HSHQWA-15-R-00002__E_WA_and_ID_Statewide_QAs_-_15_Jan.docx

E Washington and Idaho Questions and Answers

HSHQWA-15-R-00002

Question: Is this supplied by the contractor or part of the PTS system of the future mentioned in Section 9.5, page 91 of 487?

Question: Will the Government allow data collection devices in all buildings on the solicitation, and if not what buildings will not allow these devices (smart phone, tablet, computer, etc.)?

Question: If the contractor supplies the devices, will the Government provide a location, power and internet connectivity to allow these devices to gather the information requested?

The devices will be provided by the Government as part of the future PTS. The contractor will utilize Form 139 until the future PTS is implemented. Upon implementation of the future PTS, form 139 will no longer be used.

The Government will not allow data collection devices other than the future PTS devices in any of the building identified in this solicitation.

Not applicable. Contractor-supplied devices will not be used.

The training is located at FLETC, Brunswick, GA. The number(s) and associated expenses for the NWDTP trainer(s) are at the contractor’s discretion.

Question: Can the NWDTP Instructor conduct OJT with 2 or more persons at one time and count this as 2 hours for each PSOs receiving the OJT at the same time in order to meet this requirement?

No

Question: In that there is the likelihood of at least weapons training being required for all PSOs due to the issuance of new weapons, as well as NWDTP and other training required by the contract, will the Government require the incumbent contractor to make PSOs available during normal business hours, even if this requires overtime to fill the multiple posts that will need substitute PSOs as a result of this policy?

No

Question: Does the relief requirement refer to the 0600 to 1800 business hours that are normally in effect during the week, or does the contractor have to provide relief for PSOs working the weekend on all shifts on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays?

Relief is required for all shifts.

Question: Are incumbent personnel currently trained under this requirement?

No.

Question: What is the length of the Information Security and Records Management Training provided via Government provided CD?

The published duration of these courses is 1 hour each.

Question: Will medical and physical examinations performed by the predecessor contractor be recognized in order to meet the requirement for a pre-employment medical and physical examination for incumbent personnel?

Incumbent contractor personnel meet all requirements under the current contract. The medical/physical requirements of this RFP differ from those contained in the current/expiring contract. Therefore, medical examinations conforming to SOW requirements at 5.2.2 may be required.

Question: Typically on FPS contracts nationally, after personnel complete the pre-employment medical and physical examination the Government requires that PSOs be retested every three years. That standard seems to be missing from this SOW. If recertification is required, what is the frequency?

After successful completion of the pre-employment medical and physical examination, certification is valid for the duration of the contract.

Question: The SOW requires that PSOs be trained and certified in the following areas: Initial Basic Training, First Aid/CPR/AED, Firearms Training and Qualification, Intermediate Weapons (OC and Baton) Training, NWDTP (for applicable personnel performing at x-ray and non x-ray screening posts), and Government Provided Orientation Training. Are all incumbent PSOs current on these subject areas?

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.

Question: Please provide a list of training subjects that are new for incumbent PSOs and will be required training during contract transition?

Follow all training requirement as listed on the Statement of Work (SOW).

Question: Please provide the locations for the Government provided orientation and the administration of the basic training written examination for pricing purposes.

Spokane, WA; Pocatello, ID; Richland, WA; Boise, ID.

Question: Please provide the locations for the Government provided PIV issuing locations throughout the contract for pricing purposes.

Boise, ID; Yakima, WA and; Spokane, WA

Question: The Contractor Provided Equipment Exhibit indicates that the contractor must provide a .40 caliber S&W firearm. For accuracy in pricing purposes, what make and model is used by PSOs on the current contract

Smith and Wesson, Model M&P .40

Question: Please clarify, is FPS requesting five (5) copies of the past performance project form Attachment 3, under a separate cover?

Yes. Page 455 of the RFP states that the submission “shall contain five (5) copies of the technical (non-price) submission.”

“4. Page Limitation – Excluding the cover page and past performance forms and questionnaires, the technical proposal is limited to twenty (20) pages in at least 11pt. font and 1” margins.”

Question: Is the text within graphics subject to the same font limitation of 11 point font?

No. However, all text must be legible.

Question: Is FPS requesting the price for the 6 month option period?

No. The pricing for the 6 month period covered under FAR 52.217-8 will be evaluated using the offeror’s proposed Option Year 4 prices. See page 461 of the Price Proposal section, paragraph 1.

Question 1: Do all incumbents have copies of the SMART Book or are they required to receive a new copy from the successor?

Question 2: Can incumbents receive and E-mailed copy?

1. The successor will have to provide a new copy of the SMART Book.

2. No. See page 57 , Section 1.5.2 of the solicitation.

RFP Reference: 2.1.1 A smooth and orderly transition between incoming and outgoing Contractors is necessary to assure minimum disruption to vital contract services and government activities. The Phase‐In period shall be a maximum of 120 days for startup, from the contract award date to the performance start date.

Question: The government has identified 120-days of transition as the maximum it will allow, is there a minimum number of days the government anticipates upon award?

There is no minimum number of days on this solicitation.

Question: Do all incumbents meet the standards listed in 5.1?

Yes

Request: Do all incumbents meet the standards listed in 5.2?

Incumbent contractor personnel meet all requirements under the current contract. The medical/physical requirements of this RFP differ from those contained in the current/expiring contract. Therefore, medical examinations conforming to SOW requirements at 5.2.2 may be required.

Question: Do all incumbents meet the standards listed in 5.2.2?

See response to question #24

Question: Do all incumbents meet the standards listed in 5.2.3?

Incumbent contractor personnel meet all requirements under the current contract. The drug screening requirements of this RFP differ from those contained in the current/expiring contract. Therefore, screening conforming to SOW requirements at 5.2.3 may be required.

Question: Do all incumbents meet the standards listed in 5.3?

Yes

Question: What is the current average turn-around time on an EOD Decision?

7 weeks; however, a decision is not guaranteed within 7 days.

Question: What firearms are the incumbent security force currently using by make, model and caliber?

Question: Is this a weapons platform change?

Smith and Wesson, Model M&P .40.

No, there is no change in the weapons platform.

Question: Are any incumbent employees TTT qualified and will they remain so for this contract?

Question: What percentage of incumbent PSO’s are trained and certified to the new National Weapons Detection Training Program (NWDTP) Standards?

Question: Does DHS-FPS plan on conducting NWDTP training and certification on Saturday and Sunday only? Where is this training going to be held?

Question: Will the Government please confirm that NWDTP training is Contractor Provided Training and should be priced accordingly? Will the Government make space available at FLETC in order to certify contractor trainer(s) as NWDTP certified instructors?

No employees are currently TTT certified as this requirement is not applicable to the incumbent contract.

No employees are currently NWDTP certified as this requirement is not applicable to the incumbent contract.

The Government-provided NWDTP training to certify contractor instructors will be conducted at FLETC. Contractor-provided training by the certified contractor instructor, IAW SOW 6.7.4.1.9 will be conducted on weekends at spaces provided by the Government in Spokane, WA; Richland, WA; Boise, ID; and Yakima, WA.

Yes, NWDTP training provided by certified contractor instructors should be priced accordingly. Space will be made available at FLETC to certify contractor trainers.

Question: How many incumbent employees are 8 hour certified at each location by category and site and how many are 16 hour certified at each location by category and site?

No employees are currently NWDTP certified as this requirement is not applicable to the incumbent contract.

Question: At what sites are DHS, FPS new hire orientation training sessions provided?

See response to question #15

Question: Are post orders in compliance with local Authority and Jurisdiction; Licenses and Permits; and Adherence to Laws?

It is the responsibility of the contractor to execute the post orders in compliance with local authority and jurisdiction; licenses and permits; and adherence to laws.

Question: How many of these instances have occurred in the past? For what duration? For how many personnel? And at what locations and reason behind the deployment?

None. However, This historical information is provided for informational purposes only and is not an indication or guarantee that increases instances will not occur in the future during the course of the solicited contract. Offerors are responsible for factoring in any risk of increased future instances and the costs associated with them.

Question: Where are cards issued? Is there a travel requirement for PSOs to obtain cards?

Question: Do all incumbents been issued PIV cards? If not, what percentages have not?

See response to question #16. Travel may be required.

Incumbents do not have PIV cards. This is a new requirement.

Question: How many incumbent employees have reasonable accommodations at this time?

None.

Question: Are shotguns required on this contract?

No. See Exhibit 10, page 160 , for requirement.

Question: Standard carrying case (Radio) 1 each is required but there is no radio requirement - assume this is a typo?

Question: Is there one (1) phone per officer, or one (1) phone per post?

No, this is not a typo. 1 case is required.

1 phone per post. This phone is provided by the Government, but custody is maintained by the Government (not GFE). The contractor provides the carrying case for the radio (Motorola XTS 5000).

Question: Does the incumbent force require all new medical certifications

Yes.

Please confirm the union is still in place and if there is a new CBA agreement in place? If a new CBA is not in place, please confirm that all bidders must use the expired CBA rates for pricing purposes?

The union is still in place and the most current CBA for this area is WD 2010-0019, Revision 3, dated 12/20/2011. Offerors are required to use the most current CBA for pricing purposes.

Question: The local 355 for Yakima has wages that will change in the middle of the Base Period. Does the Government want Offerors to bid an average wage for the Base Period that incorporates the wage increase on 2/1/17 and then apply that average to all contract periods?

The CBA language is clear. It is the responsibility of the offerors to develop pricing strategies that account for required vacation time.

With regard to the CBAs, the Uniform Allowance says it is specifically for service and maintenance of uniforms. For pricing purposes, will the Government please confirm the Uniform Allowance should be used for all replacement uniforms?

The government does not provide interpretations of Uniform Maintenance provisions contained in CBAs.

Question 1: Are TAS hours included in the 150,500.00 PSO services?

Question 2: If the answer to the above question is “no” can the Government provide the TAS hours required for this procurement?

N/A

Question: Would the Government please provide a list that shows the status of the incumbent’s personnel licenses/permits?

Question: Do incumbent personnel on the current/existing contract meet the Medical Standards, Fitness, and Clearance requirements stated in the RFP or are these new requirements?

See response to question #11

Question 1: Are the training requirements stated in the RFP the training requirements for the current/existing contract or is there a change in the training requirements for the new contract?

Yes there is a change in the training hours.

Question: Is the Contract Manager required to be onsite Monday – Friday during normal working hours?

No; however, IAW 11.2.5 of the SOW “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: Is it permissible for the Contract Manager to simultaneously manage/oversee other similar Government and/or commercial contracts while serving as the Contract Manager on the PSO Services throughout PSO Services for East WA/Idaho contract, or is the Contract Manager a dedicated, full-time, position exclusively for this contract?

No, the Contract Manager is a dedicated full-time position for this contract.

Question: Please provide the building/location where the Contract Manager currently resides?

The current Contract Manager resides in their company provided office space.

Question: Will the Government provide office space for Key Personnel?

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

Question: If office space is provided, will the Government provide internet connectivity for the Contract Manager?

See response to question #53

Question 1: What is the current weapons being used on the contract? Is this considered a weapons platform change or transition from the previous contract?

Question 2: If offeror chooses to use the same weapon as the incumbent contract, is Transitional Weapons Training required?

Question 3: Will the government provide storage space for weapons and ammo on site?

Question 4: If yes, can the government provide the buildings where such storage space are in place?

Smith and Wesson, Model M&P .40. If a different model or caliber is provided by the contractor, then platform change will apply.

If Smith and Wesson, Model M&P .40 is used, then Transitional Weapons Training is not required. Refer to SOW 6.6.4.

No, the government does not provide storage space for weapons. Further, no weapons may be stored on site.

Not applicable, storage not provided.

Question 1: Is the Government providing the shotguns?

Question 2: If the answer to the above question is “no” can the government specify how many shot guns are required for this procurement?

Question 3: Can the government specify which post need shotguns and how many at each post

1. See response to question #37. Shotguns are not required under this RFP.

2. NA, see response above.

3. NA, see response above.

Question: Would the Government please identify the Level III and Level IV Facilities listed on the Post Exhibit?

The information will be provided to the awardee.

Question: Please clarify whether any or all of the following constitute Fringe benefits and whether offerors must honor these Fringe benefits during the term of the contract: uniform allowance, shoe allowance, Health & Welfare, paid vacation, and paid holidays

Uniform Allowance and shoe allowance are not fringe benefits. H&W, paid vacation and paid holidays are fringe benefits.

Questions: Is Guard Mount required for this contract? If guard mount is required, will the government provide space for guard mount?

The Government does not require Guard mount.

Question 1: Do incumbent personnel have PIV cards or is this a new requirement?

Question 2: Are all incumbent PIV cards to be replaced if due to Contractor change?

Question 3: Can the government provide location where these PIV cards will be issued and estimating processing time?

1. See response to question #35

2. See response above

3. See response to Question #16.

Question: Will the COR provide the detailed Post Exhibit for the purpose of this solicitation and before proposal submission or are offerors to develop their price in line with the provided “representation”?

The Post Exhibit included in the RFP represents the current known requirement. The requirement may change and the contractor may be required to provide all hours up to the maximums quantities stated in the schedule. It is the responsibility of the contractor to develop its pricing strategy with these facts in mind.

QUESTION: Will the government confirm that all posts indicated by a “Yes”, to include those specifically identified as Patrol and Response posts, require relief to be provided by a dedicated Relief PSO.

Offerors should follow the instructions as identified on Page 197, Exhibit 13 of the solicitation. Relief is required. However, whether the relief is ‘dedicated’ is at the contractor’s discretion.

Question: Do all PSOs under the current contract carry both OC Spray and the Baton and if not, will they require training for one or both as part of the new contract?

The incumbent contract requires all PSOs to carry both OC spray and Baton.

Question: What is the number of PSOs under the current contract who operate X-ray machines that are trained to these standards?

None. This is a new requirement.

Question: What is the number of PSOs under the current contract that are trained to these standards?

None. This is a new requirement.

Question: Does the government request offerors to include all three supervisory classifications for this effort?

The number, mix and type of the three supervisory classifications are at the offeror’s discretion.

RFP Reference: Page 462 of 487 B, To ensure the submission of an adequate price element breakdown for purposes of this RFP, the Government suggests that the Contractor complete the attached worksheet, “Price Element Breakdown” (Attachment 6). Attachment (6A) provides instructions for completion of the worksheet. The worksheet serves as a proforma for the expected format of the price element breakdown.

QUESTION: Does the Government expect a workbook containing three sets of completed Price Element Breakdown Worksheets for all Contract Line Items for All years to Include:

0001-4001 PSO Services 0002-4002 Emergency Security Services (ESS) 0003-4003 COOP Implementation If So, could the Government please provide the detail of Emergency Security Services frequencies and duration as well as the historical frequencies, nature, and duration of COOP implementation

No. The Price Element Breakdown Worksheets are the suggested price proposal format for PSO services.

The requirement for ESS can be found on the Pricing Schedule on page 4 and the definition can be found on pages 20 and 487. Historically, services for ESS have not been ordered. However, This historical information is provided for informational purposes only and is not an indication or guarantee that increases instances will not occur in the future during the course of the solicited contract. Offerors are responsible for factoring in any risk of increased future instances and the costs associated with them.

Please note that the Government has already provided a not-to-exceed amount that must be used for pricing purposes. This information is included on the Pricing Schedule on page 4.

No.

Yes

The successful offeror will be required to pay its employees, at a minimum, the most current wage rates and fringe benefits listed in the three CBAs that were incorporated into the solicitation as the applicable wage determinations.

No.

This information is not required by potential offerors and is subject to change.

No, the training requirements under this solicitation differ from those on the current contract.

Question: Please confirm that all incumbent PSOs have PIV cards in accordance with the solicited requirement.

See response to question #35.

Question: The Post Exhibit lists the operating days of work for each post. Holidays are listed for posts that are open on specific Holidays.

Question: Are all other facilities (other than 24/7 posts) closed on Holidays?

There is no question to answer.

Exhibit 13 includes a listing of the posts that require service on holidays. All other facilities listed as “No” on the post exhibit do not require service on holidays unless otherwise directed by the CO or COR.

Question: Operating Days are listed as Sat-Sun. Should the Operating Days for this post be “Sun-Sat”?

See Amendment 0002.

Question: Total Days Per Week are listed as “4” and Total Hours per Day are “12” for “48” Hours per Week. The Operating Days are listed as “M-F”. Should the Operating Days for this post be “M-TH”?

See Amendment 0002. Correct hours are 60

Question 1: Please provide an estimate of how many TAS hours are anticipated per year.

Question 2: What are the total TAS hours for FY 2014 and FY 2013?

1. TAS hours are estimated to be 4% of the Basic hours. See page 19 of 487.

2. The TAS hours for FY 2014 and 2013 are approximately 4,811 and 5,288 respectively.

Note: This historical information is provided for informational purposes only and is not an indication or guarantee that increases instances will not occur in the future during the course of the solicited contract. Offerors are responsible for factoring in any risk of increased future instances and the costs associated with them if the historical data is not adequately predictive.

Question 1: How many personnel on the contract currently have Top Secret Clearances?

Question 2: Can the government identify the PSOs on the contract with current Top Secret Clearances?

Question 3: Are current PSO’s currently screener NWDTP certified?

Question 4: Please identify the current certified NWDTP screener on the seniority list.

Question 5: Are there currently any contract employee’s that are NWDTP instructors on the contract?

Question 6: Please identify the current NWDTP Instructors on the seniority list.

1. The incumbent contractor has a sufficient number of Top Secret Clearance Personnel to staff the required posts on the incumbent contract. However, there is no guarantee that an equal number of Top Secret Clearance Personnel will be adequate to meet the current requirement.

2. No the Government cannot identify these PSOs

3. No employees are currently NWDTP certified as this requirement is not applicable to the incumbent contract.

4. Not applicable. See response above.

5. Not applicable. See response above.

6. Not applicable. See response above.

Post IDs:

· 10-G-203

· 10-G-207

· 10-G-210

· 10-G-240

· 10-G-213

· 10-G-238

· 10-G-244

· 10-G-223

Questions: Would the Government consider making the listed posts self-relieving as they are in the current contract SOW?

No, offerors should follow the instructions as identified on Page 197 of 477, Exhibit 13 of the solicitation.

Question: Does the Government have a specific method to validate English Language Abilities?

QUESTION: What are the locations for PIV card issuance?

See response to question #16.

Question 1: Are cell phones required for each person on each post?

Question 2: Is the “Cellular Telephone Holder” for a belt or desk?

Question 3: What is/are the current cell service provider(s) for all the areas?

1. See response to question #38.

2. A belt.

3. Unknown.

Question: To mitigate cost, may the Contractor collect the 139’s from the field locations by FAX, and after review, scan and send them to the COR electronically?

Facsimile copies of completed DHS Form 139’s may not be used for this purpose.

Question 1: Should the Proposal Submission Requirements include THREE envelopes that are sealed in a FOURTH envelope for submission?

Question 2: Is an electronic copy (CD) of the entire proposal required?

Question 3: Is a redacted electronic copy required?

1. Page 455 of the RFP solicitation identifies the proposal submission to include two envelopes that are sealed in a third envelope for submission. The disc does not need to be sealed in a separate envelope.

2. Yes

3. No

Question: A Teaming Agreement can be several pages long. Is the “Teaming Agreement” included in the 20-page limit?

No. See page 457 of 487

Question 1: Is a description (or some other proof) of “Participation in the DHS Mentor Protégé Program” required in the Management Approach section of the proposal?

Question 2: If so, is the description included in the 20-page limit?

1. No

2. N/A

Question: Can we receive a copy of the current Wage Determination/CBA or MOU?

All current CBAs are included as part of Amendment 0003. See also response to question 6 above.

Question 1: Historically, has the TAS work force been pulled from the Basic PSO Services workforce?

Question 2: Historically, what is the number of PSO Officers pulled to work TAS duties?

Question 3: Historically, what number of “standby” “pooled” ”reserve” emergency PSO Officers have been required?

Question 4: Historically, what is that number of pooled reserve PSOs at each location?

Question 5: Historically, is 6000 hours invoiced annually for TAS services in addition to the historical 150,000 labor hours?

Question 6: Please define “shift differential” hours. Is it from 1900 thru 0700 seven days per week? Or what is the specific definition that relates to “shift differential” for this contract?

Question 7: Please define “holiday” pay period begins at 0001 and ends at 2400 hours each holiday?

Question 8: Historically, have the PSO employees been paid for meal and breaks during shifts?

Question 9: Historically, has a supervisor been charged with roving to relieve employees for breaks?

1. This staffing decision is within the vendor’s discretion.

2. See response to question 98 part 1 above.

3. See response to question 98 part 1 above.

4. See response to question 98 part 1 above.

5. See response to question #82.

6. Not applicable to this contract.

7. Consult the CBAs attached to the RFP for information on what has historically been provided.

8. Please refer to the CBAs incorporated as the applicable WDs for the minimum wages and fringe benefits required under the solicited contract. The government is not providing historical information pertaining to breaks..

9. The government is not providing historical information regarding the incumbent’s staffing/supervisor/relief approach. Offerors are reminded that patrol (rover) and supervisory PSOs shall not be used for provide breaks/relief while simultaneously performing the rover or supervisory function. See Solicitation page 460.

Question 1: Attachment 10 The Seniority List of 73 officers tells us there are 73 current qualified employees. Yet, what it does not tell us is how these union employees are distributed through the three locals. This breakout distribution is required to get the proper labor rates correct for each employee, since each local has negotiated their own different labor rates. Please breakout how each of these union employees is distributed through each local.

Question 2: To better understand how these locals are distributed throughout the four locations, please breakout how these local union members are distributed in Washington and Idaho.

Question 3: What are those location headquarters for each named local on this contract?

Question 4: Are pensions currently set up to transfer?

Question 5: What is the number of union member employees who have opted out of Health and Welfare benefits to receive cash?

Question 6: Have these union member employees who have opted out of the Health and Welfare benefits to receive cash proven they are covered on some other Health Care plan or someone else’s plan?

Question 7: Please provide each of the Local Union representative’s names and contact information here.

1. See response to Question #71

2. The post exhibit provides the post locations. CBA 2015-7367 covers Yakima, Richland, Wenatcheee, Kennewick, and Walla Walla. WD2010-019 covers Spokane, Clarkston, Cour D’Alene, and Lewiston. CBA 2015-8343 covers Boise.

3. This information is not available to the Government.

4. This information is not available to the Government.

5. This information is not available to the Government and is between the Contractor and their employees.

6. See response above

7. See response above

The required minimum wage and fringe benefit rates that the contractor will be required to pay its SCA covered employees that will be working under the contract are contained in the CBAs that were incorporated into the solicitation as the applicable wage determinations

Unknown

Question: How many PSO employees are required to perform duties at the Secret level? What are their specific posts locations and duty descriptions?

Question: How many PSO employees are required to perform duties at the Top Secret level? What are their specific posts locations and duty descriptions?

Question: Are the PSO required to perform Escort/courier duties?

Question: Will the government provide the contractor an approved safe for safe keeping classified documents and information?

None

Offerors should follow the instructions as identified on Page 197 of 477, Exhibit 13 of the solicitation.

No.

Question: Will the government identify the required Field Level Supervisor posts by city? By post?

Question: On average, historically, how many tenured government employees work at each of these locations?

Question: Post ID4381/10-G-235 in Coeur d’Alene states duty hours from 1800 to 0600 is 12 hours per day Monday through Friday should reflect 5 days per week at 60 hours per week instead of 4 days per week at 48 hours per week. Will the government provide the correct number of days and hours per week?

No. The proposed distribution of supervisors is at the discretion of the offeror.

This information will not be provided as it is not necessary to prepare a proposal for this requirement

See post exhibit. Correct hours are 60

Question: Hand over/shift change operations?

Question: Weapons issue?

10% Oleoresin capsicum (OC). See page 158 of the RFP.

No

This is subject to a contractors’ training preference.

It is conducted within the anniversary of the completion of the basic training.

Question: Are hotel stays direct cost reimbursable?

Question: Is the mileage rate set at $.57 per mile for this specific training?

Question: Is Per Diem set at the Spokane, WA rate for US DOD rates?

The contractor is responsible for all travel costs associated with training. The contractor is responsible for including travel costs associated with training within their proposed hourly rates. Travel costs associated with training will not be separately reimbursed under the contract.

See response above.

See response above.

See response above.