direction of countermeasures”)?

No.

60. On page 49, 5.3.3 notes that the QC Manager “will have up to ten days to review each examination deliverable and either accept or provide a provisional rejection to be resolved by the contractor polygraph examiner.”

a. In the event that a retest is necessary, will the contractor be paid for the cost of a retest?

If it has been determined that the test results are flawed or in error due to the fact that the contractor did not follow the procedures in the requirements documents, the re-test would be at the expense of the contractor.

If the applicant shows up for a test and the contractor determines that they’re unable to be tested because of influential circumstances (i.e. medication, mental health, etc.) that would affect the overall results of the examination, the examination can be rescheduled and the no show rate will be billed to the Government. Also, the rescheduled examination will be billed at the regular FFP examination rate upon completion.

b. In the event that a retest is necessary and the examiner is no longer on site, will the contractor be reimbursed for repeat travel to the site?

Travel is no longer a requirement of this solicitation.

61. Are there any instances in which the contractor may be required to provide examinations at sites other than its own?

62. On page 50, section 6.1, it outlines the requirements for the examination facilities.

a. Are temporary rental spaces acceptable and compliant? These may be particularly valuable in the event that exam requirements fluctuate All polygraph rooms will need to be inspected and accepted before being granted the authority to operate.

Is a shared space with individual offices (used as exam rooms) acceptable as long as the exam rooms meet the requirements and the facility meets security requirements?

All polygraph rooms will need to be inspected and accepted before being granted the authority to operate.

b. Are there any additional requirements including security requirements for either temporary or shared spaces? All requirements are spelled out in the solicitation documents.

63. Is the requirement that “polygraph rooms be devoid of any exterior windows” (pg 50, 6.2.b) simply to prevent the participant from being distracted? If this is the case, would closed blinds (i.e. blackout blinds) be sufficient?

SOW, section 6.2.b has been updated to reflect, “It is preferred that polygraph examination rooms be void of all windows. However, if windows are present, window blinds or curtains need to be utilized to create a distraction free environment.”

64. On page 50, section 6.2 it states that “ a polygraph examination shall only be conducted in an approved examination room”. In 6.1 it says “these identified locations and polygraph examination rooms must be inspected and approved by the CAD Director or designated Program Technical Leads… “ Please further detail the requirements and/or standards that will be used to inspect the 1) location and

2) exam rooms.

The requirements for the room are specified in the SOW that was part of the solicitation.

65. On page 5, section I.1 and I.2, there is a column entitled item #. We assume these will be the assigned CLIN numbers. Is this correct? If not, what do these numbers correspond to?

Numbers in that column are the CLIN numbers.

66. On page 5, I.1 there is a schedule of supplies and services. Does the pricing volume need to include a breakdown of pricing per item #?

Numbers in that column are the CLIN numbers.

67. On page 46, in section 2.1 it states the contractor will “collaborate, assist, and support CAD personnel in scheduling, conducting, and finalizing polygraph examinations” and “be required to provide other support services, such as, collection and review of Law Enforcement applicant’s background documentation, complete all appropriate data entry of examination results, and collaborate with CAD federal employees.” For the purpose of accurately projecting price per exam, please clarify:

a. Will the contractor be required to collect and review background documentation beyond that which is standard for a LEPET exam?

b. Are there any other support services anticipated beyond what is stated?

Pricing volume needs to show the fixed price per test administered for the base year and for each option year.

68. Related to the previous question, program management and the stated support services are quite expensive to provide on a per exam basis and doing so would significantly inflate the cost.

a. To ensure realistic pricing, what is the minimum number of exams expected each month per task order?

Cannot estimate minimums at this time.

b. Please confirm that PMO labor, facility costs, equipment costs, etc all need to be included in the per exam cost. Please clarify whether or not the offeror needs to include a breakdown of these costs in the pricing volume.

All offerors need to submit fully loaded “per test” pricing. Any direct or indirect costs need to be rolled up into the “per test” price.

c. Given that facility costs will fluctuate based on the number of exams to be completed on any given day, the number to be completed in a month, etc.

Will the Government consider allowing the offeror to submit facility costs as a separate line item in the budget (meaning outside of the per exam cost)?

This would allow the offeror to more clearly demonstrate how facility costs will vary depending on the number of exams.

All offerors need to submit fully loaded “per test” pricing. Any direct or indirect costs need to be rolled up into the “per test” price.

d. Similarly, would the government consider allowing the offeror to submit program management costs as a separate line item in the budget (meaning outside of the per exam cost)? This would allow the offeror to more clearly demonstrate how program management costs will vary depending on the number of exams.

No. All offerors need to submit fully loaded “per test” pricing. Any direct or indirect costs need to be rolled up into the “per test” price.

69. For the T&M component referenced on page 5 and then again on page 46, section 2.2, please confirm we are not required to submit any costs under the T&M CLIN in the pricing volume.

The T&M travel portion of this requirement has been removed.

70. Please clarify what information should be included in the pricing volume and in what format.

a. Should the per exam rates be provided in an Excel sheet or presented in tables in Word?

b. Should the per exam rate be broken out in further detail and if so, to what extent? For example, are we required to present labor rates? indirect rates? facility rates?

c. Is a budget narrative required?

Fully loaded, fixed price per test for each year of the contract. Also include “no-show” price as defined in the SOW.

71. On page 53, section 12.1.1 it states “A background investigation will be completed by CBP and is a requirement for all personnel associated with this contract.

Reciprocity for some clearances might apply and will be administered on a case-by-case basis.

a. Please clarify what is included in the background investigation. Work History, Personal travel history, Education, Criminal history, Medical Information, Financial History, etc. (this is not an all inclusive list) More information on BI is available at www.cbp.gov

b. Please clarify what clearances would be considered for reciprocity. Some DHS clearances are acceptable and no background investigation is necessary.

72. On page 56, please clarify if the offeror needs to submit any particular information or affirmation for sections III.2, III.3, and III.4 in the actual proposal submission.

a. If so, please clarify in which volume the information should be included.

b. Please clarify if subcontractors are also required to submit this information.

These are Federal Acquisition Regulation solicitation provisions. Pull the provisions up on line and read them.

73. On page 56, please clarify in which volume the offeror should include its response to (b).

a. Are subcontractors also required to respond?

As it clearly states, it is asking a question about the offeror and not the subcontractor.

b. Is the offeror required to submit anything demonstrating that its FAPISS and SAMS information correct?

The RFP document is very clear on what you are supposed to submit.

If the RFP doesn’t say to submit it, then it is not required.

74. On page 57, III.6.a, please clarify what is meant by “a concern which submits an offer in its own name, but which proposes to furnish an item which it did not itself manufacture…”. Please provide an example of an item submitted by a company that it might not have manufactured (as it relates to this bid).

If you were a reseller selling an IBM computer, but you didn’t actually MAKE the IBM computer, you would need to tell us this. Since this isn’t a commodity contract, this does not apply.

75. Are subcontractors required to fill out or submit any information on the SF 1449? If so, please specify what is required if different from the prime.

a. Is the required transmittal necessary if you submit the SF 1449 form?

b. Please confirm that subcontractors are required to submit reps and certs.

You are required to submit what the solicitation says you are to submit. If it does not say you have to submit something, then it is not required.

76. On page 58, part e states multiple offers are encouraged. Should alternate offers be submitted as a completely separate offer or can the offeror include alternative options in its original bid?

If your company has several different approaches to fulfilling this requirement, then you would need to submit separate responses and not lump them all into one response.

http://www.cbp.gov/careers/join-cbp/which-career/apply/background-investigation

77. On page 60, under Proposal Submission it states proposals shall be submitted electronically via email.

c. Please provide the email address for submission and any email addresses that should be copied.

d. Given the size of the submission, can volumes be submitted separately to ensure delivery?

e. What is the largest size file the recipient address can accept?

f. Are there any other specific guidelines for actual submission?

The email address for submission of offers is very clear in the solicitation notice. If you wish, send a separate email stating how many files you emailed and request a confirmation that all of the files were received.

78. On page 61, in Section 2 it states the offeror should include a table of contents.

However the page limit for the section inclusive of executive summary appears to be five pages. Please consider excluding the table of contents from the page limit as the number of pages for Volume 1 lends itself to a lengthy table of contents.

The table of contents will not count towards the page limit.

79. On page 61, under Section 3 it states, “the offeror should state all assumptions, exceptions, and deviations at the end of this section.” Since there is no formal section for this, please clarify that it should be added to the end as a formal section if required and what the page limit would be for that section?

When we say that assumptions, exceptions and deviations are to appear at the end of the section (The Technical Approach Volume), we mean that they should appear at the end of the section. That is the “formal” location for this. These do not count towards page limits as we cannot limit an offeror on the number of assumptions and exceptions they need to inform the Government of. Please CLEARLY indicate where the technical proposal ends and where the assumptions, exceptions and deviations begin.

80. Do compliance matrices, if submitted, count as part of the page limits?

Yes

81. Should the volume tabs be submitted as separate files/docs or does it suffice to do a single page break for each new Tab within a single document?

However you want to do it is fine as long as you follow the guidelines we have published in the RFP

82. On page 65 under section III.7, there is a reference to a “potential rating of Blue”.

Can you provide any point of reference for what “blue” is on the evaluation rubric?

Here is a table that explains the adjectival ratings for Technical Proposal and Management Plan categories:

Table 1: Evaluation Guidelines for Technical Proposal, Management Plan

Color and Adjectival Definition

Technical Proposal and Management Plan

– Excellent, High Quality

The Offeror’s proposal offers approaches/solutions that, if implemented, are expected to result in superior achievement of CAD’s goals and objectives with no or minimal disadvantages or risk. “Blue” indicates that the proposal contains strengths and/or significant strengths and few or no weaknesses.

– Good to Very Good, contains Value

The Offeror’s proposal offers approaches/solutions that, if implemented, are expected to result in achievement of most of CAD’s goals and objectives, with minimal to moderate risk.

“Green” indicates that the proposed solution contains significant value and/or a number of strengths, and either no or a few weaknesses.

Marginal (Acceptable but does not contain special advantages or benefit)

The Offeror’s proposal offers approaches/solutions that, if implemented, are only likely to achieve CAD’s goals and objectives with the introduction of moderate risk. No special benefits or advantages are likely to be realized. “Yellow” indicates that while the proposed solution may contain strengths, it also contains several weaknesses and/or significant weaknesses.

Unacceptable

The Offeror’s proposal offers approaches/solutions that, if implemented, are not likely to achieve CAD’s goals and objectives and will introduce excessive risk. “Red” indicates that the proposed solution contains few, if any, strengths, and numerous weaknesses and/or deficiencies.

Here is the table that explains the adjectival ratings for Past Performance:

83. Table 2: Past Performance and Customer Satisfaction Evaluation Guidelines

Adjectival Past Performance

High Confidence

Based on the Offeror's performance record, the Government has high confidence and essentially no doubt that an Offeror will successfully perform the required effort.

Satisfactory Confidence

Based on the Offeror's performance record, the Government has confidence the Offeror will successfully perform the required effort.

Neutral Confidence

No performance record identifiable.

Little Confidence

Based on the Offeror's performance record, doubt exists that the Offeror will successfully perform the required effort.

No Confidence Based on the Offeror's performance record, substantial doubt exists that the Offeror will successfully perform the required effort.