DRAFT RFP Q As.pdf

1) According to B 1.2 (Reimbursable Items), Section G is referenced as the section which identifies reimbursable items. Section G then references Section B. Will the Government provide a list of what items are designated as reimbursable items?

RESPONSE: Travel, training, and reimbursable overtime are the only anticipated reimbursable items.

2) According to C 1.7 and then C 1.24, it appears that the Government is requiring 15 security personnel trained IAW the qualification references listed, but then refers to personnel with specific qualifications such as, “one person who has completed the U.S. Navy's Crew Served Weapons Instructor (CSWI) course (A-830-2215) is onboard at all times (CDRL A010).”, and, “The Contractor shall ensure one person who has completed the U.S. Navy's Crew Served Weapons Operations and Maintenance Course (A-041-0013) is onboard at all times (OPNAV INSTRUCTION 3591.1 (series)).” There are other examples such as Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor, and General Classroom Instructor for Security Awareness Training. Are these personnel IN ADDITION TO the 15 security staff, or are these expected to be collateral duties WITHIN the 15 member security staff? Please clarify.

RESPONSE: These are expected to be collateral duties within the 15 member security staff.

3) C 1.9 and other sections refer to 9mm handguns, AR-15 Carbine Rifles, 12 gauge Shotguns, M- 79 Grenade Launchers, M240 and M2 Crew Served Weapons. No long range precision long guns in either .308 or .50 caliber were mentioned. These precision capabilities have been well recognized as “best practice” capabilities for anti-materiel and anti-personnel purposes (within the context of established SRUF guidelines). Does the Government intend to introduce this capability?

RESPONSE: The Government does not intend to introduce the capacity for long range precision long guns in either .308 or .50 caliber.

4) C 1.19 refers to security storage being limited to that which is provided in the dual bunk staterooms listed in C 1.18. On the surface, this would appear to be grossly insufficient. Will the security force have access to secured designated workspaces in which to conduct administrative functions such as “Guard Mount”, and associated briefings, with additional storage capability for sensitive items?

RESPONSE: C1.19 refers to the storage for personal items not for security equipment.

Designated workspaces are defined in paragraph C1.9.

5) The solicitation reads as though the security force would be responsible for external threats only.

Will there be any requirement for internal security responses/Ship’s MAA responsibilities?

RESPONSE: The Security Force is responsible for both internal and external security onboard

SBX-1.

6) Section C 1.23 (k) (6) refers to several Less Lethal Technologies such as: Taser, Rubber Ball Rounds, and “other riot control agents/delivery systems.” Further in the training section, expandable baton is referenced. In reference to Taser, specifically, what Taser systems will the security force be required to be trained and qualified? Is there a particular Navy standard for the other referenced items, or will training to the manufacturer’s training standard suffice (i.e., OC, and Expandable baton)?

RESPONSE: Taser systems are not part of SBX-1 inventory. For baton training Contractors will either need to attend MSC SST training or MSC will have to provide a mobile training team to provide this training. The manufacturer’s training for the expandable baton will not suffice and the government shall provide training.

7) Will there be any requirement for the security staff to provide or augment Protective Service Details for the ships Master or other designated VIP’s while debarked in domestic/foreign ports?

RESPONSE: There will be no requirement for the security staff to provide or augment Protective Service Details for the ships Master or other designated VIP’s while debarked in domestic/foreign ports.

8) The Market Survey posted in August of 2011 sought interest from several different “types” of small business entities. This solicitation is identified as a competitive 8(a) set aside. Is this opportunity open only to those entities that are 8(a) certified, or can other small businesses still compete?

RESPONSE: The acquisition will be set aside for 8(a) certified small businesses. 8(a) businesses may team with other businesses in the performance of this contract, but must comply with FAR 52.219-14.

9) In Section M of the draft RFP, section B indicates that our technical proposal must include facility and personnel clearances. I am hoping that this might be changed to give any potential successful offeror a reasonable amount of time to attain such clearances.

RESPONSE: A SECRET Facility Clearance is required prior to the start of performance.

SECRET Personnel Security Clearances are required prior to assignment to the vessel.

10) C.1.0 General. The PWS makes no mention of guard licensing. Will the government require the maritime security officers to be licensed by a state before performing duties on this contract?

RESPONSE: The government will not require the maritime security officers to be licensed by a state before performing duties on this contract.

11) C.1.20 Travel. The government specifies that it will reimburse the contractor for employee travel at the JTR rate, limited to actual costs incurred in going to initial destination and return. Does the government intend to reimburse the contractor for travel that new hired security officers will incur for initial training and travel incurred for security officers having to attend training that is performed at a location other than where the SBX is moored or docked?

RESPONSE: The government will reimburse the contractor for travel for non-commercially available training as defined in the RFP.

12) C.1.12 a) Operational Responsibilities, C.1.15 Staffing, and C.1.24 l) ATO. In Paragraph C.1.24 l), The government specifies that there shall be two Assistant ATOs assigned onboard at all times for the length of the contract. Paragraph C.1.12 a) specifies that the ATO serves as the lead security officer who will report to the Master. Is it the government’s intent to require the contractor to have two Assistant ATOs onboard at all times or to have one Ship Security Officer who serves as the Assistant ATO and two Shift leads who are supervisors and substitute as the Assistant ATO when the Ship Security Officer is off duty as specified in Paragraph C.1.15?

RESPONSE: It is the government’s intent to have two Assistant ATO’s assigned to the contract at all times, one for each rotation. Therefore Section C 1.24 should state “There shall be two Assistant ATOs assigned to the contract at all times (one assigned onboard for each crew change) for the length of the contract.”

13) Section M-1 A. Basis for Award. The government states it will evaluate offers on a Low Price technically Acceptable (LPTA) basis. Given the importance of the SSL-A asset being secured by the contractor’s security force and the importance of retaining an exceptional, experienced, trained and responsible security force as specified in paragraph C.1.11, will the government consider revising the evaluation strategy for this acquisition to a best value evaluation, weighting the Technical and Past Performance Volumes greater than Price Volume? This ensures the government awards to the very best contractor offering the best value assuring the government of the lowest risk in securing such an important national asset.

RESPONSE: In accordance with FAR 15.101-2, the best value award decision is expected to result from selection of the technically acceptable proposal with the lowest evaluated price.

14) C1.1 General states “…the contractor shall have 3 – 5 years of company experience in security in support of port security or SSL-A requirements…”. Comment: There is an enormous difference between “port security” and “SSL-A requirements.” “Port Security” can mean a gate guard shack at a level 3 port, whereas “SSL-A requirements” require the full range of experience within the threshold of SD 538-2. According to this statement, a security company with business at a low threshold level 3 port would be as qualified as the security company with experience maintaining the high threshold of security required for the SBX-1. Recommendation: Requirement be changed to read as follows: “…the contractor shall have 3 – 5 years of company experience in port or maritime security in support of meeting the security requirements for SSL-A assets.

RESPONSE: The government maintains that the contractor shall have 3 – 5 years of company experience in security in support of port security or SSL-A requirements.