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M00264-21-Q-0163 ASL Interpreter Support Amendment 0001 Q&A
The purpose of this Amendment is to respond to questions submitted to the solicitation.
| 1 |
| Whether companies from Outside USA can apply for this? |
(like, from India or Canada) Interested sources are responsible for reviewing the solicitation in its entirety. The solicitation specifies the criteria that must be met for qualified and responsive sources.
| 2 |
| Whether we need to come over there for meetings? |
| Interested sources are responsible for reviewing the solicitation in its entirety, which clearly specifies the performance location and on-site services. |
| 3 |
| Can we perform the tasks (related to RFP) outside USA? |
(like, from India or Canada) This is not an “RFP” and such term is not applicable to this solicitation. This is a request for quotes (RFQ) in accordance with FAR 13 procedures, not an RFP in which FAR 15 procedures apply.
Interested sources are responsible for reviewing the solicitation in its entirety. The performance work statement (PWS) within the solicitation specifies both the location and frequency of performance
| 4 |
| Can we submit the proposals via email? |
| This is not an RFP, therefore, the term “proposals” is not applicable to this solicitation. The instructions to submit quotes are provided in the paragraph titled “Submission of Quotes”, on pages 2-3 of the solicitation. Interested sources are responsible for reviewing the solicitation in its entirety. |
| 5 |
| Who are the current incumbents? |
| The incumbent is Deaf Access Solutions, Inc. (DAS) |
| 6 |
| What are the current incumbent rates? |
| We are prohibited from revealing the rates of any quoter/contractor. |
To request any additional information, your firm may submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the appropriate FOIA office.
| 7 |
| Will this bid be awarded to multiple vendors? If so, how will the work be distributed? |
| The term “bid” is specific to FAR Part 14 “Sealed Bidding”. This solicitation specifies that it is in accordance with FAR Part 13, therefore, the term “bid” is not applicable. Instead, the term request for “quote” hereby applies. |
Page 1 of the solicitation states that “A single firm-fixed price award will be issued on an “all-or-none” basis to satisfy this requirement.” Page 2 of the solicitation states “The Government intends to make a single Firm Fixed Price (FFP) award.” Page 3 of the solicitation also states “The Government intends to make a single Firm Fixed Price award to satisfy this requirement.”
| 8 |
| How does MCOTEA currently organize their requests – do they all go through one team or is it decentralized? |
| This question is unclear. The solicitation provides a schedule to include specific dates and type of interpreter(s) required. |
| 9 |
| Will interpreters be required to purchase a parking pass? What are the parking fees, if any? |
| There is not requirement for the purchase of a parking pass; however, all interpreters must adhere to the base access requirements, as outlined in the solicitation. |
| 10 |
| Can you confirm if the period of performance will only be from 15 June 20201 through 30 November 2021? Will there be any extensions? |
| The performance period specified in the solicitation is the performance period required. The solicitation does not allow for any extensions. |
| 11 |
| Page 6, section D. subsection a. states for unclassified assignments "The Contractor will provide ONE unclassified interpreter to provide eight (8) hours of services every Tuesday and Thursday. Dates will be determined by the COR and the Contractor." It is industry standard that assignments lasting longer than 1.5 hours of non-stop ASL discourse requires a team of interpreters. This is to ensure ASL interpreters avoid a Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI). I do not see this language in the RFQ, would you consider adding it? |
| This industry standard is based on continuous interpreting services; however, MCOTEA doesn’t have a requirement for continuous unclassified interpreter services. These unclassified interpreter services are adhoc interpreting, in the event other personnel would need to have a discussion with the deaf employee. There won’t be training, meetings, or conferences on these days of unclassified interpreter services. The PWS has been modified to reflect this. |
The solicitation allows for quoters to offer the mix/number of interpreters necessary to meet the solicitation requirements.
| 12 |
| Page 14, Schedule of Services lists quantity as 47 for unclassified assignments and 53 for classified assignments. Can you please confirm if the quantity is for the entire length of the contract? |
| The quantity is for the length of the contract and the schedule is provided within the solicitation. |
| 13 |
| Who pays for the clearance(s) required for this opportunity? |
| As specified in the solicitation, quoters must already possess such clearances. Quotes that do not demonstrate a valid/current FCL as well as personnel clearances will not be considered for award due to failure to meet solicitation requirements. |
| 14 |
| What is the cancellation policy in the event MCOTEA cancels a scheduled assignment with last minute notice? Industry standard is 2 business days notice to avoid any fees. |
| As specified in the solicitation, “The Government intends to make a single Firm Fixed Price (FFP) award.” Therefore, the price shall not be adjusted for cancellation fees. However, should there be a cancellation, the Government will make all reasonable attempts to notify the Contractor as soon as possible. The Government will follow industry standard and if cancellation is not timely within two business days, the Contractor may invoice for the FFP amount. |
The solicitation has been amended to incorporate this, specifically at Paragraph 5.1 of the PWS.
| 15 |
| Are there any challenges you would like this new contract to address? |
| All requirements needing to be addressed are identified in the solicitation. |
| 16 |
| Can I be prime and then use a sub-contractor who has the facility clearance OR does that company need to be prime and I sub? |
| Interested vendors may quote with prime-subcontractor agreements; however, the rules for subcontracting apply. Interested parties are also reminded to review FAR 52.219-14 “Limitations on Subcontracting”. |
If quoting a subcontractor, the quote shall clearly identify the portion of the requirement to be performed by the subcontractor as well as the prime contractor and the cage codes of each firm. The Government will need to verify the FCL status for the firm providing the classified interpreters.
United States Marine Corps