RFI_Questions.pdf

OEM-RFI-18-0002 Questions and Answers

1. The SOW indicates that K9 Handler/Trainer | Critical Sensitive positions must possess a Top Secret clearance prior to assignment to the contract. This implies that the contractor must possess a TS Facility Clearance (FCL) to process and obtain appropriate Clearances for its employees. Is this the case and are bidders required to possess a TS FCL at proposal submission, or will USMS allow time for successful bidders to obtain the FCL post award?

For reference our research indicates that CONFIDENTIAL or SECRET FCL determinations take between 1 and 3 months, and a TOP SECRET determination take between 4 and 8 months.

Answer: First, to clarify, we are only looking for a trainer. USMS personnel are the handlers. We are not seeking a handler/trainer, but simply a trainer.

Second, at this point, we believe the trainer should at least be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance at the time of award. However, the solicitation will specify the clearance requirements and how they will be evaluated when that is released.

2. When will the solicitation come out?

Answer: We do not know the specific date, but we anticipate that it will come out sometime in summer 2018.

3. How many K9 teams are sought?

Answer: We are not seeking K9 teams. USMS personnel are the handlers and USMS will be purchasing the K9s. We only seek an experience trainer in both explosives detection and tactical K9 skills.

4. How many handlers are sought?

Answer: We are not seeking handlers. USMS personnel are the handlers.

5. How many trainers for each location?

Answer: We are seeking one (1) trainer only. This person will travel throughout the US for regional trainings as needed in addition to the two (2) primary training locations as indicated in the SOW. The trainer can be located anywhere within CONUS.