HSHQEC-12-R-00007 - Amendment 000002.pdf

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

2 2

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

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

HSHQEC-12-R-00007/000002

1275 1st St. NE, Washington, D.C. (DC0207) 830 1st St. NW, Washington, D.C. (DC0564)

A. The purpose of this amendment is the following:

Provide answers to questions submitted by industry regarding this solicitation on the attached pages. With the issuance of this amendment, the time period for submitting questions has ended.

Certain answers to questions regarding suitability have not been received back from the DHS Suitability Office as of this date. Once they have been received, they will be incorporated via a separate amendment to this solicitation.

B. The closing date of solicitation HSHQEC-12-R-00007 has been extended to March 2, 2012, at 2:30 PM EST.

DO/DPAS Rating: NONE Period of Performance: 10/01/2012 to 03/31/2018

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

Sponsored by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

Questions Regarding Solicitation No. HSHQEC-12-R-00007 Protective Security Officer (PSO) Services in Washington, D.C.

1. Contract Clauses, Sub-Section E-2, Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors, Proposal Submission Requirements, Subpart 2 on page 49 provides in relevant part, “Standard Form 1449, Solicitation/Contract/Order for Commercial Items – When responding to this RFP the Contractor must use the Standard Form 1449 as a cover page to the proposal.”

Question: Does the government require that Offerors fill in boxes 21 through 24, unit prices and amount, of Standard Form 1449, or will a completed Pricing Schedule suffice?

Answer: Please complete Standard Form 1449 including boxes 21 through 24.

2. Contract Clauses, Sub-Section E-2, Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors, Proposal Submission Requirements, Subpart 3 on page 49 provides in relevant part, “Proposals shall be comprised of TWO (2) separate sealed envelopes, the first containing two (2) copies of the pricing submission and the second containing five (5) copies of the technical submission.”

Question: Does the Government require two (2) copies and one (1) original or one (1) copy and one (1) original of the pricing submission? Similarly, does the Government require five (5) copies and one (1) original or four (4) copies and (1) original of the technical submission?

Answer: The government requires two (2) total copies of the price proposal, one (1) original, and 1 copy, as well as five (5) copies of the technical proposal, 1 original and four (4) copies.

Question: Please confirm if electronic copies via Compact Disc (CD) are required to be submitted to the Government.

Answer: The government does not require electronic copies of your proposal.

Question: If electronic copies are required, in which proposal section (Technical or Price) should Offerors place the CD?

Answer: The government does not require electronic copies of your proposal.

3. Contract Clauses, Sub-Section E-2, Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to

Offerors, Proposal Submission Requirements, Subpart 4 on page 49 provides in relevant part, “Page Limitation - Excluding the cover page and past performance forms and questionnaires, the technical proposal (covering all non-price factors) is limited to fifteen

(15) pages in at least 11pt. font and 1” margins.”

Question: Will a smaller font size be allowed for graphics and tables?

Answer: Smaller font will be acceptable for graphics and tables, but the offeror is responsible to ensure the font is legible. The government is not responsible for any mistakes in evaluation due to an inability to read the provided text in the graphics/ tables of the proposal.

Question: Please confirm whether the Offeror can include headers and/or footers with essential information, such as RFP Section Name, RFP Solicitation Number, page number, and disclosure statement, within the margin limitations as long as the 11 pt. font size is adhered to?

Answer: The government has no limitations on the use of headers or footers in an offeror’s proposal. Please ensure the 11 pt. font is used.

4. Contract Clauses, Sub-Section E-2, Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to

Offerors, Proposal Submission Requirements, Subpart 7 on page 50 provides in relevant part, “Offerors, other than small businesses, shall prepare and submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan.”

Question: In which proposal section (Technical or Price) should Offerors place the Small Business Subcontracting Plan?

Answer: Please include the Small Business Subcontracting Plan along with the Socioeconomic factor in the Price Proposal. Please remember that while the Socioeconomic factor is included with the Price Proposal, it will still be evaluated as a factor under the offeror’s Technical Proposal.

5. Contract Clauses, Sub-Section E-2, Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors, Proposal Submission Requirements, Management Approach on page 51 of 79

For the purposes of completing the “Field Level Supervision Exhibit” the following individual(s) are not considered field level supervisors:

Contract Manager

Training Instructor

Quality Control Personnel

“Lead” PSOs (Note: The Government defines a Lead PSO as a single point of communication at a facility, identified by post orders, for the purpose of communicating operational and facility specific information to the security force at a facility.)

Question: Can the government indicate on the Post Exhibit provided where the above mentioned “Lead” PSOs should be located?

Answer: Lead PSOs are not considered to be Supervisors under this contract and should not be included as part of the Field Level Supervision Exhibit. Please note

Lead PSOs are not required by the government and it is within the discretion of the offeror whether to provide them.

6. Contract Clauses, Sub-Section E-2, Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors, Price Proposal, Section 4.A.(1) on page 56 provides in relevant part, “Elements in the proposed unit prices that are associated with the level of supervision, staffing, quality control, transition, relief, COOP and other advantageous aspects proposed under the Management Approach factor.”

FAR 52.212-4, Section 04 Prices, C.4, Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) Implementation provides in relevant part, “All other direct costs (ODCs) associated with implementation of the COOP, including but not limited to: overtime, travel and per diem, PPE replenishment, changes to IT/communication systems or devices, and training and certification of additional personnel etc. shall be reimbursed under the Optional COOP Implementation CLIN contained in the Schedule of Supplies/Services and Prices. Since COOP implementation costs cannot be pre-determined at this time, the Government has provided estimates and established Not-to-Exceed Amounts in the Schedule of Supplies/Services and Prices.”

The Addendum to FAR 52-212-1 Instructions to Offerors , Price Proposal, Section 6 on page 57 provides in relevant part “The Government has estimated other direct costs in support of COOP implementation as follows:

Other Direct Costs in Support of COOP Implementation

Base Year $25,000.00 Option I $25,000.00 Option II $25,000.00 Option III $25,000.00 Option IV $25,000.00”

Exhibit 8D: Contractor-Provided Personal Protective Equipment on page 103 of 119 of SOW Exhibits provides, “Contractor shall maintain a stock of the following personal protective equipment items for each officer, post, and location covered by this contract in quantities sufficient to furnish all productive and supervisory security officers performing on Contract with equipment for a two-week period. Contractor shall maintain all equipment in a ready and usable condition and replenish stock as necessary to ensure a two-week supply is available at all times.”

Question: Please clarify whether the initial two week supply noted in Exhibit 8D PPE is included in unit hourly rates or if it will be reimbursed under the separate Not-to-Exceed

CLIN.

Answer: Yes, the two (2) week supply noted in Exhibit 8D should be included in each offeror’s monthly/ hourly rates proposed. Any additional costs would fall under the separate COOP CLIN in the event a COOP is needed to be implemented.

7. Contract clauses, Section B.3, on page 18 provides “For cost/price factors that are subject to variation, but are not subject to adjustment under the provisions above, contractors may factor in contingency allowances.

“Note: Increases to Supervisor wages and benefits are not subject to contract price adjustment in the subsequent ordering period periods under FAR 52.222-43(d), unless the Supervisory position is expressly covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement or DOL Wage Determination. For Supervisor positions that are not subject to contract adjustment under FAR 52.222-43(d), the contractor is permitted to include a reasonable escalation in subsequent ordering periods (periods 1-4), based on the labor market in the geographical area that the effort will be performed.”

Question: Is it permissible to price Supervisory and overhead in positions at a 5 year average instead of escalating wages each period?

Answer: Whether to escalate supervision and overhead per year or average the same is at the offeror's discretion. The offeror should clearly indicate which method is being used.

8. Notice to Offerors, paragraph F states: There are multiple CBAs covering the Protective Security Officers (PSO). Please refer to the attached CBAs and Prevailing Wage Determination which correspond to the different locations.

NOTE: The minimum wage rates and fringe benefits applicable to this contract are outlined in the attached Department of Labor (DOL) prevailing wage determination(s) and/or the predecessor contractor’s Collective Bargaining Agreement(s) (CBA). For purposes of proposal preparation, where a predecessor contractor’s CBA applies, the minimum wages and fringe benefits of the predecessor contractor’s CBA corresponding to the initial period of performance of this contract shall be regarded as applicable to all additional period of performance under this contract. Also, in your price proposal, please do not blend or average the hourly rates of separate collective bargaining agreements/ DOL wage determinations together.

We believe this guidance is contrary to Department of Labor regulation 29 CFR 4.163 - Section 4(c) of the Act which addresses “Contract Reconfigurations.” Subpart g, provides as follows:

4.163 (g) Contract reconfigurations. As a result of changing priorities, mission requirements, or other considerations, contracting agencies may decide to restructure their support contracts. Thus, specific contract requirements from one contract may be broken out and placed in a new contract or combined with requirements from other contracts into a consolidated contract. The protections afforded service employees under section 4(c) are not lost or negated because of such contract reconfigurations, and the predecessor contractor's collectively bargained rates follow identifiable contract work requirements into new or consolidated contracts, provided that the new or consolidated contract is for services which were furnished in the same locality under a predecessor contract. See Sec. 4.163(i). However, where there is more than one predecessor contract to the new or consolidated contract, and where the predecessor contracts involve the same or similar function(s) of work, using substantially the same job classifications, the predecessor contract which covers the greater portion of the work in such function(s) shall be deemed to be the predecessor contract for purposes of section 4(c), and the collectively bargained wages and fringe benefits under that contract, if any, shall be applicable to such function(s). This limitation on the application of section 4(c) is necessary and proper in the public interest and is in accord with the remedial purpose of the Act to protect prevailing labor standards.

Question: Based on the foregoing we are uncertain which CBAs should apply since no one CBA represents a preponderance of the work. Please clarify this matter.

In addition, please clarify in what respect does DEPARTMENT OF LABOR WAGE

RATE DETERMINATION NUMBER 2005-2103, REVISION #11, DATED 06/13/2011

apply to this contract effort.

Answer: All CBAs provided to the offerors apply in this case for the particular building the CBA covers currently since none of the CBAs represent a preponderance of the work. The title of each CBA file states which building number the CBA covers. Please review the post exhibit to find the corresponding address for these building numbers. For this solicitation, DOL WD 2005-2103 applies to building number DC0554 only.

9. Sub-Section E-2, Proposal Submission Requirements, paragraph 1, page #49 states, “The resulting contract requires access to classified information. Offerors shall possess a (Insert either Secret or Top Secret) facility clearance prior to the date and time established for PSO’s to begin standing post.…”

Question: What level of Facility Clearance does this contract require the Offeror to possess?

Answer: Secret Clearance is required.

10. Sub-Section E-2, Proposal Submission Requirements, paragraph 4, page #49 states, “Page Limitation - Excluding the cover page and past performance forms and questionnaires, the technical proposal (covering all non-price factors) is limited to fifteen

(15) pages in at least 11pt. font and 1” margins.”

Question: Is it permissible to use a smaller font size for graphics, illustrations, and tables as long as they are readable?

Answer: Smaller font will be acceptable for graphics and tables, but the offeror is responsible to ensure the font is legible. The government is not responsible for any mistakes in evaluation due to an inability to read the provided text in the graphics/ tables of the proposal.

11. Sub-Section E-2, Proposal Submission Requirements, paragraph 2, page #49 states, “When responding to this RFP the Contractor must use the Standard Form 1449 as a cover page to the proposal.”

Question: Is the SF 1449 to be used as the Cover Page for only the Price Proposal or is it to also be used as the Cover Page for the Technical Proposal?

Answer: The SF 1449 cover pages, along with the signed amendments, should be included in either the price proposal. It does not have to be provided in both proposals.

12. Sub-Section E-2, Proposal Submission Requirements, paragraph 7, page #50 states, “Offerors, other than small businesses, shall prepare and submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan.” Sub-paragraph “b” states, “The offeror’s subcontracting plan must be approved by the Contracting Officer prior to award.”

Questions: 1) If the Offeror is other than a small business is the Small Business Subcontracting Plan to be submitted with the proposal? 2) If the Small Business Subcontracting Plan is to be submitted with the proposal which volume is it to be placed in – Price or Technical? 3) If the Small Business Subcontracting Plan is to be submitted and included in the Technical Proposal will the page count be adjusted to accommodate the “Plan”? 4) If the Offerors Small Business Subcontracting Plan is not approved by the Contracting Officer during the source selection process, will the Offeror be eliminated from the competition or will the Contracting Officer enter into discussions with the Offeror?

Answer: All businesses other than small are required to submit a Subcontracting Plan with their proposal. The Plan does not count against the page limitations of the proposal. Please include the Subcontract Plan as part of the Socieconomic Factor under the Price Proposal, noting that this Factor will be evaluated as part of the Technical Proposal. The subcontracting plan may or may not be negotiated, but an award cannot be made to an offeror unless the Subcontracting Plan has been approved.

13. Sub-Section E-2, Proposal Submission Requirements, paragraph 3, page #49 states, “Proposals shall be comprised of TWO (2) separate sealed envelopes, the first containing two (2) copies of the pricing submission and the second containing five (5) copies of the technical submission.”

Questions: 1) Is the requirement for one (1) original and two (2) copies or one (1) original and one (1) copy of the price submission; and, 2) is the requirement for one (1) original and five (5) copies or one (1) original and four (4) copies of the technical submission?

Answer: The government requires two (2) total copies of the price proposal, one (1) original, and 1 copy, as well as five (5) copies of the technical proposal, 1 original and four (4) copies.

Reference: Seniority

Question: Can the Government provide a seniority list for the incumbent guard force?

Answer: The government will provide a seniority list upon receipt of the signed Non-Disclosure Agreement, which was provided as an attachment under the subject RFP on the FedBizOps website.

14. What is the projected award date and start date for this solicitation?

Answer: The anticipated award date is on or before July 1, 2012.

15. Do current guards have the right of first refusal?

Answer: Right of first refusal does not apply for the purposes of this solicitation.

16. Most rate schedules show at least last years rate, or the current, and what the increase will be for 2012. Is it safe to say that if we use the same percentage increase for the future optional years on the contract that we should be within the range of pay increases per each year?

Answer: Analysis of the provided Collective Bargaining Agreements and DOL Wage Determinations is the responsibility of each offeror. The government cannot interpret and/ or predict the future price fluctuations for the offerors to submit in their Price Proposal. Offerors are prohibited from pricing adjustments into their proposal for cost elements that are subject to adjustment under FAR 52.222-43.

17. Where can I find the requirements for uniforms and equipment? I don't recall seeing it in the RFP.

Answer:: The requirements for uniforms and equipment can be found under SOW Exhibit 8. The exhibits were provided as an attachment under this subject RFP on the FedBizOps website.

Will you be sending out a list of those who attended the pre-proposal conference?

Answer: The government will not be releasing an attendance list for the conference.

18. Reference: 6.4 Training Requirements by Position

Question: Does the incumbent guard force meet currently meet all of the training requirements outlined in this section as well as in the exhibits?

Answer: No, some certification requirements have changed. It is the responsibility of the offeror to ensure each PSO meets the current requirements of the Statement of Work for this solicitation.

19. Reference: 6.6.4 Transitional Weapon/Weapon Platform Change

Question: What weapon platform is the current guard force using?

Answer: The weapon required at each location is the .9 mm gun.

20. 3. Reference: 14.4.6 For those contracts storing weapons on site, Contractor shall store and secure additional ammunition on-site, periodically rotating old duty ammunition with new ammunition.

Question: Will the contractor be authorized to store weapons and ammunition on-site at any of the locations listed in the post exhibits? If so, which locations and how much additional ammunition is the Contractor required to store at each location?

Answer: Yes, all sites permit onsite storage of weapons and ammunition. The contractor is responsible for the safe and clearing barrel. All facilities are located in Washington, DC. Onsite storage is a necessity for compliance with DC weapons laws.

21. 4. Reference: Exhibit 7: PSO Medical Questionnaire and Physical Abilities Test Manual

Question: Does the incumbent guard force currently meet the standards outlined in this exhibit?

Answer: No, the medical requirements have changed. It is the responsibility of the offeror to ensure each PSO meets the current requirements of the Statement of Work for this solicitation.

22. 5. Section 1.1.1 of the Statement of Work on page 6 of 62 provides in relevant part, “Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) considers PSOs, as first responders, (awareness level).”

OSHA defines First Responders (awareness level):

First responders at the awareness level are individuals who are likely to witness or discover a hazardous substance release and who have been trained to initiate an emergency response sequence by notifying the proper authorities of the release. They would take no further action beyond notifying the authorities of the release. First responders at the awareness level shall have sufficient training or have had sufficient experience to objectively demonstrate competency in the following areas:

An understanding of what hazardous substances are, and the risks associated with them in an incident.

An understanding of the potential outcomes associated with an emergency created when hazardous substances are present.

The ability to recognize the presence of hazardous substances in an emergency.

The ability to identify the hazardous substances, if possible.

Question: Given that OSHA’s definition of first responders at the awareness level requires an intimate knowledge of hazardous materials, is any additional training required for uniformed contract employees to qualify as first responders at the awareness level?

Answer: The requirements are as stated in the SOW. The FPS mandated training is for the purpose of preparing officers to perform required post duties. As explained in SOW Sections 3.5.3 and 5.2.1.3 it is the responsibility of the contractor to be in compliance with any OSHA regulations.

23. 6. Section 5.1.2.5 of the Statement of Work on page 16 of 62 provides in relevant part

“Government may require PSOs to possess proficiency in a specific language for certain posts and will indicate this requirement in Post Exhibit (Exhibit 1).”

Question: As no language proficiency requirements have been indicated in Exhibit 1, Post Exhibit, please confirm that the Government does not require any specific language proficiency besides English on this contract.

Answer: There are no special language requirements other than English.

24. 7. Section 5.2.2.1 of the Statement of Work on page 17 of 62 provides in relevant part, “Contractor shall require PSOs to undergo a pre-employment medical/physical examination and every three years thereafter. A licensed physician shall administer the examinations and document results on Medical Questionnaire (Exhibit 7).”

Question: Please confirm that incumbent PSOs who meet the medical/physical standards of the current contract will be required to take a medical/physical examination during transition due to changed medical standards.

Answer: Yes, the requirements have been updated and are different from previous contracts. As stated in the SOW section 5.2.1.1 offerors are responsible for ensuring that officers meet the SOW’s medical and Physical requirements at the start of the contract.

25. 8. Section 5.2.4.1 of the Statement of Work on page 20 of 62 provides “PSOs must submit to a urine drug screening as part of initial and recurring medical examinations, every three years.

Section 5.2.4.2 of the Statement of Work on page 20 of 62 provides, “Drug screenings shall conform to current U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) “Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs.”’

Section 3.4 on page 24 of 51 of the SAMHSA “Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs” provides, “Marijuana metabolites .............................................. 50 ng/mL Cocaine metabolites ................................................ 150 ng/mL Opiate metabolites.

Codeine/Morphine 2 .................................... 2000 ng/mL 6-Acetylmorphine ..................................................... 10 ng/mL Phencyclidine ........................................................... 25 ng/mL Amphetamines 3 AMP/MAMP4 ........................................................... 500 ng/mL MDMA6 .................................................................... 500 ng/mL”

It has been our experience that on other FPS solicitations of similar scope, the drug standard limits have been the following:

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

Our questions below presume that the government has determined the specific needs so that it can properly evaluate Offerors management approach and price.

Question: Are the drug screening standards in this RFP different from the drug screening standards currently applied to incumbent personnel?

Answer: FPS updates SOW requirements as needed. The contractor is required to meet the testing standards regardless of past requirements. The requirement to meet U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) “Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs” is by Executive Order from the President.

Contractors must meet the requirement as stated in the SOW. If those requirements are changed or updated by HHS, the contractor would be required to meet them. Also the testing program is related to the medical screening program and the medical requirements are different form past versions. Therefore, past requirements are not relevant.

Question: Will incumbent PSOs with drug screening records that meet the requirements of the current contract be required to undergo drug screening during transition because the drug testing standards have changed?

Answer: Yes. Also, per Executive Order, federal drug testing standards are set by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The SOW requires contractors to meet HHS testing requirements. IF HHS changes the standard then the contractor would be responsible for meeting those requirements.

26. 12. Section 6.6.4.1 of the Statement of Work on page 31 of 62 provides “Contractor shall complete Transitional Weapon and Weapon Platform Change training in accordance with Exhibit 4C.”

Also, Exhibit 8C Contractor Provided Firearms and Ammunition provides in relevant part “The contractor will provide all security officers, including part-time and reserve officers, with their own pistol. Select the firearm that will be used: 38 Special, 9mm, .40 S/W, .357 SIG.” The Exhibit specifies the 9mm as the type of firearm required for performance on this RFP.

Our questions below presume that the government has determined the specific needs so that it can properly evaluate offerors management approach and price.

Question: Is the current weapons platform different from the weapon platform required under this contract? Is the 9mm considered a change from the current platform?

Answer: The weapon required at each location is the .9 mm gun. It is the responsibility of the offeror to ensure each the current requirements of the Statement of Work are met for this solicitation.

Question: Please identify which specific requirements of Exhibit 4C are applicable for incumbent PSOs:

3 hours of Transitional Weapon training (revolver to revolver; semi-automatic to semi-automatic) 8 hours of Weapons Platform Change training (revolver to semi-automatic pistol)

Answer: All sites currently use .9mm weapons so Transitional Weapon or Platform Change training to not apply to the incumbent PSOs for this requirement.

Question: Please confirm that the 40 hour course identified in Exhibit 4C (4 hours Use of OC Spray, 4 hours Use of Baton, 8 hours Firearms Maintenance, Safety and Handling, and 24 hours Initial Firearms Familiarization Fire) is only required for new employees.

Answer: No, the initial training is required for anyone who does not have documentation that the training was provided. If the officer cannot produce a certificate, than they will have to retake the course. Exhibit 4C is for initial training. Exhibit 4D requires refresher training for the same course subjects.

Exhibit 4D also requires the contractor “to present and certify up to four hours of annual baton and up to four hours of annual OC Spray refresher training and semi-annual weapons qualification using course of fire in Exhibit 4C of this Contract.

Contractor must coordinate with Contracting Officer for FPS to monitor course of fire.”

27. 13. Section 12.1.2.1 of the Statement of Work on page 49 of 62 provides “Contractor shall provide breaks and/or meal periods in accordance with minimum state requirements and/or applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Exhibit 1 specifies which posts require a PSO relief provision.”

Question: Will a break/lunch room and lockers be provided for contractor employee use?

Answer: FPS does not guarantee that break room or locker room space will be provided. The tenant agency may, at their option, provide such space but that is not guaranteed and if the facility is providing such space they may discontinue providing break areas at their convenience. Offerors should not rely on government provided break/lunch rooms or lockers in preparing their offers.

28. 14. Section 14.4.6 of the Statement of Work on page 55 of 62 provides in relevant part, “Exhibit 8C specifies amount and type of ammunition, including additional rounds for contingency. For those contracts storing weapons on site, Contractor shall store and secure additional ammunition on-site, periodically rotating old duty ammunition with new ammunition. (Terms of solicitation will expressly state if weapons can be stored on Government site. If terms do not explicitly provide for on-site storage, such storage will not be available).”

The Notice to Offerors on page 6 of 62 provides in relevant part “With regard to weapons storage, there are areas designated for weapon storage at most or all of the sites under this effort.”

Question: Please indicate which buildings have weapons stored on site. Will the government provide the safes needed to store the weapons, or is that the responsibility of the contractor?

Answer: Weapons are stored onsite at all locations. Safes and clearing barrels are the responsibility of the contractor.

29. 15. Section 14.5.3 of the Statement of Work on page 55 of 62 provides, “Contractor shall follow OSHA standards for respiratory protection including Appendix D to 29 C.F.R. §

1910.134. FPS will require Contractor to medically evaluate and clear contract PSOs for the use of respirators, at least every three years, in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.134.

Contractor is responsible for employee fit testing at such time a public health authority declares the use of respirators to be mandatory.”

Question: Is the requirement for employee respirator fit testing in this RFP different from the employee respirator fit testing requirement in the current contract?

Answer: Yes, this is a new requirement. Some of the contracts for the facilities under this contract did not have this requirement. It is the responsibility of the offeror to ensure each PSO meets the current requirements of the Statement of Work for this solicitation.

Question: Are incumbent PSOs with current respiratory protection clearances required to take a respiratory protection examination during transition because the respiratory protection standards have changed or are new?

The requirement is new and many of the officers may not have met the requirement.

The respiratory protection requirements are set by OSHA and NIOSH. If they update the requirements, contractors may be required to comply with the changes.

It is the responsibility of the offeror to ensure each PSO meets the current requirements of the Statement of Work for this solicitation.

30. 16. Exhibit 1 of the SOW, Post Exhibit, is inconsistent in indicating whether or not security service will be required on Holidays for each site.

Question: Please clarify whether security services will be required on Holidays at each site of this procurement.

Answer: In addition to the posts identified as operational on Saturday, Sunday, and holidays, 7 day per week posts include holidays. Monday through Friday posts are only in operation when the government is open. Holidays, for Monday through Friday posts, are treated the same as the weekend and the post is not open on those days unless it is specifically sated that post days include holidays. Posts with single operational days listed are not open on holidays unless it is noted to include holidays.

Question: Please confirm that the calculated hours per year according to PSO Post Exhibit amount to 307,337.

Answer: Yes

31. 17. Attachment 2, Exhibit 4C, Contractor Provided Initial and Transitional/Platform

Firearms and Less-Than-Lethal Weapons Training and Qualification includes shotgun qualification requirements on pages 37 and 38 of 119. Also, a “Shotgun Qualification Course” is included on page 42 of 119 although shotguns are not identified in Exhibit 8C:

Contractor-Provided Firearms and Ammunition.

Question: Does this contract require every PSO to qualify with a shotgun?

Answer: No, shotguns are not required

Question: Does this contract require that shotguns be made available to PSOs? If so, where are they stored (please provide the facility address and method of storage)?

Answer: No, shotguns are not required

32. Does the fifteen (15) page limitation mean single-sided or double-sided for the page submitted?

Answer: The page limitation is 15 pages single-sided. If the offeror wishes to print on two sides of a page to save space that is acceptable, but each side of the page counts as one (1) page towards the limitation.