Amendment 00003.pdf

(x)

HSHQEC-12-R-00014

x x

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.

x

Philadelphia PA 19106 Attn: Christopher Kelly

OPO/FPS/EACCG/R11/C

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

Philadelphia PA 19106 Attn: Christopher Kelly

OPO/FPS/EACCG/R11/C

701 Market Street, Suite 4200 Ofc. of Procurement Operations - FP U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security NPPD/FPS/East CCG/Region 11/Group C

08/22/2012000003

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

07/18/2012

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.)

See SF-30 Continuation Sheet

DO/DPAS Rating: NONE

Period of Performance: 04/01/2013 to 03/31/2018

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)

MICHELLE DUFFY

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.

RFP

HSHQEC-12-R-00014

SF 30 Continuation Sheet

A. The following paragraph is hereby incorporated into the SOW, under section 5, “Qualifications of Personnel,” Section 5.1, “General Information.”

5.1.2.7 - “Complete and maintain qualification/certification as commissioned Special Police Officer (SPO) within the District of Columbia.”

B. On page 55 under the Table of Contents Terms & Conditions, paragraph G, the last sentence is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

“This information must be provided by the managing partner of the joint venture or the prime contractor as a one (1) page supplement to its Past Projects Forms (Attachment 3) and will not count against the 15-page size limitation on the proposal.”

C. Proposals are now due no later than 1:00pm Eastern Time, August 29, 2012

D. The first three Amendments on the Federal Business Opportunity (FBO) were posted but were not accompanied by an amendment page for the vendor to sign. Amendment 1 was issued providing attachment 11, “Non-disclosure form.” Amendment 2 was issued because the SF-1449 was not included in the solicitation package when it was originally released. Amendment 3 was issued revising the SF-1449 because the issue date and solicitation closing date were incorrect. By signing amendment 000003 page, this will acknowledge the FBO amendments 1 through 3 mentioned above.

E. In the SOW Exhibits, Exhibit 8C is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the attached

Exhibit 8C. The box for .38 Special is checked in addition to the box for 9mm. The .38 Special is carried by Special Police Officers (SPO). See revised post exhibit attached for SPO posts.

F. Attached Sample PIC Post Exhibit is hereby incorporated as ‘Exhibit 1A.

To obtain the Sample PIC Post Exhibit, please e-mail Christopher Kelly at Christopher.kelly1@dhs.gov and confirm that you have submitted a non-disclosure form.

Once the non-disclosure form is confirmed, the post exhibit will be issued. If a non-disclosure was not submitted, please submit a completed non-disclosure form, attachment 11, contained in the solicitation package.

G. Attached Master PSO Certification document is hereby incorporated into this solicitation.”

H. Attached Revised Post Exhibit replaces Exhibit 1 issued with the original solicitation.

To obtain the Revised Post Exhibit, please e-mail Christopher Kelly at Christopher.kelly1@dhs.gov and confirm that you have submitted a non-disclosure form.

mailto:Christopher.kelly1@dhs.gov� mailto:Christopher.kelly1@dhs.gov�

Once the non-disclosure form is confirmed, the post exhibit will be issued. If a non-disclosure was not submitted, please submit a completed non-disclosure form, attachment 11 contained in the solicitation package.

I. Attachment #9 is attached to this amendment

J. The attached page 28 to CBA-2009-3102, which revises the last sentence of paragraph 3 under ‘Health and Welfare,’ hereby replaces the original page 28 of the CBA issued with the solicitation.

K. In the SOW Exhibits, Exhibit 8A “Contractor-Provided Uniform Items,” under bullet #3 the following is incorporated:

Uniform Components Description Color Quantity Soft Uniform Trouser All Season Weight Gray 2 Shirt, Short Sleeve Insignia, Shoulder Patch White 2 Shirt, Long Sleeve Insignia, Shoulder Patch White 2 Necktie For Long Sleeves Black 2

Wet Weather Gear Jacket, Wet Weather Wet gear, patrol type jacket Black 1 Written in silver lettering on the back of jacket “Security Officer”

L. The following clause is incorporated in full text into the solicitation:

52.232-99 -- Providing Accelerated Payment to Small Business Subcontractors (DEVIATION)

Providing Accelerated Payment to Small Business Subcontractors (DEVIATION 2012-00014) (August 2012)

This clause implements the temporary policy provided by OMB Policy Memorandum M-12-16, Providing Prompt Payment to Small Business Subcontractors, dated July 11, 2012.

(a) Upon receipt of accelerated payments from the Government, the contractor is required to make accelerated payments to small business subcontractors to the maximum extent practicable after receipt of a proper invoice and all proper documentation from the small business subcontractor.

(b) Include the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (b), in all subcontracts with small business concerns.

(c) The acceleration of payments under this clause does not provide any new rights under the Prompt Payment Act.

(End of Clause)

M. The Government does not anticipate answering any additional questions regarding this solicitation.

N. Question and Answers (132 questions)

Question 1: The CBA with Paragon and the International Union of Security, Police, Fire Professionals of America (SPFPA) contains financial provisions (e.g., wages, H&W, pension, etc.) from July 2011 and indicates the provisions effective in June 1, 2012 are TBD. If there has been an amendment to the CBA containing 2012 wages, etc., please provide them to the bidders.

Otherwise, please confirm that we are to use the 2011 rates.

Answer 1: Current CBAs (with their amendments) have been posted to the Federal Business Opportunities website and are to be used.

Question 2: The CBA with Coastal and the United Union of Security Guards contains financial provisions (e.g., wages, H&W, pension, etc.) from June 23, 2011 and indicates the provisions effective in June 23, 2012 are TBD. If there has been an amendment to the CBA containing 2012 wages, etc., please provide them to the bidders. Otherwise, please confirm that we are to use the 2011 rates.

Answer 2: See answer #1 above

Question 3: Ref the CBA between SecTek and the National Association of Special Police and Security Officers (NASPSO).

a. Section 1.2 states that the Agreement covers security officers and “shift supervisors” but excludes managerial personnel. However, the wage chart in Section 7.1 of the CBA shows Captain and Lieutenant positions, but there are no wages for these 2 positions in the April 2012 amendment. Does this mean that the Captain and Lieutenant are not covered by the CBA?

b. The April 2012 amendment did not address the uniform allowance. Therefore, are bidders to use the 2011 uniform allowance?

Answer 3: a. The Notice to Offer states in paragraph 6 “With regard to questions concerning the CBAs, the Government will not interpret provisions of these documents for potential offerors. Where applicable, requests for wage adjustments pursuant to FAR 52.222-43 will be considered where requested and substantiated subsequent to the yearly anniversary date of the contract.”

b. For CBAs that do not contain current uniform allowance, offerors shall submit pricing based on the latest economics specified in the CBAs.

Question 4: Ref the CBA between SecTek and the Union of Security, Police, Fire Professionals of America (SPFPA) for personnel at the Mary Switzer Building. The April 2012 amendment did not address the uniform allowance. Can we assume it is unchanged from the 2011 amount?

Answer 4: See answer #3b above

Question 5: Ref. the CBA between Knight and the United Union of Security Guards.

a. Please provide the wages and other financial benefits for 2012 if the CBA was amended in 2012. Otherwise, can we assume bidders are to use the 2011 provisions in its price?

b. The wages on page 27 indicate a Special Police Officer position. Please identify which posts require the SPO designation.

c. Please explain why the SPO position is paid less than the Guard II (without a clearance), when the SPOs are armed guards (except at Post 8) and therefore need the same level of training but have an additional license (SPO).

Answer 5: a. See answer #1 above

b. See paragraph H above

c. See answer #3a above

Question 6: Please confirm that the only posts that require clearances are Posts 4 and 5 at the FEMA Headquarters.

Answer 6: See paragraph H above

Question 7: Since the only posts that require a clearance are Posts 4 and 5 at FEMA HQ, do all the other positions also require a full SSBI with an SF86 form completed? If not, please indicate what level of background investigation they will need.

Answer 7: See paragraph H above

Question 8: Section 5.4.4.1 indicates the government may accept interim Secret clearances;

however, none of the posts require a Secret clearance. Please clarify.

Answer 8: See paragraph H above

Question 9: How long does it typically take DHS to determine suitability?

Answer 9: With a complete package with no errors or issues (incorrect information, illegible, ect...) The turnaround time to determine suitability varies, but it usually takes between 30 to 40 days

Question 10: 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 10: The Notice to Offerors states in paragraph 13 “With regard to questions concerning weapon storage, there are areas designated for weapon storage at most or all of the sites under this effort. Space for the contractor personnel will be at the discretion of the individual agencies as well as use of computers, fax machines, etc.”

Question 11: 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 11: Internet access will not be provided by the Government. However, the contractor may provide Internet to its Supervisors.

Question 12: Will office space be provided for the Supervisors?

Answer 12: The Notice to Offerors states in paragraph 13 “With regard to questions concerning weapon storage, there are areas designated for weapon storage at most or all of the sites under this effort. Space for the contractor personnel will be at the discretion of the individual agencies as well as use of computers, fax machines, etc.”

Question 13: If the Government is not providing an AED unit at each building, please indicate what type/model is required if to be provided by the Contractor and the quantity.

Answer 13: AEDs are supplied by the building occupants.

Question 14: Will lockers for the PSOs be provided by the Government?

Answer 14: FPS does not guarantee that locker room space will be provided.

Question 15: Please clarify if the Post Tracking System (PST) or DHS Form 139 will be used.

Answer 15: The DHS Form 139 will be used until PTS (Post Tracking System) is functional.

Question 16: What model or type of N95 mask is required (as different types require different levels of training and medical exam)?

Answer 16: Any NIOSH-approved n-95 particulate filtering face-piece respirators can be used.

Question 17: Is one microshield to be provided per person as a uniform element or is it considered PPE, since it is listed under both Exhibits 8A and 8D?

Answer 17: Microshields are both a uniform element and personal protective equipment. A two-week supply of the latter per PSO is required per Exhibit 8D.

Question 18: Will a locked file cabinet(s) be provided by the Government on-site to store the paper personnel files or should these files be kept at the Offeror’s local office/HQ?

Answer 18: See question 12 above

Question 19: Per SOW 14.4.3, are clearing barrels and gun safes required for each site, including those that have only 2 to 3 PSOs/posts?

Answer 19: See SOW, section 14.4.3.

Question 20: If the contactor is required to provide weapons safes at each site, please indicate the type of safe the government requires.

Answer 20: Any metal safe with a combination lock is acceptable.

Question 21: Is the contractor required to provide clearing barrels for each site?

Answer 21: See SOW, section 14.4.3.

Question 22: Please list the type of 9 mm weapon (e.g., Glock, Smith & Wesson, etc.) used at every site so that bidders can determine how much, if any, Weapons Platform Change and/or Weapons Transition training must be provided.

Answer 22: Smith & Wesson M&P 9MM - 330 C St. SW & 330 Independence Ave

SW

Glock 17 9mms - 400 Maryland Ave. SW & 550 12th St. SW 9mm Sigma series S/W & 38 Cal S/W - 5OO C St. SW 9mm Sigma series S/W - 1201 Maryland Ave. SW 9mm Sigma series S/W - 300 D St. SW

9mm Glock - 800 9th Street SW

Question 23: SOW 4.3.3 states that PSOs are authorized to travel to and from duty stations armed, with assigned duty weapons, unless prohibited by law.

a. If prohibited by law, will they have to disarm and arm up at each location with another weapon other than their assigned one?

b. How often will armed PSOs be expected to travel to and from different buildings?

Answer 23: a. Offerors are required to check the legal requirements within the District of Columbia and comply will all applicable laws.

b. A PSO that is certified as an SPO might be required under this contract to respond to alarms approximately three times a week, but the frequency could be higher, to one different building next to the assigned buildings.

Question 24: Exhibit 8C states “contractor will provide PSOs, including part-time and reserve PSOs, with their own pistol.” Please confirm that contractors must provide enough firearms so that each PSO, including part-time and reserve, has one exclusively assigned to them and no one else.

Answer 24: See SOW Exhibits, Exhibit 8C

Question 25: Please confirm that there is space provided for personnel to clear their weapons at each site.

Answer 25: All sites/ buildings are required to provide a weapon storage space area where the safe and security equipment can be maintained.

Question 26: SOW 4.2.1.3 and 14.4.1 state that the contractor must obtain required licenses and permits for all company personnel to be armed and have the authority to detain. Please confirm that PSOs will only detain and do not need arrest authority (which is only granted by the DC SOMB to those with Special Police Officers licenses and who are only authorized to carry .38 caliber revolvers).

Answer 26: FPS provides the authority in GSA buildings for PSOs to detain only.

PSOs do not have arrest authority.

Question 27: SOW Section 5.4.2.6 states that the Contractor is responsible for all costs associated with obtaining and renewing security clearances. If the Government will be charging the Contractor for the cost of performing background investigations and/or adjudications, please provide the amount(s) that will be charged, so that offerors can account for these costs appropriately when preparing their proposed pricing.

Answer 27: While the Government will cover any of its costs related to the suitability/security clearance review, the contractor will bear all other costs associated with the suitability process

Question 28: Since one of the CBAs requires employers to pay for guard mount time, is there a minimum guard mount, gear-up and/or gear-down time for all the sites?

Answer 28: Any information applicable to Guard Mount (if applicable) is available in the CBA(s).

Question 29: Does each site have a separate area for guard mount/roll call?

Answer 29: See question 12 above

Question 30: Please confirm that the Government’s request to submit a Pricing Schedule in the Price Volume (per the Proposal Checklist) is satisfied by submission of pages 2-24 of SF 1449.

If not, please clarify whether a separate spreadsheet restating the information in SF 1449 and providing subtotals should be provided.

Answer 30: To be considered a valid offer, the SF-1449 and the subsequent continuation sheets, pages 2-24 (the pricing schedule) must be submitted and complete in its entirety.

Question 31: Please confirm that the Government is exempt from the DC 6% Sales Tax on Security Services effective 10/1/2011, thereby the prime contractor is not required to collect the sales tax from the Government or pay them to the DC Government.

Answer 31: The incumbent is required to know and comply with all local laws and regulations including tax laws and regulations.

Question 32: Please confirm the DC Sick and Safe Act of 2008, requiring payment of a minimum number of Sick/Family Leave days, is applicable.

Answer 32: The contractor is required to comply with all local laws effective in the District of Columbia.

Question 33: Reference Section C, Sub-Section C-2, 04. Prices, A.3. This section states that only CBA wages and fringe benefits will be adjusted under the SCA FAR clause 52.222-43.

a. Does the Government consider uniform allowances and bonuses as Fringe Benefits subject to adjustment?

b. Please confirm that the following items constitute Bona Fide Fringe Benefits subject to adjustment:

i. Health & Welfare (H&W);

ii. Health Insurance;

iii. Life Insurance AD&D;

iv. Pension Plan;

v. 401K;

vi. Vacation;

vii. Holidays;

viii. Sick & Personal Leave;

ix. Jury Duty and Bereavement Leave;

x. Other Paid Leave;

xi. Other Paid Time not spent on post.

c. Please confirm that the following items are considered costs affected by changes in wages subject to adjustment:

xii. Straight Time (ST) Spent on Post;

xiii. Overtime (OT) on Post/TAS;

xiv. ST & OT for paid Training;

xv. ST & OT for Guard Mount;

xvi. ST & OT for Paid Breaks and/or Meals;

xvii. ST & OT paid for Work performed on Holidays;

xviii. All other paid leave (Vacation, Holidays, Sick & Personal Leave, Jury Duty, Bereavement Leave, Other Paid Leave);

xix. All other time paid while not on post (i.e. physicals, court duty, stewards, etc.).

Answer 33: a. Refer to Code of Federal Regulation 29 CFR Chapter 4, Section

4.171. Note: For bonuses, only economic terms required by the applicable wage determination require adjustment.

b. Refer to Code of Federal Regulation 29 CFR Chapter 4, Section 4.171.

c. See previous response. NOTE: OT premium payments are not subject to adjustment under the SCA.

Question 34: To ensure pay parity between Officers and Supervisors, please confirm that DHS will allow for contract price adjustments of Supervisors’ pay that is indexed to the CBA or DOL Wage Determination pay rates at the indexed level.

Answer 34: The contractor may price into its proposal a reasonable escalation for any cost element that is not subject to adjustment under FAR 52.222-43.

Question 35: Please identify the posts at each site that must be manned on Federal holidays, and state the holiday hours of coverage.

Answer 35: See paragraph H above

Question 36: Are the Inauguration Days in the Base Period (it falls on a Sunday and the observed holiday is the same as MLKJ Day) and in Option 4 staffed as a regular workday or as a holiday?

Answer 36: Inauguration day is a regular workday and MLK is staffed as holiday.

Question 37: Can the pricing breakdown spreadsheet be modified to reflect the RFP requirements, CBA labor categories, the offeror’s proposed approach, estimating system, and the offeror’s CAS disclosure statement policies?

Answer 37: The contractor can provide the breakdown in any format; however, the format provided is preferred. See also page 60 of the solicitation, Paragraph 4.A.

Question 38: How many points or what other measure does the government give to the evaluation of whether the bidder meets the subcontracting goal?

Answer 38: See solicitation under socioeconomic factor, pages 58 to 60

Question 39: Please provide an editable electronic copy of the SF1449 so that we can add the pricing.

Answer 39: There is no editable version of the SF-1449

Question 40: Will bidders be able to use a small size font (e.g, 8 point) for graphics and tables?

Answer 40: All text should be 11 pt. font, except for tables, spreadsheets; however, these must be legible (no less than 8 pt font)

Question 41: Please confirm that font and margin limitations are not applicable to the price volume.

Answer 41: Offerors shall submit their proposal in accordance with the instructions outlined in the solicitation. Are they?

Question 42: The RFP 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?

Answer 42: Offerors shall submit their proposal in accordance with the instructions outlined in the solicitation.

Question 43: Please list the specific medical standards that are new to this contract so that bidders can accurately capture the costs of additional medical screening for the incumbents (ref.

item #9 in the Notice to Offerors).

Answer 43: The medical standards are outlined in the exhibits to the Statement of Work. The physical abilities testing manual is new as well as the PSO functions and tasks

Question 44: Suitability packages for renewal must be submitted 45 to 60 days prior to the expiration date of current suitability. What is the average time for approval of renewal, barring mistakes on the paperwork? If the renewal process takes longer than 60 days will the government grant a waiver for the officer to remain working on site until approved by the government?

Answer 44: The renewal turnaround time for a preliminary suitability is generally within 30 to 40 days or less provided there are no issues. The Government does not give a waiver on suitability.

Question 45: Please indicate how many incumbent contractor employees currently do not meet the solicitation requirements in the following areas:

a. certification and licensing requirements

b. FPS certification/training

Answer 45: FPS changed many of the certification requirements. Most, if not all, of the incumbents will not meet the new requirements. For example, the medical requirements and firearms qualification requirements were changed and most will not meet them. X-ray/Mag requirements have been upgraded and many may not meet the current requirements.

Question 46: Please indicate the current staffing levels for each position (e.g., fully staffed or number of openings).

Answer 46: See paragraph H above - The staffing provided to cover required posts is at the discretion of the vendor

Question 47: Are armed security officers who provide relief currently walking between buildings while armed to provide that relief? If so, how is this being accomplished when DC SOMB does not grant waivers to their ruling that armed officers can only carry .38 caliber weapons (not 9 mm)?

Answer 47: A PSO who is not an SPO is not allowed to be armed while going to different buildings to provide relief.

Question 48: Are armed Supervisors currently walking between buildings while armed to supervise the officers? If so, how is this being accomplished when DC SOMB does not grant waivers to their ruling that armed officers can only carry .38 caliber weapons (not 9 mm)?

Answer 48: No - Supervisors are not allowed to carry their weapon from building to building.

Question 49: Please confirm that the individuals who provide relief for the FEMA HQ Control Center (Post 4) will need to also have TS/SCI clearances.

Answer 49: True, Top secret is needed.

Question 50: Does the person providing relief breaks for Post 8 at FEMA HQ have to wear a soft uniform, considering all other reliefs at this building will be in a “hard” or police style uniform?

Answer 50: Yes, All uniforms for the site should be consistent even when giving relief.

Question 51: Does “SPO” refer to the DC SOMB Special Police Officer license? If not, what does it refer to?

Answer 51: license SPO – Special Police Officer

Question 52: How many hours of first aid/CPR training are required?

Answer 52: See SOW 6.8.1

Question 53: Please list all posts that require shotgun training.

Answer 53: None

Question 54: Please confirm that shotgun training is not required if there are no posts that require the use of a shotgun.

Answer 54: Shotgun training is not required

Question 55: If there is no shotgun or other type of weapon required, are we correct in assuming the Weapon Platform Change training is not required?

Answer 55: See SOW Exhibits, Exhibit 4C page 41, first sentence after Firearm:

“Contract-Authorized Shotgun (Note: A specific post requirement must exist for PSOs to be armed with a shotgun).” Also see paragraph E above.

Question 56: Please confirm there is no on-the-job training required. If there is OJT, please indicate how many hours and the topics required.

Answer 56: Training requirements are specified in the SOW and Exhibits.

Question 57: Do all incumbents meet the training standards as outlined in Section 6 of the SOW? If not, which topics/hours are they missing?

Answer 57: 4hrs OC Spray training is missing and is now required.

Question 58: SOW 6.6.5.4 states “If PSO does not qualify during second qualification session, contractor must provide a minimum of eight hours of remedial training prior to each session (two attempts) at qualification by PSO.” Please confirm the number of “sessions” a PSO may attend in an attempt to qualify, as this seems to indicate more than two sessions of two attempts each.

Answer 58: The contractor can send a PSO to qualify as often as it willing to do so, provided that it gives a minimum of 8 hour of remedial training prior to each session.

Question 59: SOW 6.6.3.2 states that each qualification “session” consists of no more than two attempts to qualify. Please confirm that a PSO gets two attempts at each of two sessions, for a total of four attempts to qualify with a weapon.

Answer 59: Each qualification “session” consists of no more than two attempts to qualify. The contractor can send a PSO to qualify as often as it willing to do so, provided that it gives a minimum of 8 hour of remedial training prior to each session. Yes, the statement is correct.

Question 60: SOW 6.6.5.2 states that the Contractor “must provide a minimum of eight hours of remedial training, prior to second qualification session.” Please confirm that this refers to PSOs that do not qualify during their first session and not to the semi-annual qualification required of all PSOs.

Answer 60: If the PSO fails on the initial or semi-annual qualification, the PSO will be required to take the eight hour remedial training.

Question 61: Please confirm that the four hours of annual training for OC and baton training, means 4 hours every year for OC and 4 hours annually for baton.

Answer 61: See Attachment #2 in RFP package “SOW Exhibits,” Exhibit 4C.

Question 62: 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.

Answer 62: Solicitation stand clear on its face. See SOW Section 14.5.3

Question 63: Please indicate which positions, if any, need to be trained/certified on the 9 mm firearm.

Answer 63: See paragraphs E and H above

Question 64: Number 8 in the Notice to Offerors indicates the incumbents do not meet additional or changed requirements. Please list the training requirements that are new or have been changed in this procurement, so that offerors can correctly estimate the costs to train the incumbents to the new requirements.

Answer 64: See question #57

Question 65: Will FPS allow the winning bidder to submit revised pricing if it learns after the award that some of the incumbents have not completed the required training (and this deficiency was not identified during the bid/Q&A process)?

Answer 65: This is a post award administration matter will be handled in accordance with the FAR if applicable.

Question 66: REF: Section E – Solicitation Provisions - Proposal Submission Requirements – Line Item 4, Page Limitation: This section states the technical proposal is limited to fifteen (15) pages in at least 11 pt. font; however, headers and footers are typically exempted from the 11 pt. font restriction.

Please advise offerors whether the headers and footers can be a smaller font size.

Answer 66: See question #40

Question 67: REF: Table of Contents, page 1: The Table of Contents includes Attachment 9, Proposal Submission Checklist, but it was not included with the Solicitation. Would the Government please provide the checklist?

Answer 67: See paragraph I above

Question 68: Will the government please list, by site, what weapon the incumbent PSOs are carrying?

Answer 68: See question #22

Question 69: Are the incumbent employees currently certified in OC and Baton?

Answer 69: All employees are required to be certified in OC and Baton. Current employees are certified in Baton, however, incumbents do not have OC certification.

Question 70: Are the new medical requirements different than what the incumbent PSOs have previously underwent?

Answer 70: Yes

Question 71: Exhibit 8A does not list wet weather gear and security traffic vests. Are these required?

Answer 71: See paragraph K above

Question 72: Are there currently storage containers and clearing barrels on site for contractor owned weapons, or does the winning contractor need to provide weapons storage containers and clearing barrels?

Answer 72: The solicitation is clear on its face. See SOW, Section 14.4.3

Question 73: Is there any office space available for a contract/program manager or his/her staff?

Answer 73: See question #12

Question 74: Post number 8 at 500 C Street is an unarmed officer in a soft uniform. Will the government please define soft uniform?

Answer 74: See paragraph K above

Question 75: Will the government please provide the post locations for posts 2 and 3 for 1201 Maryland Ave SW Washington DC?

Answer 75: Post#2 is 4th floor lobby and Post#3 is for the entire 4th floor.

Question 76: On the post exhibits under security clearance the government list both DHS suitability and DHS; is there a difference between DHS Suitability and DHS?

Answer 76: See paragraph H above

Question 77: Will the government give a post location for post 4 at 330 Independence Ave SW?

Answer 77: See paragraph H above

Question 78: Per Attachment 2, Post Exhibit, Building DC0034ZZ (Cohen Bldg) post 4 is listed as Rover but no post location given. Can Government verify that there is no post location due to the fact that it is a Rover position or please provide post location?

Answer 78: See paragraph H above

Question 79: Per Attachment 2, Post Exhibit, Building DC0068ZZ (Portals III), Post locations are missing and start date and end date are 4/1/12 and 9/30/12 respectively. Can Government please clarify the start/end dates for this location and posts?

Answer 79: See paragraph H above

Question 88: Pricing Schedule was not including in RFP. Can Government please supply Pricing Schedule.

Answer 80: See paragraph D above

Question 81: Page 17, Terms and Conditions, #3 Presidential Inauguration Committee (PIC), Govt says they are providing an example of a post exhibit for PIC, but it appears not to have been included. Can Govt provide example post exhibit for PIC?

Answer 81: See paragraph F above

Question 82: Page 55, Terms and Conditions, G. Govt says Past Project Forms will not count against 20 page size limitation on the proposal. In other locations, it says the page limit is 15.

Please clarify.

Answer 82: See paragraph “B” above

Question 83: Will Government consider a Table of Contents outside of technical proposal page limitations?

Answer 83: Table of contents will not count against page limitation

Question 84: Will the DHS sponsor a facility clearance upgrade from Secret to Top Secret if awarded the contract, or must the contractor possess the Top Secret facility clearance prior to submitting a response.

Answer 84: DHS will not sponsor vendor for Top Secret Clearance - Offeror must have Top Secret Clearance before standing post (See page 52 of the Table of Contents Terms & Conditions)

Question 85: The Last item on the Proposal Submission Requirements Summary lists "evidence of Top Secret", yet the terms and conditions outline a Top Secret by April 2013 and suggest TS sponsership by DHS.

Answer 85: See question 84

Question 86: Within the RFP there is talk about Shotgun training, do the officers require shotguns as well as training for shotguns?

Answer 86: See question 53

Question 87: Will there be a fee for parking for the day shift/night shift officers for the locations in DC?

Answer 87: FPS does not provide parking for PSOs.

Question 88: Will the client provide safes and/or clearing barrel for storing of the guns on-site?

Answer 88: See question #21

Question 89: Are the incumbents currently trained in 9mm?

Answer 89: Current PSO are trained on 9mm

Question 90: Will the locations have facilities provided to the officers for changing if needed?

Answer 90: FPS does not guarantee space for officers to change

Question 91: Post Exhibit Attachment 2, DC0010ZZ FEMA, GSA Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington, DC.

Post 1 is identified as 7 days or 365 days per year Post 2 is identified as M-F or 251 days per year Post 3 is identified as SSH or 115 days per year

If M-F is defined as Monday – Friday, less holidays, then adding the days for Posts 2 and 3 should equal the days for post 1, but the total is 366, not 365. Please explain.

Answer 91: See paragraph H above

Question 92: With regard to the PICs CLIN. With the election in November, depending upon how it goes, the PIC could start right away.

Will the PIC still be operational in April when this contract starts?

Answer 92: This can not be determined at this time

Question 93: With the construction going on in front of the Switzer bldg, will we have a requirement to protect that site?

Answer 93: This question does not relate to the solicitation and will be answered, if necessary at post-award.

Question 94: Reference Post Exhibit Building # DC0569ZZ, Potomac Center I: Please confirm that Post 4 is operational for 12 hours per day, 7 days per week.

Answer 94: See paragraph H above

Question 95: Reference SubSection C-2, Paragraph 04 Prices, Subparagraph C.3 Presidential Inauguration Committee (PIC) (page 17 of Section C): This paragraph states that the government is providing an example of the post exhibit for the PIC. A sample PIC post exhibit could not be found among the documents provided. Please provide a sample post exhibit for the PIC requirement.

Answer 95: See paragraph F above

Question 96: Reference Presidential Inauguration Committee (PIC) requirement: Please inform if the security coverage would be required for the PIC or the events that are arranged by the committee (for example inaugural ceremony, balls, parade, etc.).

Answer 96: The Presidential Inauguration Committee is a staff that is established and assigned to plan events that are associated with the Presidential Inauguration. The sample post exhibit (PIC Post) supports the increase in the volume of employees associated with the Presidential Inauguration Committee entering and exiting the Mary Switzer Building. This may or may not occur in the Option year III. The vendor will only cover events that occur at the Mary Switzer’s Building.

Question 97: Reference Presidential Inauguration Committee (PIC) requirement: If security coverage is required for the PIC, please provide an approximate time frame (in number of weeks or months) for which such coverage would be required

Answer 97: This can not be determined at this time

Question 98: Reference Presidential Inauguration Committee (PIC) requirement: If the PIC security coverage requirement is for the events, approximately how many events would such coverage be required for?

Answer 98: This can not be determined at this time

Question 99: Do the incumbent PSOs meet the training requirements of the solicited effort for weapons training?

Answer 99: See question #89

Question 100: Do the incumbent PSOs meet the training requirements of the solicited effort for baton and OC?

Answer 100: See question #69

Question 101: Please provide the PSO Master Certification document in order to ensure accurate pricing of training required by the referenced procurement.

Answer 101: See paragraph G above

Question 102: Are the drug screening standards in the solicited effort different from the drug screening standards specified under the current contract?

Answer 102: FPS updates SOW requirements as needed. The contractor is required to meet the testing standards regardless of past requirements. The requirements 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. Also, the testing program is related to the medical screening program and the medical requirements are different from past versions.

Question 103: Are the medical and physical standards in the solicited effort different from the standards specified under the current contract?

Answer 103: Yes

Question 104: Is the current weapons platform different from the weapon platform required by the solicited effort?

Answer 104: No

Question 105: Please provide the make and model of firearm that is being utilized under the current contract.

Answer 105: See question #22

Question 106: Do the incumbent PSOs at each location have the clearance level specified under the solicited effort?

Answer 106: The incumbent PSOs at each location have the clearance level required by the current contract.

Question 107: In the Notice to Offerors, item 7 addresses the realism of relief in an offeror’s pricing, pointing back to the Scope of Work. Section 12.1.2 addresses breaks and/or meal periods and points to Exhibit 1 as to which posts require relief. It is not uncommon for posts to be self-relieving when the buildings are closed for business (evenings and weekends). Would FPS please clarify if the posts identified as requiring relief in Exhibit 1 are self-relieving when the buildings are closed for normal business (evenings and weekends)?

Answer 107: Any post identified on the exhibit requiring relief will never self-relieve regardless of weekend or building closure unless directed by the COTR during isolated situations.

Question 108: Often roving posts are self-relieving posts. There are 6 posts identified in Exhibit 1 as Rover positions that require relief: Building DC0068ZZ Portals III, Posts 1 and 3; Building DC0010ZZ GSA Department of Education, Posts 13 and 14; Building DC0034ZZ Wilber J Cohen, Post 7; Building DC0033ZZ Mary E. Switzer, Post 1. Would FPS please confirm that all of these posts require relief?

Answer 108: See question #107 above

Question 109: Of the 5 CBA’s provided by FPS with this solicitation, 2 of the CBAs do not include current wage and benefit information (Paragon’s and Coastal’ s) and 1 of the CBAs is expired (Knight’s). Would FPS please provide guidance as to what wage and benefit information offeror’s should use for the posts related to these CBAs?

Answer 109: See questions #1 through #5

Question 110: FPS posted 2 amendments to fbo.gov on July 19th (Amendment 2 and Amendment 3), which appear to be contain the same information but with different due dates for the solicitation.

a. Would FPS please confirm that Amendment 2 is incorrect with its due date and should be not be included in offeror’s acknowledgements?

b. Amendment 3 references current CBA revisions that are incorporated into the solicitation but yet these revisions were not included with the amendment. Would FPS please provide the referenced CBA revisions?

Answer 110: a. The SF-1449 contained in amendment 3 should be used

b. Amendment 3 did not change CBA information. Amendment 3 corrected the issue date and closing date on the SF-1449 that was issued in amendment 2. All CBA information was included in original solicitation package.

Question 111: In the Notice to Offerors, item 9 states that the medical standards for the current solicitation differ from the existing contracts. One of the new requirements of the program is program is the completion of a medical questionnaire by a licensed physician that attests to an individual’s physical fitness, especially as it relates to the requirements of the positions. Would FPS please clarify if any of the incumbent personnel have undergone the medical exams as outlined in the current solicitation?

Answer 111: Yes they have.

Question 112: Would FPS please clarify if lead personnel are meet the standard for supervision as defined by the SOW?

Answer 112: See Page 56, Table of Contents Terms & Conditions, paragraph “A” “Quality Assurance,” bullet #1, sub-paragraph “a” last sentence.

Question 113: There is existing case law , 406 US 272 National Labor Relations Board v. Burns International Security Services Inc. Burns International Security Services Inc. (see:

http://openjurist.org/406/us/272), that indicates new contractors are not bound by the terms of a CBA negotiated by a predecessor contractor. Their only obligation is to negotiate in good faith with the recognized union, but they can bid different wages and benefits in their proposals. It is our understanding that some contractors have used this strategy to underbid incumbent contractors who are bound by the terms of a CBA in order to win contract awards and pass the cost back to the Government in the option years. Therefore, we are requesting for FPS to confirm their intent that all bidders include in their price proposals all wages and benefits included in applicable CBAs for pricing the base and option periods.

Answer 113: All offerors must comply with the incorporated CBAs

Question 114: Contract Clauses, Sub-Section E-2 states in relevant part “Proposals are due no later than 1:00pm Eastern Time, July 23, 2012.

Please issue a correction as to submittal date.

Answer 114: Proposals submission is due by 1:00pm Eastern Time, August 29, 2012 See paragraph “C” above.

Question 115: Contract Clauses, Subsection E-2, Proposal Submission Requirements, paragraph 4 Page Limitation provides in relevant part “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.

Will the Government consider a smaller font size for tables and graphics as long as it is legible?

Will the Government allow a smaller, legible font size for the essential information contained in document headers and footers?

Answer 115: See question #40

Question 116: Contract Clauses, Subsection E-2, Proposal Submission Requirements, Technical Proposal, paragraph 1. Relevant Past Performance and Notice to Offerors, No.

14.

Since Past Project Forms and continuation pages to the Past Project Forms are not counted against the 20-page limitation, will the Government consider allowing an introduction to Relevant Past Performance that would not count against the 20-page limitation?

Answer 116: Page limitation is 15, Refer to paragraph “B” of this amendment for correction – Introduction will count toward the page limit

Question 117: Will the Government please provide the names of the incumbent contractors for each of the eight buildings?

Answer 117: See CBAs

Question 118: Statement of Work, Paragraph 1.1.1 provides in relevant part, “Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) consider PSO positions 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.”

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

Answer 118: All required FPS training is listed in the SOW and offeror must comply with all applicable OSHA requirements and associated training requirements. Any such costs should be reflected in the offeror’s pricing.

Question 119: Contract clauses, Section 4.B.3, 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."

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

Answer 119: 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.

Question 120: Contract Clauses, Section E, Part II Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors, Price Proposal, Section 4.A.(1) 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 provides in relevant part “The Government has estimated other direct costs in support of COOP implementation as follows:

Other…