NV FinalQA-3-16-12.pdf

HSHQW9-12-R-00001

Nevada Reacquisition Questions and Answers

WARNING - THE PROVIDED ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS SUBMITTED BY

OFFERORS ARE FOR INFORMATION ONLY. CHANGES TO THE

SOLICITATION, IF ANY, WILL BE MADE BY FORMAL ADMENDMENT.

1. Question - On exhibit 8A, Contractor provided Uniform Items, no numerical amount of any item is listed. Does FPS have a recommended amount for each item for the State of Nevada?

Answer – See Amendment 00002, revised Exhibit 8A.

2. Question - How many vehicles does the current contractor run on the contract, or does the

FPS have a requested number of vehicles for the State of Nevada?

Answer: See Amendment 00002, revised Exhibit 8F.

3. Question - On exhibit 8B, is there requested contractor equipment such as radios, cell phones, bikes?

Answer: See Amendment 00002, revised Exhibit 8B.

4. Question - Exhibit 8C states a .40 caliber S/W is required. Is this the weapon currently in use?

Answer: No – Weapon currently in use is Glock .357 Sig Handgun.

5. Question - What is the Task Order # for the NV services?

Answer: Multiple Award Schedule (Contract) – GS-07F-0267L, Task Order - HSCEW9- 08-F-00002.

6. Question - Is the cover letter part of the 20-page count for the Technical submission?

Answer: See Solicitation, at Sub-section E-2 “Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors, 4.

Note: Questions 7-14 refer to the incumbent contract.

7. Question - What is the Contractor Name?

Answer: Security Consultants Group, Inc.

8. Question - What is the contract number?

Answer: See Answer to Question 5.

9. Question - When was the contract awarded?

Answer: March 2008

10. Question - When does the contract expire?

Answer: 30 Sep 2012

11. Question - What are the contract Period of Performance terms? (i.e. base and 4 one-year options, etc.)

Answer: Incumbent contract - Base plus 4 one year options. (For this solicitation, see Solicitation Sub-Section C-2, Addendum to FAR 52.212.4, Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items, Paragraph 08. See also SF 1449 Continuation Page, Pricing Schedule, for individual Performance Periods).

12. Question - What type of Contract was awarded (Firm Fixed Price, ID/IQ, etc.)

Answer: Fixed Price Task Order under GSA Multiple Award Schedule.

13. Question - How was the contract awarded (Full & Open, HubZone set-aside, Small

Business Set-aside, Sole Source, etc.)

Answer: Competitive award restricted to holders of GSA Schedules.

14. Question - What is the current contract value or ceiling?

Answer: The total contract value to date is approximately $22-million.

15. Question - Would it help our chances if we are a female owned corporation?

Answer: No. After extensive market research, FPS determined to conduct the Nevada Reacquisition as a competitive small business set-aside.

16. Question - What percentage of the Armed PSO services required are in the Las Vegas area vs. the Reno area?

Answer: See Amendment 00002, Exhibit 1, Post Exhibits.

17. Question - How long after contract award is the contractor given notice to start services?

Answer: See Solicitation Sub-Section C-2: “Addendum to Far 52.212-4 Contract, Terms And Conditions” —Commercial Items (Alternate I) (June 2010), subparagraph 7, which is titled “Contract Transition and Phase-In.”

18. Question - In addition to what is spelled out in the RFP, are there any additional FPS requirements with regard to laws with regard to performance?

Answer: See Statement of Work, paragraph 4, Authority and Jurisdiction, Permits, Licenses and Adherence to Laws.

19. Question - Vehicles. Is there a number of vehicles in mind that the contractor would provide? Some sites – most sites?

Answer: See Answer to Question 2.

20. Question - Will post locations be provided for bidders?

Answer: Provided to awardee upon contract award.

21. Question - Can you provide a little more detail to the number of positions that will be needed for this contract.

Answer: See Amendment 00002, Revised Post Exhibit 1.

22. Question - Regarding the collective bargaining agreement (CBA); do we have to deal with the union or the CBA or can we hire our own officers from the area?

Answer: See Solicitation Sub-Section C-2, Addendum To Far 52.212-4 Contract, Terms And Conditions —Commercial Items (Alternate I) (June 2010), including FAR 52.222- 41 (d) Successor Contracts and Sub-Section C-3, 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive orders – Commercial Items, Paragraph (b).

23. Question - Can we hire our own officers from the area?

Answer: See Answer to Question 22.

24. Question - what is the estimated dollar range of the current contract?

Answer: See Answer to Question 14.

25. Question - Provide the seniority list for the solicitation.

Answer: See Notification Titled Seniority List in Federal Business Opportunities for this Solicitation. This notification is for informational purposes only.

26. Reference - The SOW states the following: DHS may sponsor Contractor for a facility clearance, if contract performance requires access to classified information and Contractor selected for award does not possess a facility security clearance that is equal to level for work on this contract as specified in Section 5.4.1.2.

Question - Who is the contact person for the facility clearance sponsorship at DHS?

Answer: Only the successful offeror will be required to obtain a FCL and this is accomplished via the cognizant DHS Contracting Officer. See Solicitation Section E, Sub-Section E-1, Proposal Submission Requirements.

27. Reference - We are working on obtaining the pricing for the requirements on Exhibit 7 Medical Questionnaire Physical Abilities Test Manual. After discussion with two clinics in reference to this medical examination, I was able to obtain a letter from Jonathan Baktari, M.D., FCCP. This doctor is a graduate from The School of Medicine at UCLA.

He has been practicing in the Las Vegas area for the past 20 years. His facility will be conducting the required medical testing that is required on this section. After reviewing the Aerobic Capacity Test, he stated that there is no facility in the Las Vegas area that is set up to provide this type of medical testing. The nearest facility that has this capacity is at the UCLA Medical Facility and they are not set up to provide this examination at a high volume requirement. He speculated that it would cost in the range of $2,000 plus expenses of traveling to that facility to provide this need. Dr. Baktari can offer a routine cardiac stress testing and cardiac imaging. The rest of the requirements for the physical examination can be conducted at his facility.

Question - Identify a facility that is currently being utilized.

Answer: The incumbent contractor currently uses network outlets of a national medical network.

28. Question - We already weapons qualify for initial firearm qualification and then every 6 months thereafter. This is supervised by a state agency – Private Investigators Licensing Board (PILB_. Does that satisfy the weapons testing requirements mentioned in the

RFP?

Answer: See Statement of Work (SOW) Ref. 6.6. and Exhibit 4D.

29. Question - The pricing schedule provided does not include estimated hours for the

Temporary Additional Services. Please provide estimate of hours for Temporary Additional Services for each contract period.

Answer: See Solicitation Amendment 00002, revised SF 1449 Continuation Page(s), Pricing Schedule.

30. Question - Column 3 of the pricing schedule does not include a header. Please confirm the labor hours provided reflect the estimated maximum hours for each facility.

Answer: See Solicitation Amendment 00002, revised SF 1449 Continuation Page(s), Pricing Schedule.

31. Question - Ref: Building Number NV8000, hours listed on the pricing schedule are not consistent with the hours listed on the post schedule. The pricing schedule in the base period lists 2,008 HR, whereas the breakout on the post schedule reflects 4,016 hours.

Please confirm the number of post hours for Building Number NV8000.

Answer: See Amendment 00002, revised SF 1449 Continuation Page(s), Pricing Schedule and revised Post Exhibit 1.

32. Question - The list of exhibits provided does not include a Seniority list. Please provide a

Seniority list broken out by facility.

Answer: See Answer to Question 25.

33. Question - Section 12.1.2 states that Post Exhibit 1 specifies which posts require a PSO relief provision. This information is not included under Post Exhibit 1. Please confirm whether break relief is a requirement under this contract?

Answer: See Amendment 00002, Revised Post Exhibit 1.

34. Question - Post Exhibit 1 does not include addresses for each work facility listed.

Answer: See Answer to Question 33.

35. Question - Please provide address for each facility listed on Post Exhibit 1.

Answer See Answer to Question 33

36. Question - Post Exhibit 1 does not identify secure facilities. Can the government identify any level 4 and 5 facilities listed on Post Exhibit 1?

Answer: See Answer to Question 33

37. Question - The Statement of Work does not address guard mount hours. Is guard mount a requirement under this contract?

Answer: Guard Mount is not required.

38. Question - The Statement of Work does not specify which weapon is currently in use for this contract. Please identify the weapon that is currently in use for this contract.

Answer: See Answer to Question 4.

39. Question – a. Are all incumbent PSOs trained and certified IAW the SOW for this solicitation?, b. If not, what are they lacking?

Answer: a. PSOs are trained and certified IAW the current contract. b. See Statement of Work (SOW) paragraph 6. Incumbent PSOs are considered current to the incumbent contract training standards. Note the training requirements in this RFP are different from the incumbent contract.

40. Question – a. Are all incumbent PSOs trained and qualified on a .40 caliber weapon? b.

If not, how many need to transition from revolver or other auto pistol?

Answer: a. Incumbent PSOs are currently trained and qualified on the Glock .357 Sig pistol. b. All incumbent and new PSOs will have to be trained and qualified on the .40 caliber weapon

41. Question - What brand and caliber auto pistol are PSOs currently issued?

Answer: See Answer to Question 4.

42. Question - Is there a requirement that weapons be stored on-site?

Answer: See Statement of Work (SOW) paragraph 14.4.6.

43. Question - Are all incumbent PSO medical exams good until their next 3 years cycle or is

Exhibit 7 a new requirement for all incumbents?

Answer: See Statement of Work (SOW) Section 5.2.2.1.

44. Question – Are incumbent PSOs grandfathered under the new medical and fitness qualification criteria or, if they don’t meet the medical and fitness criteria, are they to be terminated from the contract?

Answer: See Statement of Work (SOW) Section 5.2. For this RFP the contractor must provide PSOs that meet all contractual requirements.

45. Question - Regarding Exhibit 8E, Contractor Provided Communications Equipment, the quantity column is blank. Is it correct to assume the Contractor is NOT required to provide radios?

Answer: See Amendment 00002, Revised Exhibit 8B, Contractor Provided Support Equipment.

46. Question - In the communications arena – when we are assigned a frequency would we when be joining an existing government radio network/backbone or would we need to work with our own communications vendor here in Nevada for our own backbone?

UHF/VHF? Sub band?

Answer: No Government network. See also Question 45.

47. Question - After reviewing the above mentioned solicitation I discovered that Attachment 4, Past Performance Questionnaire for Solicitation HSHQW9-12-R-00001, the first paragraph , line 3 states “The Federal Protective Service is considering this Contractor for Protective Security Officer services at various Federal buildings located in Southern Washington and Oregon” however, throughout the solicitation it indicate this Protective Security Officer services is for various Federal Buildings throughout the State of Nevada. Can the contractors change the location from Southern Washington and Oregon to Nevada or will a new Past Performance Questionnaire be published and distributed?

Answer: See Amendment 00002, revised Attachment 4, Past Performance Questionnaire.

48. Reference - Sub-Section C-2, Part II Addendum to FAR 52.212-4, Section 04 Prices B.3 on page 23 of 305 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 positions at a 5 year average instead of escalating wages each period? We note previous guidance given at the pre-proposal conference for offerors to “Bid Stagnant” and show the same billing rates for all periods?

Answer: The Supervisor positions are not covered under the CBA, therefore, the contractor may price Supervisor wages and fringes in accordance with their price estimating practices, which may include the questioner's 5 year averaging method. Given that the Supervisor positions are not subject to the Service Contract Act, it is important to note that the associated wages and health and welfare costs (fringes) are not subject to the contingency and adjustment language under FAR 52.222-43.

49. Reference - Part 10. Contract Administrative Data, Section C, Adjusting Payments for

Contractor Performance, on page 28 of 305 provides in relevant part, “To compute labor-hour deductions the Contracting Officer’s Representative will compare the man-hours reported by the Contractor through the Post Tracking System (PTS)….”

Section 9.21.1 of the Statement of Work on page 92 of 305 provides in relevant part “FPS utilizes a Post Tracking System (PTS) as an electronic validation of post staffing.”

Exhibit 6, PTS Instructions, on page 169 of 305 is blank and only serves as a placeholder.

a. Question: Is the PTS operational at this time?

a. Answer: No.

b. Question: If not, when does the government anticipate that the PTS will be operational?

b. Answer: Unknown at this time.

50. Reference - HSAR 3052.209-76, Prohibition on Federal Protective Service Guard

Services Contracts with Business Concerns Owned, Controlled or Operated by an Individual Convicted of a Felony is provided on pages 36 of 305.

Question: In which section of the proposal should Offerors provide this disclosure – Technical or Price?

Answer: At the end of the Price Proposal.

51. Reference - Section 1.1.1 of the Statement of Work on page 56 of 305 provides in relevant part, “Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) considers PSO positions as First Responders Awareness Level (CFR 1910.120(q)(6)(i)).”

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 Answer 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. FPS mandated training as stipulated in the Statement of Work and SOW Exhibits is for the purpose of preparing PSOs to perform required post duties. As explained in the SOW, it is the responsibility of the contractor to be in compliance with OSHA regulations. See paragraphs 6 and

12.2 of the Statement of Work.

52. Reference - Section 5.1.2.5 of the Statement of Work on page 66 of 305 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, please confirm that the Government does not require any specific language proficiency besides English on this contract.

Answer: English is the only language for which proficiency is required.

53. Reference - Section 5.2.4.1 of the Statement of Work on page 70 of 305 provides “PSOs must submit to urine drug screening as part of initial pre-employment process and during recurring medical examination, every three years.”

Section 5.2.4.2 of the Statement of Work on page 70 of 305 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”

a. Question: Please confirm what the cutoff concentrations are for drug tests.

a. Answer: See 5.2.4.2 of the Statement of Work (SOW) – adhere to the HHS Guidelines.

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

b. Answer: No, however, the contractor shall be responsible for ensuring all PSOs are in compliance with the requirements.

c. 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?

c. Answer: Yes, please refer to SOW paragraph 5.2.4.1.

54. Reference - Section 5.3.1.15 of the Statement of Work on pages 72 of 305 provides “Contractor is responsible for all costs associated with obtaining and renewing suitability clearances for employee associated with this contract.”

Question: Does this section mean that contractors bear the administrative costs of requesting the suitability and the employee’s time spent completing the process online only and that the Government bears responsibility for the costs related to the suitability review? Generally this is our experience working under federal contracts.

Answer: See Statement of Work (SOW), 5.3.1.15. The actual processing of the clearance through suitability adjudication procedures is conducted by the Government; however, there is no guarantee the Government will not require additional information from the contractor, which may result in additional costs (e.g., time spent by company responding).

55. Reference - Section 5.3.2.2 of the Statement of Work on page 72 of 305 provides “Any investigation conducted by or for another federal agency on an individual that is of same or higher type and scope as one required for position is sufficient to meet investigation requirements if investigation occurred within past five years.”

Question: Was the investigation conducted on incumbent personnel the same or higher type and scope as the one required for PSO positions under this RFP? We are trying to determine the extent of clearance efforts needed during transition.

Answer: See Statement of Work (SOW) 5.3.3.1. Previously cleared employees continue under the previous clearance.

56. Reference - Section 5.4.2.6 of the Statement of Work on page 76 of 305 provides “Contractor is responsible for all costs associated with obtaining and renewing security clearances for each contract employee.”

Question: Does this section mean that contractors bear the administrative costs of requesting the clearance and the employee’s time spent completing the process online only and that the Government bears responsibility for the costs related to the clearance process? Generally this is our experience working under federal contracts.

Answer: See Answer to Question 54.

Question: How many of the current PSOs have a Top Secret clearance issued by the Defense Security Service?

Answer: The incumbent contractor has sufficient staff to meet contractual requirements.

Currently, there are 10 PSOs who possess Top Secret clearances.

57. Reference - Section 6.4.1.2 of the Statement of Work on page 79 of 305 provides in relevant part, “Required training includes both, recurring and “one-time only” courses. If completed successfully, one-time only courses are not required to be repeated during contract period. One-time only courses are:

Contractor-Provided Basic Training (Exhibit 4B) Contractor-Provided Initial Weapon Training and Qualifications (Exhibit 4C) Government-Provided Orientation Training (Exhibit 4G) Government-Administered Written Exam (Section 6.5)”

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

Question: Does the phrase “…are not required to be repeated during contract period” mean that because this is a new contract that incumbents must retake the listed training during transition? Or is the Government’s intent that the “one-time only” courses are taken only one-time regardless of how many times the PSO transitions to a new contract and/or contractor?

Answer: This is a “one-time only” regardless of how many times the PSO transitions to a new contract and or contractor as documented.

58. Reference - Section 6.6.4.1 of the Statement of Work on page 81 of 305 provides “Contractor shall complete Transitional Weapon and Weapon Platform Change training in accordance with Exhibit 4C.”

Also, Exhibit 8C Contractor Provided Firearms and Ammunition on page 200-202 of 305 provides in relevant part “Contractor will provide PSOs, including part-time and reserve PSOs, with their own pistol. Select firearm that will be used: 38 Special, 9mm, .40 S/W, .357 SIG.” The Exhibit specifies the .40 S/W as the type of firearm required for performance on this RFP.

Question: Is the current weapons platform different from the weapon platform required under this contract?

Answer: No, both are semi-automatic.

Question: Is the .40 S/W considered a change from the current platform?

Answer: No.

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: See Exhibits 4C and 4D. 3 hours of Transitional Weapon training (revolver to revolver; semi-automatic to semi-automatic)

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: As it is a new requirement, OC spray will be required for all employees, whereas the other training is only required for new employees. However, the contractor shall be responsible for ensuring all PSOs are in compliance with the requirements.

59. Section 6.8.1 of the Statement of Work on page 83 of 305 provides “PSOs must maintain a valid/current certification for First Aid/CPR/AED, from American Red Cross (ARC) or American Heart Association (AHA).”

Question: Do incumbent personnel possess current First Aid/CPR/AED certification that meets the requirements of the RFP?

Answer: See Answer to Question 39.

Question: a. Do incumbent personnel currently have an OC spray requirement? b. Will the government require OC spray under this solicitation?

Answer: a. No. b. Yes.

Question: Can the government provide a “Master PSO Certification” file showing all current incumbent personnel certifications? This has been provided by other FPS Regions on similar PSO solicitations.

Answer: The Master PSO Certification file will be provided to the successful offeror during the transition phase.

60. Reference - Section 7.3.1.1 of the Statement of Work on page 84 of 305 provides “Contractor shall maintain personnel files for employees who work under this contract.

These files shall reside in Contractor Manager’s office and be made available to Government immediately upon request.”

Section 11.2.5 of the Statement of Work on page 97 of 305 provides in relevant part, “CM shall be available during normal working hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) within 30 minutes by telephone or in person to discuss deficiencies. After normal duty hours or on weekends and holidays, CM shall be available within two hours.”

Question: Will the government provide office space on-site for the CM and administrative staff? Or must the contractor factor in the cost of maintaining off-site office space?

Answer: Office space is the responsibility of the Contractor.

Question: 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: Not applicable.

Question: If the government provides office space, what is the building address where the space would be provided?

Answer: Not applicable.

61. Reference - Section 11.3.2, last sentence, of the Statement of Work on page 98 of 305 provides in relevant part, “Under no circumstances, shall Supervisors perform productive hours while working in a supervisory capacity.”

Question: Please confirm that qualified personnel can perform as supervisors and PSOs/relief as long as those services are not conducted simultaneously.

Answer: Correct. See Statement of Work 11.3.2.

62. Reference - Section 12.1.2.1 of the Statement of Work on page 99 of 305 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: No.

63. Reference - Section 13.5 of the Statement of Work on page 102 of 305 addresses Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Cards.

a. Question: Do incumbent personnel have active PIV Cards?

a. Answer: Not at this time.

b. Question: What is the anticipated timing of issuing PIV cards?

b. Answer – See Amendment 00002, revised SOW Exhibit 9. The schedule for issuing the PIV cards will be provided by the COTR.

c. Question: Do incumbent personnel need to repeat the process if a new Contractor is selected?

c. Answer – See Amendment 00002, revised SOW Exhibit 9E. No, PIV cards are good for 3 years.

64. Reference - Attachment 8 beginning on page 267 of 305 identifies McCarran

International Airport in Las Vegas and Reno International Airport in Reno as PIV enrollment sites in the “List of Proposed Permanent HSPD 12 Enrollment Stations for FY13 and Beyond.”

a. Question: Please confirm if the enrollment stations identified in Attachment 8 are operational and available for use on this contract. If these stations are not operational, please identify the enrollment station(s) for this contract and provide the physical address(es).

a. Answer – See Amendment 00002, revised SOW Exhibit 9E and Attachment 8 – PIV Permanent Locations and Deployment Stations.

b. Question: Will the Government provide reimbursement for any travel required?

b. Answer – Costs associated with PIV should be included as a pricing element in the basic contract’s billing rate and will not be allowed as a distinct pricing element after contract award.

65. Reference - Section 14.3.1 of the Statement of Work on page 104 of 305 provides “Contractor shall obtain all applicable permits, titles, inspections, and registrations in accordance with applicable Federal, state and local laws for the operation of vehicles.”

Exhibit 8F, Contractor Provided Vehicles, on page 205 of 305 provides in relevant part, “The Contractor shall furnish a vehicle or vehicles, as indicated below, for patrol at the facility, to transport supervisors, in the course of supervision duties, and emergency Answer, as may be necessary.” The Exhibit section titled “3. Vehicle Requirements” displays a blank table.

Question: Please confirm that no vehicles are required to be provided by the contractor for productive PSOs patrols.

Answer – See Answer to Question 2.

66. Reference - Section 14.4.6 of the Statement of Work on page 105 of 305 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).”

a. Question: As no terms have been expressly stated, please confirm that this RFP does not allow for weapons to be stored on site.

a. Answer – See Answer to Question 42.

b. Question: If this contract does allow weapons to be stored on site, please indicate which buildings have weapons stored on site. If any locations require weapons to be stored on site, will the government provide the safes needed to store the weapons?

b. Answer – Not applicable.

67. Reference - Section 14.5.3 of the Statement of Work on page 105 of 305 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.”

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

a. Answer – See Answer to Question 51. However, the contractor shall be responsible for ensuring all PSOs are in compliance with the requirements.

b. 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?

b. Answer – See Answer to Question 44 & 51. The contractor shall be responsible for ensuring all PSOs are in compliance with the requirements.

68. Reference - Regarding Exhibit 1, Post Exhibit, (p. 114-115) and Standard Form 1449, Pricing Schedule (p. 4 of 305):

Two CLINs are missing from the Pricing Schedule for the base year and each option year (CLINs 0001I, 0001O, 1001I, 1001O, 2001I, 2001O, 3001I, 3001O, 4001I, & 4001O).

As a result the CLINs do not match or align with the Post Exhibit.

Also, there is a total difference of 2008 hours between the Pricing Schedule and the Post Exhibit. This difference of hours is in the base year and each subsequent option year. It appears the error is as a result of that last CLIN (0001W, 1001W, 2001W, 3001W, 4001W) on the pricing schedule for the base and each option year. This CLIN shows 2008 on the pricing schedule but in the post exhibit it shows 4016 hours (2 separate posts in Reno each showing 2008 hours for Bldg 8000).

a. Question - Two CLINs are missing from the Pricing Schedule for the base year and each option year (CLINs 0001I, 0001O, 1001I, 1001O, 2001I, 2001O, 3001I, 3001O, 4001I, & 4001O). As a result the CLINs do not match or align with the Post Exhibit.

a. Answer - See Amendment 00002, revised Standard Form 1449 Continuation Pages, Pricing Schedule and revised Post Exhibit 1.

b. Question: In the Post Exhibit building NV0294 in Reno has 366 Total Days however;

there are only 365 days in the base period. Please confirm the total number of days for this building.

b. Answer – Typographical error. See Solicitation Amendment 00002, revised Standard Form 1449 Continuation Pages, Pricing Schedule.

c. Question: In Option Period 3 & 4 of the Pricing Schedule 1000 hours are added to buildings NV7578 & NV8000. Can you confirm that hours will be added at those sites in the third and fourth option periods?

c. Answer – See Amendment 00002, revised Standard Form 1449 Continuation Pages, Pricing Schedule.

d. Question: Please confirm that the maximum hours presented in the Price Schedule (Standard Form 1449) for each option period and Post Exhibit are accurate and that the Offeror should use such hour amounts when submitting the Model for Price Realism.

d. Answer – Quantities have been corrected. See Amendment 00002, Price Schedules.

e. Question: Can the government provide an electronic copy of the pricing schedule for contractors to complete?

e. Answer – See Notification titled Pricing Schedule Excel version in Federal Business Opportunities for this Solicitation.

69. Reference - Exhibit 4C, Contractor Provided Initial and Transitional/Platform Firearms and Less-Than-Lethal Weapons Training and Qualification includes shotgun qualification requirements on pages 149-150 of 305. Also, a “Shotgun Qualification Course” is included on pages 154-155 of 305 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 – Not required for this contract.

70. Reference - The Shotgun Qualification Course provides the following Note: “A specific post requirement must exist for PSOs to be armed with a shotgun.”

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

Answer – See Answer to Question 69.

71. Reference - Exhibits 8A Contractor Provided Uniform Items (p. 197-198 of 305), 8E Contractor Provided Communication Equipment (p. 204 of 305), 8F Contractor-Provided Vehicles (p. 205of 305), 9B Government-Provided Supplemental Equipment (p. 207 of 305), 9C Government-Provided Personal Protective Equipment (208 of 305), and 9D Government Provided Communications Equipment (p. 209 of 305) do not provide any quantities of equipment or uniform components provided either by the Government or Contractor.

Question: Can the government provide the quantities required as part of Exhibits 8A, 8E, 9B, 9C, and 9D?

Answer –See Amendment 00002, revised Exhibits 8A, 8E, 9B, 9C, and 9D.

72. Reference - Attachment 3 (Past Project Form – p. 220 of 305), Attachment 4 (Past Performance Questionnaire – p. 222-225 of 305), and Attachment 6 (Price Element Breakdown – p. 262-263 of 305) are included in the solicitation as a .pdf.

Question: Can the government provide Attachments 3, 4, and 6 in a fillable electronic format (word/excel) that contractors can complete and submit with their proposal?

Answer – See Notification Titled Editable Versions of Attachments 3, 4 and 6 in Federal Business Opportunities for this solicitation.. This notification is for informational purposes only.

73. Reference - Sub-Section E-2, Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors, Proposal Submission Requirements, Subpart 2 on page 276 of 305 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.”

a. Question: Please confirm that the Standard Form 1449 is the cover page for only the price proposal and is not required as the cover page for the technical proposal?

a. Answer – Correct.

b. 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?

b. Answer – Prices are entered on Pricing Schedule, Standard Form 1449 Continuation Pages.

74. Reference - Sub-Section E-2, Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors, Proposal Submission Requirements, Suba. part 3 on page 276 of 305 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.

a. 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?

a. Answer – One (1) original, one (1) copy of the pricing proposal and one (1) original, and four (4) copies of the technical proposal.

b. Question: Does the Government require offerors to submit an electronic copy on CD of both the price and technical proposal as well? If so, in which proposal section (Technical or Price) should Offerors place the CD?

b. Answer – See Amendment 2 Revised SUB-SECTION E-2. ADDENDUM TO FAR

52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS (JUNE 2008).

75. Reference - Sub-Section E-2, Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors, Proposal Submission Requirements, item 4 on page 276 of 305 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 twenty

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

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

a. Answer – No.

b. Question: Will the inclusion of a Table of Contents count against the 20-page limit?

b. Answer – No.

76. Reference - Sub-Section E-2, Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors, Technical Proposal (Non-price factors), Section 2.A.1.b. on page 279 of 305 provides “(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 info to the security force at a facility. In addition, the government’s review and acceptance of an offeror’s proposed supervisory ratio, will not alleviate the vendor from modifying (i.e., increasing) the amount of supervision after contract award should the Government’s or contractor’s oversight and inspections reveal systemic problems with performance. If at any time the vendor determines that additional supervision beyond what was initially proposed is needed to address performance issues, such additional supervision will be provided at no additional cost to the Government.)”

Question: Please indicate on the post exhibit if any post requires a Lead PSO.

Answer – Use and placement of Lead PSOs is a contractor determined issue.

77. Reference - Section E-2, Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors, Price Proposal section 4.A.(1) on page 282 of 305 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 on page 24 of 305 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 283 of 305 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 $100,000 Option I $100,000 Option II $100,000 Option III $100,000 Option IV $100,000

Exhibit 8D: Contractor Provide Personal Protective Equipment on page 203 of 305 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 – Offerors should include the Exhibit 8D Contractor Provided Personal Protective Equipment requirements in its hourly rate.

78. Reference - Sub-Section E, FAR 52.212-3 beginning on page 288 of 305.

Question: In which proposal section (Technical or Price) should the Offerors place the representations and certifications?

Answer – Include with the Price Proposal.

79. Question: In which proposal section (Technical or Price) should the Offerors place the Section E-5, FAR 52.209-5 required Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters?

Answer – Include with the Price Proposal.

80. Question: Is a seniority list of current employees available? If so can it be published?

Answer – See Answer to Question 25.

81. Question - Are the current employees subject to and have they passed the same Medical qualification, physical condition and the Firearms qualifications and certifications as listed in the new solicitation?

Answer – No.

82. Question - Are the medical-physical and firearms qualifications more stringent under the new solicitation than the qualifications under the current contract?

Answer – See Answer to Question 39 & 43.

83. Question - Will current employees be required to complete new qualifications for the medical-physical and firearms before working under the new contract?

Answer – Yes. See Statement of Work Section 5.2. and Attachment 2 Exhibit 7 (Medical/Physical) and Section 6.6. and Attachment 2 Exhibit 4D (Firearms).

84. Question - Solicitation lists a Top Secret clearance as necessary yet, none of the posts listed indicates such a requirement. What is the required clearance -Top Secret or Secret?

Answer – See Statement of Work Section 5.4 and Amendment 00002, revised Post Exhibit 1.

85. Question - Weapons required indicate that shotguns and shotgun training is necessary yet, there are no posts that indicate such a weapon is required. Are shotguns required for any of the posts? If not, then is any shotgun training and qualification required?

Answer – See Answer to Question 69.

86. Question - Vehicles are mentioned as part of equipment needed in the solicitation yet none of the posts listed are mobile vehicular posts. Are there any post requirements for vehicles? If so what kind?

Answer – See Answer to Question 2.

87. Question - What level of facility clearance is required?

Answer – See Answer to Question 84.

88. Question - Are all guards not under a CBA paid as Guard Level II rates?

Answer – Non-CBA Guards are paid in accordance with the most current applicable U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination, Guard II rate.

89. Question - Are the employee qualification standards on the existing contract the same as on the solicitation and if not what are the differences?

Answer –

a. Training – See Questions 39 & 57.

b. Medical – See Questions 43, 44 & 83

c. Fitness – See Question 44.

d. Firearms – See Question 39.

e. Suitability - See Statement of Work Section 5.3 – unchanged.

f. Security Clearance – See Statement of Work Section 5.4 - unchanged.

g. PIV - See Questions 63 & 64.