Clarification QAs as of 13 Feb 2025.pdf

Clarification Questions:

1. Wage Costs & Staffing o Are all AOAP labs currently staffed by government personnel?

o A: All AOAP labs are currently staffed by contractor personnel, not government personnel.

o Can we use current SCA-WD directories and guidelines available online to determine typical wage costs?

o A: Yes, the offeror may use the SCA-WD directories and guidelines to determine typical wage costs.

o Alternatively, can the AOAP Program Manager provide the Total Employment Cost (TEC) at each of the CONUS and OCONUS sites?

o A: Refer to the answer provided to the preceding question.

2. Other Direct Costs o Our current proposal calculations include labor (direct & indirect), travel, and overall program management.

o Can we assume that all other consumables (solvents, chemicals, packaging, lab supplies, equipment maintenance, rent, etc.) are already covered under the existing AOAP program and are not the contractor’s responsibility?

o A: The Army provides the consumables to operate the labs. The cost of consumables is not the contractor’s responsibility.

3. Accreditation Costs o Are all costs related to accreditation, external accreditation bodies, proficiency testing, and associated fees covered under the AOAP program, or will the contractor be responsible for these expenses?

o A: The AOAP has responsibility for all laboratory accreditation expenses, such as laboratory proficiency testing as part of accreditation and external quality assurance requirements. The contractor has responsibility for providing employee training, employee certification and recertification, as well as any fees associated with employee certification, i.e., continuing education requirements.

4. Alternative Test Methods o Would the AOAP program be open to alternative test methods if they offer higher quality, precision, efficiency, or value?

o A: The AOAP remains open to suggestions of new or alternative test methods;

however, any proposed new or alternative test methods, equipment, procedures, etc. must be approved by the AOAP Program Management Office (PMO) before the contractor may use them.

o Example: Initial screening of samples for water content using crackle or FTIR methods instead of current standards.

5. Subcontracting of Testing o In cases where equipment becomes unavailable, sample volumes fluctuate, or advanced testing (e.g., debris analysis) is required, would the contractor be approved to use other laboratories within their global network for these services?

o A: The AOAP does not permit the Contractor to subcontract testing services to non- Army laboratories or to perform any testing outside of the Army’s AOAP laboratories.