RFP-EOA16-12-0166 Q A.pdf

Questions & Answers Re: RFP-EOA16-12-0166

RFP Description: Process Server Services for USAO in Washington, DC RFP Issue Date: 07/19/2012 RFP Close Date: 08/15/2012

1. DOJ specifies that the first attempt for routine service must occur within 72 hours of receipt of documents. What are the other time-frame specifications for the remaining 9 attempts? For example, do attempts that occur on the same day count as separate attempts?

For our purposes, it does not make sense to limit the number of attempts or what constitutes an attempt. Our goal is to get witnesses served, irrespective of the number of attempts.

2. Please specify all of the requirements for the “GPS tracker”.

Process servers should wear or carry GPS tracking devices when serving subpoenas. The GPS information for the service of a particular subpoena should be available online. The following information should be available online: [1] date and time of service; [2] server’s latitude and longitude at the time of service; [3] a link that shows the location of the latitude and longitude on a map, such as Google Maps. This information should be available for each successfully and unsuccessfully served subpoena and linked online to the subpoena at issue.

3. Will the awarded candidate be able to update DOJ Attorney’s via email vs. phone?

Notification via a central website where attorneys can log-in and check the status of service until the day of trial works best for our purposes given the high and fast turnover of attorneys in misdemeanors. Attorneys should be able to get the following information on the website:

Executed subpoenas in PDF format so attorneys can print a copy for use in court. This allows the government to request bench warrants where the served witness does not appear.

Date and time of service.

Where service is not successful, a list of attempts, including date, time, interaction with individuals or other important facts. This may allow the government to seek a material witness warrant where it appears the witness is evading service.

4. Will the awarded candidate be able to charge for non-serves?

No.

5. Is an electronic proof of service adequate, or does it have to be an original?

A scanned copy of the served subpoena, with the following information is adequate:

Served individual’s signature (if they agree to provide a signature on the subpoena);

Process Server’s signature;

Date, time and location of service;

Physical description of the individual served (This is usually the person listed in the

“To” portion of the subpoena.);

Indication whether the served individual refused to sign the subpoena, but the server left a copy; the person accepting service acknowledge that he or she was the named witness; and/or the named witness is a minor and served in front of his or her parent or guardian.

6. The current bid proposal only includes a single line-item for services. However, under the section titled "Scope of Work," there is both routine and expedited service listed.

How do we list the difference in charges between routine and expedited service of process?

This will be corrected via Amendment #0002.

7. According to the bid, if a routine pick-up is called in, it must be picked up by 5 PM that same day. Is there a time limit as to when a pick-up gets called in? In other words, if a pick-up is called in after, say, 3 PM, can it be picked up the next day?

We submit our subpoenas via email and facsimile. We would like them to be accepted for processing until 5:00 p.m. each day.

8. Our process servers currently use their smartphones to check in at each attempt, which includes a GPS and date/time stamp, which is maintained on an external database that neither the servers nor our firm can edit. Is this sufficient for the GPS requirements, or do the servers need to physically wear a tracker?

This seems adequate.

9. Regarding 10 attempts on a non-service, is that 10 attempts per address or 10 attempts total?

For our purposes, it does not make sense to limit the number of attempts or what constitutes an attempt. Our goal is to get witnesses served, irrespective of the number of attempts.