GATA Questions Ending 03-26-2010.docx

Solicitation No.: SAQMMA09R0356 Requirement: Foreign Law Enforcement Training Program Office: Office of Antiterrorism Assistance (DS/T/ATA) Subject: Solicitation Questions Ending 03/26/2010

Reference: RFP Section L.8.2, Paragraph(s) (Heading), Page(s) 91; RFP Section L.8.3, Paragraph(s) a, Page(s) 92; RFP Section M.11.2, Paragraph(s) a, Page(s) 102.

1. Question: In the referenced sections above, please clarify in what section the Government would like the resumes submitted. Section L, part L.8.2 states in the heading that the resumes are included in that section’s 100 page limit. But section L.8.3, and M.11.2, which both discuss “Ability to Recruit, Train and Retain High Quality Personnel/Resumes of Key Personnel”, instruct the Offeror about resumes.

Response:

Section L.8.2 and Section L.8.3 state the information to be included/addressed in these sections of the Technical/Management Proposal.

Section M.11.2 is part of the Evaluation Criteria and the factors that the Government will use to evaluate the Technical Proposal.

2. Question: Is the Offeror to assume that only the resumes of the Proposed Program Manager and Operations Managers are to be submitted with the proposal?

Response:

Yes

3. Question: In whatever section the resumes are required to be submitted, please also clarify if resumes are included or excluded from the page count of that respective section.

Section L.8.2 - the page limit includes resumes.

Section L.8.3 – the page limit includes resumes. As stated in L.8.3.a. “Resumes shall identify specific and relevant qualifications for the proposed contractor personnel …”

Reference: RFP Section C.3.5, Paragraph 1, Page 12

4. Question: “The contractor shall provide a Quality Control Plan (QCP) as part of its technical proposal.” Can the QCP be included as an Appendix or does it count towards the 100 page limit for this section?

The Quality Control Plan counts towards the 100 page limit. Refer to Section L.8.2.d (Program Management/Quality Control Solution) “The proposal should include the offeror’s plan/approach for producing high quality deliverables.”

Reference: RFP Section L.8.2, Paragraph (d), Page 91

5. Question: The above referenced section includes a Training and Logistics Solution to be included in the Program Management/Quality Control Solution, but unlike other paragraphs within this section, there does not appear to be correlated evaluation criteria in Section M. Would the Government please specify the criteria by which this section will be evaluated?

Refer to Section M.11.1 (Program Management/Quality Control Solution) – Item 2 (Quality Control Solution)

Reference: RFP Section L.7, Paragraph 2, Page 90

6. Question: Would the government consider fonts smaller than 12 point, Times New Roman when used in graphics or tables to make them more readable or where the information presented may not fit properly?

No. Refer to L.7 (Proposal Preparation Instructions and Formatting)

Reference: RFP Section C.3.7, Paragraph 2, Pages 13‐14

7. Question: The government requires that teams be comprised of at least 50% former law enforcement officers. However, there is some training where individuals without law enforcement backgrounds may be better qualified to teach the subject matter, including Hospital Based Mass Casualty, and CBRN courses. Would the Government expand this requirement to include qualified Public Safety officers as well?

No.

Reference: RFP Section C.14, Paragraph 4, Page 39

8. Question: Post may “embed a mentor” to provide Technical Assistance.

a. Would the government please specify if instructors or advisors will be embedded with combat or tactical enforcement operations? b. Will the embedded mentor be prohibited from being operational?

Response:

a. Yes

b. Yes

Reference: RFP Section C.4, Paragraph 2, Page 14

9. Question: It is our understanding that only the head of agencies can make a suitability determination at the Public Trust level. a. Will ATA make Public Trust determinations? b. If so, will a government agency be responsible for conducting required background checks?

Response:

a. Yes

Reference: RFP Section C, Paragraph C.8.1‐5, Pages 23‐25

10. Question: Contractor Furnished Materials identified in the referenced paragraphs will be procured by the contractor. Will the procurement of these materials be for all of the Domestic and International Courses?

Response:

Yes unless otherwise stated in country specific training orders and subsequent individual training requests.

Refer to C.8. (Contractor Furnished Material and Services) and last paragraph of C.9.1 (Domestic Support Services).

11. Question: Is there an estimate of the number of PR/PO’s processed each year?

Refer to C.1.3 (Scope) -- last paragraph “As a good faith estimate of annual needs to help the contractor plan for adequate levels of resources and staff, the program has conducted about 325 activities per year; up to 90 percent of training is delivered overseas since 2006. It is anticipated that task orders will be competed on a country by country basis with approximately 62 country specific task orders being issued during the contract period. Task Order Proposal Requests (TORP) will provide estimates of training required by country.

Reference: RFP Section C.8, Paragraph 1, Page 23 Reference: RFP Section C.8.3, Paragraph 1, Page 24

12. Question: Our understanding of the current ATA program is that the Government procures visas for instructors traveling overseas; does the government anticipate providing assistance procuring visas on this contract as well? If the answer is ATA will not provide assistance, can a private contractor obtain a visa for travel on an official passport?

Department of State will provide assistance procuring visas for this requirement.

Reference: RFP Section C.7.4, Paragraph 4, Page 23

13. Question: Will ATA provide a list of licenses per country that the contractors are required to obtain in order to operate?

Reference: RFP Section C, Paragraph C.1.3, Page 8

14. Question: Will the GATA Contractor be required to ship (contract with international freight forwarders) the GFP training material to OCONUS sites?

Response:

Yes. The Government will normally ship all GFP training material to OCONUS sites. The Government may ask the GATA contractor to perform this task in limited cases.

Refer to C.1.3. (Scope) paragraph 4.a “a. For overseas training, the contractor shall provide instructor-led delivery, customized technical assistance, and logistics support as required.”

15. Question: If the GATA Contractor is to ship, is there an estimate in the number of shipments per year, and weight and cube of the shipments?

There is no requirement at this time.

Reference: RFP Section C, Paragraph C.9.1, Page26

16. Question: In previous contracts, there were vehicle assets provided by the government. Will GFP include vehicles for the transportation requirements of the students and the training site staff for INCONUS training?

Response:

Refer to C.1.5 (Domestic Training and Logistics) Paragraph c.1 (Domestic Tactical Training and Facilities)

“Domestic facilities, services, and equipment include full support for turnkey delivery solutions described herein:

1. Domestic tactical training and facilities

· Ranges and shoot houses for weapons and tactics

· Remote ranges for explosives related training

· Classrooms and breakout rooms

· Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and access to emergency care

· Full service lodging, meal service and cultural exchange for participants

· Vehicles for training, local ground transportation and off-site excursions

· Secure storage for sensitive DOS equipment including weapons, ammunition, explosives, hazardous materials, and high value items”

17. Question: Is there a list of GFP provided by the government for the training site?

Refer to C.1.3 (Scope) paragraph 5:

“The contractor shall provide all personnel, logistics support, and materials not specifically indicated as “Government-Furnished” or described herein as government furnished equipment, property, or services.”

Reference: RFP Section C, Paragraph C. 9.2. Pages 27‐28

18. Question: The Government Furnished Property (GFP) appears to be the actual equipment and supplies that is procured for each training course. Who will procure the Government Furnished Property?

Response:

Refer to C.1.3 (Scope) paragraph 5:

“The contractor shall provide all personnel, logistics support, and materials not specifically indicated as “Government-Furnished” or described herein as government furnished equipment, property, or services.”

Reference: RFP Section C.12.3, Page 35 Reference: RFP Section C.12.4, Paragraph a.3, Page 36

19. Question: Section C.12.3 specifies that a driving track would not be required. However, Section C.12.4 specifies that “six total SUVs and full size sedans with automatic transmission for practical exercises plus target and ramming vehicles” will be required for VIP or VIP‐TST courses. If no driving track is required, where does the Government intend the Contractor to hold these trainings?

Response:

The VIP and VIP-TST courses are expected to be held at the contractor’s training site. Also “target and ramming vehicles” are not required for the above courses.

Reference: RFP Section C.10, Paragraph (g), Page 29

20. Question: Contractor facilities are equipped with sufficient office space for DS/ATA personnel while on site. However, it is the Contractor’s understanding that DOS personnel require specialized and secure networks to interface with DOS/Washington networks. Does the Government require secure internet and network connections? If so, what equipment will DOS personnel provide?

The government does not require secure internet and network connections.

Reference: RFP Section C.10, Paragraph (d.3), Page 29

21. Question: Contractor facilities are not currently equipped with hard wired interpretation equipment, as the existing wireless system allows for increased movement and interactivity within the classroom without sacrificing sound quality or reliability. Would the Government consider revising this requirement provided that the existing equipment meets commercial best practice operation standards?

Reference: RFP Section C.12.1, Paragraph (b), Page 32

22. Question: The above referenced section requires Contractor facilities to accommodate a surface detonation of a five pound high explosive device. In the Contractor’s experience, a device of that size could potentially cause damage to glass windows and other structures up to several miles away. Is it the Government’s intention to detonate high explosives of this size?

The requirement is changed to a three pound high explosive.

Reference: RFP Section B.4.1, Page 2

23. Question: Our understanding of the current contract is that DBA insurance is a reimbursable CLIN. Does the Government request DBA to be included as a separate CLIN or included in the burdened labor rate?

DBA insurance is reimbursable as a separate CLIN.

Reference: RFP Section L.9.1, Paragraph (c), Page 94

24. Question: Would the government please specific what items are provided in the OCONUS rate build up? Specifically, will OCONUS rates include danger pay on weekends, and/or post differential or will these items be added as separate CLINS?

Refer to Section B.4.1 (Time and Material labor/Firm Fixed Price Rates).

Reference: RFP Section C.9, Paragraph 4, Page 26

25. Question: ATA requests prioritization of program trainings at contractor facilities. If a facilities provider has a policy of penalizing cancelled engagements, would ATA reimburse the contractor for costs associates with cancelled or delayed activities?

Response:

Refer to Section C.9 (Domestic Training Services) Paragraph 2:

“DS/T/ATA will provide quarterly forecasts of requirements for domestic training. Changes in schedules as well as additions and cancellations can be expected, often on short notice. “

Reference: RFP Section C.2, Paragraph 1, Page 10

26. Question: Would the government please clarify the TO award process? It is unclear if a country‐by‐country TO award would apply to the duration of the contract or if notices to proceed will be competed per FAR regulation.

Response:

Refer to Section C.2

“After award of the IDIQ contracts, the government will compete individual TOs by country.

It is anticipated that the government will compete 62 or more TOs on a country-by-country basis between the IDIQ contract holders. The TO periods of performance will be established at TO award and may be awarded for a base period of twelve (12) months and four twelve-month option periods. TO periods of performance may extend past the IDIQ contract period for a term not to exceed 12 months.”

Reference: RFP Section B.4.1.a, Page 2

27. Question: The RFP details both Government Site (B.4.1.a.1) and Contractor Site rates (B.4.1.a.2). Does the Government request a cost proposal with separate Government‐Site and Contractor‐Site rates? If so, how does this requirement relate to the requirement for separate CONUS and OCONUS rates?

B.4.1.a.1 and B.4.1.a.2 are self-explanatory.

Reference: Section C.2, Page 10

28. Question: The RFP indicates that task orders will be awarded on a country‐by‐country basis. Is it the government’s intention to make one T&M or CPFF task order award per country, then, once that task order is awarded, work with the winning vendor to meet all training needs for that country for the task order period of performance?

Once a task order is awarded, the winning vendor will fulfill all the training needs for that country as required by the task order for the task order period of performance.

29. Does the government anticipate awarding 5 year task orders for each country, such that one vendor would potentially meet all of that country’s training needs for the life of this contract?

Depending on the requirement, the task order period of performance may contain option periods.

Reference: RFP Sections B.4.1 Paragraph 4, B.4.1.1, and B.5 CLIN Rate Table, Pages 3-5.

30. Question: In B.4.1(4) the solicitation states that no fee can be added to ODC for T&M task orders, while in B.4.1.1 it allows for fee on ODC for FFP task orders. How do we differentiate these two cases in the CLIN Rate Table?

The fee/no fee is applicable at the Task Order level after the 2 base contracts are awarded.

Reference: RFP Section B.5 CLIN Rate Table, Pages 4-5.

31. Question: The CLIN structure table identifies CONUS and OCONUS rates. For the OCONUS rates what adders does the government expect, as some rates are different per OCONUS location (i.e., danger pay)?

Do not understand the question.

Reference: RFP Section L.7, Page 90.

32. Question: We assume that the following formatting changes are acceptable.

Art: 8 point Times New Roman Tables: 10 point Times New Roman Titles: 10 point Times New Roman, bold, initial cap Additionally, we plan to include foldout graphs/tables on 11x17 inch paper, which will count as two 8.5x11 inch size pages for page count limit purposes.

Please advise if this is acceptable to the government.

It is not acceptable.

Refer to Section L.7 (Proposal Preparation Instructions and Formatting) paragraph 2 which includes the following statement:

“Paper copies of the proposal shall be single-side pages printed on white, 8.5" x 11" paper and printed using 12 point, Times New Roman font, with 1-inch margins, and pages shall be numbered consecutively.”

Reference: RFP Sections C.5 Travel and C.6.1 Travel Arrangements and Clearance, Pages 20-21.

33. Question: The sections C.6.1 Travel Arrangements and Clearance and C.6.2 Visas and Official Passports appear to be associated with the higher order section number C.5.0. Please advise if there is a missing section category.

On page 20 Section C.5 Travel is incorrectly numbered. It should read C.6 Travel.

Reference: RFP Section L.7 , Page 90.

34. It is our assumption based on previous US government solicitations that a smaller than the Times New Roman 12 point font can be used in tables and graphics. Please confirm.

Refer to Section L.7 (Proposal Preparation Instructions and Formatting) paragraph 2.

Reference: RFP Section L.7 ,Page 90.

35. Please confirm that 11”x17” fold out can be used for the readability of large graphics or tables and only count as one page.

Response:

Refer to Section L.7 (Proposal Preparation Instructions and Formatting) paragraph 2 which includes the following statement:

Paper copies of the proposal shall be single-side pages printed on white, 8.5" x 11" paper and printed using 12 point, Times New Roman font, with 1-inch margins, and pages shall be numbered consecutively.

Reference: RFP Attachments 2 and 8.

36. The CLIN X264A and X264B K-9 Explosive Detection Canine Handlers Course in Attachment 8 does not have a corresponding course description in Attachment 2.

Please confirm that this is not a requirement for this contract.

The Government cannot predict whether or not this course will be taught.

Reference: RFP Section B.5, CLIN Rate Table, Page 5.

37. Question: Is the $20M estimate for Travel for each year or for the five year period of performance?

Each year of the five year period.

38. Question: If the $20M Travel number is an annual cost, should these costs be escalated by the markup factors specified in RFP Section B.5 CLINs X3XX and X4XX, respectively?

No. Travel is cost reimbursable.

Reference: RFP Section M.11.6, Page 103.

39. Question: Will the DOS evaluation team conduct an integrated cost / technical tradeoff analysis as a part of the evaluation process? If so, will the cost evaluation be determined by multiplying the Attachment 2, Course Information requirements by the Attachment 8, Pricing Templates (rates) and/or some alternative method? Please verify.

Refer to Section M (Evaluation Factors) and Section M.11.6 (Price Evaluation).

Reference: RFP Section B.4.1.a.1, Page 3, and Attachment 8 Pricing Template.

Section B.4.1a.2 states that the Contractor “shall NOT furnish fully-burdened labor rates which include loads for office space and all normal supplies and services required to support the work” for contractor site rates. The aforementioned costs “shall be billed separately”, presumably as an ODC.

Attachment 8, Pricing Templates requires pricing on a CONUS and OCONUS breakout only, but not Contractor Site v. Government Site.

This appears to be inconsistent with RFP Section L.2.1.1 (b)(1)(i).

40. Please clarify that these costs will billed separately as an ODC on each individual task order.

Response:

Refer to Section B.4.1a.2 (Contractor Site Rates)

Cost for Contractor provided facilities shall be billed separately as an ODC.

Reference: RFP Sections B.4.1.a.3, Page 3, B.5 CLIN Rate Table, Page 5, and Attachment 8.

41. Program Management Support Costs requirements: states that "Contract-level program management support costs are included as a percentage of each individual labor category rate, and encompass support for contract-level management, reporting requirement (See Section F) and related travel and meeting attendance costs associated with the Contractor's program management staff, as it relates to overall management of the ATA Program."

Correct – these are costs associated with the overall management at the corporate level -- of the ATA Program

42. Later in the same citation, it states that "These "program management" support costs are differentiated from individual "Task Order Manager" or "Project Manager" support costs, which are billed as hourly labor rates against individual task orders for direct support to the effort performed under those task orders."

Correct – these are costs associated with the overall management at the task order level

43. Attachment 8, Pricing Templates includes two Key Personnel categories, Program Manager (PM) and Operations Manager (OM). It is unclear why these Key Personnel labor categories are included here since their costs are to be recovered as a percentage of each individual labor category rate as specified in B.4.1.a.3.

The Program Manager shall provide oversight of the entire program encompassed by the contract and accountability of the management and execution of all task orders awarded under this contract. (see C.4.1.1) The Operations Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management and supervision of the performance and implementation of task orders and subsequent training authorizations. (See C.4.1.2)

44. Additionally there is no reference to a "Task Order Manager" or "Project Manager” in Attachment 8.

It is our understanding that the PM and OM rates in Attachment 8 CLINs X101 and X102 be re-designated as the Task Order and Project Manager hourly rates.

The Task Order Manager or Project Manager will be at the Task Order level.

45. Assuming that the above is correct please remove CLIN X1XX from CLIN Rate Table B.5 8. Reference: RFP Sections B4.1.1, Page 3, B.5, Pages 4-5, L.9.1, Page 94, and Attachment 8. • Section B.5 the tabular example of the CLIN Structure indicates that X9XX Facility-Domestic (per week) is a TBD rate.

CLIN numbering will remain as posted.

Reference: Section L.9.1 Schedule B. a. “B.5 CLIN Rate Table. The Offeror shall only submit the Travel Markup Percentages and the Materials or Subcontracts Markup Percentage. Upon contract award, Hourly Labor Rates from other worksheets will be inserted in Section B-Schedule.”

46. B.5 CLIN Rate Table – please confirm that no pricing is required for CLINs X6XX through X9XX in this response. These estimates will be provided in response to subsequent task order solicitations.

Response:

Correct

47. The facility cost (X901) appears to be required only on a Task Order-by-Task Order basis. Therefore it is our assumption that these facilities cost should not be priced in Attachment 8 since the facilities to be used and the courses they are to be used for are not yet defined. Please confirm.

Correct

Reference: Section L.8.6.b on page 94.

This section requires that the offeror “Provide a subcontracting plan for the contract, (not task orders), that complies with the requirements of FAR Part 19.7 and that meets or exceeds the small business participation goals as set forth below”.

48. For offerors that have a Master Subcontracting Plan (MSP) in compliance with FAR Part 19.7, it is our assumption that the offeror can include the MSP outside the allocated page limit and the offerors response to L.8.6 will provide all unique subcontracting actions for this contract that are not in the MSP. Please confirm.

Per Section L.8.6 (Subcontracting/Teaming and Socio-Economic Participation) offerors have 5 pages to provide a subcontracting plan for the contract.

Reference: RFP Section C.5 Travel, Page 20.

49. This appears to be a typographical error, please confirm that it should be “C.6 Travel” to match the subparagraphs.

RFP Section C.5Travel has a typographical error. It should read C.6 Travel to match the subparagraphs.

Reference: RFP Section F.2, Page 43.

50. Question: Should this section be titled “Period of Performance” in lieu of “Place of Performance”?

RFP Section F.2, Page 43 should be titled “Period of Performance” in lieu of “Place of Performance”

Reference: Attachment 4, Paragraph 2 - Operations Manager, Page 2 Discussion: The phrase in the Duties and Descriptions, “The OM shall be available during normal duty hours to meet with U.S. Government personnel to discuss problem areas”

51. Question: Can the Government clarify a response time for meeting such as within 4 hours, 24 hours notice etc?

Response time will be based on the nature of the problem.

Reference: Pricing Templates

52. Question: Do these prices include hazard pay in accordance with the DOS standardized regulations, or are those added over and above what is priced into the rates proposed? Reference Afghanistan’s hazard rate of 35%

The hazard pay will be added to the rates proposed.

Reference: Pricing templates Line X901 Facilities, Domestic per week

53. Discussion: There is a significant difference in price per week for the facility based on the class type i.e. Recommend that the facilities per week line be broken down into six lines (e.g. X901, X902 and X903) to correspond to the domestic class offerings listed in the SOW Para. C.1.5 a. and executive seminars as a 7th line item.

Response:

Refer to C.1.5 (Domestic Training and Logistics)

Pricing for the facilities will be done at the task order level based on the training requirements.

Reference: Pricing templates Line X901 Facilities, Domestic per week Discussion: Facilities such as required for this solicitation are commercial in nature and as such should be contracted for on a Firm Fixed Price basis.

54. Question: Please confirm that this Line item is Firm Fixed Price.

Pricing for the facilities will be done at the task order level based on the training requirements. It will be Firm Fixed Price.

Reference: Section C.12.1 a. Explosive Ranges, Page 32 Discussion: The Paragraph contains a requirement for Barrier fencing. In the industry there are many techniques to deter entrance into an area such as barrier fencing, canals, as well as other natural barriers etc.

55. Question: Request that the Government change the requirement to include natural barriers as well as barrier fencing.

Refer to C.12.1 paragraph a (Access and Signage):

“ The area shall be enclosed by barrier fencing designed to impede intrusion. Access of the range area shall be controlled. Warning signs shall be posted every ten yards along the fencing and shall read “DANGER – NO TRESPASSING”.”

Reference: Section C.12.1 g. Explosive Ranges, Page 33 Discussion: The Paragraph has a requirement is for a house that shall be of wood framed structure. Many types of structures can meet this requirement to include masonry and other type of framing.

56. Question: Would the Government remove the distinction that it must be a wood frame structure?

Response:

Refer to C.12.1.g (Booby-trap Trail)

a. “A trail approximately 150’ long shall be provided in an area that is safe and suitable for instruction during other activities on the range. A house to serve as a facility in which to investigate and clear booby traps shall be provided adjacent to the trail. This house shall be of wood-frame shell construction, approximately 25’ X 20’, with four rooms located around a center hall. There shall be one front door, one rear door, and four indoor doors. Each room and the hall shall have two windows, a light and an electric outlet.

Reference: Section M.11.6 Price Evaluation, Page 103 Discussion: It is clear that the Government will evaluate the individual rates however it was unclear how the Government intended to come to a total evaluated price per offeror.

57. Question: Can the Government clarify how they will compute a the total evaluated price per offer?

Refer to Section M.11.6 Price Evaluation.

Reference: Attachment 6 Issue: Attachment 6 is not the Customer Evaluation form historically issued by DoS.

58. Question: Would the Government confirm that Attachment 6 is the correct form, or issue the appropriate form for Customer evaluations of past performance?

Attachment 6 is the correct form.

Reference 1: Section B.4.1 (a) 2 Contractor site rates, Page 3 Reference 2: Section L.2.1.1 (b) 1 (i) Labor rates, Page 84 Issue: Reference 1 states “When performing at a Contractor site, the Contractor shall not furnish fully burdened labor rates which include loads for office space and all normal supplies and services required to support the work. (This includes but is not limited to, telephones, faxes copiers, personal computers, postage, courier services such as Federal Express, ordinary business software [e.g. word processing, spreadsheets, graphics, etc.], normal copying and reproduction costs).”

Reference 2 states “Contractor site rates shall also include contractor-provided facilities, furniture, equipment, supplies, tool kits, employee training and overhead amounts required for work at contractor site rates. This includes but is not limited to, telephones, facsimile machines and their telecommunications lines, copiers, personal computers, postage (to include courier services such as Federal Express), ordinary business software, such as word processers, spreadsheets, graphics, normal copying and reproduction costs.”

59. Question: Reference 1 and Reference 2 directly contradict each other if the companies’ accounting system/disclosure statement have any of those items in the indirect pools.

Recommendation: Please confirm that contractor site rates should be proposed in accordance with disclosure statement on file and indirect rates applicable to contractor site.

Reference 1 and Reference 2 are worded so that associated indirect costs are not billed to DOS twice (the first time included in the loaded labor rate as indirect costs and the second time as indirect costs associated with using contractor-provided facilities.)

Reference 1: Section B.4.1 (a) 2 Contractor site rates, Page 3 Reference 2: Attachment 8 CLIN X901, Page 11 Issue: Reference 1 states “When performing at a Contractor site, the Contractor shall NOT furnish fully burdened labor rates which include loads for office space and all normal supplies and services required to support the work. (This includes but is not limited to, telephones, faxes copiers, personal computers, postage, courier services such as Federal Express, ordinary business software [e.g. word processing, spreadsheets, graphics, etc.], normal copying and reproduction costs). Costs for Contractor provided facilities shall be billed separately.”

Reference 2 CLIN X901 is described as Facilities – Domestic – Per Week. There is no explicit direction of what shall be proposed for this CLIN. Many companies include the items described in Reference 1 as part of indirect pools associated with Overhead and/or G&A. These costs are not severable to be proposed on a separate CLIN. Further the costs are not fixed per week.

60. Question: Would the Government please confirm what is to be proposed under CLIN X901 and that the contractor’s proposal shall be consistent with the contractors accounting practices/disclosure statement?

Costs for contractor provided facilities will be submitted at the task order level in response to the task order training requirements.

Reference: Section B.5 CLIN Rate Table, Page 4 Reference: Attachment 8 Pricing Template Reference: Section L.9.1 Other Pricing Information, Paragraph c., Page 94 Issue: All references direct contractor to propose OCONUS rates for labor categories. OCONUS locations are not specified and can be any number of countries. A component of OCONUS rates are the DoS allowable differentials (e.g. Hazard) which are location specific and change over time. There is no universal OCONUS amalgamated rate.

61. Question: Will USG consider utilizing base CONUS rates with differentials proposed for OCONUS tasks on a task order basis or provide a means of allowing the appropriate differences per country?

USG will consider utilizing base CONUS rates with differentials proposed for OCONUS tasks on a task order basis.

Reference: Section C.5.3 Subject Matter Experts, Paragraph 2, Page 17 Reference: Section C.5.4 Distinguished Speakers, Paragraph 2, Page 18 Issue: References describe specific individuals that may be engaged for special programs or executive seminars. However, there are no labor categories to propose these individuals.

62. Question: Would the Government please include applicable labor categories, or specify that they will be proposed on a task order basis?

Qualifications required of individuals to be engaged for special programs or executive seminars will be specified on a task order basis.

Reference: Section B.5 CLIN Rate Table, Page 4 Reference: Attachment 8 Pricing Template Reference: Section B.4 Contract Pricing, Page 3 Issue: B.4 Contract pricing directs offerors to propose both Government site and Contractor site rates. However there is no CLIN structure to capture these different rates unless government site is synonymous with OCONUS and contractor site is synonymous with CONUS on attachment 8.

63. Question: Please clarify how government site and contractor site rates should be proposed in the designated CLIN structure.

USG will consider utilizing base CONUS rates with differentials proposed for OCONUS tasks on a task order basis.

Reference: Section L.9.8 Indirect Cost information, Paragraph 1, Page 95 Issue: Requested data contains proprietary information.

64. Question: Please confirm subcontractors may submit directly to Contracting Officer or via sealed envelope within prime solicitation.

Neither suggestion is acceptable.

Reference: Section C. Paragraph C.9.2, Page 28 Issue: This paragraph concerns logistics services and routine maintenance of GFP.

65. Question: Does this include the maintenance of GFP vehicles such as Explosive Course Sprinter Vans or will the maintenance of these vehicles be considered an ODC expense? If it includes vehicle maintenance, would the Government provide the make and model so that it can be appropriately priced?

Refer to Section C.9.2, paragraphs one and two.

Reference: Section C, Paragraph C.12. 3, Page 35 Issue: The provided reference states that a Driving Track is not required.

66. Question: Would the USG please confirm if a track will be required, as the current VIPP delivery requires driving and motorcade training. If a track will be required, please specify the technical requirements for the track.

A driving track is not required.

Reference: Section C, Paragraph C. 7.2, Page 22.

Issue: Paragraph states that “ATA will provide interpreters and interpretation equipment.” Throughout the RFP lists interpretation equipment as hard-wired not portable.

67. Question: Would the Government please confirm that indoor training facilities (C.10 d.3); Executive Seminars (C.13.1h) and Partner Nation Visitor Programs (C.13.2.j) do not require the contractor to use “hard-wired interpretation equipment for domestic deliveries? Secondly, since Partner Nation Visitor Programs for example are “presented at various locations” (C.13.2) it would seem reasonable that the contractor use portable interpretation equipment, not hard-wired.

Hard-wired interpretation equipment is a requirement for the facility during domestic deliveries.

Reference: Section B, Paragraph B.6.e – Rental Cars, Page 5 Issue: For Domestic deliveries, a compact rental car for 5 contractors is insufficient to carry luggage and personnel.

68. Question: We request that the Government amend the solicitation to remove the word “compact”.

The solicitation will be amended to remove the word “compact”.

Reference: Section C Paragraph C.12.1 (d), Page 32 Issue: The requirement that explosive storage bunkers be placed on concrete pads is overly restrictive and not a safety requirement under Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (BATF) regulations.

69. Question: Would the Government amend the solicitation to require that bunkers and explosives be stored in accordance with the BATF regulations?

70. Question: Technical, page 127, Attachment 6 Past Performance Questionnaire, Paragraph 1, Line 1

"Offerors are responsible for ensuring that each of their customer references receive, complete and return a Past Performance Questionnaire, to the Contracting Officer."

No past performance questionnaire was included in the RFP. Are we to use our own format for a questionnaire?

Response:

See attachment 6 of the Solicitation

Question: Technical, page 127, Attachment 6 Past Performance Questionnaire, Paragraph 3

“…the message shall originate from the reference’s corporate or government email system.

The email shall contain the following information:

a. Name of Offeror submitting proposal

b. Name of Customer reference (Name of Government Agency and/or Corporation name)

c. Contract/Order number, date of award, and total dollar value (including options);

d. Full name and title, phone number and e-mail address of the reference (please ensure POC information is current and accurate);

e. Description of requirement, comprised of a detailed explanation of how work identified in the referenced contract/order is similar to the requirements identified in this SOW; and

f. Brief description of contract work, scope, and responsibilities. “ The instructions indicate that an email from the reference includes the above information. “e” would require the reference to evaluate the GATA SOW and compare it to the referenced contract. Very few references will take the time to do this “in detail.” Is it your intention that the reference write this email, which is essentially the same information submitted in the Past Performance Section of the proposal?

References contacted shall be for similar contract work, scope, and responsibilities. An email can be sent to your reference with the above referenced information already included and an area provided for your reference’s response.

Reference: RFP Attachment 6 - Past Performance Questionnaire

72. Please confirm that Department of State Form DS1771 should be used for the past performance questionnaire.

Follow solicitation instructions.

Reference: Solicitation Questions for the Week Ending 03/12/2010 (Reference 2), Answer to Question 1

73. Question: The government stated that their “intent” is to extend the end date for proposals due to 1:00pm on April 12, 2010. When is the final decision on this issue planned? When can we expect the RFP to be amended should the deadline be extended?

An amendment will be issued extending proposal due date to 12:00:00 local time; April 23, 2010.

Reference: Section C.3.5 Quality Control Plan

74. Question: Our Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as requested in this section are very long and will not fit in the pages allotted. Is it acceptable to the government to include these as an appendix to the proposal?

Follow solicitation instructions.

Reference: Section B.5, CLIN Rate Table, page 4-5, and Attachment 8 Discussion: Section B.5, page 5 identifies CLIN X9XX, Facility-Domestic-(Per Week). The column for Rate states TBD. Attachment 8, CLIN X901 identifies Facilities-Domestic-Per week. In order to provide accurate pricing for CLIN X9XX, Facility-Domestic-(Per Week), contractors will need details identifying the specific requirements of the training course to be held at the domestic facility.

75. Question: Please provide the specific requirements of the training course to be held at the domestic facility priced as CLIN X9XX.

Specific requirements of the training courses will be provided on the Task Order requests.

Reference: Section B.5, CLIN Rate Table, pages 4-5, and Attachment 8 Discussion: Section B.5, page 5 identifies CLIN X1XX, Labor Rates – Key Personnel, and Attachment 8 identifies CLINs X101 and X102. It is unclear if CLINs X101 and X102 will be awarded with the IDIQ Base Contract or will only be awarded with each task order.

76. Question: Is it the Government’s intent to award a PMO Task Order to each awardee at the time of base contract award?

Refer to Section C.2 (Work Requirements and Standards)

Reference: Sections L.8.2 and L.8.3 Section L.8.2. states “(Page Limit 100 including resumes).” Section L.8.3 states “(Page Limit 10).” Section L.8.3 requires a staffing plan that includes “detailed resumes…for the proposed program manager and operations manager.”

77. Question: Please confirm that the resumes for the Program Manager and Operations Manager shall be included in L.8.3 with a page limit of 10 instead of L.8.2.

Response:

Section L. 8.2 (Program Management/Quality Control Solution) is correct as written and remains unchanged.

Section L.8.3 (Ability to Recruit, Train and Retain High-Quality Personnel) is correct as written and remains unchanged.

Reference: Sections C.9, C.10, C11, C.12, C.12.3 and C.12.4.a.3.

78. Question: Section C.12.3 states that a driving track is not required at the domestic training facility. However, Section C.12.4.a.3 states that “target and ramming vehicles” will be required.

Clarification Requests:

78.a. Please verify whether Sections C.10, C.11, and C.12 should be subsections of C.9.

Response:

The solicitation shall remain as written.

78.b. Please confirm that no track is required at the domestic training facility, per Section C.12.3.

78.c. Please confirm that the purchase of ramming and target vehicles is required. (Ref. Sec. C.12.4.a3)

It is up to the contractor to determine how to address this requirement in the submitted proposal.

Reference: RFP Section H, Paragraph H.17(a), Page 60 and RFP Section H, Paragraph H.17(d), Page 61

79. Please clarify the government’s intent regarding its desire for advance notification and consent to subcontract. Paragraph H.17 (a) references FAR 52.244-2 “Subcontracting”; however, FAR 52.244-2 is not contained in the Section I “Contract Clauses” of the solicitation. Additionally, paragraph H.17 (d) indicates that if we have a Government Approved Purchasing System, we may add and delete subcontractors without the express written consent of the CO, however, we must follow all regulatory approvals. We assume this refers to those required by FAR Subpart 44.2, Consent to Subcontracts. Please clarify and confirm.

Response:

FAR 52.244-2 (Subcontracts) is prescribed for use in letter contracts and is not applicable for this solicitation.

Paragraph H.17(d) refers to FAR Subpart 44.2 (Consent to Subcontracts).

Reference: RFP Section L, Paragraph L.7, Page 90 The RFP states that paper copies of the proposal should be printed using12 point Times New Roman font.

80. Would the government consider allowing offerors to use a smaller font (such as Arial Narrow 8) for graphics and tables, as long as they are easily readable? Additionally, may fold out pages (11x16 inches) be used to portray large table/graphics?

Follow solicitation requirements for proposal submission.

Reference: RFP Section C, Paragraph C.7.2, Page 22 and RFP Section C, Paragraph C.10.d.3, Page 29 Paragraph: C.7.2 states that ATA will provide interpretation equipment unless otherwise noted in TO training requests. However, paragraph C.10.d.3 specifies a requirement that vendors to provide "hard wired (not portable) interpretation equipment for domestic delivery facilities.

81. Will the government explain the apparent contradiction in the two cited requirements? Alternatively, does the term "hardwired (not portable) interpretation equipment" mean equipment that is permanently installed in the offeror's facility, or does that term refer to equipment that is temporarily installed on a Task Order basis by interpreter personnel and removed upon conclusion of training?

Hard-wired translation equipment, permanently installed in the facility, is a requirement for the domestic activities.

Reference: RFP Section C, Paragraph C.8.2, Page 24 This paragraph states a requirement for the contractor to provide appropriately sized uniforms for participants during overseas and domestic outdoor tactical training. Please confirm that the contractor is expected to purchase and ship to the overseas training site the stated appropriately sized uniforms and other equipment.

82. If the contractor is indeed expected to perform this service, please provide guidance regarding how the contractor might estimate the various sizes of each type/piece of equipment to be shipped overseas, in order to ensure all participants are provided properly fitting gear.

Specific requirements will be stated in the task order.

Reference: RFP Section C, Paragraph C.13, Page 36 and RFP Section C, Paragraph C.13.1, Page 37 Para C.13 establishes a requirement that facilities to support domestic programs be within 25 miles of the US Capitol. Paragraph C.13.1 States that, for Executive Seminars, the ATA facility at Dunn Loring may be used to host Executive Seminars.

83. Would the government consider revising the 25 mile requirement to emanate from Dunn Loring, in order to accommodate the executive conference centers that are in the vicinity of Dunn Loring, vice the Capitol?

Reference H.17.2.b Subcontracting, page 60‐61 and L.8.6.c Subcontracting/Teaming and Socio‐Economic Participation, page 93‐94

84. Question: Section H.17.2.b identifies the subcontracting plan goals to be 54.3% Small Business; 5 % Small Disadvantaged Business; 5% Women‐Owned Small Business; and 3% Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, while Section L.8.6.c also includes a goal of 3% for HUBZone. Please confirm if there is a HUBZone subcontracting goal or not.

Response:

There is a HUBZone subcontracting goal of 3 percent.

Reference: B.4.1.a.3. Program Management Support Costs, Page 3

85. Question: Program Management Support Costs mentions “Task Order Manager” and “Project Manager” labor categories to be used for task order project management. These categories, however, and not included in the labor category lists. Which labor categories will be used for individual task order project management as described in B.4.1.a.3?

The Task Order Manager and Project Manager labor categories will be addressed at the task order level.

Reference: B.5: CLIN Table, Page 5; Attachment 8, Page 11; C.10, page 28; C.11, page 20; C.12, page 31

86. Question: The CLIN table on page 5 indicates “X9XX Facility – Domestic – (Per Week)” as a TBD item that would not be provided in the IDIQ cost proposal. Attachment 8, Page 11, item “X901 Facilities – Domestic – Per Week” is a line item suggesting that a single weekly facilities price is to be provided for each year of the contract.

The facility’s cost is to be determined at the task order level when required.

87. Question: Is the government expecting a weekly cost for facilities in the cost proposal? If so, does the government expect an a la carte price list of options or a single weekly price that includes all facility types listed in C.10 and C.12, such that the weekly price would include each facility type rented for the full 5 day week (e.g. 5 days of 3 classrooms, 5 days of ranges, etc)?

The facility’s cost is to be determined at the task order level when required.

88. Question: Does the government desire the lodging and meal requirements in C.11 to be included in the weekly price, if so, for how many people?

A sub-CLIN structure will be provided in the Task Order request.

89. Question: Are the Support Anti‐terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act of 2002 (SAFETY Act) or the Foreign Military Sales Act going to be part of the contract to provide liability protection? If the act does not apply, does the US Government or Host Government provide any other indemnifications or liability protections for the contractor?

See Section B.1 (Scope of Work) as to the purpose of this solicitation.

See Section L.2.2.3 -- FAR 652.228-70 (Defense Base Act – Covered Contactor Employees)

Reference Page 90, Section L.7 This section specifies that the proposal shall be typed in 12 point, Times New Roman font.

90. Question: Would it be acceptable to use a 10 point font within graphics, tables and figures?

Refer to Section L.7 (Proposal Preparation Instructions and Formatting)

91. Question: Section C.4, para 2 on page 14 and Section H.1 required the contractor to clear all personnel to the level of Public Trust. Per OPM guidance, what Public Trust Risk Level must the contractor meet? In addition, will the contractor be required to obtain our own OPM SON in order to submit directly to OPM, or will DoS facilitate the submittals on our behalf?”

Moderated Risk Public Trust certifications will be required. Standard Form 85Ps will be required for personnel processed under this effort. The Government will make an interim determination after the companies have conducted their required vetting of personnel and submitted the SF85Ps and other required documentation.

92. Question: Section L7 on page 90 states that SF 33 and the Reps and Certs should be submitted as Vol I Technical Approach; however, L9.4 &5 states that these must be submitted in Vol II Pricing/Cost Proposal. Please clarify where these must be submitted.

Response:

Submit in both Volume I and Volume II.

93. Question: Section L.8.2 on page 91 and Section L.8.3.a on page 92 differ in the location for resumes to be provided. Please clarify where the resumes should be located in the proposal.

Response:

Include resumes in both locations.

94. Question: Section L.7 prescribes single 8.5 x 11 inch pages, 12 point Times New Roman Font, and 1 inch margins. Will the government allow graphics to contain a smaller point font and style to conserve graphics size, as long as readability and clarity are maintained?

Response:

Refer to Section L.7 (Proposal Preparation Instructions and Formatting)

95. Question: Section L.7 prescribes single 8.5 x 11 inch pages, 12 point Times New Roman Font, and 1 inch margins. Will the government allow the use of larger pages as long as the pages are counted as the appropriate number of 8.5 x 11 inches pages in the proposal?

96. Question: RFP Section C.3.5 QUALITY CONTROL PLAN, Paragraph e, page 12: Please clarify what explosives and Hazmat items the contactors are expected to transport and store.

Ammunition to 50 caliber and explosives to 3 pound charge.

For HAZMAT items, the offeror will need to review the course requirements.

97. Question: RFP Section C.2 WORK REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS, Paragraph b, page 10: Does the government intend to award the Task Orders by country or individually?

Per Section C.2 (Work Requirements and Standards):

“After award of the IDIQ contracts, the government will compete individual TOs by country.”

98. Question: RFP Section C.5.6.1 CLOTHING, Paragraph b and c, page 18: Are the tactical uniforms and ATA logo polo shirts procured by the contractor of the government. If they are procured by the contractor, is this factored into our price at the Task Order level or under our overhead in our labor rates?

This requirement will be identified at the Task Order level and priced separately.

99. Question: RFP Section C.12.1 EXPLOSIVES RANGES, paragraph k, page 32: Please clarify what level of certification the EMT must possess.

National Registered EMT Paramedic.

100. Question: RFP Section C.13.2 PARTNER NATION VISITOR PROGRAMS, Paragraph a, page 37: Please clarify if the contractor is required to develop the program for the PNVP.

Refer to C.13.2 (a)

101. Question: RFP Section: Attachment 2 and Attachment 8: Will the Karzai protection detail program become a part of this contract?

102. Question: RFP…