HSHQEC10R00002 Amendment 0005.pdf

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT 1 32

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE 4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO. 5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)

0005 March 23, 2011

6. ISSUED BY CODE GI000 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)

US Department of Homeland Security Federal Protective Service Office of Procurement Operations 701 Market Street, Suite 4200 Philadelphia, PA 19106 Attn: K. Blackmore, (215) 521-2291, kristin.blackmore@dhs.gov

8. NAME AND ADD

RESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State, and ZIP Code)

( ) 9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

HSHQEC-10-R-00002

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

February 16, 2011

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

CODE FACILITY CODE

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

X The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers X Is extended, is not extended.

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning 1 copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; of (c) By separate letter of telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

() A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO.

IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b)

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, X Is required to sign this document and return 1 copies to the issuing office.

14. DECRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

See Page 2

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type of print) 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or Print)

15C. DATE SIGNED 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 16C. DATE SIGNED

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

NSN 7540-01-152-8070 STANDARD FROM 30 (REV. 10-

83) PREVIOUS EDITION UNUSABLE Prescribed by GSA

FAR (48 DFR) 53.243

mailto:kristin.blackmore@dhs.gov

A. References to “hourly” in SOW Sections 5.3.1.12 and 5.4.2.5 are revised to “monthly.”

B. The hour and date specified for receipt of offers is hereby extended to March 30, 2011 at 11:00AM

EST.

C. The Government has answered all questions posed by industry. At this point in time, the Government does not anticipate answering any more questions in relation to this solicitation.

D. The following questions and answers are hereby provided for informational purposes only.

1. In regards to this statement in the solicitation OFFERORS SHALL POSSESS A TOP SECRET

FACILITY CLEARANCE PRIOR TO THE DATE AND TIME ESTABLISHED FOR

SUBMISSION OF OFFERS. I noticed that a company must be sponsored for a Top Secret FCL how do we go about getting this done?

Answer: Nominating a security vendor for a Top Secret Facility Clearance may take up to one year as each “Principle” of the company must be cleared at the Top Secret level before the facility can be issued a Top Secret Facility Clearance Letter (FCL).

2. I thought I should point out that the table within the Base Period sheet of

Supervisory_Post_Exhibit.xls is not filled out.

Answer: Offerors are to specify the level of supervision on this spreadsheet (Exhibit 1A) as part of their management approach.

3. What is the projected award date?

Answer: The projected award date is the date the Contracting Officer signs the contract resulting from this solicitation.

4. During the transition period, can the incoming contractor “shadow” the incumbents to ensure continuity of operations?

Answer: No.

5. Please confirm that there is space provided for personnel to clear their weapons on site.

Answer: There is a space onsite for the protective security officers to clear their weapons.

6. Reference RFP Sections C.VI.02, Payments, and C.VI.03, Adjusting Payments for Contractor Performance. These sections are written for a Labor Hour type contract, while this is an FFP monthly fixed rate contract. The monthly rate accounts for a pro-rated amount of hours not actual hours to be incurred that month.

Please update Section C.VI.02, Paragraph C. and Section C.VI.03, Paragraph A.2 to clarify how the Government wants the Contractor to adjust the monthly FFP invoice for actual hours provided (i.e., the Contractor is required to submit with the proposal also a hourly rate for the each labor category that will be used to reduce the monthly FFP billing).

Please clarify if the deductions in Section C.VI.03, Paragraphs A.2 and A.4 of $200 for each hour of open posts and $50 for each hour of posts covered by personnel not properly licensed or equipped, are in additions to or in lieu of the hourly deductions discussed in Paragraph A.2.

Answer: Each month, the contractor will be required to provide staffing in accordance with Exhibit 1 and Exhibit 1A and will be paid a monthly price for these services. If the contractor fails to provide all of the required services, they will be assessed deductions, as identified in Section C.VI.03, Paragraphs A.2 and A.4. Accordingly, no updates are required to the RFP.

7. Reference SOW Sections 5.3.1.12 and 5.4.2.5. These sections refer to Contractor “hourly billing rates”; however, they should read Contractor FFP prices. Please update the SOW accordingly.

Answer: See Paragraph A of this amendment.

8. SOW Sections 5.2.5.3, 9.17.3.2, 9.21.5, 9.21.7, 9.21.8 and 12.4.3.3 were written for a Labor Hour effort. However, this is an FFP effort.

Please clarify how the Government intends to reimburse the Contractor for these “hourly” costs (Sections 5.2.5.3 and 9.17.3.2), given offerors are required to provide a fixed monthly rate not an hourly rate.

Sections 9, 21.5, 9.21.7 and 9.21.8 require reporting “actual hours incurred” on the monthly billing and reconciliation of hours billed vs. hours incurred. This is inconsistent with an FFP type contract. Please confirm that invoices will be at the fixed monthly rates (adjusted for deductions as stated Section C.VI.03, Paragraphs A.2 and A.4 of the RFP) and not at an hourly rate. Please update these sections of the SOW accordingly.

Section 12.4.3.3 requires pricing of any long-term ESS/TAS hours in excess of 120 days at the Basic Services “hourly rates”. Given that the Basic Services are FFP monthly rates, please confirm that ESS for long-term periods in excess of 120 days will be priced as FFP change order modifications to the contract and task orders.

Answer: Section 5.2.5.3 makes no reference to “hourly” costs. Section 9.17.3.2 will be negotiated per FAR 52.212-4. Invoices will be at the fixed monthly rates; however, the contractor will still need to reconcile the hours worked with Exhibit I and Exhibit IA to account for any open posts each month. Failure to do so will result in deductions in accordance with Section C.VI.03. ESS is not anticipated at this time and ESS rates are not required.

9. Please indicate which positions listed on the CBA are armed and unarmed.

Answer: See Amendment 0001, Paragraph K. The Government is not a party to the CBA and therefore is not in a position to interpret it. All positions (Exhibit 1) under this solicitation are armed (to include supervisors-Exhibit 1A) in accordance with SOW Section 14.4.8 under the

RFP.

10. The CBA lists Sick Days and Personal Days for April 2010 but not for April 2011 (page 12).

Are bidders to price all the years at the April 2010 rates?

If April 2011 sick/personal leave days were negotiated, please provide.

Please confirm that the Government will provide for an equitable adjustment to reflect the

April 2011 days upon contract award, if the CBA is updated prior to contract start, based on the applicable FAR requirements.

If April 2012 rates/benefits were negotiated, please provide them and indicate if these rates are to be used in pricing.

Answer: No revisions to the CBA have been received. In accordance with the Service Contract Act, these days shall be priced out in your proposal. If there are revisions they will be handled in accordance with the Service Contract Act and the Federal Acquisition Regulations.

11. Exhibit 8E indicates that both a cell phone and radio are required at every post.

Are cell phones with push to talk capability acceptable to meet the requirements for both radios and cell phones?

If not, are radios AND cell phones required for every post?

Answer: Yes, cell phone and radios are required for every post. A push to talk cell phone is acceptable to meet the requirement for the cell phone, but would not meet the requirement for both the cell phone AND radio.

12. Is the government providing computers, printers, a copier/scanner/ fax machine, and office supplies (ink and paper for the printers) for the contractor’s use in performing on-site contract management work, such as for the Supervisors? If so, how many will be provided?

Answer: Telephone(s), Computer(s), and Printer(s) deemed necessary by the Government for the conduct of official Government business will be afforded to the Contractor. Office supplies (ink and paper) will be supplied for the use of performing official Government business. See answer to Question #14.

13. Will the government provide Internet access so that Supervisors can access timesheet and email systems? If not, are we allowed to provide our own Internet access?

Answer: The Government does allow internet access for Management (CM/Supervisors) to conduct daily operations and access email systems. However, the contractor is responsible for providing a DSL line, computer(s) and fax machine(s) for official contract business (i.e. time sheets).

14. Will office space be provided for the Supervisors?

Answer: Yes.

15. Which make and model firearm (e.g. Smith & Wesson, Glock, etc.) is currently in use at the site?

Answer: Glock .40 caliber is currently being used.

16. Please confirm that the weapons platform (ref. SOW 6.6.1.1) refers to Action Type/Caliber and either semi-auto or revolver.

Answer: Reference Exhibit 8C Contractor Provided Firearms and Ammunition which requires a semi-automatic firearm.

17. Please confirm that the contractor is to provide 1 AED unit. Also please indicate what type/model is required.

Answer: The Government will provide any AED units.

18. If the contractor is required to provide a weapons storage safe and clearing barrel, please indicate any preferred models or types and quantities if the quantity is greater than 1 each.

Answer: The contractor is to provide the weapons storage safe and clearing barrel as indicated in the solicitation. Any GSA approved storage safe (Level 5) will suffice. It is up to the offeror to determine the quantities needed.

19. Will officer lockers be provided by the Government?

20. What model or type of N95 mask is required (as different types require different levels of training and medical exam)?

Answer: There is no specific model required; the base medical exam that is given covers the various models/types of all N95 masks.

21. Please identify to which posts in Exhibit 1 the vehicles are assigned.

Answer: This information will be provided to the awardee.

22. Is the microshield to be provided as 1 per person as a uniform element or as PPE, since it is listed under both Exhibits 8A and 8D?

Answer: This is required for each PSO, post and location. Reference Exhibit 8D Contractor Provided Personal Protective Equipment.

23. If any of the positions on Post Exhibit 1 are not Guard II, please identify which ones and what their classifications are.

Answer: The solicitation is clear on its face. Reference SOW Section 12.3.1 which clearly indicates that all personnel are required to be Guard II.

24. Reference SOW Section 4.3.1 and 4.3.3.

Please confirm that concealed weapons permits are not required for this solicitation.

Please confirm that employees will not be required to carry weapons off-site.

Answer: Concealed weapons permits are not required. PSOs will not be required to carry weapons off-site although the company would need to transport weapons as PSOs need to qualify with their duty weapon.

25. SOW Section 5.1.3.2 states that DHS will indicate on Exhibit 1 (Post Exhibit) if certain posts require proficiency in a specific language. Please confirm that there is no requirement for any officers to be proficient in a specific language.

Answer: Since no specific language proficiencies are indicated on the Post Exhibit, none are required (aside from English).

26. Do all incumbent contractor employees currently meet the solicitation certification and licensing requirements? If not, what percentage does not?

Answer: See Amendment 0001, Paragraph L. The current contract personnel meet all requirements under the current contract. Note that the instant solicitation’s requirements differ from the requirements in the current contract. All contract PSO personnel must meet all the requirements of the solicitation before they can work under the new awarded contract. As to a percentage, this is unknown.

27. Do all incumbent employees currently meet all the personnel requirements (e.g., US citizenship, years of experience, suitability, clearances)?

For example, the clearance level for the EMTs may be different on this RFP than on the incumbent contract. In cases where this is true, will the incumbents (both PSOs and EMTs) be grandfathered into the new contract or given time to obtain the higher level clearance?

Are all incumbent personnel FPS certified?

Answer: No. The incumbent personnel are not FPS certified and will not be grandfathered into the new contract.

28. If a new employee has a current FPS certification prior to being assigned to this contract, will a copy of the FPS credentials be sufficient to meet the requirement in Section 7.3.1.5?

29. Please confirm that due to the requirements to provide N95 masks a respirator fitness exam is required with possible spirometry testing to ascertain if an individual is physically capable of wearing a respirator, and that periodic testing may be required to ensure continued ability.

Answer: The solicitation is clear on its face.

30. Please confirm that respirator training and fit-testing must be done on an annual basis, given that

SOW Section 14.5.3 requires this training/fit testing every 3 years.

31. Please indicate which level of EMT certification is required (e.g., basic, intermediate - ALS, etc.).

Answer: Basic.

32. Is there additional training (other than the PSO and armed training) the EMTs are required to complete?

Answer: All training that is necessary to obtain and/or maintain an EMT certification as required by the RFP.

33. Please indicate the current staffing levels for each position (e.g., fully staffed or number of openings).

Answer: This is unknown to the Government. Offerors shall make the determination as to what is an appropriate level of staffing to meet the contractual requirements in this RFP.

34. Please confirm that DC SPO licenses are not required for the personnel and that the FPS certification supersedes the SPO requirement.

Answer: SPO licenses are not required.

35. Please break down the seniority list by labor category. Also indicate CBA personnel and non- CBA personnel (Supervisors).

Answer: A further breakdown is not available. See Amendment 0001, paragraph K. The Government is not a party to the CBA and therefore is not in a position to interpret it.

36. Since suitability determinations are valid for 5 years, at the time of award will the Government provide a list of the incumbents and their suitability issue dates?

Answer: Yes, at the time of award.

37. What are the clearance level requirements for the Contract Manager, Supervisors, and Training

Instructor, if any?

Answer: The Contract Manager and Supervisors are required to have a Top Secret/SCI clearance.

Training provided by the contractor is typically done off-site therefore instructors are not required to obtain a clearance.

38. Please indicate which posts are armed and/or unarmed.

Answer: All posts are armed in accordance with SOW Section 14.4.8.

39. Please indicate which of the CBA labor categories are to be used at each of the posts listed in the

Post Exhibit.

Answer: See Amendment 0001, paragraph K. The Government is not a party to the CBA and therefore is not in a position to interpret it.

40. The Post Exhibit lists an Access Control Personnel post (Post 6) with TS/SCI. Since the CBA has no rates for Access Control Monitor (TS/SCI), which CBA labor category is to be used to staff this post? If a new labor category will have to be incorporated in the CBA how should it be priced?

Answer: See Amendment 0001, paragraph K and the Answer to Question #39. Please use your best business judgment as it relates to the Service Contract Act and applicable Code of Federal Regulations. Further, it would be impossible for a new labor category to be incorporated into the CBA by anyone other than the incumbent contractor until the anniversary date (i.e. October 1, 2012) of the contract.

41. The Post 17 in Post Exhibit 1 lists a Patrol & Response EMT. However, the CBA rate for EMT-B shows this position at a lower level of Secret clearance. Since the requirements have apparently changed to TS/SCI, please provide the new labor category and the minimum wage level that will need to be priced and incorporated in the CBA.

Answer: See Amendment 0001, paragraph K and the Answer to Question #39.

42. While the solicitation synopsis states the effort is for a five year base period plus a six month additional extension period, SF1449/OF336 requests separate monthly FFP prices for:

The FFP effort for 10/1/2011-3/31/12 – 6 months (CLIN 0001);

The FFP effort for 4/1/12-9/30/16 - 54 months (CLIN 0002); and The FFP effort for 10/1/16-3/31/17 – 6 months (CLIN 0102).

Does this mean that instead of a five year Base Period, the FFP effort will have a six month

Base Period, a 54 month Option Period 1, and the Optional Extension Period of 6 months?

How long will the Transition period, included in the six month Base Period be?

Answer: No. The transition period is the date the contracting officer signs the contract through September 30, 2011. The 60 month ordering period has been divided in order to allow offerors to recoup transition costs in a more expedient fashion rather than spreading them across a 60 month period of performance. There are no optional ordering periods under this effort other than the one contained at FAR 52.217-8.

43. The solicitation synopsis states the effort is for a five year base period plus a six month additional extension period. SF1449/ OF336 requests separate hourly rates/period prices for Secret Cleared and TS Cleared PSOs for the TAS effort for 10/1/2011-9/30/16 – 60 months (CLINs 0003 & 0004); and the TAS effort for 10/1/16-3/31/17 – 6 months (CLINs 0103 & 0104). This conflicts with the FFP effort Period of Performance (POP).

Does this mean that the TAS effort will have a 60 month Base Period plus the Optional Extension Period of 6 months, while the FFP will have a 6 month Base Period, a 54 month Option Period 1, plus a 6 month Optional Extension?

Is the Contractor required to price the TAS effort on a separate Price Element Breakdown form, given that the FFP effort has different performance periods from the TAS effort?

Answer: See Answer to Question #42. Both FFP and TAS line items have a 60 month base ordering period.

44. CLIN 8000, NTE COOP, on SF1449/OF336 and the table on page 53 of the Solicitation allows listing of only one fixed indirect rate for the covered 66 months/Base Ordering Period (as defined on page 54).

Shouldn’t there be at least two periods, one for the Base Ordering Period of 5 years and one for the Optional 6 month Extension, given that the 6 month extension is optional and therefore should not be exercised as part of the Base Period?

Please confirm the offerors can modify the SF1449/OF336 and the table on page 53 to list any applicable indirect burden (i.e., G&A, Material Handling), not only one burden rate.

Can profit be recovered under this NTE CLIN?

Since the NTE value for this CLIN is given to us by the Government, please confirm we do not need to include this CLIN on the Price Element Breakdown form.

Answer: One period is sufficient. For applicable Indirect Burden rates (i.e. G&A and Material Handling), offerors are required to separately identify the proposed indirect rates. Therefore, offerors may modify the SF 1449 and table on page 53 to separately identify G&A, Material Handling etc. Pursuant to FAR 52.212-4 ALT I paragraph I(1)(ii)(D)(1) and (2), profit is not allowable. Paragraph I(1)(ii)(D)(1) states, “Other direct Costs. The Government will reimburse the Contractor on the basis of actual cost for the following….” Profit is not considered to be an actual cost. Paragraph I(1)(ii)(D)(2) states, “Indirect Costs (Material handling, Subcontract Administration, etc.). The Government will reimburse the Contractor for indirect costs on a pro-rata basis over the period of contract performance…” Profit is not considered to be an indirect cost. Offerors are not required to include the COOP CLIN on the Price Element Breakdown form.

45. Reference Section C.II.03, Maximum Quantities, Paragraph b., page 8 of the solicitation.

Please confirm that temporary “new posts/buildings/location and/or expansion of duty hours at existing posts” in excess of the hours required in the Post Exhibit/Task Orders will be covered under the schedule’s Temporary Additional Services (TAS) CLINs, while permanent “new posts/buildings/location and/or expansion of duty hours at existing posts” in excess of the hours required in the Post Exhibit/Task Orders will be covered under Change Orders and contract modifications entitling the Contractor to equitable adjustments in price.

Please confirm that this paragraph does not require the Contractor to provide efforts in excess, in addition to or differing from those listed in the applicable Post Exhibit/Task Orders without equitable adjustments but calls for allowing reallocation of efforts among posts if required, at no additional cost.

Answer: Change Orders are not applicable to FAR Part 12 procedures. This paragraph does not require the Contractor to provide efforts in excess, in addition to or differing from those listed in the applicable contract/task order without negotiations being conducted in accordance with FAR 52.212-4.

46. Reference Section C.II.04, Prices, Paragraphs A.3 and B.3. Please provide a list of the CBA economic terms that DHS does not consider as bona fide fringe benefits subject to adjustment under FAR 52.222-43, for which the Offerors can price contingencies/escalation.

Answer: There is no obligations on the part of the Government to educate offerors on the components covered by the Service Contract Act.

47. Please confirm that, IAW RFP Section C.II.04.B (Contingency Pricing) Note on page 9, the

Supervisor’s wages and benefits need to be escalated, since they are not covered by the CBA.

48. Reference Section C.II.04, Prices, Paragraph C. 3. This paragraph states that “actual hours worked by PSO standing posts during such an emergency will be invoiced under the Basic Services CLIN”. However, the Basic Services CLINs are FFP CLINs providing for monthly fixed priced rates not hourly efforts. Please clarify how the Government plans to require the Contractor to invoice for “actual hours” incurred during COOP situations under FFP CLINs without negotiated hourly rates.

Answer: If a situation arises and the COOP CLIN needs to be exercised, the actual hours worked by the PSO standing post during such an emergency event will be negotiated in accordance with

FAR 52.212-4.

49. What is the post coverage for holidays? Can we assume that the 7 day/week posts include holidays, while the M-F posts exclude holidays?

Answer: This is correct.

50. Is Inauguration Day staffed as a regular workday or as a holiday?

Answer: Inauguration Day is not a recognized federal holiday.

51. SOW section 9.3.4 requires a roll-call/briefing for on-coming PSOs. Does the government have a preference for the length of time spent on the roll-call?

Answer: 30 minutes.

52. Can the pricing breakdown spreadsheet be modified to reflect the RFP requirements, CBA labor categories, contractor’s proposed approach, estimating system, and CAS disclosure statement policies?

Answer: In accordance with Paragraph B of Page 52, the Government suggests that the contractor complete the worksheet “Price Element Breakdown” (Attachment 6). Since it is not required but only serves as a proforma for the expected format, contractors can revise the spreadsheet as they deem necessary.

53. SOW Section 5.2.5.3 states that the Government will reimburse the Contractor for the expenses related to Government requested targeted drug screening if the drug screening results are negative. Since SOW Section 5.2.5.2 requires the Contractor to compensate the employee at the normal hourly rate/salary for all time associated with taking the targeted screening, will the Government reimburse the Contractor for the hourly rate/salary costs incurred as it relates to section 5.2.5.2, in addition to the costs of the screenings?

54. Reference SOW Section 12.4.3.3, Emergency Security Services (ESS), and Solicitation Section C, page 10, Temporary Additional Services (TAS).

Will the TAS rates be used for ESS?

If not, please clarify whether we are required to submit separate ESS rates and update the

RFP/SOW accordingly.

Answer: ESS is not anticipated. If ESS rates are required, they will be negotiated in accordance with FAR 52.212-4.

55. SOW Section 5.4.2.5 requires the Contractor to price for the cost of obtaining and renewing security clearances. Typically contractors do not pay for these costs. Please clarify if this requirement applies to this contract. If so, what is the cost per employee that the contractor will be charged by the Government for the initial and periodic (renewal) security clearance.

Answer: The solicitation is clear on its face. Reference SOW Section 5.4.2.5.

56. SOW Section 6.1.7.2 indicates the contractor must pay “certified” contract PSOs for training and testing. However, this leaves a question about the point at which someone is considered “certified”. Could you please clarify.

Answer: A PSO is considered “certified” when the PSO meets all suitability, certification, clearance, training and weapons requirements as noted in the SOW.

57. If the Government decides to convert the FFP CLINs into Labor Hour CLINs, Will Supervisors be separately billable or should they be included in the PSO billable rates?

Will separate rates be established for all labor categories in the CBA?

Will paid breaks be separately billable or should they be included in the billable rates?

Will roll-call be separately billable or should it be included in the billable rates?

Will relief time be separately billable or should it be included in the billable rates?

Answer: Since the Government has decided not to convert the FFP CLINs, this is not applicable.

58. Please confirm that the Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Item #7, page 42) is not required with the proposal submission, as it was not listed in the Technical Proposal contents section starting on the bottom of page 43.

Answer: In accordance with FAR 52.219-9, Alternate II the Small Business Subcontracting Plan is required with the proposal submission.

59. If the Small Business Plan is required with the proposal, please indicate where it should be placed. If it is included in the Technical Proposal, please omit it from the page limit.

Answer: The Small Business Subcontracting Plan shall be included in the Price Proposal.

60. Please advise whether DHS will allow bidders to meet the SDB requirement by using its vendors, as opposed to subcontracting the actual work defined in the Statement of Work.

61. Please provide an editable electronic copy (i.e., in Word) of SF1449, pages 1-4 so that we can add the pricing.

Answer: An editable electronic copy of the SF 1449 is not available.

62. Page 42 of the RFP indicates a minimum font size of 11 pt. Will a smaller size be allowed for graphics and tables?

63. The RFP (C on page 47) indicates bidders must include a detailed Relief Plan in the Staffing section of the Technical Proposal. Due to the severe page limitations, can this information be excluded from the page count as an attachment?

64. Please confirm that the Contract Manager position is not a full-time position required to be on-site during business hours, Monday through Friday.

Answer: See SOW Section 11.2.5.

65. Is the Training Instructor a full-time position?

Answer: This is at the discretion of the offeror.

66. Please indicate how many personnel are currently certified on the .40 caliber weapon and have completed all the required FPS training?

Answer: See Answer to Question #26.

67. SOW, Section 1.1.1 states that OSHA considers PSOs as first responders (awareness level).

SOW, Section 9.7.1 indicates that Roving Patrols are first responder (awareness level).

Is OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 First Responder Awareness Level training required?

If so, please indicate which posts/positions require this level of training (i.e. all roving patrols, all posts).

Answer: Yes, this training is required for all posts.

68. Please confirm that if the contractor uses a different make/model of .40 caliber firearm, they will not be required to provide 40 hours of firearm training to incumbent personnel?

Answer: Being that the incumbent personnel do not currently work on an FPS contract, 40 hours of weapons training is required.

69. Amendment 1 indicated that the incumbent personnel would have to re-qualify on the firearms since the course of fire has been changed to the ICE course. Please confirm that you are not requiring the contractor to provide all 40 hours of firearms training to any incumbents hired on the new contract.

Answer: Being that the incumbent personnel do not currently work on an FPS contract, 40 hours of weapons training is required.

70. Please confirm the address for proposal delivery.

Answer: US Department of Homeland Security, Office of Procurement Operations – FPS, 701 Market Street, Suite 3200, Attn: Kristin Blackmore, Philadelphia, PA 19106.

71. Reference RFP: Solicitation/Contract for Commercial Items, Proposal Submission Requirements

Page 42; 4. Page Limitation…..is limited to twenty (20) pages in at least 11 pt. font. Will the government allow smaller fonts in graphics and tables as long as it is legible?

Answer: See Answer to Question #62.

72. Reference: Form 1449, CLIN 002. This firm fixed price CLIN is for 54 months with a fixed unit monthly rate. 54 months is a very long time to provide a fixed monthly rate; will the Government revise this CLIN to include sub-CLINs (or some other provision) for offeror’s to provide monthly rates in 12-month increments?

Answer: No. See Amendment 0001, paragraph K and answer to Question #42.

73. Reference: Exhibit 8F, Contractor Provided Vehicles, Page 104, Item 3. Vehicle Requirements.

Please confirm that a total of (3) Sport Utility Vehicles are required.

Answer: 3 are required.

74. Reference: Attachment 5 CBA, Page 9 and Exhibit 1 Post Manning. In addition to the Armed Officers, EMTs and Access Control Monitors, there are Sergeants included in the CBA; which posts in Exhibit 1 are assigned to Sergeants?

Answer: See Amendment 0001, paragraph K and Answer to Question #39.

75. Reference: Exhibit 5 CBA, Page 9, ARTICLE 7: WAGES, Section 7.1 – Straight Time Rate of

Pay and Exhibit 1 Post Manning. The CBA identifies six (6) labor classifications. Which posts in Exhibit 1 Post Manning correlate to each of the labor classifications?

76. Will the Government provide office space for the CM and supervisors at the NAC?

Answer: See Answer to Question #14.

77. Will the Government consider excluding the Small Business Subcontracting Plan from the page count?

Answer: See Answer to Question #59.

78. Will the following bulleted items be excluded from page count?

Table of Contents List of Exhibits Glossary of Acronyms

79. Section 1.4.4. References the “Post Desk Book”. Is the “Post Desk Book” synonymous with

“Officer’s Duty Book”?

80. Section 3. How does the government intend to evaluate whether the level of supervisors included in the bidder proposal price is sufficient to ensure successful contract operations?

Answer: The Onsite Supervisory Post Exhibit (Exhibit 1A) is one component of the management approach factor. The adequacy of this exhibit will be considered within the context of the totality of the management approach factor. Proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the evaluation criteria identified in the RFP. Offerors are reminded that all aspects of a proposal must be determined reasonable and realistic to be considered for award.

81. Section 5.2.1.2 and 5.2.2.3. This section states that the Contractor is also responsible for ensuring that all uniformed employees are able to perform the essential functions described in the SOW, with any reasonable accommodation. If one of the Contractor's employees alleges that the employee has a disability and requires a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job, it is the Contractor's sole responsibility to discuss reasonable accommodation with its employee and to decide what accommodation, if any, to provide at its own expense.

Can the government provide an example of how a contractor might provide an accommodation under the ADA? Has there ever been such an accommodation on this contract or any other FPS contract of this type?

Answer: The solicitation is clear on its face. The contractor is responsible for determining that PSOs are capable and fully able to perform all required functions in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract. As the employer for the PSO, the contractor has the obligation to determine whether or not a PSO is capable to perform in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract. No examples can be provided, and to the extent revealed by research to date, there do not appear to be any known instances of accommodations of this type.

82. Section 5.3. Indicates that Contractor’s training personnel are required to receive suitability clearance. Is this true for contractor personnel that are not required to be on the contract nor possess any knowledge of the contract? For example, if the Contractor elects to sub-contract the American Red Cross (ARC) training to the local ARC chapter, are the ARC instructors required to receive a suitability?

83. Section 6. Will the government provide training space at any of the work sites for contractor training?

84. Section 6.4.1.2. Lists Supervisory Training under Protective Security Requirements. Are PSOs required to complete supervisory training?

Answer: Only those PSOs who are assigned details as Supervisors are required to complete supervisory training.

85. Section 6.6.1.3. This section states that “If the target is non-turning, the Contractor shall use a shot timer”. Can a stop watch, verbal commands or whistle be used in place of a shot timer?

Answer: No. The solicitation is clear on its face.

86. Does the government have a Standard Operating Procedure for how the range should be conducted? If so, can the government please provide it as part of a solicitation amendment?

Answer: Standard Operating Procedures will not be provided with this RFP.

87. Section 6.7.3. This section requires the government to conduct 8 hours of computer-based screener training.

For planning purposes, when can the Contractor schedule this training?

What duration should the Contractor anticipate between date of schedule and date of training completion?

Answer: Reference Exhibit 4H. This training can be scheduled once the preliminary background check is completed. Duration is dependent on various factors; however, training shall be completed within the 120-day transition period.

88. Section 6.7.4. This section states that the government will conduct 8 hours of screener training.

For planning purposes, when can the Contractor schedule this training?

Answer: Reference Exhibit 4I. This training can be scheduled once the preliminary background check is completed. PSOs are scheduled to attend approximately one week from the received request date to ensure that the contractor has time to plan for the training.

89. Section 6.7.5. This section requires the government to conduct 8 hours of recurrent training.

For planning purposes, when can the Contractor schedule this training?

Answer: Reference Exhibit 4J. The contractor may schedule this training 60 days prior to expiration. PSOs are scheduled to attend approximately one week from the received request date to ensure that the contractor has time to plan for training.

90. Section 6.8. Are the incumbent PSO’s current with their CPR, FA and AED certifications as required under the RFP?

91. Will the incumbent officers’ current ARC cards in CPR, AED and First Aid be valid for use on the new contract?

92. Sections 6.8.1.3 and 6.8.2.4 (First Aid and CPR/AED). This section still details CPR/AED certification as 1 year and First Aid certification length as 3 year expiration / requalification dates. Does FPS intend to modify this to reflect the change to 2 yrs certification lengths, per the new ARC and AHA standards?

Answer: Not at this time.

93. Section 7.1.1.6. Indicates that the personnel filing system must contain proof of education and lists H.S. Diploma or GED. For individuals that do not have access to their H.S. Diploma, will the following suffice:

H.S. Transcripts – indicating PSO graduated?

College Transcripts – indicating PSO graduated H.S.?

College Diploma from an accredited institution?

DD-214 – that clearly indicates the PSO has received a H.S. Diploma or GED?

Letter from High School administrator indicating that the individual graduated from H.S.?

Answer: No to all of the above. Reference SOW Section 5.1.2.3.

94. Section 9.6.3. This section states that “PSO’s will conduct and record performance test of security equipment as directed in the Post Orders.” Will all PSO’s receive additional training that will enable them to conduct such test on the security equipment located on their post?

95. Section 9.8.1. This section states that PSOs assigned to Control Center Operations Posts serve as the central point for all communication and information entering/ leaving the facility, as well as operate and monitor security and safety systems. This post also serves as the emergency contact for local first responders (fire, police, and emergency medical personnel). Please specify how many of these posts exist on this contract and where they are located?

Answer: This information will be provided to the successful offeror after contract award.

96. Section 12.1. Will office space be provided to the contractor for the management staff?

Answer: See Answer to Question #14.

97. Is gear up/gear down time required?

Answer: There is no Government directed gear up/gear down and/or guard mount required.

Although not contractually required, offerors should consider this when pricing out their proposal as indicated in the Price Element Breakdown (Attachment #6).

98. Section 12.4.2 Reserve Security Force – Can the government provide a percentage estimate of the total normal force anticipated for the “on-call reserve force” required to provide all of the services (e.g. productive, temporary, ESS etc)?

Answer: Reference SOW Section 12.4.2.1.

99. Section 13.5. This section discusses the process for PIV cards. Please clarify the following: How long does the COTR determination take for granting government sponsorship?

Answer: Upon receiving the 11000-14 and 11000-27, from the COTR, the PSO application will be processed within 24 hours an appointment can be made on the scheduling tool called Time trade.

100. Section 14.4.9. This section states that “The contract employees shall inspect his/her issued firearms at the commencement of each tour of duty. Each firearm shall be cleaned and oiled in accordance with manufacture specifications regular to ensure optimum operating condition”.

Is the contractor required to record or produce documentation reflecting cleaning and oiling of the officers duty firearm in accordance to manufactures specifications?

Answer: This is the responsibility of the contractor to ensure that the weapons are in operating condition.

101. Section 14.5.3. This section states that “The Contractor is responsible for employee fit testing as such time a public health authority declares the use of respirators to be mandatory”.

Can the PPE respiratory fit test be conducted on post?

Does the current contract require all PSO’s be fit tested for respirators? If so, when did the fit testing occur?

Will masks be required at all posts?

Answer: No, the PPE respiratory fit test can not be conducted on post. This is not a requirement under the current contract. Reference Exhibit 8D Contractor Provided Personal Protective Equipment. Masks are required for each PSO, post and location.

102. Exhibit 4. Indicates that a PSO must complete Computer Based Screener, Orientation, and Screener training one time only. Exhibit 4 also indicates that a PSO must complete Recurrent government provided training annually. Is a new hire PSO required to complete Recurrent training prior to standing post?

Answer: No. For a PSO to take the Recurrent training, they must first take the initial training.

Recurrent training is typically conducted a year after the initial training or as stated in the SOW.

103. Exhibit 7A Medical Questionnaire –4.e of the Medical Questionnaire does states “Does the candidate meet the requirement to be able to bench press at [least] 40% of their body weight?”

Who would make such a determination how, where, and when? Most physicians would not be able to assess this in their traditional office setting.

Who ultimately determines whether a candidate is qualified?

Answer: A licensed physician – See SOW Section 5.2.2.1.

104. The Post Exhibit and RFP require that personnel possess clearances from secret through

TS/SCI, including certified EMTs with TS/SCI clearances. The time required to obtain these clearances exceeds the transition period and we understand that the incumbent has executed letters of commitment from its staff and plans to reassign its personnel to other projects within their portfolio. Since all other offerors would require extensive time to recruit, train, qualify and clear new personnel, would the Government consider lengthening the transition period to a minimum of 180 days or longer for this requirement?

Answer: No, the transition period is 120 days. The Government expects 100% staffing on day one of performance.

105. Exhibit 4 is the standard FPS required training regimen. We understand that the incumbent personnel are expected to take direct interaction during an active shooter situation and train for such emergencies. Will the Government consider altering/increasing the standard training requirements to allow all offerors to include additional training and equipment for this type of requirement?

Answer: No. It is the contractor’s prerogative to provide any additional training it deems necessary at its cost and facilities.

106. The DHS Headquarters site is considered a critical infrastructure facility for the US Government. Will experience providing security to a critical infrastructure level facility be a determining factor for scope and/or complexity comparison on this requirement or will multiple PSO statewide type/standard Guard II contracts constitute sufficient correlation to scope/complexity?

Answer: The relevancy of past performance information will be evaluated in accordance with the criteria set forth in the solicitation.

107. The SOW requires certified EMTs who are also qualified with weapons and cleared to the SCI level. We understand that reciprocity between DC and adjacent states (MD, VA) no longer exists. What certification applies to these EMT positions? Will the Government allow the successful offeror a one year waiver to start with personnel who meet one or more of the requirements while they obtain the others, i.e. an armed EMT but not certified to FPS standards or cleared to the SCI level?

108. The SOW requires “Guard Mount” at the beginning of each shift. On many contracts that time is used for gear up, training, transitioning, inspections, lessons learned, etc., and can be from 5 minutes to 45 minutes depending upon the complexity of the project. In order to achieve an ability to appropriately compare offers, how long of a “guard mount” does the government require or what minimum activities are expected/prohibited from that period of time?

Answer: SOW Section 9.3.4 requires “roll-call” briefings which are not synonymous with “Guard Mount.” See Answers to Questions #51 and #97.

109. Given the security clearance and site clearance (ISMS) requirements for this project, are all offerors required to maintain an off-site location for recruiting, vetting, training and administrative functions associated with this contract?

Answer: This is at the discretion of the offeror.

110. This project requires that each offeror maintain a TS Facility clearance in order to bid.

Can the Government please confirm that a final TS clearance must be granted before SCI processing can begin? Will the DHS accept TS/SCI clearances granted by other US Government Agencies as directly applicable for this site? If not, does the DHS adjudicate its own TS and above clearances? What is the current time frame for granting a TS/SCI?

Answer: DHS does not issue interim Top Secret (TS) clearances. Someone being processed for SCI access would have to already have a final TS clearance. All Personnel Security Clearance determinations (Secret and Top Secret) as well as suitability determinations (Favorable and Unfavorable) should be recorded in the OPM Clearance Verification System (CVS). Like wise when someone is found eligible for SCI access the Personnel Security Clearance determination is also recorded in the OPM CVS record in lieu of Secret or Top Secret. When agencies follow the Joint reform efforts the reciprocity of these determinations speeds up the processing, since redundant processing is not required. DHS does its own adjudication; however, DHS uses reciprocity as well.

111. It appears that this requirement has multiple aspects that are unique and rather complex compared to standard FPS PSO requirements. While the RFP discusses Key Personnel, it does not specifically require an on-site, dedicated Project Manager for this project. Is a dedicated project manager required or is it sufficient to group this project under an existing Project Manager at another site in the region operated by potential awardees?

Answer: The Contract Manager shall meet all of the requirements in SOW Section 11.2.

112. One of the evaluation criteria listed for this requirement in the solicitation is the socio-economic factor. In the current contract the incumbent SOW of work includes the visitor center Badge and ID function. Since the remaining posts are all integrated, and typically FPS does not prefer that post positions be subcontracted out to prevent different standards in effect for PSOs that might be posted adjacent to one another, would the Government consider including the B&ID function under this SOW to allow vendors to subcontract? If not, would the Government consider removing the Socio-economic evaluation factor, or at least lowering the participation level to ODCs and/or similar activities rather than actual labor hours?

Answer: It is not the Government’s intention to direct contractors how to subcontract under this effort. There are no changes to the Socio-economic factor.

113. All the officers on the current contract are presumably firearms qualified. We understand that the course of fire under the prior contract was different than the current requirement, necessitating that all the incumbent officers be transitioned to and re-qualified on the new standard. Can the Government confirm that all incumbent officers require this transition to a new course of fire?

114. It appears from the SOW that the contract requires a minimum of three vehicles, but it appears that the incumbent force maintains and regularly utilizes a minimum of four vehicles on site. Can the Government please confirm the number of required vehicles on site?

Answer: See Answer to Question #73.

115. I am a labor consultant assisting a contractor who is bidding on your contract. They believe that there is a provision in DHS contracts which require mileage reimbursement for employees commuting over a certain distance to work. I am not familiar with such a provision and have been trying to find some information. Could you advise me of any such rule and where I may be able to find it?

Answer: All applicable provisions are included in the solicitation.

116. Section 4.3.3 requires that all PSOs be licensed to carry their assigned firearms to and from the work place and to have state certification to…