A00001_Attachment_6_Q As.docx

ATTACHMENT 6/A00001

QUESTIONS/ANSWERS (Q&As)

HSFE20-15-R-0018

NETC Professional Armed Security Services

1. Section L.7.E.2 states that title pages, table of contents, index pages, bland/divider tabs, certifications, past performance questionnaires, the business proposal, cover letter, quality control plan, and resumes are exempt from the page count. This is the only section that references the cover letter and certifications.

Will the Government clarify where in the proposal (i.e. Volume I or Volume II) that offerors should include their representations and certifications and their cover letter?

ANSWER: The Representations and Certifications (in Section K) and Cover Letter should be included in the Business Proposal. (SEE REVISED CLAUSE L.7.C.3 – Attachment 3 to this amendment)

2. In reviewing Section L, there is no mention of the signed Standard Form 33 or Acknowledgement of Solicitation Amendments.

Will the Government clarify where in the proposal (i.e. Volume I or Volume II) that offerors should include their signed SF 33 and Acknowledgement of Amendments?

ANSWER: The SF 33 and Acknowledgement of Amendments should be included in the Business Proposal. (SEE REVISED CLAUSE L.7.C.3 – Attachment 3 to this amendment)

3. Section L.7.C lists the requirements for the Business Proposal. In reviewing this section, it appears that the only submission requirements are completion of clauses B.3 and B.4 and a narrative description of how the TAS rates in B.4 were calculated.

a. Will the Government confirm that no narrative support is required for the Fixed Price Monthly Rates?

ANSWER: No narrative support is required for the fixed price monthly rates. The monthly rates should be the total amount proposed for the Security Guard Services CLIN divided by 12.

b. Will the government confirm that no detailed price breakdown in Excel Format is required for either the FFP monthly prices or the TAS hourly rates?

ANSWER: No detailed price breakdown in Excel Format is required for either the FFP monthly prices or the TAS hourly rates. The offeror must provide a brief explanation or show how the TAS fully loaded hourly labor rate was derived/calculated. (SEE REVISED CLAUSE L.7.C.2 – Attachment 3 to this amendment)

4. The CBA provided with Attachment C to the solicitation has wage and H&W rates that were last effective on 10/1/15. It further states that in March of each year, the company and union will begin negotiating wages and benefits for the next year of the CBA.

a. Have negotiations been completed for the period starting 10/1/15?

ANSWER: Your 1st sentence above is incorrect with regard to the effective date of the CBA. It should have read, “The CBA provided with Attachment C to the solicitation has wage and H&W rates that were last effective on 10/1/14.” To answer your question, the Government has not received any documentation from the contractor with regard to this issue; therefore, it is not known if negotiations have been completed.

b. Will the Government provide updated wage and benefit information for the CBA?

ANSWER: No. All offerors shall propose pricing in accordance with the CBA included in the RFP. The new contract will be modified for a price adjustment, if necessary, once the CBA is negotiated for the period starting 10/1/15.

5. Section 3.1.2 of the PWS discusses service for the National Fallen firefighters Memorial held in October of each year. It further states that this service will be billed under the Temporary Additional Services CLIN.

Will the Government provide historical workload for the number of additional hours required for this event?

ANSWER: For the past 3 years, 17 additional security officers were required for this event.

6. Reference L.7, (E) (1): Page Limitation; Paragraph 4 and 5. Paragraph (4) states that “Offerors must use 8 1/2 inch by 11 inch white paper for its proposal pages.” and Paragraph (5) states “printed landscape orientation or folded to eliminate oversize pages.”

Are 11x17 white paper proposal pages allowed and if so do they count as one page?

ANSWER: SEE REVISED CLAUSE L.7.E.2, paragraph 4, included as Attachment 3 to this amendment.

7. Paragraph (1) states that “An original and 3 copies of the Technical Proposal, and an original and 3 copies of the Business Proposal shall be submitted in two separate parts.”

Will the Government please confirm that no CD/DVD’s are required for submission?

ANSWER: It is confirmed that no CDs or DVDs are required for submission.

8. PWS Section 3.6.1 (Attachment A page 13) states that the Project Manager is to :hold a certification as a Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, or national registered Certified Emergency Medical Technician-Basic or higher” but RFP Section H4 “Minimum Qualifications for Personnel” does not list this as a requirement.

Please clarify the minimum qualifications for the Project Manager.

ANSWER: The Project Manager is not required to be EMT certified. (SEE REVISED PWS , page 13 – Attachment 4 to this amendment)

9. RFP Section H.13. Liability states “The Government cannot indemnify the contractor or its subcontractor(s) from liability as a result of the performance of work under this contract. Therefore, the Contractor is required to obtain adequate property, vehicle, and liability insurance during the entire period of performance, as appropriate, in accordance with the provisions of the clause at FAR 52.228-7 which incorporated into this contract in Section I. Evidence of such insurance must be submitted to the Contracting Officer as a condition of award.” However, FAR 52.228-7 is not listed in Section I, but HSAR 3052.228-70 is incorporated by reference.

Please confirm the liability requirements of this contract.

ANSWER: SEE REVISED CLAUSE H.13, LIABILITY – Attachment 2 to this amendment. FAR 52.228-5, is included in Section I and is applicable to this requirement.

10. Please confirm that x-ray and magnetometer training will be conducted as on-the-job training and materials for such training will be provided by the government.

ANSWER: X-ray and magnetometer equipment will be provided by the government, as well as the maintenance of the equipment. On the job training for the equipment is acceptable to the government, but the contractor must provide the training and any materials associated with the training other than the actual equipment itself. The contractor is expected to be proficient in the use of the equipment and able to train their officers.

11. Given the delays experienced in obtaining Maryland State Police cards for armed security officer, would the Government considered moving to exclusive rather than concurrent jurisdiction?

ANSWER: No.

12. RFP Section K.2 Annual Representations and Certifications requests that Offerors respond to K.2 and other certifications found in Section K.

a. Please confirm that this is over and above the Representations and Certifications found in SAM.

ANSWER: Yes, offerors must complete the Representations and Certifications in Section K and include in the Business Proposal. The offerors Representations and Certifications in SAM will be reviewed in SAM and are not required in the Business Proposal. (SEE REVISED CLAUSE L.7.C.3 – Attachment 3 to this amendment)

b. If this is in addition to SAM, please clarify in what Proposal Volume Offerors should include Section K.

ANSWER: The Representations and Certifications in Section K should be included in the offeror’s Business Proposal. (SEE REVISED CLAUSE L.7.C.3-Attachment 3 to this amendment)

13, PWS Section 3.1.1: Post 2 – Campus Patrol: Does this roving patrol post utilize the required 4 WD vehicle to accomplish the patrol? If not is the patrol accomplished by foot patrol or are there government vehicles (i.e. golf cart, etc.) for this purpose.

ANSWER: The required 4WD vehicle is utilized for campus patrols, as well as, foot patrols and building checks and incident responses.

If the required 4 WD vehicle is utilized for this purpose what is the frequency of required campus/perimeter patrols? What is the historical daily mileage use for this vehicle?

ANSWER: The vehicle patrols are an ongoing and continuous 24/7 obligation. The vehicle mileage has historically averaged between 30 and 40 miles per day. Building checks are to be conducted on an hourly basis unless other duties prohibit, such as responses to alarms and other incidents or calls for assistance.

14. PWS Section 3.2.3: Visitor Register Ledger: Is the Visitor Register Ledger a government form or a form designed and provided by the contractor?

ANSWER: The Visitor Register Ledger is a locally produced form provided by the government.

15. PWS Section3.4.1: Training: This section provides a list (a – r) of training topics for new hires officers to complete prior to assignment. Is there a government curriculum or a mandated number of training hours that encompasses these topics?

ANSWER: No. The contractor is expected to conduct the training in order to ensure officer proficiency in each of the required training areas.

16. PWS Section 3.4.1 and 3.4.2: Firearm Training: Within the training topics listed in 3.4.1 there is not listed a firearms training course. Section 3.4.2 states officers will complete an annual qualification shoot and a familiarization shoot 6 months later. It further states that any officers that fail to qualify will be retrained by the contractor. Is there a government curriculum/outline or minimum number of hours of firearms training required for new hires and as remedial training for annual qualification failures?

ANSWER: No. Remedial or corrective training is a contractor responsibility and is conducted in order to ensure that every officer working on the contract is able to complete a Maryland firearms qualification course of fire.

17. PWS Section 3.4.4: Secondary Training: This section provides for secondary training (a – g) of officers assigned to NETC to include self-defense/baton, handcuffing, mag and x-ray, and confined space entry. Are there government provided curriculum and/or mandated hours for the topics in these areas. Does the government mandate that x-ray/mag instructors must be certified by a particular training school?

ANSWER: Confined space entry and HAZMAT training will be provided by the government in accordance with OSHA requirements. Self-defense, baton, handcuffing, magnetometer and x-ray training curriculum are not provided by the government, nor are there a mandated number of required hours for these training classes. Contractor is expected to be proficient in these areas and able to conduct training to ensure that the officers are proficient in these areas.

18. PWS Section 3.4.5: Supervisor Training: This section provides a list (1 - 6) of training topics for supervisors to complete. Is there a government curriculum or a mandated number of training hours that encompasses these topics?

ANSWER: No. The contractor is expected to be proficient in these areas and able to conduct training to proficiency.

19. PWS Section 5.2.1: Uniforms:

Ammunition: This section specifies .40 caliber 110 grain hollow point ammunition. Is the requirement for semi-jacketed hollow point or full jacketed hollow point? Is it required that the practice ammo also be hollow point or can it be full metal jacket ball ammo as long as it is 110 grain?

ANSWER: Either full metal jacket or semi-jacketed ammo is acceptable, provided that it is 110 grain hollow point ammunition.

Duty Gear: In order that all vendors are bidding the same products, is the government requiring that duty gear be leather, nylon or another material? Is there a requirement for a specific retention level (i.e. Level II or Level III) for the holsters? Please verify the manufacturer and model number of the government issued firearm?

ANSWER: Duty gear constructed of either leather or nylon is acceptable, provided that all duty gear is the same type. Retention Level II holsters are acceptable. Firearms are Glock Model 23 .40 caliber handguns.

Duty Weapon: The PWS specifies .40 caliber ammunition. Attachment 5 shows duty weapons as 9MM. Please clarify.

ANSWER: Duty weapons are .40 caliber handguns.

Dress Uniform Police Hats: Would the government please clarify this requirement and the occasions when this item would be worn?

ANSWER: The only foreseeable times that the officers would be required to wear dress uniform police hat is during the annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial Weekend events.

20. During the site visit, it was stated that the NETC intends to replace the radios during the next fiscal year. Has a projected date been identified?

ANSWER: No. Replacement of the radios is based upon the availability of funding.

22. During the site visit, it was stated that the CCTV and dispatch area are planned to be updated/remodeled in the future. Has a project date been identified? Will the security contractor be allowed input/assistance in this process?

ANSWER: Design of the new security building has not yet been started, due to a lack of adequate funding for the project. Input from the security contractor on the design of the new facility will be welcomed once funding becomes available for the project. There are no plans for remodeling or updating the current dispatch area.

23. During the site visit, a desire was indicated to update/remodel the trailers and front gate area. Has a project date been identified? Will the security contractor be allowed input/assistance in this process?

ANSWER: The trailers at the front gate are not scheduled to be updated or remodeled. The intention is to construct a new facility which will replace the trailers once funding is approved and obligated for the project. At this point funding has not yet been approved and no dates for the project have been established. Once funding is obligated for the design and construction of the new building contractor input will be welcomed.

24. During the site visit, it was stated the NETC accommodates (when possible) classroom training for the officers on site. What is the current arrangement for officers to conduct defensive tactics (hand-to-hand defense) and firearms training? Have officers conducted their firearms qualifications and training on their own or with the contract company in the past?

ANSWER: Classroom space has been made available to the security contractors in the past when needed for officer training based upon space availability and mission requirements. There is also a gymnasium on campus which may be reserved for defensive tactics training, if desired. The security contractor is required to conduct the firearms qualification and training for the officers, utilizing a Maryland state certified firearms instructor, and to provide the results of the qualifications and records of training to the COR upon completion.

25. In the solicitation it indicates the contractor shall be responsible for posting 'HAZCOM' notifications and establishing a HAZCOM plan (Attachment B). Is there a specific format for HAZCOM notifications? Does the dispatcher have the ability to monitor weather conditions on site?

ANSWER: A HAZCOM Plan is currently in place and is updated annually or as deficiencies are identified. The dispatcher is able to monitor both on-site and local area weather conditions. As part of the HAZCOM plan the contractor is required to conduct checks with local police and departments of transportation to gather information on surrounding area road and weather conditions during periods of hazardous weather, primarily during the winter months, then to report this data to the MOSS Division Director. This information is used to make a determination of early release, delayed opening or campus closures during inclement weather.

26. Are officers required to live within a geographical distance of the NETC (i.e. within 60 minutes)?

ANSWER: No.

27. In the solicitation it indicates security officers are responsible for issuing keys to personnel and visitors on site. How is this currently accomplished (i.e. auditable controlled system or writing it in a log book)?

ANSWER: A key issue log is provided by the Government and the issuance of keys by security office is on a case by case basis as needed.

28. Is a system currently in place for tracking incident reports (i.e. report management system, excel spreadsheet, written log, etc.)? If so, what type?

ANSWER: Yes. A locally produced software program is provided by the government.

29. Is a system currently in place for tracking dispatch, officer and communication activities conducted on shift? If so, what type?

ANSWER: Yes. A duty log is incorporated into the locally produced software program provided by the government.

30. What are the current shift hours (i.e. 8hrs, 10hrs or 12hrs)?

ANSWER: 8 hours.

31. Is a Guard Electronic Monitoring System (GEMS) currently in use on site?

ANSWER: No.

32. In the solicitation it indicates security officers must be trained in HAZMAT Awareness and confined space entry. Does the NETC provide this training on-site or is the contractor responsible for providing the training through outside sources?

ANSWER: See answer to question 17.

33. In the solicitation it indicates there shall be four officers on duty at all times (1 in dispatch, 1 on patrol and 2 at the gate). Are there any concessions for making modifications to the staffing plan regarding assignments (i.e. two officers at the gate)?

ANSWER: No. Current staffing levels are the absolute minimum required and may not be modified.

34. The solicitation states that “questions must be receive no later than 4:30 P.M. local time (EST) on June 2, 2015. An amendment to the solicitation will be issued to provide the questions and answers and will be supplied to all prospective offerors.”

Will an extension be granted with the Governments responses to industry questions?

ANSWER: No.

35. Section 3.1.3 in PWS: The contractor may be required to provide additional security services due to unscheduled/unknown events at the NETC. The COR may request Temporary Additional Services on a per-event basis which may exceed one day. These services will also be paid under the separate cost reimbursable contract line item (CLIN) for Temporary Additional Services (TAS).

Would the government please advise the number of additional guards that the CLIN has been billed to annually over the last five years?

ANSWER: See answer to question #5.

36. Section 3.1.5 in PWS: The contractor shall monitor all security systems, which include interior intrusion detection (IDS), entry access control, closed circuit television (CCTV) surveillance systems and fire alarm systems.

Would the government please advise if the security systems are currently 100% operational?

ANSWER: All of the systems are 100% operational.

37. Section 3.1.6 in PWS: The contractor shall provide qualified employees (as outlined in Section 3.3) to perform the services required to maintain a highly professional security force.

f. Additional trained and certified personnel as needed for special events

Would the government please advise how many additional personnel have been used in the last five years?

ANSWER: See answer to question #5.

38. Section 3.1.18 in PWS: The Contractor shall ensure all officers are in good physical condition and health and able to protect themselves and others, and withstand sudden physical exertion in the detention of suspects and violators and emergency response.

a. Would the government please define “good physical condition”?

ANSWER: “Good physical condition” is defined in Section 3.1.13 of the PWS as “able to protect themselves and others and withstand sudden physical exertion in the detention of suspects and violators and emergency response.” Additionally, officers’ physical and medical requirements are very specifically outlined in Section 4.2 of the PWS.

b. Does this definition concur with the CBA?

ANSWER: This is not addressed in the CBA.

39. Section 3.2.1 in PWS: Within five (5) days of the completion of initial training and prior to assignment, the contractor shall provide the COR with a detailed report annotating all required training for each officer assigned to perform work on this contract.

Would the government please confirm that all current contractor personnel are current on their initial and annual training?

ANSWER: Yes.

40. Section 3.2.7 in PWS: Each month, the contractor shall perform an inspection of the campus AEDs for operability, battery, pads and cabinet alarm activation and provide the COR with a status of each device. Attention shall be given to low or expiring batteries and expiring pads for re-order.

Would the government please confirm that NETC is responsible for cost and timeliness of replacement of equipment found to be in need of replacement?

ANSWER: Yes.

41. Section 3.2.14 in PWS: The contractor shall maintain an electronic daily radio dispatcher log detailing the 24 hours dispatcher shift work. This report must be maintained and stored for five (5) years by the contractor and shall be made available to the COR upon request.

Does the government require a specific format?

ANSWER: Yes. The electronic daily radio dispatcher log is included in the locally produced security software program provided by the government.

42. Section 3.2.16 in PWS: The security operations and communications office is video recorded 24 hours per day, seven (7) days per week, for the purposes of documentation, reference and quality assurance. The contractor shall maintain control of the recorder and all associated media. The COR may review recorded media at any time.

Does the government provide a location to store these videos?

ANSWER: Yes.

43. Section 3.2.21 in PWS: The contractor shall provide one (1) officer per shift who is a Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania or national register certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) who shall respond to calls for medical assistance on the NETC campus.

Would the government please confirm what equipment these positions are required to maintain in order to comply with the Maryland Medical Protocols?

ANSWER: Emergency medical supplies and equipment are provided and maintained by the government and are in compliance with all Maryland Medical Protocols.

44. Section 5.2.3 Security vehicle: The contractor shall provide a security vehicle which shall be in operating condition at all times.

e. Shall maintain a minimum of 'A tank of fuel at all times.

a. Would the government consider the contractor maintaining a minimum of a full tank at beginning of each day shift?

ANSWER: The contractor is required to provide adequate fuel to maintain continuous operation of the vehicle.

b. Would the government please advise what the annual mileage on this vehicle was for the past two years?

ANSWER: The vehicle averages between 30 and 40 miles per day.

45. Section 5.2.1 Uniforms in PWS: The uniform shall be professional in appearance, and all personnel employed by this contract shall wear identical uniforms.

Would the government please confirm that Ballistic Vest are or are not required for the armed guards?

ANSWER: Ballistic vests are not required.

46. Section 5.1 Government Furnished in PWS: The government will furnish supplies, materials and equipment listed in Attachment 5- Government Furnished Property, as well as items below, to be used for official government business and only in the performance of this contract.

a. Would the government please confirm that all of the GFE will be functional at time of award?

ANSWER: Yes, all GFE identified in Attachment E (in solicitation) will be functional at time of award.

b. Would the government please confirm there are 4 16 channel digital recorders and if so are all 16 channels being utilized?

ANSWER: Yes.

c. Would the government please advise the number of Motorola, Sporty’s, XTS55000 UHF handheld radios are in each category and if the Desktrac and Radio Base Station are compatible on one channel with all of the handheld radios?

ANSWER: The Government will provide this information to the successful offeror upon award.

d. Would the government please advise how many 9mm weapons there are?

ANSWER: None. .40 caliber weapons are provided by the government for all officers performing work on the contract.

e. Would the government please advise how many gun safes there are and if there is an Arms Room to store the safes?

ANSWER: There are adequate gun safes which are stored in a secured area.

f. Does the government currently provide a firing range for weapons qualifications?

ANSWER: No.

g. Will the government provide office space for administrative functions of the contractor?

ANSWER: Yes.

h. Will the government provide training class room?

ANSWER: Yes, on a space available basis.

i. If so, how many students will the classroom accommodate at a time?

ANSWER: Classrooms are able to accommodate up to fifty students. If more space is needed there are two auditoriums on campus which may be used on a space available basis.

j. Does the government provide ammunition for the weapons for carry rounds as well as practice and qualification rounds?

ANSWER: No. The government provides the weapons; the contractor is required to provide all ammunition.

47. RFP Section B.3 references “The Base Period is from 10-1-2015 through 9-30-2016”. What is the period of transition leading up to the start of the new contract?

ANSWER: There is no transition period. It is anticipated that the new contract will be awarded in August to allow sufficient time for transitioning.

48. RFP Section L.7, Subsection B.6 and RFP Section L.7, Subsection E.2. According to the Section L.7, Subsection B.6, offerors are requested to have clients and references return the past performance questionnaire directly to the government. However Section L.7, Subsection E.2 indicates that the proposal page limitations do not apply toward the past performance questionnaires.

Will the government clarify if offerors are to include the past performance questionnaire within their proposal response in addition to having clients and references submit the past performance questionnaire directly to the government?

ANSWER: The offerors are NOT to include the past performance questionnaire responses in their proposal. The clients/references are to email this information as specified in Clause L.7.B.6. (SEE REVISED CLAUSE L.7.E.2, paragraph 2 – Attachment 3 to this amendment)

49. Attachment A, PWS, Section 3.1.7.g requires the staffing of an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) on each duty shift.

Is this a requirement of the current contract and how many current incumbent personnel are EMT certified?

ANSWER: Yes. The number of incumbent personnel that are EMT certified is not releasable. .

50. Attachment A, PWS, Section 3.1.7.h requires offerors to provide a four-wheel drive vehicle.

On average, how many miles are driven by this contractor-provided vehicle per year?

ANSWER: See answer to question 44.b.

51. Attachment A, PWS, Section 3.3 identifies the qualification requirements for all employees.

Do all incumbent personnel currently meet the qualification requirements in the new contract?

ANSWER: Yes.

52. Attachment A, PWS, Section 3.4 identifies the training requirements for all employees.

Are all incumbents under the current contract trained to these standards?

ANSWER: Yes.

53. Attachment A, PWS, Section 3.4 identifies the training requirements for all employees.

In accordance with these stated courses, how many hours of training are provided to all new employees?

ANSWER: The number of hours is unknown. It is the responsibility of the contractor to maintain all training records and provide them upon request by the government.

54. Attachment A, PWS, Section 3.4.4 identifies contractor-provided training for employees upon placement onto the contract.

May training be conducted on-site of the compound for improved hands-on equipment training, for example, training on X-ray machine operations?

ANSWER: Yes.

55. Attachment A, PWS, Exhibit 1, Relief requirement.

How do officers currently receive relief?

ANSWER: It is the offeror’s responsibility to propose this in their approach.

56. General, Gear-up/gear-down and guard mount.

How much time, if any, is currently provided to officers for the purpose of gear-up/gear-down and guard mount?

ANSWER: It is the offeror’s responsibility to propose this in their approach.

57. General, Travel time.

In accordance with Department of Labor requirements, officers must be paid for their travel time from a centralized gear-up/gear-down location to their assigned post in order to be on-post at their scheduled time. How much travel time is currently provided to the officers for this purpose, per post?

ANSWER: There is no travel time involved in going from one post to another on the NETC site.