Q A.docx

Question 1:

The offeror requests clarification on the NAICS code 923140 identified for the procurement. The description of this code identifies it for government establishments. It is the offeror’s experience that NAICS code 621111 is used for services as described in the Statement of Work.

923140 Administration of Veterans' Affairs

This industry comprises government establishments primarily engaged in the administration of programs of assistance, training, counseling, and other services to veterans and their dependents, heirs or survivors. Included in this industry are Veterans' Affairs offices that maintain liaison and coordinate activities with other service organizations and governmental agencies.

NAICS 621111: Offices of Physicians (Except Mental Health Specialists) . This U.S. industry comprises establishments of health practitioners having the degree of M.D. (Doctor of medicine) or D.O. (Doctor of osteopathy) primarily engaged in the independent practice of general or specialized medicine (except psychiatry or psychoanalysis) or surgery. These practitioners operate private or group practices in their own offices (e.g., centers, clinics) or in the facilities of others, such as hospitals or HMO medical centers.

ANSWER 1: NAICS 923140 is correct.

Question 2:

The offeror requests that the Government insert contractual coverage on SOFA. See the following clause drafted by DoD counsel for use in contracts to be performed in Japan (from:www.usfj.mil/Contract%20Performance/Contract%20Performance%20in%20Japan%20 <https://webmail.qtcm.com/owa/redir.aspx?C=fe4811a57880466a82b7d688ba812c2b&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.usfj.mil%2fContract%2520Performance%2fContract%2520Performance%2520in%2520Japan%2520> (090721).doc ):

SOFA ARTICLE I(b) STATUS

(a) SOFA Article I(b) status. Individuals including, but not limited to, technical advisors, consultants, entertainers serving under contracts with the United States for the provision of services in support of U.S. armed forces in Japan, and whose presence is required in Japan to provide such services, may acquire SOFA status in Japan as part of the civilian component under Article I(b) of the SOFA. Note SOFA Article I(b) does not create a lawful status in Japan for any entity other than individuals (e.g., the corporation employing the individual). To qualify for SOFA status under SOFA Article I(b), such individuals must be:

(1) United States nationals,

(2) not ordinarily resident in Japan (or if ordinarily resident in Japan, receive permission from the GOJ to change status following the procedures set out in USFJI 36-2611, Changes of Status by Person in Japan to One of the Categories Authorized by the Status of Forces Agreement),

(3) present in Japan at the invitation of the United States, and solely for the purpose of executing contracts for the benefit of the United States armed forces (including Foreign Military Sales contracts), and,

(4) not contractors, employees of a contractor whose presence in Japan is solely for the purpose of executing contracts within the definition of SOFA Article XIV.

(b) SOFA Article I(b) procedures. Contractor personnel must obtain a Letter of Identification from Contracting Officer to authorize entry into Japan under SOFA Article I(b) and to identify which Article I(b) privileges and benefits will be provided to each employee/dependent. Contractor shall, in writing, identify all contractor personnel and accompanying dependents eligible for SOFA Article I(b) status to the Contracting Officer.

(c) SOFA Article 1(b) privileges and benefits. Persons granted authority to enter Japan under SOFA Article I(b) and their dependents (defined as spouse, children under 21, and, if dependent for over half their support upon an individual having SOFA Article I(b) status, parents and children over 21) shall be accorded the following benefits of the SOFA. These privileges are personal to the employee/dependent and to not inure to the employer.

(1) Access to and movement between facilities and areas in use by the United States armed forces and between such facilities and areas and the ports or airports of Japan as provided for in SOFA Article V, paragraph 2;

(2) Entry into Japan and exemption from Japanese laws and regulations on the registration and control of aliens as provided for in SOFA Article IX;

(3) Acceptance as valid by Japan, without a driving test or fee, a U.S. Forces, Japan Operator’s Permit for Civilian Vehicle as provided for in SOFA Article X. Issuance of such permit shall be subject to applicable military regulation;

(4) Exemption from customs duties and other such charges on materials, supplies, and equipment which are to be incorporated into articles or facilities used by the United States armed forces furniture, household goods for private use imported by person when they first arrive to work in Japan, vehicles and parts imported for private use, and reasonable quantities of clothing and household goods for everyday private use which are mailed into Japan through United States military post offices as provided for in SOFA Article XI, paragraphs 2 and 3;

(5) Exemption from the laws and regulations of Japan with respect to terms and conditions of employment as provided for in SOFA Article XII, paragraph 7, except that such exemption shall not apply to the employment of local nationals in Japan;

(6) Exemption from Japanese taxes to the Government of Japan or to any other taxing agency in Japan on income received as a result of their service with the United States armed forces as provided for in SOFA Article XIII. The provisions of Article XIII do not exempt such persons from payment of Japanese taxes on income derived from Japanese sources;

(7) If authorized by the installation commander or designee, the right to use Navy exchanges, post exchanges, base exchanges, commissaries, messes, social clubs, theaters, newspapers and other non-appropriated fund organizations regulated by United States military authorities as provided for in SOFA Article XV;

(8) The transmission into or outside of Japan of United States dollar or dollar instruments realized as a result of contract performance as provided for in SOFA Article XIX, paragraph 2;

(9) The use of postal facilities as provided for in SOFA Article XXI;

(10) Exemption from taxation in Japan on the holding, use transfer by death, or transfer to person or agencies entitled to tax exemption under the SOFA, of movable property, tangible or intangible, the presence of which in Japan is due solely to the temporary presence of these persons in Japan, provided such exemption shall not apply to property held for the purpose of investment or the conduct of other business in Japan or to any intangible property registered in Japan.

(11) Japan authorities have the right to exercise jurisdiction over SOFA personnel in relation to offenses committed in Japan and punishable by the law of Japan. In those cases in which the Japanese authorities have the primary right to exercise jurisdiction but decide not to do so, the United States shall have the right to exercise such jurisdiction as is conferred on it by the law of the United States.

ANSWER 2: SOFA not required for this contract.