LA_HSHQW9-13-R-00003_Q As.pdf

Los Angeles Questions and Answers

HSHQW9‐13‐R‐00003

Questions Answers

1 Is there an incumbent contractor associated with this work? If so, are you able to provide the name of the contractor and the contract #? Or is this considered a brand new requirement?

The incumbent contractor is Paragon Systems, Contract HSCEW9‐09‐A‐ 00003.

2 Is the contractor required to provide a cell phone to each site? Per Exhibit 8E, the contractor must provide, maintain, and supplement communication equipment to “each security officer on post”.

3 Is the contractor required to provide a cell phone to each “post” at each site?

See answer to question 2 above.

4 Exhibit 8E does not list radios as a contractor provided item, is this correct? That is correct.

5 Does the contractor only provide shoulder mics, batteries and chargers for government provided radios? If the answer is yes, what brand/type of battery is required?

IAW Exhibit 9B, there is no Government provided equipment, to include government provided radios.

6 What brand/type of radio is utilized? Radios are not required.

7 Is the 40 cal firearm currently in use contract wide? The incumbent contractor personnel are using a Glock model 22 (.40 caliber) pistol contract wide.

8 If so, is 3 hours the correct time required by the contractor to provide weapons transition training to incumbent guards?

Incumbent contractor personnel are presently using a Glock, .40 Caliber, which is one of the recommended weapons listed on the Exhibit 8C under Specifications: Item 3, .40 S&W, see page 88 of SOW Exhibits. If offeror chooses to use the same weapon, neither Transitional nor Weapons Platform Training is required of incumbent personnel during transition. If the offer chooses one of the other recommended pistols indicated on Exhibit 8C, Paragraph 3, Transitional Weapons Training shall be required.

9 Have incumbent guards received government provided screener training? Yes.

10 Which sites specifically require a secret clearance? See Amendment A00004, which corrects security clearance levels for all posts. Post 0003CA is the only post requiring a SECRET Clearance (Minimum Background Investigation (MBI) check). Additionally addresses for buildings CA6660 and CA7683 are corrected.

11 Are current contractor employees considered qualified in terms of training completion?

Incumbent contractor personnel meet all requirements under the current contract. The RFP requirements differ from the current contract requirements. All PSOs are required to complete all of the required training that is set forth in this RFP, which may vary from the type and quantity of training required under the expiring contract, prior to standing post.

12 Do current contractor employees require a new physical during transition to meet the physical requirements?

Yes, unless they have already been medically screened IAW the requirements of this RFP and have the required documentation of such.

However, it is noted that the medical/physical requirements of this RFP differ from those contained in the current/expiring contract.

13 If a new physical is required, is a new drug test required during transition as well (per the RFP standards)?

The physical screening the drug screening are two separate requirements.

The contractor shall be responsible for ensuring all PSOs are in compliance with the requirements of the resulting contract. IAW Paragraph 5.2.4.1, PSOs must submit to urine drug screening as part of initial pre‐employment process and during recurring medical examination, every three years.

Accordingly, the successful awardee must conduct a pre‐employment drug screen of all individuals it intends to hire to perform as PSO.”

14 Are new respirator fit tests required during transition for previous contractor employees transitioning to the new contract?

No, the contractor is only responsible for employee fit testing, at such time a public health authority declares use of respirators to be mandatory (see

SOW 14.5.3).

15 Are any office spaces or furnishings provided by the government at any locations for a Project Manager and/or supervisors?

No.

16 Are clearing barrels authorized on‐site at any locations? No.

17 Are clearing barrels provided by the government at any locations. No.

18 Are fresh contractor‐provided background checks required for previous contractor employees transitioned to this contract?

No, new background checks are not required for incumbent employees that already have a current, valid suitability (background investigation). IAW SOW 5.3.1.7, Contractor is responsible for renewing employees’ suitability clearance prior to expiration (every 5 years).

19 Are supervisors allowed to provide breaks (if breaks are required) as long as they have signed out as a supervisor and signed in as a guard (and removed their rank devices)?

Supervisors cannot provide relief while working in a supervisory capacity.

An employee designated as a Supervisor working in non‐supervisory capacity would be permitted to provide relief and/or stand post, provided they meet all contractual requirements for standing post. In order to provide break and relief, a supervisor must sign‐off as a supervisor and sign‐ on as a productive PSO. A supervisor shall not perform supervisory and productive PSO services simultaneously. If using supervisory personnel to serve in a non‐supervisory capacity the Contractor should have a plan in place to ensure it is able maintain the level of supervision it proposed within its Management Approach.

20 Are there any specific training courses (other than firearms training) required during transition that all previous contractor PSO’s would need to attend? If so, what course(s) would be required? (such as OC, Screener, etc.)

Refer to Exhibit 4.

21 Contract Clauses, Subsection E‐2, Technical Proposal (Non‐price factors), #3 Socio Economic Factor presents a chart that requires the bidder to provide the overall price of the contract as bid. Since this is a “technical” factor, how does the entry of the price data in the chart reconcile with the prohibition against placing price data in the technical proposal? Does the Government want a dollar value in the first block, or just a percentage value in the subsequent blocks of this chart? (One possible solution would be to put the chart with the dollar values in the price proposal, with a chart with the percentage values in the Technical Proposal.)

Subsection E‐2, page 9 of 343 will be removed by the Contracting Officer before the proposals are evaluated by the Technical Evaluation Team (TET).

Yes, offeror should enter a dollar value in the first block. Subsequent blocks should also be dollar values.

22 Will the government provide a list showing which posts have a full‐time supervisor?

No. Current contractor staffing is not relevant to this RFP. The amount and location of supervisory effort is at the discretion of offerors

23 What is the current wage rate for guards and supervisors? The minimum wage rates are listed in the wage determination contained in the RFP

24 What is the current Health & Welfare rate for guards and supervisors? The minimum H&W rates are listed in the wage determination contained in the RFP

25 Are there any roving patrols required? If yes, please list? Yes, there are roving patrols, however, this information is considered sensitive security information and not necessary for proposal preparation.

26 Other Direct Costs (ODC), RFP page 10 of 339 “(B) Except as provided for in paragraph (i)(1)(ii)(A) and (D)(2) of this clause, the Government will reimburse the Contractor the actual cost of materials (less any rebates, refunds, or discounts received by the contractor that are identifiable to the contract) provided the Contractor” Does the Government expect the vendor to provide materials at cost, with no reimbursement for handling, invoicing, etc.?

The referenced paragraph is applicable to payment under to COOP CLINs only and only if they are exercised by the Government. Under the COOP CLIN, the vendor will be reimbursed for actual costs (as authorized by the CO) plus the fixed indirect rate (as specified in the contractor’s accepted price proposal).

27 Notification of Temporary Additional Services (TAS), RFP Page 19 of 339 “Due to the nature of TAS the Contractor may be required to perform these services with little advance notice. If the Government provides the contractor with more than 72 hours notification to perform TAS, the

No. The hours shown for TAS on the Pricing Schedule are the maximum quantities of TAS hours that the Government may order. Maximum quantities are based on reasonable estimates which may be based on historical and other relevant data. Previous TAS history will not be

Government shall issue an order using the basic services rates specified in the Schedule of Supplies/Services and Prices……” If the Government notifies the contractor to perform TAS greater than 72 hours in advance, but the hours of performance include a federally observed holiday, would the Government consider the service to be ordered at the TAS rate specified in the Schedule of Supplies/Services and Prices? Can the Government provide data on the normal annual use of TAS in the current effort? Are there any instances in the current contract when TAS was converted to a modified Task Order or modified contract?

provided as it may not be representative of a vendor’s actual experience in performance of the contract resulting from this RFP. However, should a continuing need (as opposed to temporary need) for additional services arise, a contract/order modification will be issued by the government to provide for those services as permanent post locations

28 Emergency Security Services, RFP Page 20 of 339, “Para 3 Emergency Security Services The requirements under the “ESS ” Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) shall be ordered for anywhere in the geographic area covered under this contract with little, if any, advance notice.” No notice activation of emergency security services would necessitate keeping guards on standby/paid status. Would the Government consider providing a minimum of 24 hours notice for activation of emergency security services?

Will verbal task orders be permitted? If verbal task orders will be permitted, how soon after the verbal task order will a written task order follow? Can the Government provide data on the normal annual use of ESS in the current effort?

No, the Government cannot provide data on the normal use of ESS under the current effort as the current contract does not include a CLIN for ESS.

Further, due to the nature of ESS (e.g. natural disasters, civil disturbances and other unanticipated events) historical information may not be representative of a vendor’s actual experience in performance of the contract resulting from this RFP.

29 COOP Implementation, RFP Page 20 of 338, “4. Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) Implementation – The Contractor shall submit a COOP to the Government as a post‐award deliverable. The COOP shall identify provisions made for the acquisition of necessary personnel, resources and supplies, if necessary, for continuation of PSO operations in the event of an emergency such as a pandemic (e.g. H1N1 flu virus) until normal operations can be resumed.” Para 4. COOP Implementation. Pandemic flu is the example given for an event that would activate the COOP plan. Would the Government also consider Earthquake, or exploded bomb plausible scenarios that would activate the COOP plan. OCD costs for these events may be considerably different?

Refer to page 20 of 343 of the RFP. Pursuant to the clause entitled, Continuity of Critical Contractor Deliverables [Services] in the Event of an Emergency (October 2009) (tailored), the Government may unilaterally exercise the COOP CLIN in the event of an emergency event. The CLIN will be funded upon exercise and the contractor may invoice for costs associated with COOP implementation up to the NTE amount specified in the Schedule of Supplies/Services and Prices. All reimbursable costs/ODCs must be authorized by the Contracting Officer.

30 Employee Seniority List, RFP Page 57 of 339, 2.2.1 Contractor shall provide a The seniority list was provided in the RFP. See Attachment 10.

list of current contract employees with suitability and certification expiration dates, and employee seniority list, when requested by COR.

Will the government provide an employee seniority list to prospective offerors?

31 Initial and Refresher Less‐Than Lethal Weapons Training, RFP Page 80 of 339, “6.6.6.1 Contractor shall conduct annual refresher training for any less‐ than‐lethal weapons (i.e. expandable or straight police baton, sprays or repellants, conducted energy weapons, stuns weapons, etc.), equipment, or devices required under this contract.” What percentage of PSOs are normally required to be certified in each type of less‐than‐lethal weapons?

100%

32 Page 80 of 339, Submission of Information to RAMP, RFP Page 82 of 339

7.1.1 Contractor is required to submit “Company Information” and “PSO Information to RAMP via Microsoft InfoPath application. Refer to Exhibit 5 on creating, adding, and/or deleting company and/or individual PSO files.

Is this submission of Company Information and PSO Information to RAMP required prior to contract award?

See Amendment A00005 which amends SOW Section 7 to change the transmission format for Contractor and Protective Security Officer (PSO) data information from Microsoft InfoPath to an FPS provided Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. This information will be submitted to the government after award and in accordance with SOW Section 16, Deliverables, Item 26 (added via A00005).

33 Vehicles, RFP Page 102 of 339, SOW Exhibit 8F, “14.3.1 Contractor shall obtain applicable permits, titles, inspections, and registrations in accordance with applicable Federal, state and local laws for operation of vehicles. 14.3.2 All costs for operation and maintenance of vehicle(s), including license and insurance fees, shall be borne by Contractor.”

Are vehicles required for performance on this contract? If vehicles are required, what type and how many vehicles are required?

Contractor provided vehicles are not required. if a vendor elects to use vehicles in performance of the contract they will be subject to the requirements at 14.3.2.

34 Exhibit 2B, Inventory of Government Provided Equipment, RFP Page 122 of 339 ‐ Will the Government provide an inventory of Government Provided Equipment?

There is no Government Provided Equipment.

35 SOW Exhibit 9B, Government‐Provided Supplementary Equipment, RFP Page 228 of 339. No information is provided in SOW Exhibit 9B. Will the Government provide information on Government‐Provide Supplementary Equipment?

There is not Government Provided Supplementary Equipment.

36 Exhibit 8C, Contractor‐Provided Firearms and Ammunition: The RFP requires additional training hours if there is a weapons platform change or

See answer to question 8 above.

a weapons transition. What is the current weapon being used on the contract? Is this considered a weapons platform change or transition from the previous contract?

37 Exhibit 1, Post Exhibit: Posts CA5201 and CA6660 are at the same address.

Please confirm these two posts are not duplicative?

See Amendment A00004, address for CA5201 is correct, address for CA6660 is corrected to 710 S. Central Ste 310, Glendale.

38 Exhibit 1, Post Exhibit: Posts CA6747 and CA7585 are at the same address.

Please confirm these two posts are not duplicative?

See Amendment A00004; address for CA6747 remains the same, address for CA7585 is corrected to CA7683, 27 Technology Drive, #100, Irvine.

39 SOW 9.21 FPS utilizes a PTS as an electronic validation of post staffing. Is the electronic PTS operational/available and in use for PSO services on this contract?

PTS is not operational at this time. The contractor will be notified if/when PTS is implemented.

40 SOW 6.6.4.1 RFP Section 6.6.4.1 provides: "Contractor shall complete Transitional Weapon and Weapon Platform Change training in accordance with Exhibit 4C." In the pre‐bid conference, it was stated that the current PSOs carry the .40 caliber firearm. What is the make and model of the .40 caliber firearm currently being used?

See answer to question 8 above.

41 SOW 6.4 RFP Section 6.4 identified all training elements. Are all incumbent personnel trained and certified to meet the stated training elements in Section 6.4. Is the training current? Will the training be grandfathered?

The current contract personnel meet all requirements under the current contract. The RFP requirements differ from the current contract requirements. All PSOs are required to complete all of the required training that is set forth in this RFP, which may vary from the type and quantity of training required under the expiring contract. IAW SOW 6.1.1, the COR has discretion to accept or deny proposed exemptions for previous training and /or certification obtained under another FPS contract. Previous training and certification documentation and/or credentials must be valid and meet requirements of this contract to be considered. All PSOs must meet all contractual requirements to perform on the resultant contract.

42 Exhibit 4 RFP Exhibit 4 requires the contractor to conduct required training.

Will incumbent personnel be required to attend orientation training?

The current contract personnel meet all requirements under the current contract. Note that the RFP requirements differ from the current contract requirements. All PSOs are required to complete all of the required training that is set forth in this RFP, which may vary from the type and quantity of training required under the expiring contract. IAW SOW 6.1.1, the COR has discretion to accept or deny proposed exemptions for previous training and

/or certification obtained under another FPS contract. Previous training and certification documentation and/or credentials must be valid and meet requirements of this contract to be considered. All PSOs must meet all contractual requirements to perform on the resultant contract. IAW paragraph 6.4.1.2, 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. Onetime 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)

43 SOW 6.4.1.2 RFP Section 6.4.1.2 requires one of the training elements to consist of: "Government‐Provided Orientation Training” Is this training conducted while on‐duty? If not, is this training billable?

Government Provided Orientation Training is not conducted while on “duty”. The contractor is responsible for including all training costs into its price. This training is not separately billable.

44 RFP Exhibit 8E requires the contractor to provide cellular telephones to "All facilities and PSO's covered by this contract." Are cellular telephones required for individual posts or personnel? For posts with multiple PSOs, is the contractor to provide (1) cellular telephone for the post or each individual PSO? If, for example, three PSOs work together in a lobby post, does each PSO require his/her own cellular telephone or should one be provided for the post?

See answer to question 2 above.

45 Post Exhibit 1 Will a post exhibit be provided which identifies specific duties of each PSO; i.e. lobby screening, loading dock, patrol.

Upon award a complete Post Exhibit will be provided to the successful offeror.

46 SOW 11.3 RFP Section 11.3 requires the Contractor to "maintain no less than the amount of supervision described in the Management Approach…" Are current Supervisors comprised of more than one rank? Please provide the rank structure.

The incumbent’s current rank structure is not relevant to this RFP as supervisory strategy is at the discretion of the offeror.

47 SOW 12.1.2 Breaks Do all facilities have break rooms where PSOs are authorized to take breaks?

No.

48 Based on the provided post exhibit, all posts require an MBI security clearance indicative of the level Secret. Section 5.4.1.2 however identifies

See Amendment A00004, which corrects security clearance levels for all posts. Post 0003CA is the only post requiring a SECRET Clearance that the contractor may require a clearance level of Top Secret. Please confirm that all persons being submitted for consideration do not require a final Top Secret clearance. If not, what percentage of the guard force is required to have a Top Secret clearance? What percentage of incumbent personnel maintain a Top Secret clearance?

(Minimum Background Investigation (MBI) check). There is not a requirement for Top Secret (TS) cleared personnel. It is not necessary for all PSOs to have a secret clearance, nor is there a requirement to have any particular percentage of the guard force cleared at the secret level. The awardee shall maintain a sufficient number of Secret cleared PSOs to adequately and reliably staff the secret post as specified in the Post Exhibit provided with Amendment A00004.

49 Section 5.4.1.2 identifies that the contractor may require a clearance level of Top Secret. Sub‐section E‐2 however, within the "Proposal Submission Requirements" stipulates that the offeror shall possess only a Secret facility clearance. Please confirm the level of clearance required.

See Amendment A00004, which amends page 76 of 343, wherein Section 5.4, paragraph 5.4.1.2 is amended to read “Secret” versus “Top Secret.”

Sub‐Section E‐2 is correct as stating offeror shall possess a Secret facility clearance.

50 SOW 14.4.6 Weapon Storage How are weapons currently being stored? Is the contractor or FPS providing the safe? Is the contractor or FPS providing the clearing barrel?

The offeror is responsible for weapon storage. FPS will provide neither storage nor clearing barrels.

51 The provided CBA does not appear to provide any mention of allowance for gear‐up/gear‐down time. What is the current practice regarding, and time allotted for how PSOs gear‐up, travel to and from post, and gear‐down?

How are the PSOs compensated for this time presently?

Guard mount is not a requirement for this RFP. The contractor is responsible for scheduling work in a manner consistent with effective contract management and CBA requirements, if applicable.

52 Attachment 8 Section 1 of the Field Level Supervision spreadsheet, Attachment 8, requires the contractor to “provide the number of full‐time equivalent field level supervisors that will be assigned to this effort”. A) It is our understanding that in section 1 of Attachment 8 we should state the number of personnel in each category. Please confirm if this is correct.

B) Can a fraction be used to represent the accurate number of personnel or should numbers be rounded up? For example, a 24x7 post represents 4.2 for a Full Time Equivalent (FTE). Conversely, a staffing number could reflect

5 FTE.

Yes, offeror should state the number of proposed personnel in each category: Area Supervisor, Site Supervisor, and Roving Supervisor. Fractions may be used.

53 SOW 11.2 Key Personnel‐ Will office space be provided at an FPS facility for the Contract Manager (CM) and is there a preferred location? If the government provides office space, which of the following will also be provided:

•Office furniture?

No, the successful offeror is required to provide any necessary office space and furnishings as well as any equipment.

• Computing equipment?

• Printer?

• Copier?

• Internet access?

• Phone service?

54 SOW 5.2 Medical and Physical Qualifications Are the medical and physical standards listed within the SOW the same for the incumbent personnel?

Are all incumbent personnel fully compliant with the RFP medical and physical requirements? Will all incumbent personnel be grandfathered or will they require new medical and physical testing?

The RFP requirements differ from the current contract requirements. All incumbent personnel meet the requirements contained in the current contract, but not necessarily those contained in this RFP. Incumbent personnel will be required to meet the new requirements.

55 Section E‐2, Instructions to Offerors, Proposal Submission Requirements, Subpart 4“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.” Will the inclusion of a Table of Contents count against the 20‐ page limit?

No.

56 Amended RFP page 313 ‐ Proposal Submission Requirements‐In addition to the hard copies, vendor shall submit an electronic version of the pricing schedule, the detailed breakdown, and technical proposal on Compact Disk (CD). Electronic version must be readable with Microsoft Office 2007" To clarify, the 1) pricing schedule, 2) the pricing breakdowns and 3) the entire technical proposal are the only things that should be included on the CD, not the entirety of the pricing as well as the technical proposal?

The pricing schedule as shown on page 3 of the RFP, the pricing breakdown, also referred to as the Price Element Breakdown, and the entire, un‐ redacted version of the technical proposal should be on the CD.

57 Amended RFP page 313 ‐ Proposal Submission Requirements‐Please note that three (3) of the five (5) copies of the technical submission (specifically the Management Approach) shall be redacted to remove any reference to the company name, logo, key personnel, etc. This includes pages, covers, headers, footers, pictures, etc. of the technical submission. Past Performance shall be provided under a separate cover and should not be redacted." How shall offerors handle the presentation of redacted information on the CD? Should all information contained on the CD be non‐ redacted?

The CD should contain the complete version of the proposal with no redactions.

58 Contract clauses, Section 4.B.3"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 periods under FAR 52.222‐43(d), unless the Supervisory position is expressly covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement or DOL Wage Determination. For Supervisory 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 option periods based on the labor market in the geographical area that the effort will be performed.” Is it permissible to price Supervisory and overhead positions at a 5 year average instead of escalating wages each period?

Pricing strategy is at the discretion of the offeror.

59 SOW 1.1.1 ‐ 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?

The contractor must comply with all OSHA training requirements. IAW SOW Section 12.2.1 the Contractor is responsible for compliance with workplace regulations, including but not limited to OSHA regulations.

60 SOW 5.2.2.1“Contractor shall require PSOs to undergo a pre‐employment medical/physical examination and every three years thereafter. A licensed

Yes, the physical/medical examination standards in this RFP are different than what is required under the current contract. As the medical/physical physician shall administer the examinations and document results on Medical Questionnaire (Exhibit 7). A) Are the physical/medical examination standards in this RFP different from the physical/medical examination standards currently applied to incumbent personnel? B) If the answer is yes, will incumbent PSOs with physical/medical examination records that meet the requirements of the current contract be required to undergo physical/medical examination during transition because the physical/medical examination standards have changed?

requirements of the RFP are different than what is required under the current contract, incumbent personnel will be required to undergo physical/medical examinations during transition in order to meet the requirements of the resulting contract.

61 SOW 5.2.4 Statement of Work, Paragraph 5.2.4 Initial and Recurring Screening for Illegal Drugs, subparagraph 5.2.4.1 provides: “PSOs must submit to urine drug screening as part of initial pre‐employment process and during recurring medical examination, every three years.” A) Are the drug screening standards in this RFP different from the drug screening standards currently applied to incumbent personnel? B) If the answer to Question A is yes, will incumbent PSOs with drug screening records that meet the requirements of the current contract be required to undergo drug screening during transition?

See response to question 13 above.

62 SOW 5.3.1.15“Contractor is responsible for all costs associated with obtaining and renewing suitability clearances for employee associated with this contract.” Does this paragraph 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.

While the Government will cover any of its costs related to the suitability review itself the contractor will bear all other costs associated with the suitability process.

63 SOW 6.6.4.1“Contractor shall complete Transitional Weapon and Weapon Platform Change training in accordance with Exhibit 4C.” Also, Exhibit 8C Contractor Provided Firearms and Ammunition provides in relevant part “The contractor will provide PSOs, including part‐time and reserve PSOs, with their own pistol. Select the 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.

Our questions presume that the government has determined the specific

See answer to question 8 above.

needs so that it can properly evaluate offerors management approach and price. Is the specified .40 S/W considered a change from the current platform? 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)

64 Exhibit 4C"Contractor must present a minimum total of 40 hours of firearms (32hrs) and Less‐Than‐Lethal weapons (8hrs) training." 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 required for both incumbent and new employees.

IAW Section 6.6.6, paragraph 6.6.6.1, Contractor shall conduct annual refresher training for any less‐than‐lethal weapons (i.e. expandable or straight police baton, sprays or repellants, conducted energy weapons, stuns weapons, etc.), equipment, or devices required under this contract, therefore, incumbent personnel shall receive the training annually. New personnel shall receive the initial training.

65 SOW 11.3.2“Under no circumstances shall Supervisors perform productive hours while working in supervisory capacity.” Are supervisors permitted to work in a capacity other than a supervisory capacity? If yes, are supervisors working in non‐supervisory capacity permitted to provide relief and/or stand post?

See answer to question 19 above.

66 SOW 14.5.3“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.” Is the requirement for employee respirator fit testing in this RFP different from the employee respirator fit testing requirement in the current contract?

Yes, the requirement under the current contract is different from the requirement in the RFP.

67 SOW 14.5.3“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

The current contract does not require respiratory protection clearances.

The incumbent personnel meet all requirements under the current contract. All PSOs are required to meet the requirements set forth in this RFP prior to standing post under the resultant contract.

health authority declares the use of respirators to be mandatory.” 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?

68 Exhibit 8D: Contractor Provided Personal Protective Equipment “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.”

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.

Cost should be included in the hourly rate.

69 SOW 13.5 Statement of Work Paragraph 13.5 addresses Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Cards. A) Do incumbent personnel have active PIV Cards B) Do incumbent personnel need to repeat the process if a new Contractor is selected? C) Please confirm that the amount of time required per PSO to complete the issuance process for a PIV card is 20 minutes as indicated in section C.5 of Exhibit 9E, Government‐Provided Property HSPD‐12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Card Employee Application Process. D) Please identify the enrollment station for this contract and provide the physical address. Also, will the Government provide reimbursement for any travel required?

Incumbent personnel do not have Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Cards.

Cards shall be renewed every 3 years from issuance. 20 minutes, as indicated in Section C.5 of Exhibit 9E, is representative of estimated processing time at the enrollment station. It does not include any travel time to and from the enrollment station (if travel time is necessary). See Amendment A00004, which amended Exhibit 9E to provide enrollment station locations. These costs should be built into the proposed hourly rates.

70 Please provide the current bill rates being paid under the incumbent's contract.

The RFP requirements differ from the current contract requirements which may impact the billing rates. Price proposals should be based on the RFP requirements.

71 Are all post exhibit locations governed by the provided International Union, Security, Police and Fire Professionals of America CBA?

This RFP contains two CBAs. Both CBAs are with the International Union, Security, Police and Fire Professionals of America. These two CBAs cover all posts.

72 How many Area Supervisors (AS) are currently utilized in the Basic Service by the current contractor?

This RFP is a new requirement and proposals should be based on this RFP.

73 Is there a minimum requirement for the number of Site Supervisors (SS)? The number of supervisors is at the discretion of the offeror.

74 Are any posts under the Basic Service that must have a Site supervisor (SS)?

If so which sites are they?

The management and placement of supervisors is at the discretion of the offeror.

75 Which locations under the Basic Service currently have Site Supervisors

(SS)?

The management and placement of supervisors is at the discretion of the offeror.

76 Are there a minimum number of patrol inspections that are to be performed by the Roving Supervisors (RS)? How many Roving Supervisors (RS’s) currently service this contract?

The management approach for this RFP is at the discretion of the offeror.

77 Do any posts have specific requirement for “Lead” PSO’s?

No.

78 How many “Lead” PSO’s are on the current contract?

The number of lead PSOs on the current contract is not relevant to the RFP and use of lead PSOs is at the discretion of the offeror.

79 If there are ‘Lead” PSO’s, what is their pay rate? These determinations are within the discretion of the contractor.

80 In the event of large and small‐scale events such natural disasters, civil disturbances, or other unanticipated events, is the Emergency Surge Security Force (ESS) expected by DHS to have the same qualifications (Firearms training, DHS training, etc) as the PSO’s that normally work the Basic Service outlined in this contract. If not what are the minimum requirements required for employment in the Emergency Surge Security Force?

All PSOs are required to meet all of the requirements of the RFP.

81 Should a new contractor assume that all Armed Protective Officers (PSO’s) will have to undergo new screening regardless of the last medical screening with the current company? (This is in reference to section 5.2.2 in the Scope of work)

See answer to question 12 above.

82 How many vehicles currently service this contract? We understand that according to Exhibit 8F that no vehicle is required, but what is currently being utilized to service the contract.

The use of vehicles is at the discretion of the offeror.

83 What are the make and model of the vehicles used under the current contract?

The make and model of the vehicles used under the current contract is not relevant to the RFP and is at the discretion of the offeror.

84 If we choose to utilize vehicles for our supervisors, are there any specifications for lights and or marking for vehicles in the current contract?

See Section 14.3 of the SOW and Exhibit 8F for information regarding vehicles.

85 According to Exhibit 8E each PSO under this contract is expected to have a cellular phone. Are there any other communications requirements in this contract? Is there any specific make and model of cellular telephones that the government wishes to be utilized to fulfill this contract?

See answer to question 2 above.

86 Are they any insurance or performance bond requirements for this contract?

IAW FAR 52.212‐4, Contract Terms and Conditions, paragraph q, The Contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal, State and local laws, executive orders, rules and regulations applicable to its performance under this contract. In addition see Section 4.2, State and Local Requirements in the SOW. Additionally, FAR 52.228‐5 as delineated on page 43 of 343 of the

RFP.

87 Is there a requirement for roving supervisors or any supervisors to be armed if they will not stand post under any circumstances?

Per SOW 6.4.2.1, Supervisory PSOs shall complete training under section 6.4.1, which includes weapons training and qualifications.

88 We as contractors can propose three different rates?

a. Basic Services?

b. TAS?

c. ESS?

Yes.

89 How many ESS hours were conducted in the past year of this contract, 2012?

None. The current contract does not include a CLIN for ESS.

90 Is there a requirement for an indirect burden rate in regards to the COOP? Under the Proposal Submission Requirements of the RFP for “Price Proposal”, paragraph 6 on page 322, vendors are instructed as follows in regard to COOP, “For applicable Indirect Burden rates, separately identify such indirect rates for the proposed Based and four option ears in the chart below……”