Questions_and_Answers__1_RFQ__HSSS01-17-R-0012_Childcare_Subsidy_Program.pdf

Questions and Answers #1 (30 March 2017)

Request for Quote (RFQ) HSSS01-17-R-0012 – Childcare Subsidy Program

1. Does the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation under solicitation number HSSS0117R0012 contain requirements similar to a current contract? Or, is this a new requirement for the government?

ANSWER: This is a new requirement for the United States Secret Service.

2. Is there an incumbent Contractor currently fulfilling this requirement?

ANSWER: No, this is a new requirement for the United States Secret Service.

3. What is the place of performance for this requirement?

ANSWER: The place of performance will be at the contractor’s facility.

4. In terms of GFE, it is stated that the “Government will not furnish any equipment for this project”. Does the Government intend for the Contractor to furnish all necessary equipment and facilities?

ANSWER: Yes, the Contractor shall furnish all necessary equipment and facilities to execute the requirements defined in the Statement of Work.

5. Page 7 of the SOW states that the Completion Date will be “completed within sixty (60) days from the start date”, while the SF 1449 references a 1 base year period of performance (05/01/2017 to

04/30/2018) with one option year (05/01/2018 to 04/30/2019). For clarity, what is the period of performance?

ANSWER: The period of performance is one (1) base year period and one (1) option year period.

The United States Secret Service anticipates the website development, website design, and website launch as stated in the Statement of Work (SOW) shall be completed within sixty (60) days from the day of the award. The SOW has been revised to clarify what the sixty (60) days references.

6. On Page 7 of the SOW, it states completion date: “Project shall be completed within sixty (60) days from the start date.”

Because the bid calls for the development, implementation, and approval of the government regarding the vendor’s website, does 60 days mean government approval of the website design, or implementation of the site, or using the site in a real-time production environment?

ANSWER: See question to answer number 5.

7. Does the Secret Service or the Vendor make the ultimate determinations regarding eligibility of applicants? It appears the vendor must notify the employee and care provider, but it’s not clear whether the decision is made by the vendor, or whether the vendor facilitates the decision issuance.

ANSWER: The vendor shall review all applicants and make recommendations, but the final determination shall be made by the Government.

8. Does the Agency or the vendor make actual payments to the Child care provider? If the vendor, does the agency require a particular accounting system for escrowing funds?

ANSWER: The United States Secret Service does not require a particular specialized accounting system. The contractor's commercial accounting system should be adequate during the entire period of contract performance.