SF30 Continuation Pages - A001.docx

The changes addressed in Section A are incorporated into the solicitation document and are a result from vendor questions and needs for clarification. Vendor questions and responses follow in Section B below. Section C provides the instructions to Offerors for incorporating the changes resulting from Amendment 001.

A. SOLICITATION CHANGES

Section B, Paragraph B.2(c), Table, Reference column at Sub-CLIN X001G. "G.8" was deleted and "G.7" was substituted in lieu thereof.

Section B, Paragraph B.2(c), Table, and Exhibit B-Pricing Tables, Pricing Table 5. The Table and Pricing Table 5 were amended to add a line for sub-CLIN X001J.

Section B, Paragraph B.3(c). The paragraph was deleted in entirety and the following is hereby substituted in lieu thereof: Only the Contractor’s indirect cost rates are identified above.

Section C, Paragraph C.1 titled “Introduction,” has been amended to delete the phrase: “and lifecycle repair maintenance.”

Section C, Paragraph C.5.1.3 titled “Installation,” 2nd paragraph has been revised to remove the following text: for firm fixed price or task order projects.

Section C, Paragraph C.5.2.1 C.5.2.2. The statement “The Contractor will be required to actively work with the STAC to develop, refine, and maintain the SOPs, checklists, and decision trees necessary to increase the STAC’s first contact service request completion rate and support its continual improvement initiatives” has been moved from paragraph C.5.2.1 to C.5.2.2.

Section C, Table C.5-6 titled “Design Deliverables,” Item 1’s due date has been amended to state: “Within 10 days of survey end date.”

Section C, Paragraph C.5.9 titled “Security Technology Assistance Center (STAC)” has been inserted into the solicitation as an additional workload requirement to be included under the Domestic Security Installation Services contract.

Section C, Paragraph C.6 titled “Performance Requirements Summary,” Section C.5.1 has been amended under Method of Surveillance to state: “Periodic review during installation phase to include a final acceptance.”

Section G, Paragraph G.6.1 titled “Required Invoice Information” has been revised.

Section H, Paragraph H.2 titled “Associate Contractor Agreement” has been revised.

Section H, Paragraph H.8.5.10 titled “Senior Technician – System Integrator” has been amended to delete the final bullet which stated: “Travel extensively world-wide.”

Section L, Paragraph L.5 titled “Competition Advocate/Ombudsman – DOSAR 652.206-70 (Aug 1999)” has been revised to state the correct contact information for the Department of State Acquisition Ombudsman.

Section L, Paragraph L.16 titled “Proposal Instructions” has been revised to state: All foldouts shall be single-sided, 11” by 17” and count as one page.

Section L, Paragraph L.16 titled “Proposal Instructions” has been revised to include the following statement: The Price Proposal shall utilize single-sided page printing, including Excel spreadsheets.

Section L, Paragraph L.16.2(19) and Exhibit B-Pricing Tables, Pricing Table 1, L.16.2(19). The paragraph was deleted in entirety: In Pricing Table 5, offerors shall ensure that the proposed applicable ceiling indirect cost rate(s) are for the contractor fiscal year(s) that coincides with the contract performance year.

Section L, Paragraph L.16.2(20) and Exhibit B-Pricing Tables, Pricing Table 1, L.16.2(20). The paragraph was deleted in entirety: In Pricing Table 5, the proposed applicable ceiling indirect cost rates shall match the respective proposed ceiling indirect cost rates in Detail Pricing Table (for Pricing Table 5) and in Pricing Table 3.

Section L, Paragraph L.16.2(21) and Exhibit B-Pricing Tables, Pricing Table 1, L.16.2(21). The paragraph was deleted in entirety: In Pricing Table 5, offerors shall identify their estimated indirect costs in the “Ind $” column.

Section L, Paragraph L.16.2(22) and Exhibit B-Pricing Tables, Pricing Table 1, L.16.2(22). The paragraph was deleted in entirety: In Pricing Table 5, the estimated indirect costs in the “Ind $” column shall be the estimated direct costs (in the “Direct $” column) multiplied by the proposed applicable ceiling indirect cost rate(s) (in the “Ce Rate(s)” column).

Section L, Paragraph L.16.2(34) and Exhibit B-Pricing Tables, Pricing Table 1, L.16.2(34). The paragraph was deleted in entirety: In Detail Pricing Table (for Pricing Table 5), for all sub-CLINs under CLIN X001, offerors shall show for each contract year the breakdown of the estimated indirect costs. The breakdown shall consist of at least the following:

Labor

0. Subtotal of estimated direct labor costs

0. Each applicable indirect cost rate description (e.g., Overhead)

0. Each applicable ceiling indirect cost rate

0. Each indirect cost

0. Subtotal

Non-labor

1. Subtotal of estimated direct non-labor costs

1. Each applicable indirect cost rate description (e.g., G&A)

1. Each applicable ceiling indirect cost rate

1. Each indirect cost

1. Subtotal

Labor and Non-labor

a. Subtotal (sum of subtotals for Labor and Non-labor)

Section L, Paragraph L.16.2(12) and Exhibit B-Pricing Tables, Pricing Table 1, L.16.2(12). The paragraph was hereby added as follows: In Pricing Tables 2 and 3, Facilities Capital Cost of Money (FCCOM) factors shall be separately identified if the offeror allocates FCCOM costs as part of its established or disclosed cost accounting practices.

Section L, Paragraph L.16.2(13) and Exhibit B-Pricing Tables, Pricing Table 1, L.16.2(13). The paragraph was hereby added as follows: In Pricing Tables 2 and 3, offerors shall propose only their indirect cost rates. Indirect cost rates for subcontractors and/or divisions, subsidiaries, or affiliates of the offeror under a common control shall not be included in part or in whole.

Section L, Paragraph L.16.2(20) and Exhibit B-Pricing Tables, Pricing Table 1, L.16.2(20). The paragraph was hereby added as follows: In Pricing Table 5, offerors shall identify their estimated ceiling indirect costs in the “Ind $” column.

Section L, Paragraph L.16.2(32) and Exhibit B-Pricing Tables, Pricing Table 1, L.16.2(32). The paragraph was hereby added as follows: In Detail Pricing Table (for Pricing Table 5), for all sub-CLINs under CLIN X001, offerors shall show for each contract year the breakdown of the estimated ceiling indirect costs. The breakdown shall consist of at least the following:

Labor

1. Subtotal of estimated direct labor costs

1. Each applicable indirect cost rate description (e.g., Overhead)

1. Each applicable ceiling indirect cost rate

1. Each ceiling indirect cost

1. Subtotal

Non-labor

1. Subtotal of estimated direct non-labor costs

1. Each applicable indirect cost rate description (e.g., G&A)

1. Each applicable ceiling indirect cost rate

1. Each ceiling indirect cost

1. Subtotal

Labor and Non-labor

a. Subtotal (sum of subtotals for Labor and Non-labor)

Section L, Paragraph L.16.2(33) and Exhibit B-Pricing Tables, Pricing Table 1, L.16.2(33). The paragraph was hereby added as follows: In Detail Pricing Table (for Pricing Table 5), offerors shall ensure that the proposed applicable ceiling indirect cost rate(s) are for the contractor fiscal year(s) that coincides with the contract performance year.

Section L, Paragraph L.16.2(34) and Exhibit B-Pricing Tables, Pricing Table 1, L.16.2(34). The paragraph was hereby added as follows: In Detail Pricing Table (for Pricing Table 5), the proposed applicable ceiling indirect cost rates shall match the respective proposed ceiling indirect cost rates in Pricing Table 3.

Section L, Paragraph L.17.2 titled “Business Systems, Joint Venture, and Policies” has been amended to remove the requirement to submit any type of subcontract plan. In accordance with FAR 19.702 (b) (1), Subcontracting plans are not required from small business concerns. The requirement to submit subcontracting plans and teaming agreements have been deleted.

Section L, Paragraph L.18.2 titled “Technical Proficiency” has been amended to add two additional bullets that are in regards to the newly added STAC requirement.

Section L, Paragraph L.18.3.1 titled “Staffing Plan,” 2nd bullet has been amended to remove the following phrase: Although resumes are not required for other than the PM.

Sections L and M. The non-price subfactor: Associate Contractor Agreement has been removed from the solicitation.

Exhibit B-Pricing Tables, Pricing Table 2, Note 2. The note was deleted in entirety and the following is hereby substituted in lieu thereof: Only the Offeror’s indirect cost rates are identified above.

Exhibit B-Pricing Tables, Pricing Table 2, Note 8. The note was hereby added as follows:

Facilities Capital Cost of Money (FCCOM) factors shall be separately identified above if the offeror allocates FCCOM costs as part of its established or disclosed cost accounting practices.

Appendix J-1, Projected Workload Table has been revised to fix the discrepancy found in C.5.1.3 in which the amount of small, medium and large projects total did not equal the amount of projects by location (NCR/Non-NCR) total.

B. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. Section H, Paragraph H.3. As an ANC company we have many subsidiaries. Can one subsidiary with proper NAICS Code Prime this contract and use another subsidiary (serving as team member under our small business plan) meet the requirement for TS facility clearance. Both Companies are subsidiaries to the same ANC Corporation

Answer: No. The prime contractor must have a current TS facility clearance to perform on this contract. The fact that a team member/sister company/subcontractor has a facility clearance does not negate the need for the prime contractor to have a TS facility clearance. As such, it would be prudent for the firm with a TS facility clearance to bid on this effort as the prime contractor.

2. General. What is the name, contract number, period-of-performance, start date and maximum potential value that the incumbent contract can not exceed?

Answer: The current contract, SAQMPD05D1115 known as Security Technology Operational Services (STOS) is held by Siemens Government Services. The contract will expire December 31, 2011. The current contract has a much larger scope than this particular re-compete and therefore the maximum potential value that the incumbent contract cannot exceed has no relevance to this requirement. The current contract has been split into four separate requirements: 1) Supply Chain Management; 2) Domestic Security Installation Services; 3) Overseas Security Installation Services, and 4) Administrative and Information Technology (Admin/IT) Support Services.

3. Section C, Paragraph C.1. The last sentence in the first paragraph discusses “preventive maintenance and first responder services” requirements in addition to “life cycle repair maintenance” required in the prior sentence. One interpretation would be that “first responder services” are a subset of “life cycle repair services”. Can you clarify how these two types of services differ?

Answer: Section C, Paragraph C.1 titled “Introduction,” has been amended to delete the phrase: “and lifecycle repair maintenance.” The final sentence under C.1 Introduction, states “the Contractor shall also provide preventative maintenance and first responder services to ensure installed TSS are successfully protecting information and people.” This final sentence outlines the performance requirement.

4. Section C, Paragraph C.5.8. Two time frames (30 and 60) are provided for the desired transition time. Would the government clarify which is the requirement?

Answer: The Government is trying to award this contract with adequate time for a successful transition to occur. The goal is to have a phase-in/transition period of 30 days (ideally 60, but no longer) The transition must be complete no later than 60 calendar days after the Notice-To-Proceed (NTP) or contract award date. The exact timeframe for the transition period will be given in the NTP.

5. Section H, Paragraph H.5.1. The indication that at least some of the contractor employees will be housed in government facilities conflicts with paragraph L.16, which indicates that all contractor personnel must perform work at contractor furnished property. Would the government clarify the intent?

Answer: If the Government decides to provide on-site space for contractor personnel, it will do so upon contract award or during contract performance. Offerors shall submit proposals under the assumption that all work will be done off-site at contractor furnished property (and be ready to perform all necessary contract work at this location).

6. Section H, Paragraph H.6. This paragraph seems to address requirements in addition to the core intent of the contract for unanticipated but related work. Can the government clarify how this requirement relates to the prior discussions (i.e., H.5 and L.16) of how contractor employees will be housed? Additionally, if these services are required, how should they be billed, assuming they’re in addition to the core requirements of housing our staff?

Answer: Section L.16 states in part, "Offerors shall submit proposals under the assumption that all contractor personnel must perform work at contractor-furnished property." If additional contractor-furnished property and/or services are required, pursuant to Section H.6, the contractor shall allocate these costs as identified in Section B.2(c) (i.e., to sub-CLIN X001G).

7. Section H, Paragraph H.8.1. Last paragraph makes reference to a “required personnel position”. Can the government provide a definition for the subject position?

Answer: No required labor category/personnel position on this contract shall be left unfilled or vacant for longer than two weeks.

8. Section H, Paragraph H.12. Can the government clarify their intent with regard to when and under what circumstances they would consider using “work orders” as a supplement to the routine CPFF operation of the contract?

Answer: The Government may decide to issue a work order for projects in relation to Paragraph C.5.4 titled “Special Projects Support.”

9. Section L, Paragraph L.18.3.1. Second bullet indicates that resumes are only required for the PM, but this conflicts with section L.18.3.2, which states the requirement for resumes for all 4 key personnel. Would the government clarify the intent?

Answer: Section L, Paragraph L.18.3.1 titled “Staffing Plan,” 2nd bullet has been amended to remove the following phrase: “Although resumes are not required for other than the PM.”

Resumes are required for all 4 key personnel positions.

10. Section H, Paragraph H.8.5.10. This is the only position that specifically asks for a degree. Does this position require a degree or an experience and training be a substitution for education?

Answer: This position does not specifically ask for a degree. Section H, Paragraph H.8.5.10 states “Contractor personnel should have a BS/BA related discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience.”

11. Section H, Paragraph H.8.5.10. Last billet states” travel extensively world-wide”. Was this meant to be included in this position requirement?

Answer: Section H, Paragraph H.8.5.10 titled “Senior Technician – System Integrator” has been amended to delete the final bullet which stated: “Travel extensively world-wide.”

12. Section L, Paragraph L.18.4. Can past performance of planned subcontractors be addressed in this part? Also, if the portfolio of past performance examples is significant, can the government provide an upper limit on how many examples they want to see?

Answer: The Government encourages offerors to have any planned subcontractors submit at a minimum, two past performance questionnaires.

13. Section L, Paragraph L.18.4. Second to last paragraph: Since we may not know if any unfavorable information will be included in the past performance questionnaires and the responses come in sealed envelops, it’s difficult to tell if any explanations need to be provided. Will the government advise the contractors regarding any unfavorable information received so that an appropriate response may be provided?

Answer: Yes, if the offeror is requested to submit a final proposal revision (FPR), they will have the opportunity to address any unfavorable past performance ratings.

14. Section M, Paragraph M.10.2.4 – ACA. The appropriate writeup seems to be missing from this section. It appears that the writeup for the Total Compensation Plan was inadvertently copied in this location. Would the government provide the appropriate text?

Answer: In reference to both sections L and M, the non-price subfactor: Associate Contractor Agreement has been removed from the solicitation.

15. Section M, Paragraph M.10.2.5 – Total Compensation Plan. Would the Government please explain how the first evaluation factor: a sound management approach and the second evaluation factor: ability to provide uninterrupted high-quality work: correlate to the compensation plan? Both of these evaluation factors deals with the contract management, and contract management plan details are typically not included in the compensation plan.

Answer: FAR 52.222-46(a) states in part, “Recompetition of service contracts may in some cases result in lowering the compensation (salaries and fringe benefits) paid or furnished professional employees. This lowering can be detrimental in obtaining the quality of professional employees needed for adequate contract performance…The Government will evaluate the plan to assure that it reflects a sound management approach and understanding of the contract requirements. This evaluation will include an assessment of the offeror’s ability to provide uninterrupted high-quality work. The professional compensation plan proposed will be considered in terms of its impact upon recruiting and retention, its realism, and its consistency with a total plan for compensation.”

The Government considers the Technical Evaluation Panel the most qualified staff to perform such an evaluation.

The Government maintains its instruction for the total compensation plan to be submitted as part of the technical proposal.

16. Appendix J-1, Projected Workload Table. It appears under C.5.1.3 that the Installation size total should equal the Security Installation Projects by Location total. For example: Historical 2009 reflect 61 total installations by size and by location. However, Base Year reflects 90 total by installation size yet 105 total by location. There is a similar discrepancy in Option Years 2, 3, and 4, where there are a total of 70 sites by size and 75 site by location. Please clarify these discrepancies.

Answer: Appendix J-1, Projected Workload Table has been revised to fix the discrepancy found in C.5.1.3 in which the amount of small, medium and large projects total did not equal the amount of projects by location (NCR/Non-NCR) total.

17. Appendix J-1, Projected Workload Table. Should the quantities in C.5.1.1 for Small, Medium, and Large equal the total for C.5.1.3 Installation? For example: Option Year 2 totals 75 for Small, Medium, Large under C.5.1.1 compared to the 70 total reflected in C.5.1.3 Installation. If that’s correct, what are the correct quantities?

Answer: These numbers reflect instances when a Design and Engineering package has been completed (C.5.1.1) but for unforeseen reasons would not be implemented or otherwise installed (C.5.1.3).

18. Section C, Paragraph C.4.1.5. Is a cloud based survey service acceptable to the Government, or does the Government require the use of “in house” capability? If in house, would the contractor have access to utilizing the DoS survey tool available through A/LM?

Answer: The Government is requesting that the contractor develop a customer satisfaction survey that would provide monthly reports, data tracking and analysis.

19. Section C, Paragraph C.4.1.2. How can the Domestic contractor control cost and delivery for the materials ordered through SCM Contractor?

Answer: The DME contractor shall “schedule, and communicate effectively with the DS SCM Contractor.” It is the responsibility of the DS SCM contractor to make sure materials arrive on schedule and within budget.

20. Section C, Paragraph C.5.2. Will the current DME warehouse continued to be maintained in support of First Responders?

Answer: The current DME warehouse will not be utilized under this contract. It is a contractual requirement that the SCM and DME Contractors shall enter into an Associate Contractor Agreement in which the SCM Contractor will provide DME warehouse support.

21. Section C, Paragraph C.5.2.2. Will the responsibility for supply levels be coordinated with the SCM contractor, and will the stocking levels be maintained at a DME warehouse?

Answer: Yes, it is the responsibility of the DME contractor to forecast and coordinate supply levels with the SCM contractor. No, the TSS equipment will not be maintained at a DME warehouse. The SCM contractor is responsible for providing a warehouse within 40 miles of State Annex SA-24 located at 5800 Barclay Drive, Alexandria, VA 22315 that will be used to maintain stocking levels for DME.

22. Section H, Paragraph H.8.5.2. Is there equiviliant experience for the design engineer position in lieu of education?

Answer: Although a degreed engineer is preferred, the Government would consider 7-10 years of current, related, progressive experience in lieu of the Bachelors degree.

23. Section L, Paragraph L.18.4. RFP Requirement (page 107): The Offeror shall distribute a copy of Exhibit A, Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ), to each of its past performance references. Offerors shall collect the evaluations from the companies in a sealed envelope with the customer’s signature over the seal. Offerors shall include, at a minimum, two PPQs with their technical proposal. Aside from the two PPQs that are required to be included with the technical proposal, offerors can have their customers submit the PPQ directly to Andrew J. Lloyd at LloydAJ@state.gov. Offerors with no past performance shall type “NO PAST PEFORMANCE” in Bold Letters on a clean sheet of paper and place it in the past performance section.

Will the government allow the prime’s past performance references to submit questionnaires to Mr. Lloyd via email as opposed to a sealed package?

Also, please confirm if the prime’s team members are required to submit Past Performance Questionnaires. Is there a maximum required and should the questionnaires be submitted directly to Mr. Lloyd via email?

Answer: As stated in paragraph L.18.4, offerors must submit at a minimum, two past performance questionnaires in a sealed envelope with the customer’s signature over the seal. The Government encourages offerors to have any planned subcontractors submit at a minimum, two past performance questionnaires which can be e-mailed directly to Andrew Lloyd at LloydAJ@state.gov.

24. Section B, Paragraph B.6. Please clarify the stipulation that the Contractor will receive a pro-rata share of the monthly amount of the negotiated fixed fee based upon the Contracting Officer’s satisfaction determination regarding Contractor performance. Please provide the metrics that the Contracting Officer will utilize to determine “satisfaction” and the “pro-rata amount”. In addition, this contract has been defined as a completion form Cost Plus Fixed Fee Contract where Contractor performance is based upon a scope of work with a definite goal or target with a specific end product. This type of contact does not seem to lend itself to monthly “satisfaction determinations” by a Contracting Officer. If the Government desires to incentivize fee payments and performance why doesn’t the Government issue a Cost Plus Award Fee or Cost Plus Incentive Fee Contract in accordance with FAR Part 16?

Answer: The Government maintains its selection of a cost-plus-fixed-fee (completion form) contract type. Based on the nature, certainty, and complexity of the requirement, it is the most appropriate contract type.

Section B.6(e) states in part, "Contracting Officer’s satisfaction will be based on the Contractor meeting the acceptable quality levels/minimum satisfactory ratings in Section C.6 (Performance Requirements Summary)." The acceptable quality levels/minimum satisfactory ratings represent the metrics for the pro-rata fee determination. The pro-rata amount will be an amount equitably representing the month's activities that were satisfactorily completed.

The definite goal or target is each "Standard (Objective)" identified in Section C.6, and the specific end product is the satisfactory completion of all Standards (Objectives), including all contract deliverables (reports, invoices, etc.).

The Federal Acquisition Regulation does not prohibit "monthly satisfaction determinations," and the Government considers it fairer to release a portion of the annual fixed fee on a monthly basis rather than releasing the entire annual fixed fee at the end of the contract year.

25. Exhibit B – Pricing Table 5. There are dollar values populated in Pricing Table 5 in each sub-CLIN. Are the dollar values plug numbers for travel?

Answer: Yes. See Note 3 in Pricing Table 5 and Section L.16.2(30).

26. Section L, Paragraph L.16. There are references in H.5.1 Facilities that the Government may provide space; however, there is no indication as to how much space the Government may provide. Section L.16 states that “Offerors shall submit proposals under the assumption that all contractor personnel must perform work at contractor furnished property.” Please confirm that contractors should base the cost proposal on the assumption that all effort will be proposed based on contractor furnished property.

Answer: The Government hereby confirms that offerors shall submit proposals under the assumption that all contractor personnel must perform work at contractor furnished property.

27. Section H, Paragraph H.6.5. This clause states that uniforms will be obtained through the SCM contract. Will the Government be providing the uniforms via the SCM contract at no cost to the Contractor? If not, will the cost of the uniforms be allowed as a direct charge to the contract? Can the Government provide estimated cost for the uniforms?

Answer: The SCM contractor is responsible for providing uniforms.

28. Section B, Paragraph B.2. The table provided in paragraph c), X001G Program Management Support, references G.6-G.8. Section G does not contain G.8. Please clarify.

Answer: The Government has amended the table in Section B.2(c) by replacing "G.8" with "G.7."

29. Section H. Would the Government consider providing a plug number for Other Direct Costs as a separate sub-CLIN to cover expenses such as uniforms, safety equipment, etc.?

Answer: No. The Government believes it has provided sufficient information for offerors to estimate other direct costs.

30. Section C, Paragraph C.5.1.3. “The contractor is responsible for preparing and submitting for Government approval all projected related RFIs and RFCs for firm fixed price or task order projects. Could the Government clarify is this a Firm Fixed Price contract of a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract?

Answer: Section C, Paragraph C.5.1.3 titled “Installation,” 2nd paragraph has been revised to remove the following text: for firm fixed price or task order projects. This is a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract as stated in L.2 titled “Type of Contract – FAR 52.216-1 (Apr 1984).”

31. Section C, Paragraph C.5.1.3. “During the installation process, it is the responsibility of the Contractor to resolve and bring into compliance all issues related to non-adherence to Government standards at no additional cost to the Government”. Are we responsible for other services not necessarily provided under this contract (such as structural issues – walls, doors, etc…) but that are part of, and have an impact on, the overall security installation?

Answer: This statement refers to the TSS installation services as outlined in the PWS only and does not refer to those services such as structural, walls, doors, etc…

32. Section H, Paragraph H.8.5.10. The description indicates, “travel extensively world-wide” Is there a actual requirement to travel worldwide?

Answer: Section H, Paragraph H.8.5.10 titled “Senior Technician – System Integrator” has been amended to delete the final bullet which stated: “Travel extensively world-wide.” Travel would be limited to CONUS to include Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

33. Section C, Paragraph C.5.1.1. RFP states: “Based on the Government-provided technical security design package…” Does this security design package encompass all of the artifacts/inputs as the 100% design package outlined in section C.5.3.2.3?

Answer: Yes, the security design package may include those items outlined in C.5.2.3, if applicable and when directed.

34. Section C, Paragraph C.5.3.2.3. RFP states: “The Contractor shall provide the design deliverables listed in Table C.5-5.” Should this reference be to “Table C.5-6 Design Deliverables” instead? This is the same question for Table C.5-3, C.5-7, C.5-8, and C.5-9.

Answer: Yes; the solicitation has been revised.

35. Section C, Paragraph C.5.3.2.3, Table C.5-6. Can we get a copy of the Design Review Process Form?

Answer: Contractor to develop.

36. Section C, Paragraph C.5.3.4.1. RFP states: “The Contractor is responsible for preparing site installation and test reports.” Can we get an example of a test and installation reports?

Answer: Contractor to develop.

37. Section C, Paragraph C.5.3.4.3, Table C.5-8. Can the government provide an example of a typical SIM report?

Answer: Contractor to develop.

38. Section C, Paragraph C.6. RFP states: “Facility technical security systems are in compliance with DS standards”. The government is providing a “complete technical security design package for each project” as stated in section C.5.1.1. The criteria in the Performance Requirements Summary would imply that the contractor is responsible for reviewing the Governments design for compliance with DS standard. Are we involved in the design process prior to receiving the complete technical security design package? Does the contractor get involved once the Security Design Concept (SDC) is developed from PCB/DBB?

Answer: No. The Government will provide the technical security design package. Section C, Paragraph C.6 titled “Performance Requirements Summary,” Section C.5.1 has been amended under Method of Surveillance to state: “Periodic review during installation phase to include a final acceptance.”

39. Section B, Paragraph B.2. RFP references H.8.5.1. This section does not exist. Did the government mean just H.8.5?

Answer: No. Section H.8.5.1 exists and is titled, "Program Manager."

40. Section C, Paragraph C.5.2.1. RFP states: “The Contractor will be required to actively work with the STAC to develop, refine, and maintain the SOPs, checklists, and decision trees necessary to increase the STAC’s first contact service request completion rate and support its continual improvement initiatives”. Should the statement fall under C.5.2.2 because the nature of C.5.2.1 is preventative and generally not driven by a customer request?

Answer: Section C, Paragraph C.5.2.1 C.5.2.2. The statement “The Contractor will be required to actively work with the STAC to develop, refine, and maintain the SOPs, checklists, and decision trees necessary to increase the STAC’s first contact service request completion rate and support its continual improvement initiatives” has been moved from paragraph C.5.2.1 to C.5.2.2.

41. Section C, Paragraph C.5.3.2.1. RFP states: “The Design Package must be complete and the presentation must occur within 10 business days of the survey teams return to Washington.” This contradicts Table C.5-6, Item 1, which indicates, “Within 5 days of survey end date.”

Answer: Section C, Table C.5-6 titled “Design Deliverables,” Item 1’s due date has been amended to state: “Within 10 days of survey end date.”

42. Section M, Paragraph M.10.2.4. This appears to be a duplicate of the Compensation evaluation.

Answer: In reference to both sections L and M, the non-price subfactor: Associate Contractor Agreement has been removed from the solicitation.

43. Appendix J-1, Projected Workload Table. Does the workload depicted include the travel time in the total job time?

Answer: For TSS/TSU installation does not include travel. For repair response time, travel is included.

44. Section M. Neither Section L-Proposal Instructions and Section M-Evaluation Factors reference specifically Section C (PWS) and Section H and how they will be evaluated. Additionally, Section L is very clear that the offeror should not deviate from the Section L outline. Is it the Governments expectation that Section C and Section H “Contractor Shall” statements be addressed in the proposal? How does the Government intend to evaluate addressing Section C and Section H when there does not appear to be an evaluation factor or guidance within the Section M for all the requirements?

Answer: Section L, Paragraph L.18.2 states: “The Offeror shall demonstrate, by describing in reasonable detail their direct or related experience with each of the various sub factors for similar or related tasks and how they will parlay that knowledge and experience into the workload requirements of this contract.”

45. Section J Appendices, Appendix J-5 CMMS SOP Listing. The appendix only lists the Appendix title. Will the government make all the SOPS available to all the bidders?

Answer: After discussions with the Program Office is has been determined that these documents would not provide much benefit to proposed offerors.

46. General. How many on-going TSU’s will be turned over at the time of contract award and what is the Government’s anticipated phase for each TSU at time of award?

Answer: Currently there are four; two large and two small that are currently in the procurement/installations phases. We anticipate completion of these upgrades prior to award. The TSU process outlined in the solicitation will not take effect until the new contract is in place.

47. Section L, Paragraph L.16.2 (18) references a “Ce Rate” column in Pricing Table 5. However, in Pricing Table 5 there is no such column header. Can the Government please confirm that any reference to “Ce Rate” should be removed from the solicitation?

Answer: The Government has amended the RFP by removing all references to "Ce Rate."

48. Section L, Paragraph L.18.2 and Section M, Paragraph M.10.1. Section L.18.2 calls out in first sentence”… detail their direct or related experience with each of the various sub factors for similar or related tasks….”Section M.10.1 last sentence states “… Specific knowledge or related relevant knowledge for the functional areas listed in Section L.18.2. Are the sub factors and the functional areas one in the same?

Answer: Yes.

49. Section L, Paragraph L.18.3.1. In section L.18.3.1 the RFP states “Although resumes are not required for other than the PM, the Offeror shall establish the minimum education, training and experience levels for each labor category proposed.” Section L.18.3.2 states “The Government considers the Program Manager (PM), Project Engineer, Senior Project Analyst, and Senior Analyst to be key personnel under this contract. The Offeror shall provide a detailed resume for each key personnel proposed for this contract.” Clarify if resumes are required for all key personnel or just the PM?

Answer: Section L, Paragraph L.18.3.1 titled “Staffing Plan,” 2nd bullet has been amended to remove the following phrase: Although resumes are not required for other than the PM. Resumes are required for all 4 key personnel positions.

50. Section L, Paragraph L.18.4 and Section M, Paragraph M.10.3. May offerors include relevant past performance contracts for subcontractors on their team?

Answer: Yes.

51. General. Are there any restrictions or Department of State concerns that will preclude a company from proposing and being awarded both the overseas and domestic security installation services contracts?

Answer: No.

52. Section B, Paragraph B.5. B.5 b) states “Travel costs shall be allocated to the CLIN X001 sub-CLIN which the specific travel benefits.” There is no Travel sub-CLIN identified in the list of sub-CLINs on pages 2 and 3, Section B.2 PRICING STRUCTURE, paragraph c). Offeror requires this information to understand proper allocation of travel costs.

Answer: During contract performance, travel costs shall be allocated to the CLIN X001 sub-CLIN which the specific travel benefits. The Government intentionally did not establish a discrete sub-CLIN to which travel costs would be allocated because the Government is interested to track costs by each description/project identified in the table in Section B.2(c).

For proposal evaluation purposes, the Government has provided RFP-specified travel costs, and they are identified under sub-CLINs X001A-X001E and X001H in Pricing Table 5.

53. Section C, Paragraph C.4.1.3. This section states in part; ..."The Contractor shall be required to use CMMS in supporting DME activities, i.e., managing work orders, ordering all materials, and recording asset information. The Contractor will be required to utilize CMMS to manager work orders, order all materials, track and maintain accurate information for asset management on all devices and configurations of installed technical security assets. The contractor shall utilize CMMS to generate previously built and formatted reports. The reports are critical to ensuring that the DOS and ST management have reliable information to make management decisions. Collection and analysis of this data allows the use of quantitative techniques for process improvement. CMMS enables a feedback loop on procurement actions and greater accuracy of inventories and simplified field reporting on activities and assets. Appendix J-5: provides the listing of CMMS SOPs." Contractor requests clarification regarding whether CMMS is used to track project activities related to Survey, Design, Installation and Closeout.

Answer: Yes, CMMS is utilized to manage the life-cycle of the project.

54. Section C, Paragraph C.4.1.3.1. This section states in part: "... The Contractor will be responsible for utilizing CMMS/Maximo Mobile Work Manager Program (specifically for the DME First Responders) to accurately capture data, track and manage assets and increase operational efficiencies." Does the Government pay for wireless provider service and maintenance costs for mobile devices?

Answer: Yes, the Government will pay for the service provider.

55. Section C, Paragraph C.4.1.4. This section states; "The Contractor shall perform all work within this contract (i.e., technical security designs, engineering, installations and any other related contract requirement) in accordance with DS and Government-approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs), Application Guides, Technical Bulletins, the National Electric Code (NEC), International Building Code (IBC), and other applicable commercial standards and building codes unless specifically instructed to the contrary by the responsible Government Technical Monitor (GTM)." Will the Government provide offerors the most recently published DME Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for proposal purposes?

Answer: No, the solicitation requires that the Contractor develop new SOPs to be reviewed and approved by the Government.

56. Section C, Paragraph C.5.3.3. This section states in part; "The Contractor shall identify the required materials, estimate costs, procure the material, and ensure they are received at the site to implement the Government-approved TSU Design Package. The Contractor shall complete a Material Take Off (MTO) and develop a Bill of Materials (BOM) to implement approved TSU design, ensuring that BOMs are handled in accordance with DOS security classifications. The Contractor is required to enter BOMs into the CMMS Purchase Request Module for approval, processing, and shipping in accordance with DS SCM and CMMS SOPs to ensure all materials arrive at site two to three days prior to installation start date." Offeror requests clarification regarding in what context the term "procure" is used in this section (i.e., Will the Contractor be required to purchase the material?)

Answer: The DME contractor’s responsibility temporarily terminates upon Government approval of a Purchase Request in the CMMS System. Upon delivery of the materials and acknowledgment of the Government, the DME contractor resumes responsibility.

57. Section C, Paragraph C.5.4 and C.5.6. C.5.4 states “The Contractor shall complete the project…within the timeframe laid out by the Government.” Will Special Projects constitute a change in the integrated master schedule identified in bullet 5 of C.5.6? If so, will these changes be counted against minimizing the number of times the integrated master schedule (IMS) is re-baselined?

Answer: Yes, the Government would want to track special projects in the IMS, but they will not be counted against the Contractor in re-baselining.

58. Section D, Paragraph D.2. This section states “Supplies shall be packed for shipment in a manner that will ensure acceptance by common carriers and safe delivery at destination. Containers and closures shall comply with the Interstate Commerce Commission Regulations, Uniform Classification Rules, and regulations of other carriers as applicable to the mode of transportation." Offeror requests clarification regarding in what context the term "supplies" is used in this section (i.e., Will the DSIS Contractor be responsible for packing and shipping all DME supplies for all DSIS projects?)

Answer: No, please see the answer to question #56.

59. Section H, Paragraph H.2. This section states in part “(a) The Contractor shall enter into Associate Contractor Agreements (ACA) with the SCM, PME and Admin/IT contractors for any portion of this contract requiring joint participation in the accomplishment of the Government’s requirement.” Offeror request clarification regarding who is responsible for developing the requisite ACA?

Answer: Section H, Paragraph H.2 titled “Associate Contractor Agreement” has been revised.

60. Section H, Paragraph H.5.This section states in part The Government will provide the facilities, equipment, materials, and supplies described herein as Government-furnished property.” And in Section H.5.1 FACILITIES states in part; “The Government may provide space at a designated Government facility upon or after contract award for use by the contractor based on availability of space and approved contract funding. If the Government provides on-site space, standard furniture that will be supplied, includes: desk, chair, and a filing cabinet.” Clarification requested regarding whether the Government will provide space for the Contractor at a Government facility.

Answer: See answer to question #5.

61. Section H, Paragraph H.5.1. This section states in part “The Contractor shall be required to allocate personnel office space including making adjustments to accommodate staffing increases in the event of a workload surge” Offeror requests clarification regarding whether “personnel office space” refers to Government furnished facility?

Answer: Yes. In the event that the Government does provide on-site space for contractor personnel and more employees are needed for a surge assignment, the contractor will need to make adjustments to accommodate for the staffing increase.

62. Section H, Paragraph H.5.6. This paragraph states “The Government will provide an orientation to the DOS CMMS system and workflow and DOS training modules required for Contractor personnel to obtain a Government-furnished CMMS software license.” Will this orientation be considered part of DOS training and conducted during contract hours?

Answer: This is a U.S. Government requirement and would be done during contract hours.

63. Section H, Paragraph H.6. This section states in part; "The Contractor may be asked to provide additional office space or facilities that would allow for classified or unclassified (SBU) functions mandated by the contract." Offeror requests clarification regarding whether or not the Contractor is required to identify a Contractor facility as part of its proposal and, if so, the requirements for that facility? (e.g. number of personnel spaces, Government FTE to be accommodated)

Answer: Yes. The offerors shall identify a facility that is appropriate to the size of their staffing plan.

64. Section H, Paragraph H.8.5. Offeror believes this section contains overlapping and/or redundant responsibilities.

Answer: The personnel qualifications are a list to assist the offerors in meeting the PWS requirements. The Government would like the offerors to determine what resources are needed to meet the PWS requirements for each section. Offerors are able to propose additional labor categories.

65. Section H, Paragraph H.12. This section states in part; "The Government reserves the right to issue work orders for TSU projects required in this contract. The CO will issue a Work Order Request (WOR) in writing to the Contractor." Does the Government have an estimate on the number of Work Orders to be issued annually? If so, will the Government provide it to the Offerors so bidders can accurately provide proposal pricing.

Answer: This is a stand-alone contract, the vast majority of the work, as well as the funding will occur only at the contract level. The purpose of this paragraph is to state that the Government reserves the right to issue work orders.

66. Section L, Paragraph L.16. “Foldouts can be utilized and must fold entirely within the volume. All foldouts shall be single-sided, 8-1/2” by 14” and count as one page.” Typically, foldouts are 11x17, allowing them to be 3-hole punched and easily folded into the proposal. Did the Government mean to specify foldouts as 11X17, single-sided, count as one page?

Answer: Yes. Foldouts shall not exceed 11” x 17”.

67. Section L, Paragraph L.16.2. This section states the Narrative portion of the Price Proposal is to be submitted electronically in either Word or PDF; however, there is no specification for the Technical or Business Management Volumes. Is it the Government’s intent to have a Word or PDF version of the Technical Proposal on the associated CD and a Word or PDF version of the Business Management Proposal on the associated CD?

Answer: Either version is acceptable.

68. Section L, Paragraph L.18.3.1 and L.18.3.2. “Although resumes are not required for other than the PM,…” “The Government considers the Program Manager (PM), Project Engineer, Senior Project Analyst, and Senior Analyst to be key personnel under this contract. The Offeror shall provide a detailed resume for each key personnel proposed for this contract.” Does the Government require a resume for only the PM or for all 4 Key Personnel positions?

Answer: Section L, Paragraph L.18.3.1 titled “Staffing Plan,” 2nd bullet has been amended to remove the following phrase: “Although resumes are not required for other than the PM.”

Resumes are required for all 4 key personnel positions.

69. Section L, Paragraph L.18.5. L.18.5 states “The transition period shall be 30 calendar days and must not exceed 60 calendar days. Full performance shall commence on the date specified in the contract or the Notice-To-Proceed (NTP) issued by the CO.” Clarification requested. Based on this statement, the assumption is transition must be complete no later than the date specified in the contract or NTP.

Answer: See answer to question #4.

70. Section M, Paragraph M.10.2.4. This section states, "To achieve a rating of Excellent or Good, the Offeror shall, at a minimum submit an adequate total compensation plan (i.e., one that sets forth salaries and fringe benefits proposed for the professional employees who will work under the contract) which demonstrates: 1) a sound management approach and good understanding of the contract requirements; 2) the Offeror’s ability to provide uninterrupted high-quality work; 3) a positive impact of the proposed professional compensation on recruiting and retention; 4) that the proposed professional compensation is realistic for the work to be performed under the contract; and 5) consistency between the proposed professional compensation and a total plan for compensation." The above describes the evaluation criteria for the offers compensation plan. Offeror requests clarification regarding the specific evaluation criteria for the Associate Contractor Agreement.

Answer: See answer to question #14.

C. AMENDMENT INSTRUCTIONS

1. Delete the document titled, "DME Solicitation Document” and substitute the attached document titled, "DME Solicitation Document – A001" in lieu thereof.

2. Delete Exhibit B, titled “Pricing Tables” and substitute the attached document titled “Exhibit B – Pricing Tables – A001” in lieu thereof.

3. Delete Appendix J-1 titled “Projected Workload Table” and substitute the attached document titled “Appendix J-1 – Projected Workload Table – A001.”