WEST_COAST_QUESTIONS_AND_ANSWERS_28_NOVEMBER_2017.docx

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

WEST COAST

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

WEST COAST

1. Referencing Solicitation Paragraph L.II.5, which limits Volume II to 350 pages, inclusive of charts, diagrams and/or other graphics. We would like to include as attachment a Quality Assurance Manual and other corporate material referenced in the proposal. This question is asking for consideration for providing these supporting documents not included the page count.

Answer: The page limit outlined in Paragraph L.II.5 includes everything in the Offeror’s response to the requirements for Volume II, with the only exception being the Offeror’s proposed menu submission. If the Offeror includes a manual, this will be counted toward the page limit.

2. Please provide offerors the referenced Past Performance Information Form.

Answer: The Past Performance Information Form is provided with this amendment.

3. The East Coast and West Coast solicitations both use the term “Assistant Contracting Officer’s Representative (ACOR)” while Attachment J-4 (Baseline Meal/Menu Requirements) still uses the term Technical Representative (TR). Are those terms the same?

Answer: Attachment J-4 has been updated to reflect the term Assistant Contracting Officer’s Representative (ACOR).

4. Attachment J-4 Baseline Meal/Menu Requirements lead request times differ from those in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) for each coast for Fruit Support and Hot and Cold Beverage Support. For both, the J-4 states that the lead time is seven calendar days’ notice, whereas the PWS states 24 hours’ notice. Which is correct?

Answer: The Government has revised the requirement for 5 day notification for the Fruit Support and Hot and Cold Beverage Support. The PWS and Attachment J-4 have been updated.

5. Attachment J-12 provides a listing of pertinent CBAs and AWDs. Will the Government be providing the CBAs so offerors are aware of the base labor rates and benefits per location? Or should offerors use only the AWD labor rates since these are known?

Answer: Collective Bargaining Agreements for each solicitation were posted via Amendment 0001.

6. Certain FAR clauses require the offeror to complete. For example, FAR 52.232-38 and 52-219.1. Please confirm that as part of our submittal, the offeror is to complete all the appropriate clauses and insert them in the Price/Cost Volume.

Answer: Offerors shall submit all required fill-in clauses and submit them with the appropriate volume.

7. Some of the spreadsheets in the L-1 Pricing Template for both East and West contain errors. The sheets "FFP Plate Price," "MMA Plate Price," "Box Meal Plate Price," and "Cook Backfill Daily Price" contain errors in the cells that calculate escalated amounts over Option Year 1. The errors start in Option Year 2 and continue through Option Year 7. The formulas in each of the cells use the Annual Escalation percentage specified in cell C3, which is Labor, rather than the proper Annual Escalation percentage for Subsistence, ODCs, and G&A Expense. Will the Government issue a new file with the corrected formulas?

Answer: An updated price template with corrected formulas is provided with this amendment.

8. Attachment J-4, paragraph 1.2.2 states "Marine Corps Special Operations Center (MARSOC) is based on an individual undergoing exceptionally-heavy activity". Specifically, which mess halls does this apply to?

Answer: The referenced mess hall is at MCB Camp Pendleton, Mess Hall 413520 per Attachment J-1.

9. Section L sets font and point size limitations of 12 pt Times New Roman for text. For purposes of clarity, visual appeal, and readability, will the government consider allowing a font and size minimum of 10 pt Arial for tables and 8 pt Arial for graphics? These are generally accepted standards.

Answer: No.

10. Section B of the RFP does not include a CLIN for the transition period. Where are offerors supposed to price this activity required in PWS 2.7.13?

Answer: The CLIN for Transition costs was deleted from the Draft RFP. Offerors are instructed to include Transition Costs in their proposed meal price.

11. For the Pricing submission, should the Excel file be submitted on a disk separately or should the individual schedules be placed in the Word document, or both? If Excel is submitted, what version is required?

Answer: Offerors shall submit the Excel file for pricing on a disk separately, along with the paper copy of the Cost/Price Volume. This submission must be compatible with Windows 10 and Office 2013.

12. Please consider including Box Lunches in the total fee pool for the I/A calculation.

Answer: Boxed meals will be included in the fee pool for I/A calculation. Attachment J-7 has been updated to reflect this change.

13. Please clarify who is responsible for providing licensed Pest Control Operators for trapping rodents.

Answer: The Government will provide licensed Pest Control Operators.

14. We attempted to reach out to the AbilityOne service providers to begin working on our price proposal with respect to those mess halls which are designated on the Procurement List as AbilityOne, but were unsuccessful. Will additional instructions be provided for the AbilityOne mess halls?

Answer: The instructions in the solicitation are to contact Mr. Michael Kanady at SourceAmerica, or the AbilityOne Service Providers, regarding those mess halls which are on the Procurement List. Mr. Kanady should be able to assist potential offerors with questions regarding AbilityOne mess halls.

15. During the site visits we witnessed several buildings with multiple sculleries. Many times, one scullery was shut down. Is the shutting down of one scullery at the option of the contractor?

Answer: Yes.

16. Will the Government provide office and warehouse space on installations at award? Or will space be available for rent?

Answer: No, the Government will not provide space. No, space is not available for rent.

17. CLINs X008 and X009, both dealing with recipe development, do not appear in Attachment L-1 Pricing Template. Please clarify.

Answer: These CLINs are Not Separately Priced.

18. Please define the term “Core Hours” as referenced in PWS Section 2.7.27 (and elsewhere).

Answer: Core Hours are defined in Appendix B: Contract Definitions as; meal Hours (also known as “Core Hours”) The hours designated for serving meals.

19. Effective November 6, 2017 (82 FR 51358), Executive Order 13673 and rules implementing the EO, such as FAR 52.222-59, were rescinded. Will the FAR clause at 52.222-59 be removed from the RFP (pp. 120-126)?

Answer: Yes.

20. Section 1.2 of attachment J-4 contains baseline calorie requirements under three different levels of activity. How does the contractor ensure these requirements are met when the marine patron chooses his or her own food items from the line?

Answer: The requirement is to offer the baseline calorie requirements under the three different levels of activity, not to insure that the patron consumes the items that are offered on the line.

21. Attachment J-4 specifies the contractor shall utilize MCFMIS as the primary source for the master menu item MDRI reports. In order to “grade” our proposed menus under this system we would need access to the MCFMIS proprietary software. Will the government provide access to this system?

Answer: No. Offerors are required to submit menus in accordance with the solicitations instructions. Access to MCFMIS is not needed for this submission requirement.

22. Please explain how we comply with Volume 2-Non-Pricing Approach - Performance Approach (152 of 159) - Transition plan is to be based on 2.6.14 which does not exist?

Answer: This is an error. The PWS Transition Plan is located in Section 2.7.13. Section L has been updated to reflect this correction.

23. Please explain how AbilityOne relates to the Socio-Economic and Subcontracting Plan goals. For example, please confirm whether spend with an AbilityOne small business subcontractor would also count towards the Socio-Economic and Subcontracting Plan goals, particularly the 29% Is the Ability One subcontracted work attributable toward the 29% socio-economic plan goal?

Answer: If the AbilityOne service provider is designated as one of the socio-economic groups, then yes, it can be attributable toward the socio-economic goal.

24. Please provide historical records listing the nature of repair/maintenance performed and the associated labor and materials costs of repair for FPSE for each base covered by this solicitation for the past three fiscal years.

Answer: Historical information is provided in Attachment J-1 through FY16.

25. Are there any restrictions to the provider’s marketing/branding efforts within the MCRD mess halls? Non-MCRD mess halls?

Answer: Branding displays in mess halls shall not be such that they imply endorsement. Use of official trademarked and copyrighted USMC symbols and phrases are controlled by the trademark office and require approval.

26. Who maintains the official website information for the mess hall dining services?

Answer: The Government maintains the official website.

27. Please provide us the number, by mess hall, by base, of each hourly employee currently employed at each.

Answer: This is proprietary information controlled by the contractor performing the contract.

28. Please tell us how many bargaining unit employees will be required to be employed by the successful offeror at each base mess hall location that is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement that has a defined benefit retirement plan (as opposed to a defined contribution plan).

Answer: Composition of the workforce is determined by the offeror pursuant to, among other regulations, FAR 52.222-17.

29. During the site visits, we noticed the POS system (reference PWS Section 2.7.19) was not operational. When is it expected go operational and are there any technical issues prohibiting it from being operational?

Answer: The POS system is currently being implemented and is expected to be fully operational prior to contract award. The contractor will be required to execute the terms and conditions for the POS within the contract upon award.

30. During the site visits, we noticed one/two POS systems per mess hall. Is there a plan and schedule to increase the number of POS stations in the mess halls? If so, can you please share this schedule?

Answer: No, there is no plan or schedule to increase the number of POS stations in the mess halls.

31. Who owns/supports the POS system?

Answer: The Government owns/supports the POS system.

32. Who provides end user training for the POS system?

Answer: The Government will provide initial MCFMIS Point of Sales (POS) system training to the Contractor during the transition in accordance with PWS Section 2.7.9 “Marine Corps Food Management Information System (MCFMIS)”.

33. Are credit cards accepted through the new POS or just through provider supplied stand-alone readers?

Answer: Point of Sales (POS) does not have the capability of accepting credit cards. However, if the Contractor provides credit card readers, they must be compatible with the Government information systems.

34. If credit cards are accepted through the POS system, who owns the merchant ID (MID) and is responsible for payment card industry (PCI) compliance?

Answer: Point of Sales (POS) does not have the capability of accepting credit cards. However, if the Contractor provides credit card readers, they must be compatible with the Government information systems.

35. Regarding Invoicing Procedures: How will the payments from HQMC to the successful offeror be made? Through electronic funds transfer (EFT)?

Answer: Contractor invoices will be paid via electronic funds transfer (EFT) through Wide Area Workflow (WAWF).

36. The Non-Price Proposal is referred to as Volume I. Please confirm that this should state Volume II, Non-Price Proposal and that the Non-Price Proposal is actually Volume II and NOT Volume I.

Answer: Yes, this should state Volume II, not Volume I. Section L has been updated to reflect this correction.

37. In Section L – SUBMISSION OF PROPOSAL (BEST VALUE/TRADEOFF), III. PROPOSAL CONTENT, (1) Volume II – Non-price Proposal, (c) Past Performance: Volume II Non-Price Proposal is referenced as Volume I in two instances. Can you please confirm that both occurrences should state Volume II?

Answer: Yes, this should state Volume II, not Volume I in both occurrences. Section L has been updated to reflect this change.

38. In Section L – SUBMISSION OF PROPOSAL (BEST VALUE/TRADEOFF), III. PROPOSAL CONTENT. (2) Volume II – Price/Cost: The title of this section, as well as the first paragraph in this section, mention Volume II. Should these mentions refer to Volume III?

Answer: Yes, Price/Cost should be Volume III. Section L has been updated to reflect this change.

39. Regarding Solicitation Attachment L-1: Are there any other cost reimbursables paid by HQMC other than equipment repair parts?

Answer: No.

40. Regarding Solicitation Attachment L-1: What are the current dollar amounts paid per unit by HQMC at those bases covered by this solicitation per CLIN item as listed in the current solicitation?

Answer: This is proprietary information controlled by the contractor performing the contract.

41. Regarding Solicitation Attachment L-1: What is the process for the successful offeror to seek and receive an adjustment to the CLIN unit pricing for changes in AWD/CBA wage rates above inflation?

Answer: Adjustments to the AWD/CBA rates will be done in accordance with FAR 52.222-43.

42. Attachment J-2 Mess Hall Service Schedule West Coast for MH 9410 and MH 9610 have n/a indicated for meal hours for Holidays, are these facilities closed on holidays or do they follow the normal meal schedule for that day regardless that it is a holiday?

Answer: Both MH 9410 and MH 9610 have N/A indicated for meal hours for Holidays because these facilities are closed on holidays.

43. The successful bidder may hire a number of the existing contractor's personnel. It is likely that under CBAs, employees with seniority require a higher level of fringe benefits, e.g., more vacation days. To help facilitate accurate pricing, will the government provide a seniority list of existing staff (by labor category) so we can adequately calculate burdened labor?

Answer: The seniority list for current CBA employees is provided with this amendment.

44. The government is asking that supporting data on "material lists and cost" be put in the price volume. Can the government provide a precise definition of what are "materials"? Template L-1 does not state "Materials" as a cost item, but rather uses the term "Subsistence" in the plate cost tabs. Please confirm that these terms are interchangeable. Is it the government's intention that we provide a detailed list of all subsistence items and show associated costs?

Answer: The Government is not asking for a breakout of subsistence items. Other direct costs (ODCs) shall be provided in the Price/Cost volume to ensure that proposed ODCs are allowable per FAR Part 31.

45. Is there a reason to distinguish between the “prime contractor” and the “contractor,” with regard to satisfying the AbilityOne requirement, where in other areas of the solicitation no such distinction is made?

Answer: This distinction is made in this section for clarification purposes only.

46. Will the preexisting contractor’s menus cycle remain in effect at contract commencement?

Answer: No.

47. Please provide a list of current small business subcontractors utilized under the current food service provider, as well as a description of the products and/or services provided by each subcontractor and the amount of annual spend with each such subcontractor by service provided.

Answer: The Government does not maintain this record and therefore cannot provide this information.

48. Please provide a copy of the most recent Individual Subcontract Reports (ISR) and the Summary Subcontract Reports (SSR) submitted by the current food service provider for the services currently provided at bases subject to this solicitation.

Answer: The ISR is provided with this amendment as a reference document. The SSR has company information inclusive of contracts outside of RGFSC, therefore the SSR will not be provided.

49. Please provide us the number, by mess hall, by base, of each hourly employee currently employed at each.

Answer: This is proprietary information controlled by the contractor performing the contract.

50. Section 2.7.13 is unclear as to the length of the transition period. Please provide timeframe to attain full performance start date (eg, days after contract award).

Answer: As stated in Section M, for the purpose of preparing a cost/price proposal, the offeror shall assume a transition period of 1 July 2018 through 30 September 2018.

51. Please explain what exactly you want in Volume III:

Answer: a. Offerors shall submit Solicitation Documents for Volume III, which includes a completed Section B.

b. Offerors shall submit a Price Breakdown by completing the Price Template as instructed in Section L, and provide all supporting documentation.

52. Will existing personnel receive protection under the Service Contract Act from displacement or is that requirement waived?

Answer: This requirement is not waived.

53. On pricing template L-1, the formula for award fee applies the percentage times the sum of FFS, M&MA, and Boxed Meals. The Award Fee Plan J-7 on page 10 describes the award fee as just being on FFS and M&MA. Is J-7 incorrect as written or is the template calculating incorrectly?

Answer: Attachment J-7 has been corrected.

54. Other than calorie and nutritional specifications, Attachment J-4 does not differentiate between recruit/student environments and permanent personnel environments. Is this the government's intent?

Answer: Yes.

55. Do the following J-4 requirements apply to recruit and student mess halls?

1. Convenience Food Serving Lines

2. Specialty Bar Serving Lines

3. Omelet Bars

4. Pancakes/Waffles made to order

5. Caffeine Products

Answer: No.

56. a) Please confirm that two separate (and functionally different) MDRI pages are required for each meal period

Answer: Yes, two separate MDRI pages are required for each meal period.

b) Please confirm that Holiday Meals require both MDRI pages, but do not count towards the nutritional day totals necessary for nutritional compliance.

Answer: The holiday meals do not require MDRI pages. However, a balanced meal with complimentary components is expected.

c) Please further explain the menu submission instruction "one menu per spreadsheet"? Does this mean each day of the 21 day cycle must be placed on a separate spreadsheet page (tab)? Does this also mean that Heritage, Holiday, cold Bar, Box Meal, Condiments, Bread, Beverage, etc. menus should all be placed on separate spreadsheet pages (tabs)?

Answer: Yes, each day of the 21-day cycle must be on a separate spreadsheet tab. Yes, the Heritage, Holiday, Cold Bar, Box Meal, Condiments, Bread, Beverage, etc. menus must all be placed on separate spreadsheet tabs.

57. Attachment J-10, paragraph 11 under "General Directions for Menu Plan Submissions" states: "If more than one version of an item is required (e.g., the requirement for pancakes, waffles and french toast) provide the average Serving Size, Calories, MDRIs, Food Cost, and Acceptability of the items offered; provide the recipe for each item offered using the recipe template." J-10 does not specify that food cost values are needed anywhere else, and there is no column for food cost on J10 template pages or examples. Please clarify.

Answer: Food cost is not required. Attachment J-10 has been updated to remove this requirement.

58. What is the labor structure for the M&MA facilities? Is contract labor required at M&MA facilities?

Answer: Section 2.7.28 PWS outlines Contractor Provided Services in M&MA Mess Halls.

59. Please confirm that copies of the Collective Bargaining Agreements provided as attachments to Amendment 1 cover all unionized employees under this solicitation (for the avoidance of doubt, for both of the East and West regions) and that we are not awaiting any additional agreements to be provided. If there are any agreements that have not yet been provided, we request that they are.

Answer: All CBAs have been provided via Amendment 0001.

60. What will be HQMC invoice payment terms to the successful offeror?

Answer: Payment terms will be Net 30.

61. Please clarify which Small Business Subcontracting clauses apply to these solicitations.

Answer: All Small Business Subcontracting clauses included in this solicitation apply to these solicitations.

62. Please confirm that all hours of operations, including weekends and holidays, are correct as we note discrepancies in the Solicitation Attachment J-2 list for both geographies. (Posted/Actual vs. J2)

Answer: Attachment J-2 is correct.

63. Is there flexibility to create an electronic survey process?

Answer: Conducting surveys is a Government process. The Contractor is not responsible for conducting surveys.

64. Can you please provide sample Marine Corps-conducted inspection templates that will be utilized at the bases to generate the incentive rating?

Answer: No.

65. Section H.4.2, page 113, paragraph 5 states the ACOR will submit the requirement to provide Performance Nutrition Pack at least seven calendar days in advance. Section C.2.2.14 on page 66 of 159 states the ACOR will submit the requirements (for Performance Nutrition Pack Support) to the Contractor at least seven calendar days in advance. Then it states units will submit requests for performance nutrition pack support to the ACOR 24 hours prior to the event. Which is correct?

Answer: Sections H.4.2 and C.2.2.14 are both correct. Section H states when the Contractor will receive the requirement (seven calendar days) and Section C.2.2.14 states when the ACOR will receive the requirements from the requesting units.

66. MDRI 1 and 2 Tabs of Attachment J-10 lists Vitamins A,C,D,E,K, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Fluoride, Iodine, Iron, Selen, Zinc and Sodium as recipe column headings. Is it the governments expectation that the contractor computes the values of these nutritional components for each ingredient listed on the various menus required to be submitted in the proposal? If not, please clarify which nutritional values are required to be identified in the menu submissions.

Answer: Yes. It is the offeror’s responsibility to compute the values of these nutritional components for each ingredient listed on the various menus submitted with the offeror’s proposal.

67. Solicitation Attachment J-4: During the site tours, we noted stations, such as pizza and deli. Are there minimum menu requirements for these stations, similar to those outlined in Solicitation Attachment J-4?

Answer: There are no minimum requirements for specialty bars or offerings outside those listed the J-4.

68. L.II (5) indicated that the table of contents should provide detail sufficient to allow the important elements to be easily located. L.II (6) has a conflating statement limiting the TOC to 1 page. It is not possible to detail a TOC for 350 page document in one page. Note that TOCs will usually provide contents to the 3rd or 4th level and include a listing of figures. Please eliminate the one page limit to the TOC in paragraph L.II (6).

Answer: The Table of Contents is not included in the page limit.

69. The RFP states on page 158, paragraph 4, not to include wage escalation for SCA covered employees for option periods. On page 114 of the West Coast RFP under H.3, it states to propose the wages incorporated in the AWD and CBA "for the base period and all option years." To the extent that wages incorporated in a CBA overlap into the option years, should we use the wage rates incorporated in the CBA for those option years, or should we use only the rates prevailing in the base period?

Answer: Offerors shall use the wage rates in the CBA for the current year for the proposed base period and all option periods.

70. In accordance with FAR 52.228-5 Insurance: What is the dollar amount for the minimum amount of Insurance required?

Answer: FAR Part 28.3 Insurance provides policy and guidance on insurance and dollar thresholds required by FAR 52.228-5.

71. The Solicitation states: Offerors are advised that the Randolph-Sheppard Act (20 USC 107d-3[e]) applies to this acquisition for the operation of a military dining facility. In accordance with the revised rules of the Department of Education (34 CFR 395.33 – Vending Facility Program for the Blind on Federal Property, Sec. 395.33), and the rules of the Department of Defense (32 CFR 260 – Vending Facility Program for the Blind on Federal Property, Sec. 260.3[g]) in addition to the other source selection factors set out in Section M of this solicitation, the Government will give priority to an SLA for award of the contract to the SLA for operation of a military dining facility upon receipt of final proposal revisions (or upon initial proposals if award is made without discussions), if the SLA has submitted a proposal that:

(1) demonstrates that the SLA can provide such operations at a fair and reasonable price, with food of a high quality comparable to that available from other providers of cafeteria services and comparable to the quality and price of food currently provided to military service members; and

(2) is among the highly ranked final proposal revisions (after discussions with all offerors) with a reasonable chance of being selected for award using the best value method (as determined by the contracting officer after applying its source selection criteria contained in the solicitation), for all performance periods required by the solicitation. The competition will be conducted using the procedures, basis of award, source selection criteria, and other requirements of this solicitation.

Does this provision modify 34 CFR Section 33(a) " that such operation can be provided at a reasonable cost, with food of a high quality comparable to that currently provided employees"?

This language appears to impose limitations on the application of the Randolph-Sheppard priority that do not exist in 34 C.F.R. § 395.33. Can you please explain the legal basis for applying such additional limitations? Also can you please provide the definition for the term “fair and reasonable price” that you intend to use?

Answer: This language does not impose limitations on the application of the Randolph-Sheppard priority. This language is taken from the Joint Policy Statement dated 29 August 2006, which was provided as a report to Congress for the application of the Javits-Wagner–O’Day program (JWOD) and the Randolph-Sheppard Act (RSA) program to the operation and management of military dining facilities. This policy statement was developed and signed by the Department of Defense, Department of Education and the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled pursuant to Section 848 of the National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2006 (Public Law 109-163).

The Contracting Officer is required to establish the reasonableness of offered prices using the policy and procedures outlined in FAR 15.4 Contract Pricing.

What does the requirement of a reasonable chance of being selected add to the requirement of reasonable cost and high quality? Is there any difference?

Answer: The requirement of a reasonable cost and comparable high quality is stated in 34 CFR 395.33(b). The requirement of a reasonable chance of being selected is also in 34 CFR 395.33(b), where before a proposal from a State Licensing Agency received in response to a solicitation for a cafeteria contract can be ranked for a reasonable chance of being selected, it must first be determined to be in the competitive range.

72. When will the successful offeror have access to the bases to begin mobilization prior to day one?

Answer: The successful offeror will be given a Notice to Proceed in order to begin the transition period, which is anticipated to start 1 July 2018.

73. The solicitation incorporates FAR 52.219-9. In section c(1) of FAR 52.219-9, it states that “If the Offeror is submitting an individual subcontracting plan, the plan must separately address subcontracting with small business, veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business, HUBZone small business, small disadvantaged business, and women-owned small business concerns, with a separate part for the basic contract and separate parts for each option (if any).” These solicitations include the possibility of option years and also reference the possibility of item options (see multiple references to Item Options in Section B of the Solicitation, Supplies or Services and Prices). Are those the options contemplated by Section c(1) of FAR 52.219-9? Please explain what, if anything, you are looking for bidders to include in their proposals with respect to subcontracting plans for the “options". Given the vast number of “options” and the relatively soon due date, it doesn’t seem reasonable to provide a separate subcontracting plan for each. Should bidders just include a statement that the same subcontracting plan would apply for all options?

Answer: Yes, offerors may submit a statement with their proposed subcontracting plan that states that the subcontracting plan would apply for all option periods (if exercised).

74. The meal count quantities as published in Attachment L-1, CLIN pricing sheets, appear to be significantly more than the meals served in prior years (Attachment J-1). Is it the Governments intent to guarantee these quantities over the term of the contract? If not, what occurs when actual meal counts fall below these thresholds? Is there a mechanism where the contractor can recover financial losses?

Answer: The fixed-price nature of the awarded contract will be the unit price(s).

75. Section L – SUBMISSION OF PROPOSAL (BEST VALUE/TRADEOFF), II. REQUIREMENTS FOR PROPOSAL CONTENT, II. REQUIREMENTS FOR PROPOSAL CONTENT, (1) states “Any offeror who will be submitting CLASSIFIED data in its Non-price proposal shall first notify the Contracting Officer by contacting the point of contact in the solicitation. CLASSIFIED data that is forwarded as part of an offeror’s proposal shall be housed in its own binder, separate from the unclassified portion.” When notifying the Contracting Officer, is there specific information that needs to be included in order to be in compliance with this? requirement?

Answer: This is standard language for Section L. This effort is not considered Classified, therefore there should not be any proposal submissions with Classified information which would require the offeror to separate the Classified and non-Classified portions of its proposal.

76. Section L – SUBMISSION OF PROPOSAL (BEST VALUE/TRADEOFF), II. REQUIREMENTS FOR PROPOSAL CONTENT, II. REQUIREMENTS FOR PROPOSAL CONTENT, (1) states “Any offeror who will be submitting CLASSIFIED data in its Non-price proposal shall first notify the Contracting Officer by contacting the point of contact in the solicitation. CLASSIFIED data that is forwarded as part of an offeror’s proposal shall be housed in its own binder, separate from the unclassified portion.” Since classified data is to be submitted separate from the Non-Price Proposal, is this excluded from the 350 page limit?

Answer: This is standard language for Section L. This effort is not considered Classified, therefore there should not be any proposal submissions with Classified information which would require the offeror to separate the Classified and non-Classified portions of its proposal.

77. In Section L – SUBMISSION OF PROPOSAL (BEST VALUE/TRADEOFF), II. REQUIREMENTS FOR PROPOSAL CONTENT, (6) advises offerors that the Randolph-Sheppard Act applies to this operation and states that “the Government will give priority to an SLA for award of the contract to the SLA if the SLA’s proposal meets the listed criteria.” (emphasis added). What does “give priority to” mean? Must the Government award the solicitation to a qualifying Randolph-Sheppard SLA who meets the proposal submission criteria?

Answer: As stated in the solicitation, award will be made to the offeror that represents the best value to the Government.

78. PWS states that GFP “inventories shall be completed within three calendar days of the date of the request, and the results of the inventories shall be provided to the Government within three calendar days. The Contractor shall provide the Government with a GFP inventory report as prescribed in CDRL E002. However the provided CDRL E002 references PWS Section 5.3 which is not in the RFP and states that the “GFP Inventory Reports are due within 15 calendar days of the date requested by the Government.” Please clarify which is the time frame for completion of GFP inventories and delivery of inventory reports to the Government.

Answer: PWS Section 2.6.5.2 “GFP Inventory Reports” is corrected to state fifteen days. CDRL E002 Block 5 “CONTRACT REFERENCE” is corrected to reference PWS Section 2.6.5.2

79. Attachment J-2 (Meal Requirement Meal Hours RGFSC III West Coast 20170619) indicates that Mess Hall 3006 (Bridgeport) will only serve breakfast and dinner meals on weekends and holidays; no lunch or brunch meals are indicated on weekends and holidays for this mess hall. Is this accurate?

Answer: Attachment J-2 has been updated to reflect the correct meal periods for MWTC Bridgeport.

80. During the site visits we witnessed HC/Cashier stations in different numbers (sometimes more, sometimes less) than those listed in J-1. Is the number of open HC/Cashier stations at the discretion of the contractor? If not, do the numbers listed in J-1 take precedence?

Answer: Attachment J-1 provides the total number available at each installation mess hall. The number of open HC/Cashier stations are at the discretion of the Contractor.

81. Please explain the scope of the “Corrective Maintenance” in this Statement of Work.

Answer:

a. The Contractor is responsible for corrective and preventative maintenance in accordance with the PWS and FAR 52.245-1. The Government will make an independent determination for replacement of any equipment and will inform the Contractor when necessary GFP replacements will occur.

b. The Government is responsible for the installation of GFP.

c. In accordance with PWS Section 2.7.23 the Government will maintain the structural and mechanical interior and exterior of all walk-in type refrigeration and freezer units. For the purposes of this contract, the door assembly of walk-in refrigeration and freezer units are defined as GFP (including door handles, curtains, hinges, safety devices, gaskets, and door locks). The Contractor shall maintain the door assembly of all walk-in refrigeration and freezer units, including door handles, door hinges, safety devices, and gaskets.

Reach-in refrigeration is considered GFP; therefore, the Contractor is responsible for all corrective and preventative maintenance in accordance with the PWS and FAR 52.245-1.

82. Please explain who will bear the cost of spoilage that occurs when the events described in 2.7.23 and the government takes 24 hours to respond?

Answer: The Contractor is responsible for any loss of food if they did not notify the Government within 24 hours in order to provide temporary refrigeration (e.g. freezer van, trailer, or other refrigerated and freezer storage space) which caused the loss of the food.

Unforeseen circumstances may be determined on a case-by-case basis.

83. What will the meal rates be for Theme Meals and Award Competition (WPT Hill)?

Answer: Meals are priced per OSD (c) guidance. In accordance with Appendix A, referenced meal rates shall be charged in accordance the current MARADMIN. There are no unique rates for “Theme Meals” or “Award Competition (WPT Hill)”. Only holiday meals (Thanksgiving, Christmas and Service birthdays) are charged the holiday meal Rate.

84. Please specify the requirements of the pre-employment examination that the successful offeror will have to perform on any individuals for hire.

Answer: There are no government requirements for the successful offeror to perform pre-employment examinations.

85. Are there any internet security limitations the provider will encounter in the back of house configuration of proprietary systems? Is the circuit provided?

Answer: The Government will provide internet access sufficient to operate MCFMIS and that is all. There will be security limitations on operating on a government internet system, should that be available.

86. Is a single sample theme menu sufficient in our proposal?

Answer. No, a menu for each Special Holiday Meals identified in the “Special Holidays Meal Table” within the PWS is required. A single sample menu will not be accepted.

87. PWS Section 3.10 Criminal Records Requirements states “Contractor shall comply with base/installation regulations regarding access requirements for civilian personnel with criminal records.” Can you please provide a copy of those regulations or where we can find those regulations to view?

Answer: No, each base/installation requirements are unique and change based on threat conditions, mission, and location. The base/installation security manager can be contacted to obtain current regulations regarding access requirements for civilian personnel with criminal records.

88. Please confirm that goals referenced in the Socio-Economic Plan, while being a separate submission from the Subcontracting Plan, can overlap with goals set forth in the Subcontracting Plan (i.e. the vendors listed in the Socio-Economic plan will count towards the goals set in the Subcontracting Plan).

Answer: Yes. While the submissions are separate; the vendors can count towards the goals in the Subcontracting Plan.

89. Please confirm that, for purposes of the subcontracting plan, if a vendor fits within multiple categories (i.e. WOSB and HUBZone small business), spend with that vendor will count towards satisfying both goals.

Answer: Yes. Vendors with multiple categories will count toward satisfying both goals.

90. Please confirm that, for purposes of the socio-economic plan, if a vendor fits within multiple categories (i.e. WOSB and HUBZone small business), spend with that vendor will count towards satisfying both sub-category requirements. For example, if we have a have a HUBZone partner that is also a WOSB, can their work be attributed toward our 3.5% HUBZone and our 5.5% WOSB requirements?

Answer: Yes, Vendors meeting multiple categories can count toward credit in each category for which they are qualified.

91. Please confirm that prime contractors may rely on the self-certification of the status of subcontractors and suppliers as small business, HUBZone vendors, WOSBs, etc. in accordance with SBA regulations including 13 C.F.R. 121.108.

Answer: Yes. See FAR 19.703 Eligibility requirements for participating in the program.

92. The RFP references a requirement of 29%. Please confirm whether this is a goal/target or absolute minimum? There is conflicting language in the solicitation which refers to the 29% as a goal/target and minimum.

Answer: The Minimum Quantitative Requirement expressed as a percentage of the total contract value is 29%.

i.e. A proposed percentage of contract value less than 29% will be deemed nonresponsive.

93. Given the purchasing requirement to use DLA, opportunities to utilize small business entities will be limited. Is there a grace period to allow the successful offer to ramp up to meeting the 29% socio-economic goal?

Answer: No. The 29% requirement is a percentage of total contract value.

94. Does the DLA program purchase from any SBEs (including veteran owned small business, service disabled veteran owned small businesses, HUBZone small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, women owned small businesses)? If so, would the DLA program’s purchases relative to this solicitation count towards the successful offeror’s satisfaction of the 29% socio-economic goal or subcontracting plan goals?

Answer: The DLA purchase program achievements counts toward DLA’s Small Business Program and not the Marine Corps’ program.

95. If the successful offeror purchases from local small business vendors, are those purchases exempted from the DLA program requirements, such that the successful offeror could count them for its socio-economic or subcontracting plan goals (or must the offeror still go through the DLA program)?

Answer: Those requirements that are mandated to go through the DLA program are not exempted by the use of local small business vendors.

96. Please confirm what the 29% target is of contractor’s total subcontracted spend, total food and beverage spend, or otherwise?

Answer: The 29% requirement is percentage of total contract value not total subcontracted spend.

97. A CAGE Code is requested for each small business subcontractor. Only businesses who have registered with SAM would have a CAGE code. Does that mean all subcontractors must be registered with SAM prior to submitting the proposal? Or can they register after award?

Answer: Yes; subcontractors may obtain a CAGE code after award.

98. “If the offeror fails to provide targets for the contract or any of the seven socio-economic factors, the offeror’s proposal will be evaluated at zero percent or zero dollars for the contract…” Please clarify what the “seven socio-economic factors” are, as there are only quantitative requirements for four different socio-economic categories (Small Disadvantaged, HUBZone, Women-Owned Small Business and Service Disable Veteran Owned Small Business).

Answer: In addition to the 29% Minimum Quantitative Requirement; there are four different socio-economic categories for which targets apply. They are Small Disadvantaged Business- 5.5%; HUBZone 3.5%; Women-Owned Small Business – 5.5%; and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business- 4.0%.

99. Please confirm how “points” will be awarded in the scoring of our submission for purposes of our socio-economic percentage commitments. If we exceed the 29% goal, will more “points” be awarded?

Answer: If the 29% goal is exceeded; it will be viewed favorably for evaluation purposes. If evidence of a formal commitment (i.e. a signed bilateral agreement) is provided it will be considered a strength.

100. Please provide a detailed listing of all subsistence, paper, and cleaning products currently being purchased outside the DLA.

Answer: The Government does not possess this information. Offerors should propose such items and quantities based on the solicitation requirements.

101. Will food and supplies purchases through or outside the DLA Program or otherwise be subject to any state or local taxes or are they tax-exempt?

Answer: Subsistence and supplies purchased through the DLA Prime Vendor Program are not subject to any state or local taxes. Subsistence and supplies purchased outside the DLA Prime Vendor Program may be subject to state or local taxes.

102. Solicitation Attachment L-1: What is the percentage of meals from non-meal plan versus meal plan card holders per each mess hall?

Answer: Across the USMC it is 93% meal card and 7% cash. However, the contract is paid on a fixed price per meal basis, regardless of the type of customer supported.

103. Do TV monitors above zones have PowerPoint (PPT) capabilities? Who owns them? Can we use them for digital signage?

No, TV monitors above zones do not have PowerPoint (PPT) capabilities. The Government owns the TVs. No, the Contractor cannot use TV monitors for digital signage.

104. Mess Hall Service Schedule West Coast for MH 5500 does not include Breakfast and Lunch meal times for Holidays. Is the facility closed during those meals?

Answer: Attachment J-2 has been updated to reflect correct meal hours for all West Coast mess halls.

105. Are offerors required to utilize the Attachment J-10 template for individual recipe submissions?

Answer: No, Attachment J-10 template is not required for individual recipe submission, although it is encouraged. Offerors are required to use the template at Attachment J-10 for menu submissions.

106. Section 2.6.3 on page 26 of 159 states “The Contractor shall deliver GFP Maintenance Reports, pursuant to section 2.6.36.2 of this contract.” Please clarify where this requirement is located. We cannot locate section 2.6.36.2.

Answer: Section 2.6.3 GFP Preventive and Corrective Maintenance has been updated. Section 2.6.36.2 has been changed to Section 2.6.5.1.

107. Attachment L-1 Instructions, Item 7, requires pages to be no larger than 8.5 x 14 inches. Can this be changed to 11 x 17 as this size page is easier to use when binding the proposal together?

Answer: No.

108. Volume III, Price/Cost Proposal states, "This volume shall include the completed solicitation documents....". Please clarify what constitutes "completed solicitation documents" in this instance, since Volume I, Administrative also includes completed solicitation documents. Can we assume that Volume III, Price/Cost Proposal is the correct location for presenting our Electronic Funds Transfer information with our offer as required by FAR 52.232-38, p. 145, and our certificate identifying the name of persons who are not bona-fide employees and the portion of the proposal in which the persons participated, as stated in paragraph 2 under IMPORTANT NOTES, p. 147?

Answer: For Volume III, completed solicitation documents includes a completed Section B. Yes, Electronic Funds Transfer information should be submitted in Volume III Price/Cost Proposal. All Representations and Certifications shall be submitted with Volume I Administrative as instructed in Section L.

109. There is no EPA or cost adjustment mechanism included in RG3, would government consider alternate pricing proposals? Variable meal pricing based on meal count volume would limit contractor risk if meal counts are precipitously reduced, but would also limit contractor profit if meal counts remain at (or exceed) record high levels.

Answer: The Government will not accept alternate pricing proposals at this time.

110. The government is asking that supporting data on "material lists and cost" be put in the price volume. Can the government provide a precise definition of what are "materials"? Template L-1 does not state "Materials" as a cost item, but rather uses the term "Subsistence" in the plate cost tabs. Please confirm that these terms are interchangeable. Is it the government's intention that we provide a detailed list of all subsistence items and show associated costs?

Answer: This is standard language for instructions regarding the price/cost volume. Materials should be included in the ODC lines of the pricing template. Supporting documentation for ODCs shall be submitted to ensure proposed ODCs are allowable in accordance with FAR Part 31.

111. Please confirm that the bidders may utilize the goods and services of suppliers and subcontractors currently contracted by the current food service provider to ensure consistency and continued opportunities for those small businesses.

Answer: It is the responsibility of offerors to establish agreements with suppliers and subcontractors, to include subcontractors who perform under the current contract, or other suppliers and subcontractors.

112. Please confirm that suppliers and subcontractors currently being used by the current food service provider are not under any restrictive covenant or exclusivity arrangement that would preclude them from working with other bidders.

Answer: It is the responsibility of offerors to determine whether or not subcontractors have an exclusivity agreement with the current food service contract provider.

113. Will the successful offeror be permitted to seek reciprocal rights as HQMC to terminate the solicitation for cause (e.g., non-payment or unprofitability)?

Answer: No.

114. The solicitation contemplates the successful offeror installing their own “equipment, fixtures or furnishings”. Would HQMC provide investment buy-back protection on any investment for these types of items should contract termination or expiration occur prior to the successful offeror’s full amortization of such investments?

Answer: No.

115. Please provide copies of the existing AbilityOne schedules (including AbilityOne services provided) and pricing rates by service to ensure alignment?

Answer: There are no existing schedules for AbilityOne. It is the responsibility of the offeror to establish agreements with the AbilityOne service providers.

116. Can you please provide the current Ability One staffing levels by service at each base mess hall.

Answer: it is the responsibility of the offerors to establish relationships with the non-profit agencies (NPAs) and work with SourceAmerica and AbilityOne to establish appropriate staffing levels for the AbilityOne mess halls.

117. Please explain how PWS Section 2.7.18 can be done at no cost to the government? Is there information that we can consider for such moves and facility requirements that we can build into our proposal?

Answer: The intent of this PWS section is to ensure that there is no additional cost to the Government for the relevant mess hall above the awarded meal price. Offerors should submit pricing anticipating possible changes in mess hall location during contract performance.

118. Appendix C of the RFP references “Economic Price Adjustment” but there does not appear to be an Economic Price Adjustment Clause or Provision in the RFP. What is the process for the successful offeror to seek and receive an adjustment to the CLIN unit pricing for changes in product costs – purchased through or outside of the DLA program?

Answer: There…