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RFI HSFE90-14-I-0005 DHS Responses to Vendor Questions 2-07-2014
Response to Vendor Questions
| 1 |
| Q: Can the Government please clarify what it requires for “reader services”? |
A: Reader services involves providing assistance to an individual who is blind, has low vision, or who has other disabilities and is unable to read written text, whether in electronic or hard copy formats. For example, a reader is used to read electronic documents, which because of the format of the documents, are not accessible to individuals who use screen readers or other adaptive technology. The reader describes images or other visual elements on pages or other text that sighted individuals are able to see. A reader may also provide visual assistance to an individual in completing forms, filling out documents, or registering for services. A reader is usually, but not always, co-located with the person with a disability. On-site reader services would require a person to be sitting next to or near the customer. While off-site reader services would require the use of technology such as teleconferencing equipment. DHS welcomes information from vendors about technology that complements or enhances the reader services it provides.
Example: The reader may read text of documents at the Asylum Officer’s request; answer Asylum Officer’s questions regarding the appearance of documents, photographs and applicants and input documents into the scanner for conversion to both a voice reader or braille text. The reader may not substitute his/her own judgment with respect to the meaning or appearance of a document, photograph or applicant; make a determination with respect to the authenticity of document or photograph; or substitute his/her own judgment with regard to the Asylum Officer’s work product or evaluation/testing materials. IT security and Confidentiality: The reader will have permission and access to the Asylum drop box.
| 2 |
| Q: Is there a software requirement for the “in-person requirement”? If it is for both, we recommend that it be separated into these categories. |
A: There’s no software requirement unless the task is specifically accessible only through the use of software. It isn’t expected that there will be any software requirements involved with any in-person/on-site reader services. There will most likely, however, be some security requirements for personnel providing the service(s).
| 3 |
| Q: Please clarify question 12 in the RFI: what is meant by “feedback to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)”? Does the RFI mean to ask about a mechanism for the user to provide feedback on the services? |
A: Yes. If telephonic translations are accessed, how are the details of the service provided to the COR regarding the language(s) utilized, number of linguists, length of service, nature of the translation, etc? The COR is required to maintain an accounting of all services used by the Component and therefore, DHS is very interested in how each company provides this accountability.
| 4 |
| Q: Regarding question 25, are US citizen/LPR linguists still required for interpretation assignments abroad? |
A: No. For clarification the places of performance for the services are the Washington DC Metro Area, the 48 Contiguous States, Alaska, Hawaii, and the US Territories.
| 5 |
| Q: What is the approximate anticipated value of the awarded contract(s) or BPA(s)? |
A: The anticipated value has yet to be determined, however, upon determination, that information will not be available for release as public information prior to award.
| 6 |
| Q: Does the government intend to make multiple awards or a single award? If multiple award, how many vendors does the government feel would be practical or ideal? |
A: This requirement will result in multiple awards however the number of awards has not been determined. The purpose of the RFI is to gather information to aid the Government in making the decision as to how many awards will be made.
| 7 |
| Q: Is/are there current incumbent vendor(s) providing any or all of the requested services detailed in the draft PWS? |
A: DHS and each of its components currently have numerous contracts for providing many of the requested services. DHS is seeking for a way to streamline the procurement process for the services listed in the PWS.
| 8 |
| Q: Is there a current government program that DHS is using as a model to scope requirements? |
A: The requirements of the PWS are a consolidation of various needs across all DHS components. There is no existing model that was used to scope the consolidation of all requirements.
| 9 |
| Q: Does the government intend to use Lowest Price/Technically Acceptable (LPTA) or trade-off criteria (Best Value) as a method to evaluate prospective offeror proposals? |
A: All awards resulting from this requirement shall be made on a Best Value basis.
| 10 |
| Q: Does the government intend to require a perspective offeror to possess a GSA 738 II schedule with all requested SINs? |
A: The purpose of the RFI is to allow the Government to obtain industry feedback which will assist the Government in determining how many awards shall be made, whether to award to GSA vendors, or go open market, if there are sufficient small business, and businesses fitting specific socio- economic programs to set-aside all or portions of services. At this time the Government anticipates multiple awards will be made to small and large businesses, to socio-economic program participants, as well as opportunities for teaming arrangements.
| 11 |
| Q: Can the government provide an approximate number of anticipated FTEs and/or on-call/as needed personnel? |
A: FTE or personnel workload data is not available. However, DHS requires at least one program manager to be available for response 24/7. This individual should be able to coordinate short-notice requests for interpreters and/or translation services. Specific management requirements will be determined at the task order level.
| 12 |
| Q: Could the government further define certification criteria for translator and interpreter |
Qualifications?
A: The RFI describes the minimum qualifications for these and other language services. Vendors must able to demonstrate that they have assessed and documented the language proficiency of personnel that provide services under the contract. Vendors must also be able to demonstrate that personnel used to provide services under the contract have the additional professional skills required for interpretation, translation and other language services. For those fields in which certification is currently available, such as legal and medical interpretation, DHS may ask for evidence of such certification.
| 13 |
| Q: Is the government contemplating the inclusion of management and administrative personnel as billable hours for this program (such as Program Manager, Component Specific Program Manager)? |
A: Program management and supervision may be included as additional line items (CLINS) if the task order issued by a component requires such constant oversight. (For example, an order for only once-a-week and routine Spanish language interpretation would not require as much oversight as a more complex ad hoc requirements order of multiple languages over a course of a year; and therefore, the less complex a requirement, the less need there will be for management and supervision).
| 14 |
| Q: Does the government have a plan to transition services from existing contracts, BPAs |
and vendors who are already providing services to various DHS components or will these services continue in parallel to this procurement?
A: Yes. DHS and each of its components currently have numerous contracts to providing many of the requested services. DHS is seeking for a way to streamline the procurement process for the services listed in the PWS.
| 15 |
| Q: Is the government contemplating a total Small Business Set-aside or a hybrid award to multiple vendors which would include large companies and small business primes? |
A: The purpose of the RFI is to allow the Government to obtain industry feedback which will assist the Government in determining how many awards shall be made, whether to award to GSA vendors, or go open market, if there are sufficient small business, and businesses fitting specific socio- economic programs to set-aside all or portions of services. At this time the Government anticipates multiple awards will be made to small and large businesses, to socio-economic program participants, as well as opportunities for teaming arrangements.
| 16 |
| Q: What does the government feel would be the benefits and challenges to a multiple award BPA or contract? |
A: DHS is seeking lower prices and improved services in the provision of language services. A strategically sourced contract vehicle is also expected to make high quality language services more readily available across DHS and offer a wider selection of services in order to meet the needs of the components, particularly in emergency or specialized situations with quality of performance and consistency for a year or longer at a time.
| 17 |
| Q: Can you tell me if there is an incumbent contractor currently performing work for this requirement? If so, could you please provide their company name and contract number? |
A: DHS and each of its components currently have numerous contracts to providing many of the requested services. DHS is seeking for a way to streamline the procurement process for the services listed in the PWS.
| 18 |
| Q: The Performance Work Statement is a chronicling of standards for language services vendors. As such, it is extremely helpful. Are interested vendors required to respond to the statement? And if so, could you characterize the nature of the required response? |
A: Within vendors’ capability statements, we hope to receive enough information to determine if they have the resources and experience necessary to meet such standards for language services, even if only a portion of the specific languages listed.
| 19 |
| Q: Does the DHS anticipate making a single award or multiple awards for this effort? |
A: This requirement will result in multiple awards however the number of awards has not been determined. The purpose of the RFI is to gather information to aid the Government in making the decision as to how many awards will be made.
| 20 |
| Q: Section 2.1.1 lists “new item technology (382 99)” as one item that the Contractor will be asked to provide under this PWS. Can DHS clarify what “new item technology” means? |
A: “New item technology” means emerging technologies in the language and information technology arenas that are being developed and become available to the marketplace to enhance current capabilities (i.e. VRI, CART, and software applications that aid in the translation of text) or introduce new equipment/software as it applies to translation services, interpretation services, language training and educational material, comprehensive linguistic analytical support services and services for the hearing and visually impaired.
| 21 |
| Q: Section 2.1.3.1 lists reasons why the government will not be charged for calls placed to the Contractor. If a call is placed based on incorrect information provided by the customer, will the Contractor be able to charge the government for these calls (for example, if a customer incorrectly identifies the language they need to be interpreted)? |
A: If the call is made for a language by error by government personnel, the government may still be charged for the time; however, DHS does not expect that time to be substantial since a mistake in requesting the wrong language would be quickly realized. Any scenario where performance is in error or considered poor quality by fault of the contractor will not be charged to the government.
| 22 |
| Q: Referring to Section 2.1.4, can DHS provide more detail regarding the number and degree (Top Secret, etc.) of Security clearances required to perform the work detailed in the PWS? Can DHS provide a breakdown of the number of clearances required by task (interpretation, translation, VRI, CART, etc?) |
A: DHS cannot provide information on how many security clearances or degree of clearances are required as the types of services and needs are different in each component depending on various circumstances. Requirements will be identified at the task order level.
| 23 |
| Q: When overseas activities are required and the work being performed does not require a security clearance, will DHS allow Contractors to use overseas resources for translation and interpretation for efficiencies? |
A: Overseas work activities will not be required under the PWS. The places of performance projected under the BPAs are the Washington DC Metro Area, the 48 Contiguous States, Alaska, Hawaii, and the US Territories only.
| 24 |
| Q: Section 2.17 states that costs associated with local travel shall not be charged to DHS components, unless approved by the DHS Task Order’s (TO) CO or COR and specifically authorized in the BPA task order(s). Will local travel costs be chargeable if travel requirements required to perform the work indicated in the TO but not specifically authorized in the TO are identified after the TO is released? |
A: This question is not clear. Bottom line; the task order solicited under the BPAs will either explicitly indicate that travel (whether local or non-local) will be reimbursed and authorized versus not authorized at all.
| 25 |
| Q: How much notice will DHS give to contractors to obtain visas and plan travel logistics if Contractor personnel are required to travel overseas? |
A: No visas are required. Overseas work activities will not be required under the PWS. The places of performance projected under the BPAs are the Washington DC Metro Area, the 48 Contiguous States, Alaska, Hawaii, and the US Territories only.
| 26 |
| Q: The first bullet in Section 2.2.1 states that Contractors will provide third-party telephonic interpreters to monitor the accuracy of interviews between DHS personnel and interpreters provided by applicants for immigration benefits. Can DHS clarify what characteristics of the interviews the Contractor provided interpreters will be required to monitor? |
A: The Contractor will be required to monitor quality control for accuracy of interpretation, dialect, and nuance of the technical terminology.
| 27 |
| Q: Must the third-party interpreter be from a secondary (or third-party) outsourced contractor? |
A: No, but the third-party interpreter must be certified and an Interpretation Certification Form must be completed as stated in 4.0 of the PWS: “The Contractor shall complete Interpretation Certification Forms for each Interpreter assignment. The certification shall outline the date the work was performed and the hours that services were provided. The certification form shall be signed after completion of the assignment by the requestor and/or a point of contact involved with the assignment. The signed certification, along with the work order for the assignment, shall be attached to the invoice submission in order to receive payment”.
| 28 |
| Q: Referring to the third bullet in Section 2.2.1, can the DHS provide an estimate of 1) how many interpreters will be required to support caller data entry services, and 2) what volume of services constitute “peacetime” and “disaster surge” requirements? |
A: DHS cannot provide how many interpreters are required since we do not have accurate workload data. Specific requirements will be identified at the task order level.
| 29 |
| Q: In section 2.2.2, DHS indicates that translation of websites will be required. Can DHS provide a list of the web sites or an estimated number of web pages to be translated during the POP? Does DHS have an estimated number of languages into which the websites will be translated? |
A: An accurate estimate or list cannot be provided. An example of some of the website translation requirements are as follows:
· USSS: Typically, website translations are used in the scope of criminal investigations. A specific number of translations is unknown since the nature of each investigation cannot be predicted.
· TSA now has a Spanish language website. Other languages may be added, plus constant updating on a regular basis would be necessary.
· For USCIS Verifications, there are four websites: E-Verify/SAVE/I-9 Central/Self Check (4 websites). TSA does not have further data on other requirements it might have for website translation for this or other program offices under USCIS at this time. The most common languages for translation is from English to Spanish or French.
· FEMA has translations performed on it Ready.gov website. Additionally, general information is uploaded and maintained onto its FEMA Espanol and FEMA Other Languages websites.
| 30 |
| Q: In regard to Section 2.2.2, will each request for website translation allow for its own scope depending on the variables which must be considered per website? |
A: This question is not clear. Translation requirements vary from agency to agency and specific parameters will be outlined at the task order level.
| 31 |
| Q: In Section 2.2.9, DHS mentions that animations support for the localization of multimedia and animation on web sites will be required. Can DHS clarify what its requirements for localization of multimedia and animation will be? What formats will the audio-visual content be in? |
A: At a minimum, video involving both voice and sign language interpretations. MP4 or FLV audio-visual formats are usually required for USCIS Verifications. They do not currently have any requirements for animation. FEMA will require that the contractor have the capability to embed the captions with the video during “live” broadcasts” that can be streamed to its personnel nationwide.
| 32 |
| Q: In regard to Section 2.2.9, can DHS quantify the number of web pages or web sites to |
be translated in each of the development environments specified in the last bullet of this section?
A: An accurate estimate or list cannot be provided. An example of some of the website translation requirements are as follows:
· USSS: Typically, website translations are used in the scope of criminal investigations. A specific number of translations is unknown since the nature of each investigation cannot be predicted.
· TSA now has a Spanish language website. Other languages may be added, plus constant updating on a regular basis would be necessary.
· For USCIS Verifications, there are four websites: E-Verify/SAVE/I-9 Central/Self Check (4 websites). TSA does not have further data on other requirements it might have for website translation for this or other program offices under USCIS at this time. The most common languages for translation is from English to Spanish or French.
FEMA has translations performed on it Ready.gov website. Additionally, general information is uploaded and maintained onto its FEMA Espanol and FEMA Other Languages websites.
| 33 |
| Q: Will the Contractor be required to set up a Content Management System to manage new website content for DHS? |
A: An actual system is not required. But reliable content management of website information and materials will be required as directed by a task order, whether ongoing over a daily/weekly or monthly basis. If this means a system for content management might be used, it may be approved by the government ahead of time.
| 34 |
| Q: In order to fulfill the requirements of Section 2.2.9, will Contractors be required to host translated web content for testing purposes? |
A: No.
| 35 |
| Q: In Section 16.2, DHS requires Contractors to assign Component-Specific Program Managers for each component of DHS. Many of the responsibilities of these Component-Specific PMs overlap with the responsibilities of the overall Program Manager, leading to additional expense and overhead to administer this work. Does DHS require dedicated Component-Specific PMs for each of the 16 components (and possibly other DHS organizations) listed in Section 2.0 of the PWS? |
A: A Program Manager could coordinate the needs of more than one small component, but that multiple Program Managers may be needed for the larger components such as USCIS, ICE or FEMA.
| 36 |
| Q: Can DHS clarify the relationship between and responsibilities of the Program Manager and the Component-Specific PMs? |
A: The overall PM would act as the contractor’s central POC to DHS for overall performance and administrative issues for all language services provided to DHS. Component-Specific PMs are responsible for the day-to-day support to the components such as: coordinating and supervising the 24/7 coverage, implementing and executing the contractors quality control plan to ensure services are provided in accordance with the Performance Work Statement and the Component’s task order, and interfacing with the component as needed during emergencies and disasters to ensure appropriate staffing in scheduled to meet accelerated turnaround times for deliverables.
| 37 |
| Q: Page 3 of the RFI states that the page limit for the Capabilities Statement package is 20 pages. Are Attachments 2 and 3, which respondents are instructed to complete, included in that page limit? |
A: No, Attachments 2 and 3 are separate and will not count towards the page limit.
| 38 |
| Q: Please clarify which items noted in the third bullet on page 3 of the RFI will be considered confidential and will not count toward the 20 page limit. |
A: Past performance and pricing data such as service lists, labor categories and labor rates.
| 39 |
| Q: Can the DHS provide a historical breakdown of minutes used for telephonic and VRI interpreting? If so, can the number of minutes for each mode be further broken down by language? |
A: During 2013, DHS used 2,500 minutes for VRI and 191,028 minutes for telephonic interpreting. Breakdown of the telephonic minutes by language is not available. All VRI support was conducted in English. Note: DHS only began using VRI since Superstorm Sandy for remote American Sign Language support.
| 40 |
| Q: Section 2.2.2 states, “requires a secondary review of documents that have been translated…” Is this review a separate service, or considered part of the ‘translation’ service? |
A: This is considered to be a quality control function and part of the translation service cost . Administrative costs should be factored in by the company when determining their base fees for services.
| 41 |
| Q: Section 2.2.5 p 7 bullet number 3 refers to “Video Relay Interpreting”. Everywhere else VRI is “Video Remote Interpretation”. Is Video RELAY Interpreting the same as Video REMOTE Interpretation or is it separate? |
A: The correct terminology is Video Remote Interpreting (VRI). Video Relay Services are part of the Telecommunications Relay Services system to provide access to telephone services for Deaf and hard of hearing. VRI, or Video Remote Interpreting are remote sign/translation services provided by private interpreting agencies/individuals who may also provide on-site interpreting services.
| 42 |
| Q: Section 3.0 Language Specialist Testing and Qualifications – all sections call for “US |
citizen or …. permanent resident”. Must they also reside in the US? Or can they US citizens living OCONUS?
A: The language specialist may reside within the outlying territories of the continental United States, including Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
| 43 |
| Q: Section 16.0 management Reqs: Will these positions be Key personnel? |
A: Yes.
| 44 |
| Q: 16.2 Component-Specific PMs: Is the Government’s intent to have one PM per each Component? Or can a contractor provide one PM per type of service instead? Can the same PM serve as a PM for multiple Components? |
A: A Program Manager could coordinate the needs of more than one small component, but that multiple Program Managers may be needed for the larger components such as USCIS, ICE or FEMA.
| 45 |
| Q: What is the percentage of each service (telephonic, sign language, translation, training, etc.) of the total work anticipated? |
A: The percentage of service utilization varies based on the component. Two examples are as follows:
USSS: estimates that 70-80% of our requests for 2013 were translations, 10-15% interpretations, and the remainder other services. However, our current contracts do not include services used outside of investigative activities. Our component’s needs may change greatly if non-investigative language services are included under the umbrella of the DHS contract.
FEMA: Language Translations – 55%, ASL and CART Services - 40%, VRI - 2%, Other Services - 3% .
| 46 |
| Q: What is the volume of work for other services other than telephonic services? |
A: The percentage of service utilization varies based on the component. Two examples are as follows:
USSS: estimates that 70-80% of our requests for 2013 were translations, 10-15% interpretations, and the remainder other services. However, our current contracts do not include services used outside of investigative activities. Our component’s needs may change greatly if non-investigative language services are included under the umbrella of the DHS contract.
FEMA: Language Translations – 55%, ASL and CART Services - 40%, VRI - 1%, Other Services - 4% .
| 47 |
| Q: Do we need surge capability for all services, or only for the ones explicitly called out? |
A: Minimum surge capability support those stated in the PWS. However, specific requirements will be outlined in detail at the task order level.
| 48 |
| Q: How are these services currently performed (in house, contractor)? If by a contractor: |
a. What is the Contractor Name?
b. What is the Contract Number?
c. When was the contract awarded?
d. When does the contract expire?
e. What are the contract Period of Performance terms? (i.e. base and 4 one-year options, etc.)
f. What type of Contract was awarded (Firm Fixed Price, ID/IQ, etc.)
g. How was the contract awarded (Full & Open, HubZone set-aside, Small Business Set-aside, Sole Source, etc.)
h. What is the current contract value or ceiling?
A: DHS and each of its components currently have numerous contracts to providing many of the requested services. DHS is seeking for a way to streamline the procurement process for the services listed in the PWS.
| 49 |
| Q: If there is not an incumbent, what is the estimated dollar value range for this requirement? |
A: The anticipated value has yet to be determined, however, upon determination, that information will not be available for release as public information prior to award.
| 50 |
| Q: For clearance of language services personnel: Will one standard be developed that will apply to all divisions of DHS? If so, will there be a grace period for implementing this new process? If not, will there be reciprocity for existing clearance across all DHS agencies? |
A: DHS cannot provide information on how many security clearances or degree of clearances are required as the types of services and needs are different in each component depending on various circumstances. Requirements will be identified at the task order level.
| 51 |
| Q: Regarding 2.2.4 (Transcription Services), does DHS currently use transcription of |
“live” speech (for example, a court hearing or a live phone conversation) or is it only from recorded/taped material? If “live” is included, please describe the types of situations as well as the current volume of these requests.
A: Yes, for example:
USSS: Time sensitive live transcription is sometimes used, particularly during criminal investigations.
TSA: TSA often requests transcripts of conference call meetings, especially with the general public.
USCIS: For USCIS, transcription is usually of recorded materials. Live, in court or via phone conversation can be included. The most common situation for live transcription would be in court related to immigration adjudications, appeals or claims. Some instances of court hearings could involve Equal Opportunity issues. The total current volume of requests for USCIS is unknown and unpredictable. Generally, the minimum is 14 hours of service and 280 pages of transcription.
FEMA: FEMA often requests transcripts of telephonic depositions, conference call meetings, open forum meetings conducted with disaster survivors in disaster areas. Volume of requests is unknown.
| 51 |
| Q: For 2.2.8 (Reader Services), please define the necessary specifications for this service |
as well as an estimate of the number of hours.
A: Reader services involves providing assistance to an individual who is blind, has low vision, or who has other disabilities and is unable to read written text, whether in electronic or hard copy formats. For example, a reader is used to read electronic documents, which because of the format of the documents, are not accessible to individuals who use screen readers or other adaptive technology. The reader describes images or other visual elements on pages or other text that sighted individuals are able to see. A reader may also provide visual assistance to an individual in completing forms, filling out documents, or registering for services. A reader is usually, but not always, co-located with the person with a disability. While this is not a software requirement, DHS welcomes information from vendors about technology that complements or enhances the reader services it provides. DHS cannot estimate the number of hours; however, reader services will likely be needed on a much less frequent basis than foreign language, sign language and translation.
| 53 |
| Q: For language training services 2.2.13, please define all desired delivery options, e.g. onsite, telephonic, online, etc. Is there an existing list of languages where testing/training is currently being provided, similar to RFI appendices A and B for translation and interpretation respectively? Also, please provide the number of hours of each type of training. |
A: Delivery methods will depend on the needs and circumstances of DHS Components. DHS is interested in various delivery options. For example, USCIS may require on-site only for training of personnel. Off-site may be acceptable if reviewing, evaluating and/or providing consultation on training materials. USCIS does not currently have the data regarding each type of training available at this time.
| 54 |
| Q: In the event of a catastrophe or other emergency need, how much lead time may a Contractor reasonably expect before being placed on “24-7” status? |
A: The notification lead times may vary from agency to agency. A few examples are as follows: USCIS: For USCIS, approximately 24-48 hours as a minimum.
FEMA: If possible, approximately 12-48 hours notification may be given.
Q: Will some expected “lead time” for each individual service be negotiated as part of the contract?
A: Terms of a BPA can be mutually agreed upon through negotiations. A lead time necessary for such services like sign language interpretation may be adjusted across all BPAs if negotiated and mutually agreed upon by all contractors who will be working with the government.
| 55 |
| Q: Regarding Section 8 about e-Verify, might there be exclusions for Independent Contractors and if so, under what circumstances? |
A: As a freelance contractor (or independent), you would be excluded if a BPA’s value is less than $150K over a course of the period of performance or if we only work with you for less than 120 days. Other exceptions are included in the link above.
http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/federal-contractors/exemptions-and-exceptions
| 56 |
| Q: How will existing contracts with DHS components (USCIS, CMP, FEMA, ICE, etc.) be affected by this new omnibus contract? |
A: Current contracts will remain in place for each component until their contract order periods end. Once these BPAs are put into place, the components will utilize the DHS BPAs to the fullest extent possible.
| 57 |
| Q: Will this ultimately be a set aside for 8(a), HUB zone, or small disabled companies as suggested on page 3, first paragraph under Submission of Capability Packages? |
A: The purpose of the RFI is to allow the Government to obtain industry feedback which will assist the Government in determining how many awards shall be made, whether to award to GSA vendors, or go open market, if there are sufficient small business, and businesses fitting specific socio- economic programs to set-aside all or portions of services. At this time the Government anticipates multiple awards will be made to small and large businesses, to socio-economic program participants, as well as opportunities for teaming arrangements.
| 58 |
| Q: What is the goal of this RFI? Are you looking for vendors to service FEMA only or all DHS agencies? |
A: DHS and all of the components under DHS which includes FEMA.
| 59 |
| Q: Approximately how many service hours were provided for Fiscal Year 2012 and 2013 |
per month and/or annually for American Sign Language, CART, and VRI services?
A: Various for different components. Below sample (for one component) is for reference only.
| Service |
| Location |
| Approximate Yearly Hours |
| Anticipated Hours |
| CART |
| HQ's - Washington DC |
| 165 |
| 165 |
| SLI |
| HQ's - Washington DC |
| 888 |
| 888 |
| SLI |
| CSC -Laguna Niguel CA |
| 35 |
| 40 |
| SLI |
| Los Angeles, CA |
| 86 |
| 86 |
| SLI |
| Sacramento, CA |
| 100 |
| 100 |
| 60 |
| Q: Approximately how many hours per month and or annually services hours are you |
anticipating for American Sign Language, CART, and VRI services?
A: Various for different components. Below sample (for one component) is for reference only.
| Service |
| Location |
| Approximate Yearly Hours |
| Anticipated Hours |
| CART |
| HQ's - Washington DC |
| 165 |
| 165 |
| SLI |
| HQ's - Washington DC |
| 888 |
| 888 |
| SLI |
| CSC -Laguna Niguel CA |
| 35 |
| 40 |
| SLI |
| Los Angeles, CA |
| 86 |
| 86 |
| SLI |
| Sacramento, CA |
| 100 |
| 100 |
| 61 |
| Q: Can service hours for American Sign Language, Cart and VRI services be broken |
down by location to gain a better understanding of the need and the location and or can we receive a breakdown of locations anticipating utilizing Hearing Impaired Services?
A: Various for different components. Below sample (for one component) is for reference only.
| Service |
| Location |
| Approximate Yearly Hours |
| Anticipated Hours |
| CART |
| HQ's - Washington DC |
| 165 |
| 165 |
| SLI |
| HQ's - Washington DC |
| 888 |
| 888 |
| SLI |
| CSC -Laguna Niguel CA |
| 35 |
| 40 |
| SLI |
| Los Angeles, CA |
| 86 |
| 86 |
| SLI |
| Sacramento, CA |
| 100 |
| 100 |
| 62 |
| Q: Can a list of locations where services for American Sign Language, CART, and VRI |
be provided?
A: These services can be provided anywhere in the US and its territories where DHS operates. The goal is to increase the national capacity for these services based on requirements.
| 63 |
| Q: Are there any anticipated set-asides or preferences given to small business or Minority |
owned businesses etc. or will this be an open bid?
A: The purpose of the RFI is to allow the Government to obtain industry feedback which will assist the Government in determining how many awards shall be made, whether to award to GSA vendors, or go open market, if there are sufficient small business, and businesses fitting specific socio- economic programs to set-aside all or portions of services. At this time the Government anticipates multiple awards will be made to small and large businesses, to socio-economic program participants, as well as opportunities for teaming arrangements.
| 64 |
| Q: Will there be any subcontracting or partnership restrictions? |
A: As long as the subcontracting agency adheres to the same requirements as the contractor.
| 65 |
| Q: Will preference be given to agencies already on the GSA schedule? |
A: The purpose of the RFI is to allow the Government to obtain industry feedback which will assist the Government in determining how many awards shall be made, whether to award to GSA vendors, or go open market, if there are sufficient small business, and businesses fitting specific socio- economic programs to set-aside all or portions of services. At this time the Government anticipates multiple awards will be made to small and large businesses, to socio-economic program participants, as well as opportunities for teaming arrangements.
| 66 |
| Q: Will regional pricing be considered for different regions to align with regional markets or will there need to be a flat fee for services? |
A: We currently intend to use a flat fee. This is preferable, as regional pricing creates an inherent discrimination against the viability of services in that area.
