Questions Answers - Houston-2009-0217.doc

Questions

1. Please clarify the number of copies of the proposal required. Box 9 of the Standard Form 33 requires an original and three (3) copies while the instructions on page 163, section 2.0 requires one (1) original and two (2) copies.

Please provide one (1) original and two (2) copies.

2. Continuation Sheet, 0001. Would the Government approve a longer mobilization period for the addition of beds at the existing facility to increase capacity to 1,000 and to hire the additional staff needed for the extra capacity?

Yes, the Government would approve a longer mobilization period.

3. Continuation Sheet, 1004 and 2004. Would the Government consider increasing the estimated number of detainee work days?

Must be in accordance with ICE PBNDS.

4. Continuation Sheet, 1005. Would the Government consider increasing the number of hours for on-call post/guard services?

No, leave as is.

5. Page 12, C. Scope of Work. Please clarify which standards prevail when the contract and ICE Performance Based National Detention Standards conflict.

ICE PBNDS

6. Page 18, General. Please provide a copy of the ICE/DHS Officer’s Handbook listed as item #4.

See public website ICE.gov

7. Page 24, 1. Minimum Staffing Requirements and Page 43 Post Work Schedules. There appears to be a conflict regarding the time frame for posting work schedules. Page 24 indicates the daily roster shall be posted 24 hours in advance and page 43 requires work schedules to be posted one week in advance.

Daily rosters posted 24 hours in advance should be required.

8. Page 27, Health and Medical Care. Item e. could be interpreted to mean the Contractor must notify the COTR and/or Alternate COTR for very minor complaints, such as a detainee requesting an aspirin for a headache. Please clarify what level of medical issue requires notification of the COTR and/or Alternate COTR. Alternatively, because DIHS provides medical services would the Government consider deleting this requirement?

Significant Medical issues as determined by the local ICE Field Office, requirement not to be deleted.

9. Page 30, Infectious Disease Screening. Is it the Government’s intention that the Contractor take over responsibility for the TB screening chest X-ray from PHS?

No

10. Page 33, Table. Please advise the approximate number of detainees to be transported on each trip.

Detainee numbers will vary on any given trip.

11. Page 34, On-Call Post/Guard Services. Would the Government agree to authorize two officers for remote locations?

Only if needed, there may be occasions where only one officer is required.

12. Page 37. Would the Government agree to continue the current practice of employee medical examinations being conducted by a nurse rather than by a physician?

Refer to DIHS for guidance.

13. Pages 51-52, Basic Training Subjects. Please clarify what is required to be taught during the 4-hour Procedures/Observational Techniques training session in Basic Training.

Often used in the context of teaching, astronomy, or marketing, this term refers to subjective analysis of observed data in the real world rather than objective analysis in a controlled environment. In the context of detention management, this course should impart what to look for in detainee’s demeanor, behavior, clothing, or other observable information (e.g., a three tear tattoo under the eye may be a sign of previous incarcerations or gang-sanctioned murders).

14. Page 56, D. Securely Operate the Facility. Would the Government accept a training program certified by the manufacturer of locks and locking mechanisms in the event no Government approved program is available?

Yes, in accordance with ICE PBNDS

15. Page 60, Direct Supervision of Detainees. Is it acceptable for one officer to be assigned to cover two small dorms in accordance with current practices at the facility?

No, direct supervision will be required

16. Page 74, D. Manage and Maintain a Commissary, requires the Contractor to provide independent auditor certification of funds to the COTR every 90 days. Would the Government agree to a quarterly audit being conducted by CCA staff and an annual audit by an outside auditor?

No, this is non-compliant.

17. Page 87, Firearms Requirements. Item a. requires firearms to be “new”. Is it acceptable to provide used firearms that are in proper working condition?

New upon initial acquisition for the purpose of this contract

18. Page 165, 3.2.2 Transition Plans. Is a Transition Plan required for an incumbent contractor who proposes continued operation of an existing facility?

No

19. Page 166, 3.2.5 Past Performance. Please clarify the requirements for the Past Performance section of the response. Who does “personnel being bid in response to this solicitation and their role in the past performance referenced should be identified” refer to? Is the information required in the next sentence (contract/delivery order number, contract type, program name, total cost, short description of work performed, and names and valid telephone numbers for the Procuring Contracting Officer, Contracting Officers’ Representative and Program Manager) related directly to the contracts listed on the Past Performance Questionnaire? Yes

20. Preliminary estimates indicate that the construction/renovation of the new physical plant requirements of the RFP will be expensive (in the multi-million dollars range). In light of this information, would the Government consider removing these requirements from the RFP to allow the vendor to propose the most cost effective per diem?

No.

21. In reference to #20 above, if the Government decides to keep the new physical plant requirements in the RFP, given the shortened contract term of a one year base with four one year options, vendors are forced to include the construction costs in the first year per diem, which is the only guaranteed contract year. Would the Government allow vendors to propose a separate per diem for the physical plant changes or extend the guaranteed contract term? Alternatively, would the Government consider accomplishing the new physical plant requirements through a separately negotiated arrangement throughout the term of the contract?