Solicitation Term and Condition Amendment 04_Questions and Answers_082008_FEDBIZ.doc

Solicitation SAQMMA08R0237 Amendment 04

1. Section L.15 proposal due date is hereby extended to 05 September 2008.

2. Question and answer for Q81 is hereby deleted and replaced with the following:

Q81. Reference Paragraph Section B. 2: Requirement To Provide Labor Categories/Rates Summary of Section B Supplies or Services And Prices/Costs states that "Offeror's are to use the specified labor categories and position descriptions identified in Attachment A to build their proposed NTE rates for the Base Year and all Option Years, ensuring that their submitted rates will guarantee staffing of any assigned tasks with personnel having the skill and training levels required. The Offeror may add rows to the tables to accommodate additional labor categories." Are job descriptions required for each additional labor category?

A81: The intent is to provide the offeror the latitude to provide additional labor categories they identify that are required, based upon the scope that may not be identified or included in the provided labor category list. Attachment A will become the approved labor categories and fixed rates in which awardees will price Fixed Price, Time and Material, and Labor Hour contracts therefore any additional labor categories an offeror propose shall have job descriptions included.

3. Question and answer for 161 is hereby deleted and replaced with the following:

Q161.Reference Attachment F, TORP 3, page 5, Para 7. It is understood that the contractor will make no direct labor charges for obtaining visas required for travel but is the actual cost of visas reimbursable? Is the actual cost of immunizations reimbursable?

A161: Contractor’s will be allowed to bill for allowable charges such as immunizations and visas. The contractor shall refer to their accounting practices as to how these charges (direct/indirect) are billed to DOS.

4. Question and answer for 192 is hereby deleted and replaced with the following:

Q192. Reference Attachment C: Are we correct that the offeror should send PPI forms to the customer and that the customer will submit completed forms to the Government?

A192. No. The offeror is to obtain the form from its reference and include with proposal as stated in the solicitation instructions and subsequent answers. Reference A311 below.

5. Question and answer for 170 is hereby deleted and replaced with the following to further clarify burden:

Q170.Reference Attachment H: TORP 5, page 5, Para 10.2. Could the Government define “general burden” as contained in the last sentence of this paragraph? Not including general burden, overhead and profit in premium overtime will have the effect of reducing profit. For example, many 401k plans have a company match that is determined by the employee’s contribution and that contribution is based on salary. This and similar burdens may have a grave effect on small business concerns.

A170: General burden in this context means indirect costs in addition to applicable payroll taxes and insurance thereon. For the example task orders under this RFP, overtime labor costs eligible for payment will consist only of the negotiated direct labor costs and applicable payroll taxes and insurance thereon. Non-overtime labor costs eligible for payment will consist only of the negotiated direct labor costs, indirect costs, and profit.

6. Question and answer for 179 is hereby deleted and replaced with the following to further clarify the CLIN structure requirement:

Q179.Reference: Section B, Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs. Issue: Bid schedule on CLIN structure. Question: Will the Government provide CLIN structures for the base contract and task orders, or is the Contractor to provide these?

A179: For the sample task orders, the Government has provided a CLIN structure under which the offerors must propose its costs and prices (see item 8 under Amendment 4). The Government will not provide nor shall offerors propose a CLIN structure for the basic IDIQ contract.

7. Question and answer for 180 is hereby deleted and replaced with the following to further clarify the CLIN structure requirement:

Q180.Reference: Section C, paragraph C.7, Travel Costs, page 18. Section C, paragraph C.7. Issue: Paragraph C.7 requires demobilization cost to be priced as a separate CLIN. Question: If the Contractor is to provide CLIN structures, should mobilization be priced as a separate CLIN for each Task Order?

A180: Offeror shall propose Demobilization Costs in accordance with the price proposal instructions established in this Amendment (Amendment 04).

8. Delete title “U.S. Government Support to Chad” from title, Attachment H, Basic Staff Skills Training Juba, Sudan.

9. Section B-13 is hereby deleted and replaced with the following, adding paragraph (c) Time and Materials/Labor Hour CLINs.

B-13

TASK ORDER LIMITATIONS

(a) Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) CLINs. When issuing CPFF CLINs, the CO must state in the task order the total estimated cost plus fixed fee, which is the total amount of the CLIN order and the maximum amount the Contractor may be paid without the advance written approval of the Contracting Officer. This maximum amount represents the negotiated mix of the prime contractor’s and subcontractor’s professional labor categories and salaries, an estimated number of workdays, other direct costs, and fixed-fee.

(b) Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) CLINs. When issuing FFP CLINs, the CO must state in the task order the firm-fixed-price, which represents the total amount for the CLIN and the maximum price the contractor may be paid to perform the services or other deliverables in the task order.

(c) Time and Materials/Labor Hour CLINs. When issuing a T&M/LH CLIN, the contractor shall, pursuant to FAR 16.601 c(2), specify separate fixed hourly rates that include wages, overhead, general and administrative expenses, and profit for each category of labor. The CLIN will include a ceiling price that the contractor’s exceeding will be at their own risk.

10. Delete the words “_ and" in the title, Attachment D TORP 1, Attachment 1.

11. Delete TORP 1, Page 1, bullet 4 requirement “Deployment of approximatly 750 military personel as well as individual equipment and supplies. Deployment timing is unknown, but anticipated within the next 120 days.

12. Delete the requirement ““All transportation requirements will be shared resources from the SST program in Juba. This shall include the use of vehicles and air assets as currently being used.” From Sample TORP 6: Exhibit A, Task 1, 2.4.

13. Section H.9 is hereby deleted and replaced with the following, revising paragraph (b) sentence 1.

H.9

SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

(a) A SECRET facility security clearance issued in accordance with the National Industrial Security Program and Defense Security Service approved safeguarding at the SECRET level, is required for performance under this IDIQ in accordance with the DD Form 254, Department of Defense Contract Security Classification Specification, and attached hereto.

(b) Since it may be necessary for Contractor personnel to have access to classified material and/or to enter into areas requiring a security clearance, each contractor employee requiring such access shall: (1) Designated by DOS as requiring a clearance, and (2) Each Contractor employee requiring such access must have an individual security clearance commensurate with the required level of access prior to contract and/or task order performance. Individual clearances shall be maintained for the duration of employment under this contract, or until access requirements change. The Government reserves the right to require additional Contractor personnel to possess SECRET security clearances, as specified on a task order by task order basis. In such cases, individual clearance shall be maintained for the duration of employment under the particular task order.

(c) Performance of this contract shall be in accordance with the attached DD Form 254, Department of Defense Contract Security Classification Specification and FAR 52.204-2 "SECURITY REQUIREMENTS."

(d) The Contractor may request a Department of State building pass for the Program Manager and Project Managers, provided that each requires frequent and continuing access to Department of State facilities in accordance with DOSAR 652.237-71 "IDENTIFICATION/BUILDING PASS." Decisions to pursue or not pursue a building pass for a particular individual are at the COR’s discretion.

(e) The COR may require all relevant Contractor personnel to attend special security briefings under specific task orders. If such a briefing is required, relevant Contractor personnel shall not commence work under the order until briefed.

(f) Depending on individual places of performance, Contractor personnel may be required to attend security briefings by Regional Security Officers (RSOs) at local diplomatic posts before performing any on-site work.

14. Section B-10 is hereby deleted and replaced with the following:

B-10 ADVANCE UNDERSTANDING ON CEILINGS ON INDIRECT COST RATES AND FINAL PERFORMANCE FOR INDIRECT COSTS (Cost-Reimbursement)

(a) For each of the contractor's accounting periods during the term of this contract, the parties agree as follows:

1. The distribution base for establishment of final fringe benefit rate is -----------, final overhead rate is --------------, and final G&A rate is -------------------.

2. The contractor will make no change in its established method of classifying or allocating indirect costs without the prior written approval of the contracting officer.

3. The Government will not be obligated to pay any additional amount should the final indirect cost rates exceed the negotiated ceiling rates, and;

4. In the event the final indirect cost rates are less than the negotiated ceiling rates, the negotiated rates will be reduced to conform to the lower rates.

15. Section DOSAR 652.228-71 is hereby deleted and replaced with the below, updating the clause to read the correct Title and provide the DOS newly negotiated DBA insurance rates:

DOSAR 652.228-74 DEFENSE BASE ACT INSURANCE RATES - LIMITATION (JUN 2006)

(a) The Department of State has entered into a contract with an insurance carrier to provide Defense Base Act (DBA) insurance to Department of State covered contractor employees at a contracted rate. For the purposes of this provision, covered contractor employees includes the following individuals:

(1) United States citizens or residents;

(2) Individuals hired in the United States or its possessions, regardless of citizenship; and

(3) Local nationals and third country nationals where contract performance takes place in a country where there are no local workers compensation laws.

(b) In preparing the cost proposal, the bidder/offeror shall use the following rates in computing the cost for DBA insurance:

Services @ $4.00/$100.00 of compensation; or

Construction @ $5.50/$100.00 of compensation.

(c) Bidders/Offerors shall compute the total compensation (direct salary plus differential, but excluding per Diem, housing allowance and other miscellaneous allowances) to be paid to covered contractor employees and the cost of DBA insurance in their bid/proposal using the foregoing rate. Bidders/offerors shall include the estimated DBA insurance costs in their proposed fixed price or estimated cost. However, the DBA insurance costs shall be identified in a separate line item in the bid/proposal.

16. Hereby delete title DOSAR 652.228-70 WORKER’S COMPENSATION INSURANCE (DEFENSE BASE ACT) - SERVICES (JUN 2006) to correct and replace with 652.228-71 Worker’s Compensation Insurance (Defense Base Act) - Services.

17. Hereby incorporate, as full text, DOSAR 652.228-70 WORKER S COMPENSATION INSURANCE (DEFENSE BASE ACT) - SERVICES (JUN 2006) and its ALTERNATE I in Section I.

WORKER

S COMPENSATION INSURANCE (DEFENSE BASE ACT) - SERVICES (JUN 2006)

(a) This clause supplements FAR 52.228-3. For the purposes of this clause, covered contractor employees includes the following individuals:

(1) United States citizens or residents;

(2) Individuals hired in the United States or its possessions, regardless of citizenship; and

(3) Local nationals and third country nationals where contract performance takes place in a country where there are no local workers compensation laws.

(b) The Contractor shall procure Defense Base Act (DBA) insurance pursuant to the terms of the contract between the Department of State and the Department s DBA insurance carrier for covered contractor employees, unless the Contractor has a DBA self-insurance program approved by the Department of Labor. The Contractor shall submit a copy of the Department of Labor s approval to the contracting officer upon contract award, if applicable.

(c) The current rate under the Department of State contract is $4.00/$100 of compensation for services.

(d) The Contractor shall insert a clause substantially the same as this in all subcontracts. The Contractor shall require that subcontractors insert a similar clause in any of their subcontracts.

(e) Should the rates for DBA insurance coverage increase or decrease during the performance of this contract, the contracting officer shall modify this contract accordingly.

(f) The Contractor shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the contracting officer that the equitable adjustment as a result of the insurance increase or decrease does not include any reserve for such insurance. Adjustment shall not include any overhead, profit, general and administrative expenses, etc.

(g)(1) Section 16 of the State Basic Authorities Act (22 U.S.C. 2680a), as amended, provides that the Defense Base Act shall not apply with respect to such contracts as the Secretary of State determines are contracts with persons employed to perform work for the Department of State on an intermittent basis for not more than 90 days in a calendar year. Persons includes individuals hired by companies under contract with the Department. The Procurement Executive has the authority to issue the waivers for Contractor employees who work on an intermittent or short-term basis.

(2) The Contractor shall submit waiver requests to the contracting officer. The request shall contain the following information:

(i) Contract number;

(ii) Name of Contractor;

(iii) Brief description of the services to be provided under the contract and country of performance;

(iv) Name and position title of individual(s);

(v) Nationality of individual(s) (must be U.S. citizen or U.S. resident);

(vi) Dates (or timeframe) of performance at the overseas location; and,

(vii) Evidence of alternative workers compensation coverage for these employees (e.g., evidence that the State workers compensation program covers workers on short-term foreign assignments).

(3) The contracting officer shall provide to the Contractor the original of the approved or disapproved document and maintain a copy in the contract file.

Alternate I (JUN 2006)

(c) The current rate under the Department of State contract is $5.50 of compensation for construction.

18. Clause 52.216-29 TIME-AND-MATERIALS/LABOR-HOUR PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS-NON-COMMERCIAL ITEM ACQUISITION WITH ADEQUATE PRICE COMPETITION is hereby incorporated by reference into Section I Matrix.

19. Add the following Attachments to each TORP:

(1) Attachment D, TORP 1: adds Attachment 3

(2) Attachment E TORP 3: adds Attachment 1

(3) Attachment G TORP 4: adds Attachment 2

(4) Attachment H TORP 5: adds Exhibit D

20. Section L.6, Hereby delete title “Information to Support Consent to Major Subcontractors” and replace with “Information to Support Consent to Subcontractor”

21. Section M, Factor TC-4 is modified to delete the language “sub-factors”.

22. Section L.6 is hereby amended to add the following clauses:

(10) Pursuant to FAR 15.404-3(b), offerors “must conduct appropriate cost or price analyses to establish the reasonableness of proposed subcontractor prices and include the results of these analyses in the price proposal.

and append to the end of L.6 the following Adequacy of Cost Accounting System

Offeror must indicate whether it has a Government-approved job order cost accounting system to accumulate, segregate, and report costs incurred under cost-reimbursement contracts. If it does, then it must submit evidence of such approval. If Offeror does not have a Government-approved job order cost accounting system, then Offeror must submit evidence that it has an adequate job order cost accounting system to accumulate, segregate, and report costs incurred under cost-reimbursement contracts.

Adequacy of Purchasing System

Offeror must indicate whether it has a Government-approved purchasing system. If it does, then it must submit evidence of such approval.

23. Attachment A is hereby deleted and replaced with Attachment A, Revision 01.

24. Attachment D, Attachment 1 is hereby modified to replace the word “BOWSER” with “BROWSER” as it is referenced on page 3.

25. Attachment G, Task Order 4, Paragraph 10.1 is hereby modified to delete the sentence “Travel by contractor personnel in performance of work described in this request shall be in accordance with the AF/RSA contract (SLMAQM03C0034).”

26. Attachment H, Technical Volume Instructions bullet 4, hereby deletes the requirement for summaries of professional qualifications for key personnel.

27. Task Order Request for Proposal Instructions are hereby deleted and replaced with the following. Specified page counts for TORPs 1 – 6 remains unchanged.

1. This volume must be provided utilizing Microsoft Excel where all formulas are visible, and all cells are unlocked. It must contain a Summary Page (Entire Period of Performance) and a separate spreadsheet for each period of performance (Base – all options). The offeror shall propose based upon the following CLIN structure. In place of x: Base = 0, Option Years: 1-4 as applicable.

CLIN x001 – Direct Labor (Exclusive of Overtime) FFP/LOE

CLIN x002 - Direct Labor, Overtime FFP/LOE (Note: This is a pool that will be funded at the discretion of DOS)

CLIN x003 - Other Direct Cost (CPFF)

CLIN x004 - Travel (Cost Contract) (Note: This is a pool that will be funded at the discretion of DOS)

CLIN x005 - Demobilization (Cost Contract)

CLIN x006 - DBA Insurance (Cost Contract)

2. CLIN 0001: For each proposed labor category in response to TORP 1-6, offerors shall propose fully-loaded fixed hourly labor rate, proposed hours, and proposed extended price (proposed firm-fixed-price level-of-effort).

3. CLIN 0002 (Direct Labor, Overtime): Do not propose costs

4. CLIN 0003 Other Direct Costs: Offerors are to propose ODCs that are consistent with their accounting practices. DOS will reimburse the Contractor on the basis of actual costs that Other direct costs for which there is not a specific CLIN delineated in the instructions, (e.g Material, Special Pay, Immunizations, etc.) provided such costs comply with the TORP requirements.

NOTE: Proposed danger pay and post differential pay costs must reflect the current percentages prescribed in the Department of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR).

5. CLIN 0004: Offerors are to propose travel costs as applicable to each TORP.

6. CLIN 0005: Offerors are to propose demobilization costs as applicable to each TORP.

7. CLIN 0006: Proposed DBA Insurance costs must reflect the current DOS-awarded rate(s), and the rate(s) may be applied to employee remuneration/compensation for this requirement. DBA insurance costs shall be in accordance with rates provided in the solicitation, as revised in Amendment 04, however if an Offeror has negotiated rates that differ from the solicitation, the Offeror’s must propose their negotiated DBA insurance rates in accordance with their DBA insurance policy and the Task Order’s period of performance. Documentation to support the lower rates shall be supplied with the price proposal.

8. Cost Narrative: The offeror shall provide a Basis of Estimate and rationale for your proposed cost/price. The BOE shall provide DOS a clear understanding of the Offeror’s price approach to support their technical approach in response to each TORP.

9. Any other information that you feel materially supports your price proposal.

Q203. Reference TORP 6, Exhibit A, 2.8 (ECC RFI 4- Submitted on 7/10/08): Discussion: We understand that the Duar Sector HQ site will be a permanent facility. All construction types have different life expectancies and quality baselines. Considering that most of the buildings called out in the RFP are prefab, we recommend at a minimum a life expectancy of 10 years. Question: Does the Department of State have a standard life expectancy for construction at this location?

A203: The life expectancy will be based on the maintenance conducted after completion of the construction services. However, the contractor should propose materials that can weather the conditions in Sudan and will have a life expectancy of Ten Plus years.

Q204.Reference: TORP 6, Exhibit A, Section 2.8.1.17 Task 1 Activity 1(Q) (ECC RFI 4- Submitted on 7/10/08) Discussion: The requirement description of the Guard Towers and Entry Gates mentions: “Six (4) two-level guard towers…each one constructed at each of the 4 corners of the perimeter facility.” Question: Does the Department of State require the construction of six (6) guard towers or four (4) guard towers? Please clarify the number and locations of the guard towers.

A204: Six towers

Q205.Reference: TORP 6, Exhibit A, Section 2.8.1.13 Task 1 Activity 1(L) (ECC RFI 4- Submitted on 7/10/08) Discussion: The requirement description of the Communication Building lists a masonry unit structure. However, the specification requires 15 mm thick sandwich paneling and external walls injected sandwich panel 50 mm thick. Question: Should the requirements of the building be CMU only or sandwich panel only or a combination? How many offices are in this building?

A205: This is a requirement to be proposed by the contractor.

Q206.Reference: TORP 6, Exhibit A, Section 2.8.1.15 Task 1 Activity 1(N) (ECC RFI 4- Submitted on 7/10/08) Discussion: The requirement mentions ten (6) latrines/shower buildings. It is unclear on how many latrines will be constructed and if they are stand alone or attached. Additionally, the dimensions for the latrine appear to be missing. Finally, the specification section calls out for a latrine in the recreational facility which we believe to be the soccer field. Question: Are there a total of fourteen (14) 6 latrines/showers buildings, ten (10) for the barracks, one (1) for the recreation facility, one (1) for the maintenance facility, one (1) for the division headquarters management office and one (1) for the fuel station? Is the recreation facility the soccer field? Are the latrines attached to each one of these buildings, if a building exists or are they stand alone buildings? What are the correct plan view dimensions of each latrine?

A206: Proposed by the contractor in their designs.

Q207.Reference: Attachment I: Sample TORP indicates in Section 2. Definitions, 2.1 technical documents (Exhibit B). We are not able to find this Exhibit in the RFP documents. We respectfully request a copy of the Exhibit for our proposal reference and compliance.

A207: These documents have been purposely removed as the contractor is to propose their own technical documents and designs

Q208.Reference Task Order 2, Paragraph 1 Requirements, Bullet #2 Inventory: Does the inventory requirement under this paragraph pertain to contractor acquired equipment and supplies subsequent to award of this contract and that which is for contractor use or that equipment previously procured for and hand receipted to the respective troop contributing nation(s)? Current DOS procedures for the AMISOM Peacekeeping contract require that the contractor inventory all property, per authorized DOS equipment/supply list upon receipt. All items are then hand receipted over to DOS (designated embassy personnel) who then hand receipts items over to the designated representative for the respective troop-contributing nation. This Task Order requirement asks that the contractor “maintain an inventory of all contractor acquired and government furnished equipment and supplies over $2,500”. Question: Does the inventory requirement under this paragraph pertain to contractor acquired equipment and supplies subsequent to award of this contract and that which is for contractor use or that equipment previously procured for and hand receipted to the respective troop contributing nation(s)?

A208: The hand receipt process is applicable to Task Order 2. Once equipment is handed receipted to the respective troop contributing nation(s); the contractor will not have the responsibility to maintain the equipment. The contractor's responsibility is to provide assistance to the host country for items that may need repaired. All items procured on behalf of the USG will be recorded on a property book and as outlined in FAR 45.

Q209. Reference TORP #1, Questions: How many troops are expected to be in the camp at one time? What are individual equipment and supplies? Are the equipment and supplies to be purchased by the contractor? Do the APC’s, 5 ton trucks (how many) and water buffalos need to be purchased by the contractor? Please provide detailed specifications for vehicles

A209: Currently the Ugandans have 2070 personnel on their camp. Burundi has 850 with another 850 expected to deploy with in a month. All equipment has been procured and delivered minus the sustainment items announced in the solicitation. For Nigeria the contractor shall propose those items in the announcement and anticipate Toyota 4x4 Land Cruisers, Mambas for APC's and contractors best estimate on the five ton requirements per the proposed country, quantities are announced for the water buffalos

Q210.Reference TORP #1 , Attachment 1, Standard Battalion support requirements for Nigeria Battalion Pages 1 & 2 – 1-4, Burundi Battalion Pages 1-3, Ugandan Sustainment Pages 1-3 “Estimated” requirements for Nigeria. Estimated requirements for 150 man deployment. Questions: Are the estimated requirements in al packages based on a 150 man deployment? Will the Government Identify vehicles to be procured and specifications? Will all nationalities be in the camp at the same time? Will the Government identify types of POL Products – Fuel (kerosene, diesel, propane) Lubricants to be procured? How many ROWPU are required? Will the Government provide specifications? Will the Government provide specifications for all required vehicles? Will the Government provide specifications for mobile workshops? Are “football” soccer balls or American footballs?

A210: Nigeria is the only part of the solicitation based on quantities to support a 150 man deployment, SEE Attached UN specs for all Equipment

Q211. Reference Attachment D: Task Order 1; Uganda Sustainment Document; is the document titled “Uganda Sustainment” included in the requirements of the Burundi Battalion Support Requirements, Attachment 2?

A211: Reference TORP 1, Task 2, 1.0

Q212.REFERENCE: TORP 6, Attachment C, Section 4 –Off Site Analysis. The RFP states, “Local Availability of Sand and Gravel…requires that sand, gravel, and murram must be brought from Madera (320 kilometers from Duar).” In Section 2 the RFP states, “The water in the existing borehole is salty.” QUESTION: Section 2 of the site assessment, third paragraph: Does the existing borehole have sufficient capacity to supply the 60,000 liter per day requirement for the site? Where are Sections 5 and 6 of the site assessment document?

A212: Yes

Q213. REFERENCE: Attachment H – TORP 5. Page 2 of the TORP indicates that Task 2 (A1), Task 3 (B1), and Task 4 (C1) will be separate courses. QUESTION: Please clarify the number and type of courses the contractor is expected to produce.

A213: The requirements for the training are defined in Task 2 - 4 in TORP 5.

Q214. REFERENCE: Attachment H – TORP 5. The Senior Officers’ Course is designated for approximately four hours per day. QUESTION: Does the DOS expect the Junior Officers’ Course to also be four hours per day? If so, are we to plan on teaching two classes per day; i.e., Junior Officers in the morning, (0830-1230) and Senior Officers in the afternoon (1330-1730) or vice-versa?

A214: "Request the offeror to propose the most efficient and effective training method". Also I would advise to have the junior officer training program to mirror the senior course. (4 hours instruction/4 hours exercise).

Q215: REFERENCE: Attachment H – TORP 5 QUESTION: How many senior officers are going to be trained and what are their language skills?

A215: 30 officers per class. Language skills are their mother tongue dingca.

Q216. REFERENCE: Attachment H – TORP 5. QUESTION: Are there any trained SPLA instructors who can assist in the training?

A216: NO

Q217.REFERENCE: Attachment H – TORP 5. QUESTION: Has the SPLA provided feedback on the course structure and organization? Have they indicated that they want the course for the Junior Officers to be the same as for the senior officers?

A217: Yes, and the course outline is different for the junior officers presently, contractor is to propose as requested in the TORP

Q218.REFERENCE: Attachment H – TORP 5. QUESTION: Has the SPLA identified the first 100 Junior Officers it wishes to have trained?

A218: No, the contractor will receive these names from the commander of the SPLA and then submit the names to the DoS for vetting prior to the beginning of training.

Q219. REFERENCE: Attachment H – TORP 5. Paragraph 1.2 under Task 1 on page 2 tasks the contractor to identify the required blocks of instruction and the length of the course in hours, but the **note indicates that the course for the Senior Officers shall last 8-weeks at 4 hrs per day (+/- 160 hrs per iteration). QUESTIONS: Please clarify the program of instruction standard required. Do you want us to write a program of instruction to the standard required or the time indicated in the TORP? Is there any flexibility in the hours of instruction should our assessment of the curriculum indicate a need to adjust the hours?

A219: Yes and there is no flexibility in the hours.

Q220: REFERENCE: Attachment H – TORP 5, Government Furnished Equipment QUESTION: Will any Government-issued equipment be transferred during the transition from the present contractor?

A220: For items that are not transferred to the SPLA the government will reconcile the equipment and allow items to be transferred to the contractor as a cost savings measure.

Q221. REFERENCE: Attachment H – TORP 5. The bulleted paragraph at the top of page 4 of the TORP states that the contractor will deliver the POI to AF/RSA for review “at least thirty (15) days prior to the scheduled commencement of training.” QUESTION: Please clarify the requirement; thirty days in advance or 15 days in advance?

A221: 30 Days

Q222 .REFERENCE: Attachment H – TORP 5. The fourth bullet on page 10 identifies key personnel not listed in paragraph 17 Key Personnel on page 7. The additional key personnel identified on page 10 (lead trainer for CSOS, CPX and Quick Reaction Force Operations Trainers) do not appear to belong in the BSS program. QUESTION: Please clarify.

A222: Lead trainer for CSOS, CPX and Quick Reaction Force Operations Trainers do not belong to this task order. Contractor is to omit the reference for CPX Trainers

Q223. REFERENCE: Section C.5, Establish/Maintain SOPs, Page 16 – Clarification on wear of military clothing. Clothing and appearance standards (Contractor personnel are prohibited from wearing military clothing and insignia). QUESTION: Please clarify the clothing standards. Does this prohibit the wearing of camouflage, olive-drab clothing?

A223: Yes, Contractor may not have any item that indicates they are in anyway associated with the government.

Q224.REFERENCE: Section J, Attachment D, TORP #2/3.0, Page 2 – Maximum 3-week Presence in Somalia. The RFP states, “In providing logistics support, the Contractor may be required to establish a limited presence within Somalia. However, due to security concerns, such presence shall not exceed three weeks on the ground in Somalia at any one time.” QUESTION: After three weeks is expended, can personnel return after a specific time? If so, what is that time? Since the verb in the first sentence is “may”, and not “shall” (which indicates a firm requirement), what determines if this requirement may be imposed?

A224: This requirement will be strictly enforced. There is a high risk to health and safety. Contractor shall rotate out of theater to contractor’s base of operations outside of Somalia.

Q225.REFERENCE: Section J, Attachment D&I, Paragraphs D/1 and I/B and I/Exhibit G, 2.19 ” QUESTIONS: Section J, Attachment I (TORP 6) clearly identifies the specific type of waste to be managed. But in Section J, Attachment E (TORP), the text refers to “waste disposal”. The term “waste” can refer to solid waste, liquid waste, sewage, wastewater, rubbish, or garbage. Does the term “waste” as used here include hazardous waste? Though we assume it does not (or it would be specifically identified), we must ask the question because disposition of hazardous waste has more stringent disposal requirements, and is more costly. By “provision of laundry”, does that mean provide laundry services or construct, equip, and staff a laundry facility? Does “provision of water” include bulk and/or bottled delivery?

A225: Laundry services. Requirement is to construct, equip, and staff. “Provision of water” include, bottled delivery and ROWPU if required

Q226. REFERENCE: Section J Attachments G & H - Cleaning Services and Vector & Pest Control Services. In Section J, Attachment G, lines 4 & 5 of paragraph 2., Task B.4 (page 4) reads “The training shall be no more than forty-five (120) training days.” QUESTION: Is it 45 or 120 days?

A226: 45 but the contractor shall propose also the 120 days as an option.

Q227. REFERENCE: Section J/Attach D, Pages 1 and 5 – Level of Maintenance. Second bullet under “Communications/Information Technology Equipment, Maintenance and Repairs at all sector/camp sites” reads ‘Provide full preventive and corrective maintenance and testing to include operator level maintenance for operational communications equipment. First and second bullets under “Vehicle Maintenance and Repairs” reads “Provide full preventive and corrective maintenance (except operator level maintenance) . . .” Ninth performance objective under “Performance Standards and DoS Monitoring Method” (page 5) reads “Full preventive and corrective maintenance (except operator level maintenance) . . .” QUESTION: Please clarify how many levels of maintenance are required above Level 1 maintenance?

A227: Full preventive and corrective maintenance and 2nd echelon maintenance.

Q228. What is the DOS definition of “major subcontractor” as listed in Section L? L.6 COST/PRICING PROPOSAL AND SECTION K (Volume II): Paragraph 9. Indirect Cost Information: “(a) The Offeror and each proposed major subcontractor shall include a complete copy of its most current Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) or other documentation from its cognizant Government Audit Agency, if any, stating the most recent provisional and final indirect cost rates.” Is this according to size, percentage of work on program, or other criteria?

A228: For proposal evaluation, major subcontractors are critical to the performance of the activities and/or subcontracted dollars for task order 1-6 is the lower of $11.5 million or more; or both more than the pertinent cost or pricing data threshold (currently $650,000) and more than 10% of the prime contractor’s proposed price. However, the contracting officer reserves the right to lower these thresholds if the contracting officer considers it necessary for adequately pricing the prime contract.

Q229. Does the Government require or desire an acronym list as part of the proposal? If we include an acronym list, will it count against the 300-page limit for the Technical Proposal?

A229: Yes, Not to exceed three (3) pages

Q230. Reference L.4 General Instructions and Formatting: “The proposal shall include agreements and/or terms and conditions for Joint Venture partnerships and/or all subcontractors, if applicable.” Please clarify what documentation is required for subcontractors—complete agreements or letters of commitment?

A230: Binding agreements to reflect the teaming arrangements to support the proposal submitted.

Q231. Reference L.6 COST/PRICING PROPOSAL AND SECTION K (Volume II): Letters of Commitment (Subcontractors): “The Cost/Business Proposal must include a letter, on subcontractor letterhead, and signed by an authorized representative of each subcontractor, which specifically indicates the subcontractor’s agreement to be included in the Offeror’s proposed teaming arrangement.”

A231: The subcontractor agreements will be included in the technical proposal therefore a signed letter from the subcontractor stating that an agreement exists is required to accompany the cost proposal. This is to accommodate the separate evaluations of cost and technical.

Q232.Reference Task Order 1: What are the AU’s current supply and distribution practices, especially between the main base and FOB’s?

A232: Program office cannot answer, as no USG personnel are currently stationed on the ground with AMISOM.

Q233.Reference Task Order 1: What is the existing supply and distribution capacity of the maintenance/rear echelon area?

A233: Program office cannot answer, as no USG personnel are currently stationed on the ground with AMISOM.

Q234.Reference Task Order 1: What is the logistics capacity of the FOB’s (how much storage capacity is there for various such as fuel, food, and other supplies?

A234: Program office cannot answer, as no USG personnel are currently stationed on the ground with AMISOM.

Q235.Reference Task Order 1: Does the AU provide escorts for logistics convoys in-country?

A235: While AU may be willing to provide escorts for logistics convoys, USG cannot make commitment on behalf of AU. AMISOM currently has a limited number of armored vehicles, and its capacity to provide escorts will likely be limited. Capacity may increase as new TCCs and equipment are deployed.

Q236. Reference Task Order 1: What are the existing AU repair and maintenance practices?

A236: Program office cannot answer, as no USG personnel are currently stationed on the ground with AMISOM.

Q237.Reference Task Order 1: For maintenance, what is the existing AU repair and maintenance practices for back loading (transferring equipment to and from FOB’s or to Depot) between the FOB’s and main base?

A237: Program office cannot answer, as no USG personnel are currently stationed on the ground with AMISOM.

Q238. Reference Task Order 1: What is the existing repair capacity of the maintenance/rear echelon area?

A238: Program office cannot answer, as no USG personnel are currently stationed on the ground with AMISOM.

Q239.Reference Task Order 1: Will we be required to deliver equipment to any country sites for TO#1 for any pre-deployment training (i.e., Nigeria prior to Nigerian deployment to Somalia)?

A239: Nigeria has not specifically requested pre-deployment training for any equipment. Nonetheless, if equipment requirements change, contractor should be prepared to provide one piece of a given item along with a training team to the TCC in question. Program Office will advise if such training is needed.

Q240.Reference Task Order 1: Is there a current concept of operations for supplying Somalia that the Department of State can make available for planning purposes?

A240: There is no USG document. USG cannot provide CONOPS from either AU or other contractors for the purpose of this solicitation

Q241.Reference Task Order 1: Where are the sites that peacekeepers will be deploying from in Burundi, Uganda, Nigeria, etc.?

A241: Uganda: Entebbe; Burundi: Bujumbura; Nigeria: TBD. Point of departure will likely be near Abuja, based on current location of unit.

Q250.Reference Task Order 1: Will ground transportation be required to move deploying units from their bases to port of embarkation?

A250. TCC is the responsible party for this transportation. If assistance is required, contractor will be notified, and a revised cost proposal detailing the additional costs will be requested.

Q251.Reference Task Order 1: Is there a requirement that units be rotated simultaneously or sequentially?

A251: Each battalion should be deployed together unless otherwise directed by USG.

Q252.Reference Task Order: Do the troops need to arrive for deployment as a whole battalion or can they arrive by sub-units (i.e., company by company)?

A252: Whole battalion, although contractor should be prepared to deploy up to one company-sized advance party in the case of new TCCs, i.e. Nigeria. If advance party is required, USG will notify contractor and request revised cost proposal.

Q253. Reference Task Order 1: Will deploying units have planning officers or unit movement officers that will have pre-planned embarkation orders and troop deployment plans or does the contractor need to coordinate this function?

A253: Exact requirements for each TCC will vary according to experience in conducting peacekeeping operations. Upon completion of task order, contractor will, in conjunction with US Embassy, consult with TCC Defense Staff in order to work out arrangements. Contractor should expect that substantial assistance will be required by TCC to plan for deployments, although assistance may be provided by USG or other donor partners where available. If this is the case, contractor will be expected to coordinate with USG or other donor country military personnel.

Q254. Reference: Task Order 3, Paragraph 8 states the On-Site Coordinator proposed will be the GTM. Are we correct in interpreting this to mean that this individual must be fire walled to avoid OCIs?

A254. Yes, and will report to the USG their daily sitrep and reports.

Q255. Reference Task Order 4: Task B.1 under Task Order 4 doesn’t specify a time line for submitting the POI for approval. What is the timeline?

A255: Requires Program Review: 30 days prior to training.

Q256.Reference Task Order 5: Given the 15 page limitation on this TORP submission, is it permissible to submit Task/Condition /Standards for Training Tasks A-1, B-1, and C-1, rather than for each subunit of instruction, with full POIs and Tasks/Conditions/Standards to be submitted upon award or as directed by the USG? Alternatively, may component course level data be submitted as an Appendix not counted in the page limitations? Attachment H, Task Order 5, page 2, Task 1, subparagraph 1.2: “In the proposal the contractor should include tasks, conditions, and standards for each course identified herein, a listing of required blocks of instruction, the length of the course in hours, required course material, and maximum student attendance allowed.”

A256: YES

Q257. Reference Task Order 5: Are we correct in understanding that the 4 hour classroom limitation applies only to the senior personnel and that junior officers should be available for a full training day? Attachment H, Task Order 5, page 2, Background, Task 1, **:“Contractor will propose the training that will initially be conducted to the senior military leadership and will be proposed for approximately 4 hours everyday for a period of 2 months. The 2nd group of student/training will be for the junior officers for which the training will last for 2 months.

A257: Your assumption is correct.

Q258. Reference Task Order 5: The Key Personnel Section (Paragraph 17.0, Page 7), states that key personnel will be as a minimum, the Project Manager, with the indication that other positions are to be determined at the time of task order award. The reference to Quick Reaction Force Operations Trainer would seem to refer to the training requirement for the DRC, Page 8 of the Solicitation, Section C. Is it the Government’s intent that we provide summaries for the Program Manager, Project Manager, and key staff trainers as we identify them (fore example, Senior Staff Trainer, Exercise Director, etc.)? Attachment H, Task Order 5, page 10, Proposal Submission Requirements: “Include summaries of professional qualifications for key personnel, to include the proposed program manager, proposed country leader and proposed lead trainers for CSSO, CPX, and Quick Reaction Forces Operations Trainers. As stated in “Key Personnel” of this SOW.”

A258: Lead trainer for CSOS, CPX and Quick Reaction Force Operations Trainers do not belong to this task order. Contractor is to omit the reference for CPX Trainers.

Q259. All Task Orders that have a GTM state, “The GTM serves as the Government’s on-the-ground representative…” yet a stateside address is given. Will this person, in fact, be located in country? (If so, this could be very helpful in the licensing process for shipments, etc).

A259: This will be determined at time of award.

Q260. Please identify solicitation reference and provisions allowing contractors to modify pricing proposals after award to incorporate escalated material and labor costs.

A260: The use of Fixed Prices - Economic Price Adjustment will be incorporated into Task Orders on an as needed basis. The current solicitation does not require this clause.

Q261. Reference Section 15.2 of TORP – 6 for Construction of the DUAR Sector Headquarters site is identified as a cost plus fixed fee contract type. Will all construction contracts be issued as a cost plus fixed fee contract?

A261: No, FFP with fuel and travel being CR only this TORP is being requested as CPFF due to being a sample task.

Q262. Reference Section B-3 of the AFRICAP solicitation identifies many contract types anticipated for the AFRICAP IDIQ. Section B-4 states the type of order for each TORP is subject to negotiation. Please explain the sequence of events leading to this negotiation of contract type.

A262: Each Task Order Request for Proposal will identify the contract type based upon the requirements.

Q263. Please confirm which TORPs will be awarded as part of this IDIQ and which TORPs could be considered for award with this IDIQ as proposed.

A263: The base contract will be awarded initially to establish the ID/IQ contract vehicle. At this time, a definite timeline for the award of the TORPs has not been established.

Q264. Reference Sample TORP 6 states a 12 month construction duration but access to the site is limited between April & October. What is the government’s intention for the project duration for this sample project?

A264: 12 Months as the base and options announced will be determined by the governments project schedule and the governments cost estimate and program time line.

Q265. Reference Section 15.3 of TORP – 6 states that “any decision to extend the period of performance shall be at the sole discretion of the Department of State.” Excluding actions of force majeure, please define the required sequence of events and provisions allowed by the government permitting schedule relief to the contractor.

A265: Contractors should follow the principles of Program Management. Any action that may cause a schedule delay should be brought to the attention of the COTR immediately and receive in writing an approval for a revised delivery schedule.

Q266. Reference Attachment H, Task Order 5, Page 1: The attachment reads, “This is a sample task order request” and the title reads, “U.S. Government Support to Chad”. Question: Will the Government clarify if TORP 5 is a “sample” task order? Will the Government clarify the location of Task Order 5 for “Chad” or Juba, Southern Sudan?

A266: Delete "U.S Government Support to Chad"

Q267. Reference 6.1 Key Personnel: “At a minimum, the contractor shall assign to this task order the following key personnel: Labor Category: Course Instructor (Senior Drivers Trainer); Course Instructor (Local national) Course Instructor (Maintenance Instructor/Trainer) Course assistant Instructor (Local National) The in country Project / Team Manager for drivers training program shall be the contractor’s primary point of contact for all matters pertaining to this task order. However, in country Program Manager for South Sudan projects shall bear ultimate responsibility for ensuring that the requirements described herein are met. There are five key personnel indicated for this Task Order, four in section 6.1 and the Team Manager in 6.2. Of the four key personnel listed in section 6.1 two are designated as local nationals. Questions: What does “Key” person mean from the perspective of Task Order 4? Are “local nationals” and particularly “assistant” instructors truly “Key” personnel? Is it permissible to substitute “foreign nationals” or “third country nationals” for the local national billets in 6.1.2 and 6.1.4?

A267: The definition of key personnel does not vary between the base or task order. A key person is a position that must be dedicated to that effort and shall not be replaced prior to required notification of DOS. The qualification of the key person is a different question. The offeror shall follow the requirements delineated in Section 6.0 of TORP 4 for the key personnel assigned to that task.

Q268.Reference Schedule G, TORP 4, Task B: Mechanics Training – Question: There is confusion concerning the actual number of mechanics training sessions that are required. The introduction to the “Mechanics” training segment (see above under Task B) says the contractor shall provide basic operator skills, basic preventative maintenance skills, basic and advanced mechanic training to SPLA members on Toyota) (3 iterations), 8 trainees on the 5-ton trucks (3 iteration of 45days). The three iterations of Toyota training are represented in this section by Tasks B.1, B.2 and B.3. Task B.4 indicates that the contractor will provide one iteration of mechanic training for 5-Ton Trucks for 4 individuals.