Questions and Answers re Presolicitation Notice HT940724Q0001.docx

Questions & Answers in response to Presolicitation Notice, HT940724Q0001 Q1: I read in the solicitation: 5.1.9. Subcontracting. Contractor is required to obtain Contracting Officer approval prior to subcontracting any part of this contract to another entity. What is the proper way to ask for permission/approval to subcontract this solicitation? If approved, how would you like your proposal submitted?

A1: If a company plans to subcontract, it must disclose such in its quote. The company must provide sufficient information regarding any teaming arrangements (e.g., subcontract, joint venture, teaming partner) for the Government to conclude that the proposed partner is technically capable of performing the required services. If the company changes teaming arrangements post-award, similar information and approval is required before a new partner can begin work. Since this requirement is 100% set-aside for small business, the Federal Acquisition Regulations clause 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (Deviation 2021-O0008 Revision 1), applies.

Q2: Is there an incumbent contract or contractor associated to the requirement. If any, please provide the contractor's name and contract number.

A2: Similar services currently are performed under Air Force contract FA700019CA004 by RiverTech LLC.

Q3: What is the start date for this contract?

A3: Per the presolicitation notice, the planned target award date is May 29, 2024, with the base period of performance of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 and four 12-month option periods thereafter. Although the solicitation issuance has been delayed, these remain our target dates. However, the “Delivery Information” section of the solicitation, when issued, will define the period of performance for the base year and each option year.

Q4: Does this require 3 separate drivers for each route?

A4: The required Courier Routes are defined in Exhibit A001 of the Performance Work Statement (PWS). The PWS does not specify the number of drivers required; however, based on the defined route schedules, it is anticipated that three drivers will be necessary to meet the schedule requirements if all routes are exercised (note that the Buckley route is an “option”).

Q5: Can you provide me with how to apply and submit a proposal for this contract opening?

A5: Instructions regarding how to submit a quote will be identified in solicitation provision 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Products & Commercial Services, and Addendum to 52.212-1.

Q6: Are the routes only Mon-Fri? Are Sat and Sun an option as well? How many 7am to 5pm routes would you like to have each day? i.e. 1 driver for route 1 and another driver for route 2. So 2 routes per day, 2 drivers. Or 1 driver that will alternate route 1 and 2?

A6: Per PWS paragraphs 1.1, 1.2, 1.6.3, 1.6.4, and 5.1, the courier services are required Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays or facility closures. Courier services on Saturday and Sunday are not authorized in the PWS. The required Courier Routes are defined in Exhibit A001, Courier Routes, of the PWS. The Government’s requirement does not specify the number of drivers required; however, based on the defined route schedules, it is anticipated that three drivers will be necessary to meet the schedule requirements if all routes are exercised (note that the Buckley route is an “option”).

Q7: Are there any resources to help small businesses submit bids?

A7: The DHA Contract Specialist, Ms. Julie Thomas, can answer questions regarding the solicitation requirements. All such Questions & Answers are provided to industry via an amendment posted to SAM.gov. For assistance beyond that, APEX Accelerators (https://www.aptac-us.org/) and/or your local Small Business Administration office (https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/sba-locations) may be able to assist you.

Q8: Are we able to submit proposals while in presolicitation phase?

A8: No, you cannot submit a proposal in the presolicitation phase because the PWS posted was still a draft (subject to change), and the quote submission requirements and evaluation criteria, which will be contained in the solicitation, have not been communicated.

Q9: I know in Item 3 of the PWS, it is mentioned the maximum number of totes for any one delivery would be approximately 100. Would you have an average number?

A9: The Government is gathering this data and will include it in the PWS that is posted with the solicitation. Please note that the daily requirements are fluid, thus tote sizes and quantities per route per day vary based on each facility’s needs.

Q10: Do you know when this opportunity will go into the phase where we can submit a bid?

A10: As stated in the presolicitation notice, the Government anticipated issuing the solicitation on or about January 30, 2024, with a 14-day response time. Unfortunately, it has been delayed. It will be posted as soon as it is ready.