RFI for FBNC FFS Security Clearance.pdf

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REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI): FORT BRAGG, NC (FBNC) FOOD

SERVICES SUPPORT

1.0 Overview and Purpose

The Mission & Installation Contracting Command (MICC) is conducting market research on behalf of the Army Sustainment Command (ASC) to explore industry capabilities and refine the acquisition strategy regarding food service operations at Fort Bragg, NC

(FBNC).

1.1 Scope of Work

1.1.1 This Performance Work Statement (PWS) is developed to support installation food service requirements across designated dining facilities. Specific operational categories include:

• Full Food Service (FFS)

• Dining Facility Attendant (DFA) Services

• Cook Support Services

• Remote Site & TDY Feeding Requirements

1.1.2 Clearance & Security Requirements: Contractor personnel must satisfy strict security mandates prior to performance.

o HSPD-12 / Tier 1 Standards: All contractor personnel working on U.S.

Government facilities must undergo background checks and maintain a favorably adjudicated Tier 1 (or equivalent/higher) investigation IAW https://sam.gov/

HSPD-12 to meet installation access and Common Access Card (CAC) eligibility requirements (FAR 52.204-9).

o Secret Security Clearance: All contractor employees assigned to perform work in the building must hold an active SECRET security clearance prior to the start of work. The Government will not sponsor interim clearances for this facility.

o TDY Compliance: All contractor personnel deployed on TDY assignments supporting government-led feeding operations must meet the same qualification, certification, security, and DFAC training standards applicable to primary installation operations.

The Contractor shall provide quality services in support of the installation food service program, supporting the warfighter with flexible, efficient, and cost-effective services through management innovations and use of industry best practices, while ensuring strict compliance with all applicable security regulations, laws, rules, and government directives.

1.2 RFI Objectives

The purpose of this market research is to gather technical, operational, and capability feedback from industry to evaluate:

1. Vendor Pool Capabilities: The existence and depth of capable prime contractors to execute high-volume installation food services and specialized cook support.

2. Security Compliance Readiness: Industry capacity to comply with stringent physical access control, HSPD-12/Tier 1 background checks, Common Access Card (CAC) issuance procedures, and pre-start SECRET clearance requirements for designated facilities and TDY missions.

3. Operational Feedback: Industry feedback on transition lead times, potential risk factors, and contract structure.

4. Socioeconomic Alignment: Market availability of qualified Small Businesses, 8(a), SDVOSBs, WOSBs, and HUBZone firms to inform set-aside determinations and teaming strategies.

2.0 Questions for Industry Response

Please provide direct, capability-based responses to the following inquiries.

Section A: Technical Capability & Security Integration

1. Personnel Vetting & HSPD-12 / Tier 1 Compliance

• Pre-Screening Capabilities: Describe your firm’s internal pre-hiring vetting procedures to ensure candidate suitability for a favorably adjudicated Tier 1 investigation prior to electronic submission in DCSA systems.

• Onboarding Lead Times: What is your realistic timeline for recruiting, vetting, and onboarding a qualified workforce that meets HSPD-12/Tier 1 standards without causing operational staffing lapses during contract transition?

• Transition & Reciprocity: What percentage of your prospective labor force possesses active, favorably adjudicated Tier 1 (or higher) background investigations or active Common Access Cards (CACs) transferable under DCSA/ASC G2 KTR BIM reciprocity guidance?

2. Facility Security & Secret Clearance Requirements (Restricted Areas)

• Secret Facility Clearance (FCL): Does your company currently possess a Secret Facility Clearance (FCL) sponsored by DCSA?

• Cleared Labor Pipeline: Given that the Government will not sponsor interim clearances, what is your firm's current capacity to staff designated positions exclusively with personnel holding an active SECRET clearance prior to the performance start date?

• Clearance Pipeline & Turnover: How does your firm manage cleared talent pools to absorb unexpected turnover without compromising operational coverage or security policy?

• FSO Structure: Does your firm maintain a dedicated Facility Security Officer (FSO) experienced in processing background investigations (SF 85, SF 86, FD

258) via DCSA systems for both non-cleared and cleared personnel?

3. Deployable / TDY Workforce Readiness (USASOC Operations)

• TDY Qualification: What experience does your company have deploying qualified cook support personnel on TDY assignments to support government-led tactical or remote site feeding operations?

• Specialized Security Maintenance: How do you ensure deployable personnel maintain 100% continuous compliance with heightened security, medical, certification, and specific training standards?

4. Cost, Risk, & Subcontractor Compliance

• Subcontractor Oversight: How do you enforce compliance with FAR clause 52.204-9, local installation access policies, and vetting standards across tier-1 food service and sanitation subcontractors?

• Transition Risk Factors: Do any specified security mandates (e.g., pre-start Secret clearances, Tier 1 lead times, CAC processing bottlenecks) present significant cost or schedule risks that the Government should consider when establishing the contract transition/phase-in period (e.g., 30-day vs. 60-day phase-in)?

Section B: Socioeconomic Status & Teaming Strategy

1. Business Classification: Identify your firm's primary socioeconomic status under NAICS 722310 (Food Service Contractors) or applicable acquisition codes (e.g., Large Business, Small Business, 8(a), SDVOSB, WOSB, HUBZone).

2. Prime Capacity: If this requirement is designated as a Small Business Set- Aside, does your firm possess the capacity and financial capability to perform as a Prime Contractor in full compliance with FAR 52.219-14 (Limitations on Subcontracting), or would you require a formal Joint Venture / Mentor-Protégé / Teaming Agreement?

3. Large Business Small Business Strategy: If responding as a Large Business, outline your strategy for maximizing meaningful subcontracting opportunities for small business concerns across food distribution, sanitation, and specialized staffing services.