HSHQEC-11-R-00001 - Amendment 00002.pdf

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HSHQEC-11-R-00001

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1 copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or 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.

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Philadelphia PA 19106 Attn: Tom Schrank, 215-521-3054

OPO/FPS/EACCG/R11/A

701 Market Street, Suite 3200 Ofc of Procurement Operations - FPS U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security NPPD/FPS/East CCG/Region 11/Group A

Philadelphia PA 19106 701 Market Street, Suite 3200

OPO/FPS/EACCG/R11/A

Office of Procurement Operations Federal Protective Service U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security NPPD/FPS/East CCG/Region 11/Group A

12/22/2010000002

13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS. IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) is not extended.is extended, Items 8 and 15, and returning

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

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

FACILITY CODE CODE

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)

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

PAGE OF PAGES

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.3. EFFECTIVE DATE2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

11/10/2010

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority) appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

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

ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

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

Protective Security Officer (PSO) services DEA Headquarters and lab locations in Virginia and Maryland.

The purpose of this amendment is the following:

1. Provide answers to questions submitted by industry regarding this solicitation (Pages

3-28). With the issuance of this amendment, the time period for submitting questions has ended.

2. Provide updates to the solicitation/ RFP based on the answers provided to these questions (Page 29).

Continued ...

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

15C. DATE SIGNED 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR 16C. DATE SIGNED

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

Michael D. Byrne

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 10-83)

Prescribed by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

NSN 7540-01-152-8070

Previous edition unusable

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.

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

2 29

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

HSHQEC-11-R-00001/000002

3. The closing date of solicitation HSHQEC-11-R-00001 remains January 6, 2011, at

2:30 PM EST.

DO/DPAS Rating: NONE

NSN 7540-01-152-8067 OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

Sponsored by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

Amendment 0002: Part 1 – Answers to questions received from industry.

1. SOW Page 9, Section 2.1.2, Phase-In: Q: Is the current staffing level sufficient to effectively cover all locations under the SOW?

Answer: The current vendor’s staffing level is not relevant to this instant effort.

2. SOW Page 23, Section 5.3.2.4, Suitability Determination: Q: Will suitability determinations that carryover from the current contractor retain their original expiration dates?

Answer: Yes.

3. SOW Page 29, Section 6.1.1, Training - General Information: Q: Is the current guard force trained sufficiently to meet all requirements under the SOW covered by this procurement? If not, will the Government specify what training/or other requirements must be conducted and the hours needed per officer to achieve compliance under the new SOW?

Answer: All guards meet all requirements under the current contract. Note that the instant solicitation’s requirements (e.g. weapons training) differ from the requirements in the current contract.

4. SOW Page 32, Section 6.6.1.1, Weapons Training and Qualification - General Information: This paragraph states: “If the weapon platform required under this contract is different from the PSO’s previous qualification, the Contractor is responsible for providing 40 hours of firearms training.” Q: Will the Government identify the current weapon being utilized on the contract?

Answer: The officers currently carry .9mm

5. SOW Page 53, Section 11.3.3, Supervisor: Q: Does the Government require a specific ratio of supervisors to productive PSOs? Is this ratio based on productive/supervisory hours or number of personnel?

Answer: The solicitation is clear on its face.

6. SOW Page 57, Section 13.5, Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Cards: Q: Will the Government estimate the hours need per PSO to undergo the issuance process for the PIV cards? Will the Government specify if there will be travel involved in order for PSOs to process these cards?

Answer: Approximately two hours, to include travel time.

7. SOW Exhibits, Page 81, Exhibit 7B, PSO Physical Abilities Test Administrator’s Manual:

Q: Will the Government clarify if the Physical Abilities Test is a one-time or recurring requirement? If it is a recurring requirement, how often must each PSO complete it?

Answer: The solicitation is clear on its face.

8. SOW Exhibits, Page 82, Exhibit 7B, PSO Physical Abilities Test Administrator’s Manual:

Q: Will the Government specify if the “Test Administrators” require any specific certification (i.e., Physician, Nurse, etc.) in order to be able to administer this test?

Answer: The solicitation is clear on its face.

9. SOW Exhibits, Page 96, Exhibit(s) 8A-8F, Contractor Provided Items: Q: The facility listed on all exhibits in Section 8 is in Arlington, VA. Do the same requirements apply to all facilities covered by the SOW?

Answer: Yes, the same requirements apply all of the facilities covered by this solicitation.

Sections 8 and 9 of the SOW Exhibits have been updated and included in this amendment.

10. SOW Exhibits, Page 99, Exhibit 8C, Contractor Provided Firearms and Ammunition: Q:

The list of recommended pistols in this section consists of Double Action Only (DAO) models.

Will the Government approve the use of the SIGARMS model P229 for use on the contract? This pistol is a Double Action (1st round)/Single Action pistol.

Answer: The only weapons that will be permitted are double action only weapons.

11. SOW Exhibits, Page 104, Exhibit 8E, Contractor Provided Communication Equipment:

Q: This exhibit lists a Base Station as being required for each post (1 per post). Will the Government clarify if the Base Station requirement is per post or per facility?

Answer: The equipment listed in SOW Exhibit 8E is contractor provided equipment. The DEA provides radios under this contract for the HQ location only. Each officer will be given a radio prior to reporting to their post during each shift. While these radios are supplied by the DEA currently, they are not considered Government Furnished Equipment under this contract, and if the DEA decides to stop supplying these radios to the guards, the contractor will need to furnish their own radios under this contract.

12. SOW Exhibits, Page 104, Exhibit 8E, Contractor Provided Communication Equipment:

Q: Will the Government confirm that both a cell phone and a radio are required per post in all facilities covered by the SOW?

Answer: The DEA provides radios under this contract for the HQ location only. If the guards need to communicate at the DEA lab locations under this contract, cell phone will be needed and will be furnished by the contractor. Cell Phones are not Government Furnished Equipment under this contract.

13. SOW Exhibits, Page 104, Exhibit 8E, Contractor provided Communication Equipment:

Q: If radio communications are required between buildings or cities, would suitable rooftop equipment, antenna, or tower space be made available to the contractor? Will this be at no cost to the contractor?

Answer: No communication is needed between the HQ locations and the Lab locations. The DEA provides radios under this contract for the HQ location only

14. SOW Section 5.1.2.4, page 15: This version of the RFP, unlike previous versions of FPS solicitations, no longer allows an applicant with 2 years of college or an Associate’s Degree to be eligible for employment without also having at least 3 years of guard/military experience or a law enforcement academy certificate. Please confirm that it is FPS’ intent that individuals with 2 years of college alone (with no guard, military, or law enforcement experience) are no longer eligible for employment on this contract. Will incumbent employees with less than three years be grandfathered under the current contract?

15. SOW Section 5.2.3, page18 and 19: There is no mention of any requirement in this section regarding the Physical Abilities Test shown as Exhibit 7B. Please clarify requirements for Exhibit 7B with regards to frequency, pass/fail consequences, etc.

16. SOW Exhibit 6: PTS Instructions is blank. Is this system currently operational on this contract, or will it be installed at a later date?

Answer: The Post Tracking System (PTS) is currently not in use. Exhibit 6 of the Statement of Work is left intentionally blank for the purposes of this solicitation.

17. SOW Section 5 Qualifications of Personnel: Does the incumbent guard force currently meet the qualifications outlined in this section?

Answer: All guards meet all requirements under the current contract. Note that the instant solicitation’s requirements (e.g. weapons training) differ from the requirements in the current contract.

18. SOW Section 5 Qualifications of Personnel: Does the incumbent guard force currently meet the qualifications outlined in this section?

Answer: All guards meet all requirements under the current contract. Note that the instant solicitation’s requirements (e.g. weapons training) differ from the requirements in the current contract.

19. SOW Section 5.2.2.1 - The Contractor shall require all of its employees, who are prospective FPS contract PSOs, to undergo a pre-employment medical/physical examination and every three years thereafter: Will the incumbent guards be required to take a pre-employment medical/physical examination?

Answer: The current PSO’s are required to meet the requirements of the SOW. If they have current medical certifications and can document it, they will be required to retake the medial once their current medical status expires.

20. SOW Section 6.4.1.1 - All productive and supervisory PSOs working under this contract must take the required training as outlined in the exhibits: Does the incumbent guard force currently meet all of the training requirements outlined in the SOW and in the exhibits?

Answer: All guards meet all requirements under the current contract. Note that the instant solicitation’s requirements (e.g. weapons training) differ from the requirements in the current contract.

21. SOW Section 6.6.1.1 If the weapon platform required under this contract is different from the PSOs previous qualification, the Contractor is responsible for providing 40 hours of firearms training: What weapons are the incumbent guards currently carrying?

Answer: The officers currently carry .9mm

22. SOW Section 12.1.2.1 The Contractor shall provide breaks and/or meal periods in accordance with minimum stated requirements and/or applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Exhibit 1 to the Statement of Work specifies which posts require provision of a relief PSO if the assigned PSO is taking a break or meal period to ensure continuous/uninterrupted coverage: Are Rovers or Supervisors able to provide relief?

Answer: All relief requirements are set forth in the post exhibit. Under no circumstances, shall Supervisors perform productive hours while working in a supervisory capacity. All relief hours are considered productive hours. Patrol and Response guards (Rovers) shall not provide relief concurrently with their roving duties.

23. SOW Exhibit 2A: There are no quantities listed for the number of radios the contractor is to provide. Are radios Government or contractor provided? If they are contractor provided, how many are required?

Answer: The DEA provides radios under this contract for the HQ location only. Each officer will be given a radio prior to reporting to their post during each shift. While these radios are supplied by the DEA currently, they are not considered Government Furnished Equipment under this contract, and if the DEA decides to stop supplying these radios to the guards, the contractor will need to furnish their own radios under this contract.

24. SOW Exhibits 2B & 3B: There are no quantities listed for the number of vehicles the contractor or the Government is to provide. Are vehicles Government or contractor provided? If they are contractor provided, how many are required and what type of vehicle is required?

Answer: The solicitation is clear on its face.

25. SOW Exhibit 8A: Does the Contractor need to provide body armor as stated in this exhibit?

Answer: The solicitation is clear on its face.

26. SOW Post Exhibit - Post 1 at 14560 Avion Parkway, Chantilly, VA states twenty-four (24) hours a day seven (7) days a week for a total of 251 days a year: Are the total days for this post correct?

Answer: The solicitation is clear on its face.

27. SOW Post Exhibit - Post 1 at 1440 McCormick Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD states twenty-four

(24) hours a day seven (7) days a week for a total of 251 days a year: Are the total days for this post correct?

Answer: The solicitation is clear on its face.

28. SOW Reference: 11.2.6 (p53) states that the Contractor must provide all contact information for the Contract Manager including an office address and 7.3.1.1 states that the Contracts shall maintain personnel files “on-site” in the “Contract Manager’s office and available to the Government immediately upon request”: Will the government be providing office space for the Contractor’s Contract Manager with an expectation that the CM is located in one of their buildings?

Answer: The government will not provide space for a Contract Manager. All contractor personnel files must be maintained in the Contract Manager’s office at the contractor’s location.

29. SOW Supervision: What is the current ratio of supervisors to productive to PSOs?

Answer: The current vendor’s staffing level is not relevant to this instant effort.

30. Staffing: To what percentage is the current incumbent staffed in relation to the required post hours? This information is necessary to determine the cost of recruitment and training for any staffing shortages.

Answer: The current vendor’s staffing level is not relevant to this instant effort.

31. Post Exhibit: Please provide a detailed explanation of all posts to include the type of each post and quantities of guards assigned to each post on a shift: Stationary, X-Ray, Alarm Console, Camera Console, and/or Rover foot/vehicle patrol. (I.e. - Should a magnetometer post have three guards stationed on the post the answer would read: Post 1F – Stationary, 3 per shift.)

Answer: The post functions and type are stated on the exhibits.

32. Training: What percentage of the current guard force requires training to meet suitability requirements?

Answer: All guards meet all requirements under the current contract. Note that the instant solicitation’s requirements (e.g. weapons training) differ from the requirements in the current contract.

33. Training: Can the Government provide a current FEDCERT Log for the contract so we may assess the training requirements for this contract?

Answer: FEDCERT is longer an available system.

34. Staffing: Will the Government provide contract specific DHS 139’s for each location so we may assess relief requirements?

Answer: DHS 139’s under the current contract will not be made available for this solicitation.

35. Post Exhibit: Which posts can self-relieve?

Answer: All relief requirements are set forth in the post exhibit.

36. Post Exhibit: Can working uniformed supervisors conduct post relief?

Answer: All relief requirements are set forth in the post exhibit. Under no circumstances, shall Supervisors perform productive hours while working in a supervisory capacity. All relief hours are considered productive hours.

37. Post Exhibit: Are post relief’s for buildings with a single post required or do they simply self relieve?

Answer: All relief requirements are set forth in the post exhibit. Under no circumstance can supervisors provide relief for this contract concurrently with supervisory duties.

38. Weapons Qualification: Does FPS maintain Small arms ranges in the state of Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia that the contractor may access? Is there a charge for range usage?

Answer: No, FPS does not maintain such ranges.

39. Government Furnished Equipment: Is there government-furnished office space available for the Contract Manager? If so, at which facility?

Answer: The government will not provide space for a Contract Manager.

40. Government Furnished Equipment: Is the Contractor responsible for the FCC license for the communications system?

Answer: No.

41. Government Furnished Equipment: Are all communications assets Government provided GFE for this contract?

Answer: The DEA provides radios under this contract for the HQ location only. If the guards need to communicate at the DEA lab locations under this contract, cell phone will be needed and will be furnished by the contractor. Cell Phones are not Government Furnished Equipment under this contract.

42. Weapons Storage: Are weapons safes and clearing barrels provided by the government for each location? If these are contractor provided items, will the government provide space for a weapons safe and clearing barrels at each facility?

Answer: The DEA HQ location has an armory space for storing weapons. At each lab location under this contract there is a safe available for weapons storage. The clearing barrel is a contractor provided item at all locations (HQ and Labs) and can be used in the armory/ safe locations.

43. Weapons: What is the current weapon by caliber that is being utilized by all posts?

Answer: The officers currently carry .9mm

44. Weapons: Does the Guard Force transport their own company provided individual weapon to and from each duty location to eliminate the requirements for both officers to leave post to exchange weapons?

Answer: Any and all transport of weapons under this contract is the company’s responsibility.

45. Training: Will the government provide training space at any of the work sites for contractor training?

Answer: No, providing space for contractor-provided training is the contractor’s responsibility.

46. Relief: What space and facilities are available for guards at each building for contract related activities (i.e., guard mount, breaks, etc.)? Currently, there are areas at the headquarters or

Answer: The DEA HQ site has a break room. Access into the facility beyond the lobby areas is tightly controlled. The space at Lab locations is limited and a break area is not available to the guards.

47. Relief: Can the Government provide post relief requirements/parameters?

Answer: Relief requirements are set forth in the post exhibit.

48. Training: The Government lists X-Ray/Magnetometer training as an 16 hour training requirement within the 40 refresher training course provided by the contractor. This is typically a government function due to the number of devices in service. Please confirm this requirement.

Answer: Yes, the government provides the x-ray/magnetometer training.

49. Training: What is the training requirements for the Console Alarm Monitor / Camera Monitor Posts, should any exist?

Answer: Control center operation training is provided by the agency. It is conducted onsite.

50. Training: Are all the current officers in possession of documentation certifying completion of required training to comply with audits?

Answer: The officers are given documentation of training that is provided or monitored by the government. Documentation of contractor provided training is the responsibility of the contractor.

If the guards cannot produce documentation then they will have to retake the class.

51. Training: Will the contractor be able to bring current incumbents onboard that do not have copies of all their certifications? Most companies do not release these documents and many officers do not have their own copies. Will FPS provide and accept guard’s records in this case?

Answer: If the guards do not have copies of training documents, they will need to retake the class in order to comply with contract requirements.

52. Training: Will this contract require the officers to attend the 16hr X-Ray training conducted by

FPS?

Answer: The solicitation is clear on its face. The contractor is responsible to ensure that their entire guard force receives this training.

53. Weapons Qualifications: Will the contractor be required to have PSOs weapons qualified on a semi-annual basis as has been discussed during recent meetings.

54. Position Details: Will the government provide a detailed Scope of Work by position or post detail?

Answer: The solicitation is clear on its face.

55. Weapons: What is the current weapons platform?

Answer: The solicitation is clear on its face.

56. Certifications: Please indicate by facility if the current incumbent guard force is certified on the following:

a. DHS Suitability - (e.g., citizenship, years of experience and clearance)

b. FPS Initial Basic (or Refresher) Training

c. FPS A-9 Firearms Certification

d. CPR (A/I/C/AED)

e. First Aid

f. VA DCJS Armed Guard

Answer: The incumbent security force meets certification requirements under the current contract.

Note that the instant solicitation’s requirements (e.g. weapons training) differ from the requirements in the current contract.

57. Clearance: Will FPS please provide an estimate of how long the clearance process takes for transition period planning purposes?

Answer: Suitability clearance under this contract could take up to thirty days.

58. Certifications: Will the Government provide a list of employees that details their current suitability and certification expiration dates?

Answer: A list of employees and their current suitability and certification expiration dates cannot be made available. Once the contract is awarded, the successful offeror can get a list of incumbents and their status. All guards currently meet the requirement of the current contract.

Note that the instant solicitation’s requirements (e.g. weapons training) differ from the requirements in the current contract.

59. Government Furnished Equipment: Will the government provide office space on-site for the PM and admin assistant? Or must the contractor factor in the cost of maintaining off-site office space?

Answer: DEA HQ does have a small office that is available to the contractor. Please note that space for the Contract Manager must be located at a contractor provided location.

60. Government Furnished Equipment: If the government provides office space, which of the following will also be provided: Office furniture? Computing equipment? Printer? Copier? Internet access? Phone service?

Answer: At DEA HQ only, DEA will provide office furniture (a desk that can accommodate up to 3 individuals, an individual desk, and 4 chairs), computer equipment to access DEA Intranet and Internet, printer, copier and phone service. Please note that space for the Contract Manager must be located at a contractor provided location.

61. SOW Section 5.2.21 of Medical Standards provides in relevant part, “The Contractor shall require all of its employees, who are prospective FPS contract PSOs, to undergo a pre-employment medical/physical examination and every three years thereafter.” Are the Medical Standards different from the Medical Standards applied to incumbent personnel at DEA HQ and Labs? Will incumbent guards with current medical/physicals be required to take a pre-employment medical/physical examination?

Answer: It is the same medical standard. They will have to take it if they are approaching the three year expiration date.

62. SOW Section 5.2.4.1 provides in relevant part, “As part of the initial and recurring medical examination, all contract employees must submit to a urine drug screening that tests for the following five (5) substances at the following cutoff levels (nanogram per milliliter, ng/ mL):

Substance Cutoff Level (ng/ mL) Marijuana metabolites 50 Cocaine metabolites 300 Opiate metabolites 2,000 Phencyclidine 25 Amphetamines 1,000”

Are the Drug Screening Standards different from the Drug Screening Standards applied to incumbent personnel at DEA HQ and Labs?

Answer: No, the standards are the same.

63. SOW Section 5.3.1, Suitability Requirements, Subsection 12 provides, “The Contractor is responsible for all costs associated with obtaining and renewing the suitability for each affected contract employee. The Contractor should factor all costs associated with this requirement into the Contractor's hourly rate, as the Government will not pay separately for these itemized costs.”

Will the current suitability of the incumbent personnel be accepted for FPS even though the incumbent personnel at DEA HQ and perhaps other sites were cleared by the DEA?

Answer: All of the current incumbents have FPS Suitability. It will be recognized by FPS until it expires.

64. SOW Section 6.4 Protective Security Officers, Subsection 1 provides in relevant part, “All productive and supervisory PSOs working under this contract…” Are supervisors to be considered Protective Security Officers? If so, are all mentions of the term Protective Security Officer throughout the Solicitation and the Statement of Work to include both productive and supervisory Protective Security Officers?

Answer: Supervisory PSO is a uniformed supervisor. While the Statement of Work does not prescribe the number of supervisors, it does prescribe the minimum required training

65. SOW Training Requirements by Position, Section 6.4.1.2 provides in relevant part “The required PSO training includes both recurring and “one-time only” courses. The one-time only courses are courses that upon successful completion, the employee does not repeat during the contract term. One-time only courses are:

Initial Weapon Training (Exhibit 4C) Basic Training (Exhibit 4B) Computer Based Screener Training (Exhibit 4H) Orientation Training (Exhibit 4G) Screener Training (Exhibit 4I) Written Exam (Section 6.5) Supervisory Training (Exhibit 4F)

Does the Government have evidence that incumbent PSOs working at DEA HQ and Labs have successfully completed the aforementioned training?

Answer: The officers are given documentation of training that is provided or monitored by the government. Documentation of contractor provided training is the responsibility of the contractor.

If the guards cannot produce documentation then they will have to retake the class.

66. SOW Section 6.4.2, Supervisory PSOs, subsection 1 provides, “All uniformed supervisors working under this contract must successfully complete all training and testing requirements established for PSOs under Section 6.4.1.”Also, Section 6.4.2 of the Statement of Work, Supervisory PSOs, subsection 2 provides, “All uniformed supervisors must complete nine (9) hours of supervisory training based on a Contractor provided Supervisory Training Manual.” Also, Section 6.7.2 of the Statement of Work, Orientation Training, subsection 1 provides, “PSOs and uniformed supervisors must receive FPS Orientation Training before standing post.” Are all supervisors to be uniformed? If so, must they be uniformed in the same attire as productive Protective Security Officers?

Answer: Supervisory PSO is a uniformed supervisor. While the Statement of Work does not prescribe the number of supervisors, it does prescribe the minimum required training

67. SOW Section 11.3 Supervisors, subsection 1 provides in relevant part, “Under no circumstances, shall Supervisors perform productive hours while working in a supervisory capacity.” Also, Section 12.1.2, Breaks, subsection 1 provides in relevant part, “The Contractor shall provide breaks and/or meal periods in accordance with minimum state requirements and/or applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements.” Last, Section 6.4.2 of the Statement of Work, Supervisory PSOs, subsection 1 provides, “All uniformed supervisors working under this contract must successfully complete all training and testing requirements established for PSOs under Section 6.4.1.” As these statements currently read in conjunction, should offerors understand this to mean that supervisors are not allowed to provide relief?

Answer: All relief requirements are set forth in the post exhibit. Under no circumstances, shall Supervisors perform productive hours while working in a supervisory capacity. All relief hours are considered productive hours.

68. SOW Section 12.1.2.1 provides in relevant part, “The Contractor shall provide breaks and/or meal periods in accordance with minimum state requirements and/or applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Exhibit 1 to the Statement of Work specifies which posts require provision of a relief PSO if the assigned PSO is taking a break or meal period to ensure continuous/uninterrupted coverage. Will a break/lunch room and lockers be provided for contractor employee use?

Answer: The DEA HQ site has a break room. Access into the facility beyond the lobby areas is tightly controlled. The space at Lab locations is limited and a break area is no available to the guards.

69. SOW Section 12.3.1 Contract Officer Labor Category provides in relevant part, “The Contractor may only utilize DOL category Guard II security officers to perform services under this contract. All category Guard II security officers must meet all FPS firearms qualification requirements.” The previous RFP for services that was released a little over a year ago specified that Executive Protection Drivers and unarmed Clerks were used in the performance of services.

Will the Executive Protection Driver function and Clerk functions continue under this new procurement? Will the performance be carried out as uniformed Guard II position instead of Executive Protection Drivers and Clerks?

Answer: Drivers and Clerks are not a part of the requirements for this solicitation.

70. SOW Section 14.4.6 provides in relevant part, “Exhibit 8C specifies the amount and type of ammunition, including additional rounds for contingency. For those contracts storing weapons on site, the Contractor shall store and secure additional ammunition on-site, periodically rotating old duty ammunition with new ammunition. ”SOW Section 14.4.7 and 4.3.3 seem to indicate that weapons are not stored on-site. Is this a contract “storing weapons on-site”?

Answer: The DEA HQ location has an armory space for storing weapons. At the each lab location under this contract there is a safe available for weapons storage.

71. SOW Section 14.6.2 provides in relevant part, “The Contractor’s security force uniforms shall be of a style in general use by large security force or security organizations. The Government reserves the right to review the uniform components. All PSOs performing under this contract shall wear the same color and style of uniform and maintain a professional and neat appearance at all times during their tour of duty.” Exhibit 8A provides for light gray shirts and black trousers which is not a style in general use by large security force or security organizations.

Should offerors premise their prices on Section 14.6.2 or the Exhibit 8A specification?

Answer: Each offeror is instructed to follow the requirements stated in Exhibit 8A.

72. SOW Exhibit 4C, Contractor Provided Initial Weapons Training and Qualifications, provides in relevant part, “The Contractor must present forty (40) hours of weapons training prior to sending the Contract employees to a firing range for the initial range qualification test session.” Please define Contract employee. Is this term to include Protective Security Officer As, Supervisors and the Contract Manager?

Answer: This refers to anyone functioning in the capacity of a protective security officer with a requirement to carry a firearm.

73. Suitability: Will the Government be responsible for the actual cost of suitability checks while Offerors are responsible for pre-check costs and administration? Please clarify.

The solicitation is clear on its face.

74. Post Exhibit: Posts 7 and 9 are described as “Access Control/Visitor Processing” posts located at “E-1 Building 600 Lobby Desk” and “W-1 Building 700 Lobby Desk”.

Does the FPS intend for this 24x7 post to be filled by a PSO?

Answer: All posts that FPS is contracting for are to be filled by a PSO

75. Government Furnished Equipment: Is the Contract Manager’s office space Government Furnished Equipment?

Answer: The government will not provide space for a Contract Manager.

76. Post Exhibit: The solicitation includes the requirement to staff and supervise posts located at the DEA Labs situated in Virginia and Maryland in addition to the work at DEA HQ and is described in the Post Exhibit. Exhibit 8F states that no vehicles are required for this contract.

Please specify a vehicle for this contract or provide an alternate scenario for supervisors to travel to the outlying posts.

Answer: The solicitation is clear on its face.

77. Government Furnished Equipment: Exhibit 8E specified communication equipment for the following facilities: 600 & 700 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA 22202. However, the RFP does not specify what type of communication equipment is required for the other sites. What type of communication equipment is required for the Sterling, Chantilly, and Upper Marlboro sites?

Answer: The DEA provides radios under this contract for the HQ location only. If the guards need to communicate at the DEA lab locations under this contract, cell phones will be needed and will be furnished by the contractor. Cell Phones are not Government Furnished Equipment under this contract.

78. Government Furnished Equipment: Exhibit 8C. Is the contractor required to provide a gun safe(s)? If yes, at which location(s). Is the contractor required to provide a clearing barrel(s)? If yes, at which location(s)

Answer: The DEA HQ location has an armory space for storing weapons. At the each lab location under this contract there is a safe available for weapons storage. The clearing barrel is a contractor provided item at all locations (HQ and Labs) and can be used in the armory/ safe locations.

79. Weapons Storage: Do all facilities allow for the storage of weapons and ammunition?

Answer: Yes.

80 Post Exhibit, Attachment 1 to the SOW. Posts 2 and 18 are identified as Patrol and Response but require relief, all other Patrol and Response posts do not, should those two posts be get relief?

Answer: Relief Requirements are set forth in the Post Exhibit.

81. Post Exhibit, Attachment 1 to the SOW. Posts 6 does not require relief but Post 5 does.

Should Post 6 require relief?

Answer: Relief Requirements are set forth in the Post Exhibit.

82.Weapons: What weapons are the current contractor providing to the incumbent security personnel? Are they all qualified on this weapon?

The officers currently carry .9mm. The PSOs are all qualified under the current contract.

83. Training: Exhibit 4G states that the contractor must coordinate with the COTR to schedule Government provided basic training to all students who have not had basic training. Is the “basic training” in the last part of sentence referring to the training outlined in exhibit 4G or is it referring to the training outlined in exhibit 4B? If it is referring to exhibit 4B, does this mean that the training in exhibit 4G must be accomplished before the training in 4B? Please clarify Do the incumbent security officers currently possess the training as outlined in the current RFP?

If no, what training is included in the new RFP that was not included in the current contract?

Answer: The statement in Exhibit 4G refers to the government provided training listed in Exhibit 4G. The order training is completed does not matter.

84. SOW Section 6.4 states, “All productive and supervisory PSOs working under this contract must take the required training as outlined in the exhibits.” What portion of the training is waived for the incumbent security force?

Answer: The requirements will not be waived. FPS will accept training requirements that have already been fulfilled by the incumbent, but there must be documentation available indicating that the requirement has been met.

85. SOW Exhibits 8A & 8B indicate that the Uniform Items and Supplementary Equipment listed apply to the HQ site. Please confirm the Lab/Satellite sites in Virginia and Maryland require the same uniform items and supplementary equipment. If not, please indicate the uniform items and supplementary equipment for the other locations.

Answer: The requirements are the same for all of the sites.

86. SOW Exhibit 8E indicates that one radio is required for each post at DEA HQ, as well as one base station per post. Exhibit 8E also indicates that a cell phone is required at every post at DEA HQ. Are cell phones with push to talk capability acceptable to meet the requirements for radios & cell phones? If not, and radios are required for each post, do you also want the cell phones for every post? Most systems only require one base station per facility. If radios are required, please either confirm that only one base station is needed per facility or if you are requiring a unique system that has base stations for every radio, please provide the specifications of that system.

What type of communications equipment is the contractor to provide at the other DEA sites and what are the quantities per site?

Answer: The DEA provides radios under this contract for the HQ location only. If the guards need to communicate at the DEA lab locations under this contract, cell phone will be needed and will be furnished by the contractor. Cell Phones are not Government Furnished Equipment under this contract.

87. Government Furnished Equipment: 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 Contract Manager, Supervisors and schedulers? If so, how many (by location) will be provided?

Answer: DEA will provide office furniture (a desk that can accommodate up to 3 individuals, an individual desk, and 4 chairs), computer equipment to access DEA Intranet, printer, copier and phone service at HQ only. Internet access is available at DEA HQ only. The Government will not provide space for a Contract Manager.

88. Government Furnished Equipment: Will the government provide internet access so that the contractor’s personnel can access their timesheet and email systems? If not, are we allowed to provide our own internet access?

Answer: Internet access is available at DEA HQ only. For the lab sites, internet access is only authorized through, at no cost to the government, contractor provided wireless cards.

89. Government Furnished Equipment: Will office spaces be provided for the Contract Manager and Supervisors?

Answer: The Government will not provide space for a Contract Manager. A small office is available for the contractor at DEA HQ.

90. Government Furnished Equipment: Is the government providing the AED units? If not, please indicate how many AED units the contractor is to provide and the locations.

Yes, The DEA will provide AED units. Please note that while these AED units are supplied by the DEA currently, they are not considered Government Furnished Equipment, and if the DEA decides to stop supplying these radios to the guards, the contractor will need to furnish their own radios under this contract.

91. Weapons Storage: Please list the facilities where the contractor is required to provide a weapons safe and clearing barrel.

Answer: The DEA HQ location has an armory space for storing weapons. At the each lab location under this contract there is a safe available for weapons storage. The clearing barrel is a contractor provided item at all locations (HQ and Labs) and can be used in the armory/ safe locations.

92. Weapons Storage: SOW Section 14.4.5 appears to require that the Contractor provide Contractor owned space to allow for the clearing of weapons. However, this is contrary to the typical security services contract where the Government provides space on property to store, clean, and clear the weapons. Please confirm that space will be provided by the Government on site for the security personnel to clear their weapons as part of each shift’s turnover.

Answer: The DEA HQ location has an armory space for storing weapons. At the each lab location under this contract there is a safe available for weapons storage. The clearing barrel is a contractor provided item at all locations (HQ and Labs) and can be used in the armory/ safe locations.

93. Government Furnished Equipment: Will break rooms and officers’ lockers be Government provided?

Answer: DEA HQ has a small break room with lockers available for all PSO’s assigned to the DEA HQ location only.

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

Answer: The only requirement is that mask be a N95 mask.

95. SOW Exhibit 7B: Is the PSO Physical Abilities Test Administrator’s Manual in Exhibit 7B to be used by physicians performing the pre-employment (and every three years thereafter) medical/physical screening? Is the Physical Abilities Test described in the manual mandatory for all uniformed personnel assigned to this contract? Have all incumbents passed the test? If not, will they be allowed to work on the new contract?

Answer: All current guards have passed this test.

96. Record Keeping: Is the contractor required to keep a copy of each employee’s Social Security Card on file?

Answer: Yes

97. Clearance Requirements: Will security personnel in MD and VA require their respective jurisdictional guard licenses?

Answer: Yes

98. Licensing: If the guards are required to comply with all state licensing, will they be permitted to work while their handgun permit application is being processed by the Maryland State Police

(MSP)?

Answer: No, guards cannot stand post until all required licensing has been processed.

99. SOW, Section 4.3.3 (page 14) appears to indicate that all armed personnel will require permits to carry weapons off-site. Please confirm this is a requirement of this contract. If not, please update the SOW accordingly.

Answer: There is no requirement that the officers go off site with weapons.

100. SOW Section 6.1.1 states that incumbent personnel’s certifications may be honored if valid.

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

Answer: The current contract personnel meet all requirements under the current contract. Note that the instant solicitation’s requirements (e.g. weapons training) differ from the requirements in the current contract.

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

Answer: Yes

102. SOW Exhibit 7A: Have all incumbents passed the medical/physical examination and the requirements of Exhibit 7A? If not, will they be grandfathered?

Answer: Yes, all current guards have passed this test.

103. SOW Section 5.2.2.1 states that the physician shall document exam results on the questionnaire. However, 5.2.2.2 states that the Contractor shall fully and accurately complete Sections 2 and 3 of the questionnaire. Please clarify who will complete the PSO Medical Questionnaire (Exhibit 7A).

Answer: The Physician will complete all sections of the questionnaire.

104. PPE: 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.

105. PPE: Please confirm that respirator training and fit-testing must be done on an annual basis.

Answer: The solicitation is clear on its face.

106. Staffing: Please indicate the current staffing levels for each position (e.g., fully staffed or number of openings).Is guard mount/roll-call required? If so, will the contractor be allowed to bill the government for this time or should it be built into the bill rate? Also, does the government have a preference for the length of time spent on the guard mount?

Answer: There is no requirement for guard mount.

107. SOW Section 9.3.4 requires officers to provide a brief to on-coming PSOs. Is this briefing time billable or should it be included in the rate?

Answer: The solicitation is clear on its face.

108. 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?

Answer: Yes

109. SOW Section 12.4.3.3, Emergency Security Services (ESS), and RFP pages 21-22, Temporary Additional Services (TAS). Will the TAS rates be used for ESS? If so, will the hours in excess of 72 be billable at the TAS/ESS rate up to 120 days, as stated in section 12.4.3.3? If not, please clarify whether we are required to submit separate ESS Rates and update the RFP and/or SOW accordingly.

Answer: The only required services outside PSO guard service are Temporary Additional Service

(TAS).

110. 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 for the initial and periodic (renewal) security clearance.

111. Post Exhibit: Please confirm that the clerk and EP Driver positions are not included in this bid

Answer: That is correct. FPS will no longer provide any unarmed posts.

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

113. Training: Is the Training Instructor a full-time position that is directly billable to the contract?

If not, is this position billable in any form (e.g., overhead)?

Answer: The Training Instructor position is not directly billable to the contract, but it does need to be factored in to the offeror’s pricing.

114. Suitability: 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: The successful offeror will be provided a list of the current guard and their qualifications at time of award.

115. Training: What are the clearance level requirements for the Training Instructor, if any?

Answer: There is no clearance requirement for the Training Instructor position.

116. Training: Please confirm that the Government Provided Screener Training (non-computer based) on Exhibit 4I is only provided one time.

Answer: The solicitation is clear on its face.

117. Training: Please indicate how many personnel are currently certified on the 9 mm weapon and have completed all the required FPS training?

All guards under the current contract that are working an armed post are qualified. Note that the instant solicitation’s requirements (e.g. weapons training) differ from the requirements in the current contract.

118. SOW Section 1.1.1 states that OSHA considers PSOs as first responders (awareness level). Is OSHA First Responder Awareness Level training required? If so, please indicate which posts/positions require this level of training.

OSHA requirements are governed by OSHA regulations. The contractor should consult OSHA or OSHA regulations as to whether or not OSHA will require the training.

119. SOW Section 6.7.5.3 allows employees to retake the examination for Government Provided Recurrent Training within 30 days of failing the exam.