Responses_to_Questions_3202013_(2).pdf

Responses to Qs 3192013 (2).xlsx

A B C D E

No. Cat.

RFP Section#, Title, & Page Question Response

1 Tech

Section J, Exhibit A.1 Task Order

Request (TOR) Statement of

Objectives (SOO), Amendment 2, C.3.J

Warehouse Operations:

"Offerors are requested to propose a team of augmenteest o assist the DOS

General Services Office in the support of Warehouse Operations as specified under Attachment 8.

Exhibit A.1-Attachment 8:

Is the intent of the amendment and TOR SOO that we propose a "team" meaning names of specific individuals to fill the numbers and types of positions listed in the table in Exhibit A.1-Attachment 8 OR should we propose a "team" meaning we decide the types of positions and numbers?

No the offerors do not have to provide names for specific individuals unless the offeror feels that these personnel are serving in critical leadership posiitons.

2 Admin

L.16.1.3.5 SAMPLE TRANSITION

PLAN (20 PAGES):

L.16.1.8 SAMPLE PROGRAM

MANAGEMENT PLAN (PMP) (20

PAGES)

In the Sample Transition Plan the government requests that offerors provide a transition plan that includes a phased deployment plan.

Additionally, the PMP requests that offerors provide a high level WBS that includes significant milestones for each major area of BLiSS, through

Transition and into the Base year. Because of the limited space for presentation, where in the proposal would the government like to see a

Gantt chart presentation of our tasks and schedule?

Both --Gantt chart that covers the transition should be under L.16.1.3.5;

Gantt chart for the PMP should be under L.16.1.8. The portion of the Gantt chart that covers transition need not be repeated under PMP, but referenced to L.16.1.3.5

3 Admin

L.16.1.3.5 SAMPLE TRANSITION

PLAN (20 PAGES):

How would the government like to see the transition plan in a Gantt chart format or as a narrative description?

Gantt chart and supplemented by narrative as determined by the Offeror

4 Admin

E.4: (b) The performance standard is that the Government receives no more than one (1) customer complaint per month. The COR shall notify the

Contracting Officer of the complaints so that the Contracting Officer may take appropriate action to enforce the inspection clause (FAR 52.246-4, Inspection of Services – Fixed Price

What is the scope of the standard of one customer complaint per month? Is it one customer complain on the entire contract all TORS and all locations?

In this context who is considered a customer?

The Quality Assurance Plan will establish the metrics required to include a system to manage customer complaints. This section of the RFP is to be modified.

A B C D E

5 Tech

Exhibit A.1 TOR SOO, C.3.H

Transportation Services- (Applicable to

TOR 2, 3, and 4); Exhibit A.1, Atch 7

GFE List

BEC- RING ROUTE: 1 each 20 PAX bus is used to operate a ring route on the IZ from 06:00 to 23:30 daily. MEADOWLANDS EXPRESS: 1 each 20

PAX bus is used to operate a LES shuttle to and from an access gate to the

Embassy Compound from 0715 to 1845 daily. The GFE Listing does not show any GFE for supporting the BEC shuttle routes. Will the DOS please clarify what GFE will be provided for the Ring Route and the Meadowlands

Route? Are Contractor AmCits and LNs authorized to use the shuttle services at the various sites? If the Contractor proposes to provide onsite shuttle services for Contractor AmCits and LNs, what are the requirements as to type vehicle, fueling, etc.? Will the DOS provide transportation shuttle assets to meet surge transportation requirements when the gate opens, and to get workers to the gate at closure?

GFE has been provided in RFP amendments. A complete list of available will be reviewed with the winning offeror. Yes, Contractor AMCITs and LNs are authorized to ride State shuttles and often GSO and contractor LNs drive these shuttles. Contractors should plan on driving GFE buses as required onsite to provide LN contractor shuttles at the beginning and end of a normal work day.

6 Tech

Section J, Exhibit AI, Attachment 6, Bliss Critical Service Housing

Critical housing identifies 17 space for Fire protection & Airfield service workers within the BEC/IZ yet staffing models require at least 32 firefighters plus 3 operations staff plus up to 5 management staff for a total of anywhere from 35 to 40 to staff the operations. Is it the intent of the government to considered these 17 spaces as "hot bunk" room only for the firefighting staff to use only while on duty or are these spaces considered permanent housing? If permanent housing, is the intent of the government to require the remaining "critical staff" to be housed off compound and rotated daily?

The bidders should refer to NFPA standards for establishing recommended firefighter staffing and shift rotation schedules. The Government does not dictate that these personnel change out daily. However, the number of beds that are available for such services are fixed.. "Hot bunking" is one approach that could be used.

7 Tech

Section J, Exhibit AI, Attachment 6, Bliss Critical Service Housing

Ambiguities are noted in the reference. CG Basrah shows beds for Airfield

Services. The contractor does not perform any airfield services at Basrah.

CG Basrah refers to 2 fire stations, but the solicitations infers there is only one contractor fire station at Basrah. Will the DOS please clarify the ambiguities cited?

There is only one fire station to be located at Basrah and this is to be located within the Consulate. Fire fighting SOO and relevant attachments have been amended accordingly.

8 Gen.

During the site visit in December 2012, the Contracting Officer stated that the transition priorities in Iraq were BEC, followed by BDSC, and then

Basrah. The RFP is silent on transition priorities. Does the USG have a desired sequence for transition? Does the USG expect simultaneous transition of all activities and sites?

The transition priorities have been included in section M in Amendment 2.

Site transition priorities are in fact the BEC with IZ, BDSC and then Basrah.

A B C D E

10 Tech

Section J Attachment 11 BLiSS

Requirements Matrix, Section J, Exhibit

A.1 SOO, Exhibit A.1 Attachment 7

GFE Amendment 1

Section J Attachment 11 BLiSS Requirements Matrix indicates that IO61, and IO62 are turned on for medical waste incineration/disposal. Section J, Exhibit A.1 SOO, Medical waste incinerators are available at each

Diplomatic support hospital (DSH) location (BDSC and Basrah), but Exhibit

A.1 Attachment 7 GFE Amendment 0001 show no incinerator at Basrah and one at BEC. Can the USG clarify?

A medical incinerator will be at all locations by the time of BLiSS award.

There is an incinerator being moved from Prospertity to the BEC/IZin the future. Basrah and BDSC already have medical incinerators.

11 Tech

Section J Attachment 11 BLiSS

Requirements Matrix, Section J, Exhibit

A.1 Attachment 7 GFE Amendment 1

Section J Attachment 11 BLiSS Requirements Matrix indicates that IO25, IO61, and IO62 are turned on for site transportation of bulk potable & non-potable water. Exhibit A.1 Attachment 7 GFE Amendment 0001 show no water trucks at BEC, BDSC shows 9 water trucks and 6 at Basrah. Can the

USG indicate the correct amount of water trucks or number of drivers needed?

Water trucks are available as GFE at all sites. A complete list of available

GFE will be provided as stated earlier to the winning bidder.

12 Tech

Sec J, Exh A.1, Task Order SOO, para

C.3.G Airfield Services (Applicable to

TOR 2, 3, and 4)

7. Airport Operations - Will the Government please provide the DOS SOP for obtaining a Department of State Unclassified Open Net Account? Can a

LN operate the Unclassified Open Net Account?

Yes an LN can operate an unclassified Open Net account. An Open Net account request form and stipulations for using Open Net is shown on the review.

13 Tech

Sec_J_Exj_A.1_Task_Order_SOOs, Section 3.I.1, B.11, page 14

The reference states: "The contractor's proposal shall include a catalog list of spare parts and supplies along with unit price per item." Question: Will spare parts and supplies catalog(s) be excluded from the page count for the

Tech proposal?

Yes, excluded from the page count

15 Tech

Sect J, EXH1, Attch 7, GFE List The LCMR (AN/TPQ-48) Counterfire Radar System is identified as RSO

GFE to the Contractor. Will the Government please clarify the Contractors responsibility for this equipment?

There is no longer a requiremnt for LCMR per Amendment 002.

A B C D E

16 Tech

EXHIBIT A.1- ATTACHMENT 8,

Warehouse Operations.

Do Integrated Logistics Management System (ILMS) operators require anything similar to or such as a Common Access Card (CAC) to access the

ILMS? Can a LN operate the ILMS?

Only an Open Net Account and authorization following online training is required to access ILMS. Yes an LN can operate ILMS.

17 Gen.

Section L.15 GENERAL PROPOSAL

INSTRUCTIONS, Page 129

The reference states that "The above page count [120 pages] excludes: … past performance information, …". Does the Government intend for the

Relevant Experience to also be excluded from the 120 page limitation?

Yes

18 Gen.

Section J, Attachment 4 Will all fire stations and apparatus be NFPA and DoDI 6055.6 compliant, to include all testing and certification equipment?

Yes.

A B C D E

19 Tech

Section J Exhibit A.1 Task Order

SOOs;

Paragraph C.3.I Supplemental Staffing and Maintenance Services to RSO-

(Applicable to TOR 5), Page 11;

Paragraph C.3.I.1 Z-Backscatter Vans and Forward Scatter Technology, Page

11;

and Paragraph B.4 Tech Support, B.4 Tech Support. The Contractor shall provide supporting services for up to all fielded systems covered by this contract as annotated in Appendix B or anything else the Government purchases in this family of systems that requires follow on sustainment on an as required or as requested basis, such support to include the following services.

Appendix B is currently “Reserved”

Section C.3.I Supplemental Staffing and Maintenance Services to RSO-

(Applicable to TOR 5) does not address these systems:

LCMR AN/TPQ-49

MRFRS

WAVES (PM SPT)

FAAD C2 (PM SPT)

CNET (PM SPT)

LCMR (AN/TPQ-48)

GIRAFFE

CIDNE

Question - Are these the “up to all fielded systems covered by this contract”? Or is someone else maintaining these systems?

An updated security equipment list was provided in Amendment 002.

20 Cost

RFP, page 26, paragraph C.1.C

(multiple questions)

RFP, page 26, paragraph C.1.C states that Embassy Air can be used by

BLISS contractor and that at a fair and reasonable cost per person. What is the current, average, cost per person?

It is anticipated that by Contract Award, the use of Embassy Air by contractors will be limited to official travel as approved by the COR, e.g.

travel by technical personnel from BEC to Basrah to assist in repairs of RSO supported equipment. Offerors should plan on using commercial air to travel into/out of country and for all other travel in-country. In instances where Embassy Air is used to transport Contractor personnel for official business, it will be cost reimbursable.

21 Cost

Ref: H.21 Supplies, Materials, Equipment (multiple questions)

There is a large variance in prices the contractor may take to providing the necessary CPFF Supplies, Materials & Equipment to meet the contract requirement on the BLISS RFP. To ensure DOS receives the same level of services and equally evaluate all contractor proposals, will DOS consider providing a Plug number for pricing purposes?

Yes. Plug number for supplies has been provided in A002 Exhibit F

A B C D E

22 Admin

L.15 GENERAL PROPOSAL

INSTRUCTIONS, Pg 128

The Price Proposal shall utilize single-sided page printing, including Excel spreadsheets. Price Proposals have no page limit. (Multiple questions)

Is single sided printing permitted for the entire proposal? Yes. But, two-sided printing is preferred.

23 Admin

Section J, Exhibit A.1 Sites in Iraq

SOO, page 4, paragraph C.3.A Postal

Services. This paragrasph states that there are Diplomatic Post Offices with regional responsibilities at BDSC and three standard DPO's at BEC, EDSC, and Basrah. (multiple questions)

Please confirm that under BLISS there will be no requirement to staff a DPO at EDSC.

There are no requirements at EDSC. All references to EDSC have been removed.

24 Admin

SAQMMA-12-R-0130 Baghdad Life

Request for Proposal Support Services

Sections B-M

L.16.1.3.5 SAMPLE TRANSITION

PLAN (20 PAGES), pg 132 "The

Transition Plan shall have a phased

Deployment Plan (DP) described in each SOO for BLiSS;

M.10.1.1.4 SAMPLE TRANSITION

PLAN, Pg 153-154

Sec J_Exh_A.1 Task Order SOO C.5.A

Phased Deployment Plan, Pg. 24

(multiple questions)

Given the 20 page limit on the Sample Transition Plan and the number of both activities and TORs we are required to address, would the government prefer to see the Sample Transition Plan organized functionally, e.g postal operations, warehousing etc. Or would the goverment prefer our treatment organized by TOR e.g TOR 1, TOR 2, TOR 3 etc.?

This is the Offeror's perogative. Please be clear in addressing the approach to transition in the Transition Plan, then include Transition in each

Sample Plan.

26 Admin

Section J, Exhibit A.1 Sites in Iraq

SOO, pages 12-13, paragraph C.3.I, A.

(Sustainment) and B.8 (Repair of system damage…) refer to paragraphs

3.1.2.2.2 a thu e.

This referenced paragraphs appear to be paragraph B.2 a thru e on page 12. Can the government please clarify?

This has been corrected in Amendment 2.

A B C D E

27 Cost

Section H.3(d)(1) Travel and

Transportation page 46 (multiple questions)

According to the last sentence in this section, "The USG shall not reimburse contractor for the use of private visa services provided by a third party." Is this stipulation only for the issuance of a diplomatic passport? How does this coincide with H.3(b) for overseas credential requirements as it states

"the contractor shall be responsible for obtaining any passports and visas required for travel to foreign countries to accomplish work assigned under this contract, but costs for such obtainment will be generally allowable.

The sentence in H.3(d)(1) has been modified. H.3(b) applies.

29 Admin

Section J, Exhibit A.1 Sites in Iraq

SOO, page 12, paragraph C.3.I, B.

(Maintenance) refers to GEN 1 and

GEN 2 Preventative Maintenance

Plans.

Will the government provide these plans? This has been provided in Amendment 002.

42 Tech

L.16.1 Vol 1: Tech Proposal (120 pages); L.16.1.1 Executive Summary

(5 pages); L.16.1.5 Program

Management Office (PMO) (20 pages)

Answers from DoS dated:25 Feb 2013 stated "Yes to the question" are

Executive Summary and PMO page limits of 5 and 20 pages included as part of the 120 page maximum for the Tech Proposals ?'' Answers from

DoS dated 20 February 2013 stated "L16.1.1 The Executive Summary (5

Pages) and L.16.1.5PMO(20 pages) are excluded from 120 Tech

PROPOSAL PAGE COUNT" will the USG clarify if the Executove Summary

(5pages) and PMO(20 PAGES) ARE EXCLUDED FROM 120 page Tech

Proposal?

The Executive Summary is limited to 5 pages. The Sample PMO is limited to

20 pages. These two sections are not included in the in the 120 page count for the Technical Proposal. So, an Offeror may have a Technical Proposal at 120 pp, and the Exec Summary and PMO at 25 pp, for a total of 145 pp.

43 Tech

L16.1.8: Sample Program Mangement plan, p.135

Is the Gantt chart excluded from 20 count page limit? Included. The Gantt chart should be high level, identifying key events and milestones. Remember, the PMO is a Sample PMO to be revised after award.

44 COST

B.7.2.a Fuel Acquisition and Delivery

Services, p11

What is the replacement schedule for fuel bags and is the replacement cost reimbursable to the offeror?

Replacement of fuel bags will not be a BLiSS requirement unless the BLiSS contractor damages a fuel bag. Should a fuel bag be identified for replacement by the Government, this will be a cost reimbursable item.

A B C D E

45 COST

B.13.n Travel Costs, p13 Re "the costs of going from post of duty in the host country to the

Washington, D.C., area shall be generally allowable when a Contractor employee must interrupt his/her overseas TDY and return to the US":

offeror assumes that costs will be allowable to the individual's CONUS

Home of Record or residence even if it is not Washington, D.C. Is the offeror's assumption correct?

Yes, unless an individual is being sent out of country for cause (e.g.

violating Post regulations).

46 Tech

Section J, Exhibit A.1, Attachment 5 What are the contractor's responsibilities for reporting and demilitarizing

DOD property discovered during transition or performance over the life of the contract? This applies to items that have not been previously accounted for and/or were never transferred to the previous incumbent.

Contractor personnel working in the Disposal yard at BDSC will obtain direction and guidance from direct hire Disposal Officer located at BDSC.

This disposal officer will verify all work done, establish demil priorities, etc for all work done at the Disposal yard.

47 Tech

Section J Exhibit A.1, SOO, C.3.A

Postal Services, p4

Offeror assumes that the locally employed (Iraqi) staff are DOS direct hired staff and that the only personnel the contractor is required to provide for

Postal Services are the three Secret-cleared American Mail Supervisors to oversee the activities of the local staff. Is this assumption correct?

Yes.

48 Tech

Section J Exhibit A.1, SOO, C.3.C

Chemical Latrines and Hand Wash

Stations Operations, p4

Reference "hand-washing stations": does the Government desire these to be hand-washing stations or hand-sanitization stations?

Hand washing stattions at cafeterias will remain. Hand sanitization stations are attached to chemical latrines. In either case, the BLiSS contractor is expected to ensure sufficient soap is available at these various hand washing stations.

49 Tech

Section J Exhibit A.1, SOO, C.3.C

Chemical Latrines and Hand Wash

Stations Operations, p4

Would the Government please provide the chemical latrine and hand-wash station operations quantities at BDCS and Basrah as the Government did for BEC and the IZ?

No.

51 Tech

FAR 52.245-1 Government Property, pg 92

Will the Government please provide a complete list of GFE. This has been provided in an RFP amendment.

52 Tech

Section F.4 p32 and SOO C.5.A.1 Will the Government please provide a complete list of existing inventory the contractor will assume. How many days supply can the offeror assume the incumbent will turn over to them?

A complete inventory list will be provided to the winning offeror. Offerors should expect at least 60 days of supply for security equipment (the only equipment that BLiSS will maintain).

A B C D E

53 Tech

F.4 Deliverables, p33, Section J, Exh A-

1, Ex 3D

Re: Deliverable daily report on ZBV Operational Status (RSO Support

TOR); will the Government please consider providing ZBV S/N's or VIN's

(which we can tie back to a S/N). This would let us confirm these ZBVs are not covered under some other existing contract?

All security equipment is currently covered by the incumbent contract. S/Ns will be provided to the winning offeror.

54 Tech

B.14 Post Hardship Differential Pay and Danger Pay, p13

It is unusual for these costs to be in a separate CLIN. Could the contractor apply Overhead and Fee/Profit to these costs?

Yes

56 Tech

M.10.1.1.1 Sample Staffing Plan Will the Government evaluate the risk of an offeror’s organizational approach and selection of nationalities by labor category?

M.10.1.1.1 SAMPLE STAFFING PLAN applies.

57 Tech

Section J, Exhibit A.1, Attachment 5

Equipment/Property Scrap and

Disposal Operations

3.0 Scope: Accounting for all received

items by logging into DOS Integrated

Logistics Management System (ILMS)

The Contractor is trying to understand the ILMS system. Please respond to the following questions:

a. Will the Government provide a screen shot of input into the ILMS system?

b. Will the Government provide sample ILMS reports and format (csv, PDF, etc) for system outputs?

c. Will the Government provide a user’s manual for the ILMS system?

The Integrated Logistics Management System (ILMS) is simply a

Computerized Maintenance Management Software system. User manuals and training are available to the winning offeror. A basic navigation document available in online training is included with this response.

59 Tech

RFP / C.1.C. - Objectives / Page 26 In reference to the previously provided FINAL REPORT-Supplemental

Local Resource Procurement Initiative Report-Updates 11May2012, will the contractor be permitted to use LNs to prepare food items for this contract?

LNs will be permited to prepare food items provided they have received the requiriste medical and security clearance to do so.

60 Gen.

F.4 DELIVERABLES & C.5 Schedule In F.4 Deliverables it is stated that Final Transition Plan with Deployment

Plan is due Award + 20, however in C.5 Schedule it is stated The Transition

Plan shall be submitted 10 days after Contract Award for approval. Could

State please clarify which timeline for transition plan submittal is correct?

Final Transition Plan will be due Award +20.

62 Tech

Section J, Exhibit A.1, C.3.J (multiple questions)Will DOS further define by quantity, volume and frequency of delivery the scope and size of the cargo and container management requirement? (Also inventory, types of supplies and distribution)

Per Amendment 2, the BLiSS bidder is to provide augmentation staffing requested under warehouse operations.

A B C D E

66 Tech

Exhibit A.1 – Attachment 3E Will DOS confirm if the BLISS RSO Supplemental Staff is performing the required operation and maintenance activities for the security equipment? If they are providing O&M support can DOS specifically reference what activities for applicable equipment is being provided by the provided labor categories by site?

Amendment 002 updated the equipment to be maintained and the RSO staffing along with position descriptions for badging and Rapiscan operator personnel.

67 Tech

Will existing DOS contract vehicles (other than LOGCAP and DLA) whose requirements overlap with functions on BLISS terminate at the beginning of the BLISS transition?

It depends. Each contractual arrangement will be modified as determined in the Final Transition Plan for each TO, and in accordance with existing contract requirements. This information will be made available after award.

68 Tech

RFP Sections B-M, Section B.7.2 References to delivery tankers – when the word “tanker” is used, does that specifically reference a 32,000L fuel tanker? And would this size be expected at all locations?

The winning bidder will deliver fuel to DOS sites using whatever size tanker that may be required or available.

72 Gen.

Section L.16.1.3 Does the Government expect a separate TO response with each TOR PWS in addition to all the required Sample Plans?

Yes--included in the 120 page limit

73 Gen.

Section L.16.1.3 How will the Government evaluate the PWS and/or TOR responses? All proposals will be evaluated in accordance with M.10.1

74 Gen.

Industry Day Medical services were discussed as a requirement during Industry day but we do not see them in the final RFP. Please clarify whether the Contractor is responsible for medical services for its personnel.

All contractor personnel will be provided emergency and resuscitive care for injuries or medical emergencies that occur on site. For contractor personnel living onsite, will receive primary and secondary care. Injuries off site and primary care for contractors living off site are the responsibility of the contractor.

75 Tech

Tech Exhibits (TE's) TE – Afghanistan, Kuwait, etc are in the final RFP. Please clarify. This is related to the property disposition operations ExhA1, attch 5B, provided for information purposes only. There are no requirements to perform work in Kuwait, Afghanisan or any other location outside of Iraq.

76 Tech

C.3-b page 4 Food Attach 1, 2, 2a are discussed but we cannot locate Attach 2a in the

Final RFP packet. Will the Government please provide Food Attachment

2a?

Amendment 002 applies. The reference to Attachment 2a is removed.

77 Tech

Section J, Exhibit A.1, C.3.C Paragraph

"Disposition Services" and Attachment

Is the Contractor responsible for demilitarization of all equipment or simply of notifying DOS re: disposition of the equipment?

The contractor is expected perform demilitarization of equipment as required.

A B C D E

Section J, Exhibit A.1, C.3.C Paragraph

"Disposition Services" and Attachment

Regarding demilitarization, what is the management agreement between

DOS and DoD?

Any information on agreements between DOS and DOD are not required for responding to this solicitation, except otherwise as noted in the solicitation itself.

79 Gen.

Section D.3 (Packing Lists), page 28 Under section D.3 there is a list of information that should be on packing lists and/or other shipping documents for all shipments. On that list it mentions that the packing list or shipping document should include the

Government bill of lading number, covering the shipment, if any. Does this mean that Contractor will be able to ship under a Government Bill of Lading

(GBL) for this program?

Yes, if FOB origin

83 Gen.

Section B.16, OVERTIME, subparagraph e), page 17

Reference is made to Section B.7 g) for the definition of a “…normal workweek…”; however, Section B.7 g) does not appear to exist. Please provide the correct reference and definition of a “…normal workweek…”

This was answered previously and included in Amendment 2.

87 ADMIN

Section E.2, ACCEPTABLE LEVELS

OF PERFORMANCE, page 29; and

Section H.49, RESPONSIBILITY OF

CONTRACTOR, subparagraph (b), At what point in time are the contractor’s efforts accepted by the Contracting

Officer? For example, is it monthly, quarterly, or each contract year? How will the Contracting Officer’s acceptance of the contractor’s efforts be documented?

To be negotiated and specified under QASP.

89 ADMIN

Section F.4, DELIVERABLES, page 33;

and Section H.5, CERTIFICATE OF

INSURANCE, page 48

Section F.4 requires “Proof of Insurance” at “Award + 45”, which we assume to mean 45 days after contract award. Section H.5 requires the certificate of insurance “…within thirty (30) calendar days after contract award…” When is the certificate of insurance required?

The clause H.5 "...30 days" has precedence. The certificate of insurance is required 30 days after contract award.

90 ADMIN

Section H.2, EMERGENCY MEDICAL

SERVICES, page 45

What is the estimated cost of a MEDIVAC and how many does the

Government estimate it will require the contractor to pay each year?

There are three categories of patients. Each requires a separate means of medevac: DOD and DOD Civilians use JPMRC who coordinates medical evacuation and aircraft (either a DOD gray tail or commercial); DOS or other US Federal Government Agency use ISU Amman which uses Arab

Wings to evacuate patients to Amman; Contractors. Each company is required to coordinate and fund their own means of medical evacuation.

The need for Amman medevac has been very infrequent, approx. 8/year.

91 ADMIN

Section H.3, TRAVEL AND

TRANSPORTATION, subparagraph

(b), page 46

Please advise if the reference in the last sentence should be B.13 (k) instead of B.13 (l).

Yes the reference is B.13 (k) instead of B.13 (l).

A B C D E

92 Tech

Section H.57, SPECIAL

WARRANTIES, page 72

Is construction a requirement of this contact? We ask because FAR 52.246-

21 is not included in Section I of the RFP and construction is not required in

Section J, Exhibit A.1, Statement of Objectives.

Construction is not required under BLiSS. H.57 will be deleted

94 ADMIN

Section H.61, SECURITY

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS,

subparagraph (e), page 74

This subparagraph specifies that “Contractors will not be authorized to perform on contract, badged, or admitted to DOS facilities, until VARs have been received and processed.”

How long does it take for DS/IS/IND to process VARs?

Could this processing time delay the timely arrival of cleared personnel on the work sites?

If it is an impediment to the timely arrival of cleared personnel on the work sites, what relief does the contractor receive to the personnel deliverables in

Section F.4 (Key Personnel at award plus 45 days; 85% on site at award plus 60 days; and 100% on site at award plus 90 days)? Will pending

Government budget cuts or sequestration affect the Government’s ability to process VARs?

Processing of a properrly completed vetting packet requires up to 60 days.

And yes, the processing time to get cleared personnel to be able to work on sites could delay the arrival of personnel to the site. The Contractor will be in constant discussions (daily) with the CO and Embassy Program Manager with weekly status briefs, and staffing will be a high visibility topic. For proposal purposes, budget cuts and sequestration should not be addressed, unless the Offeror wishes to propose a risk mitigation strategy.

97 Tech

Section J – Exhibit A.1 (SOO), page

19, E.7 – SGS Tech Support

E.7 says “Contractor shall provide Tech expertise at the Contractor’s

Princeton Facility from 000 – 1700 (Eastern time) and help line support on off hours for Iraq ops.” Would the Government please clarify.

This has been corrected in Amendment 2.

98 Tech

RFP Question Response posted to

FBO 2/25/13

In reading through the RFP Q:R received 02/25/13, the Government’s response (or stance) is that Iraq is no longer considered a ‘contingent area or hostile area’. On 2/26/13 DOS released a Travel Warning regarding US and foreign national travel to Iraq and movement within Iraq. The Travel

Warning specifically speaks to the risk of being kidnapped (Captured and

Detained) and that all movement requires Security escort (Force

Protection). Would the Government please clarify its position?

The Department of State and its contractors are in countries around the world that have Travel Warnings issued on a regular basis, and often travelers are advised of a risk of kidnapping. This is our normal operating environment. Most of these countries are not classified as "contingent or hostile."

100 Admin

RFP Question Response posted to

FBO on 2/20/13 and 2/25/13

The Q&A released on 2/20 noted that responses were to questions asked about the Draft RFP. Will those responses to Draft RFP questions be officially incorporated into the final RFP?

Yes, it is our intent that responses to the draft have been incorporated into the RFP.

101 COST

Ref L.16.2.2 and L.16.1.3.5 The Government has provided alternative instructions for incumbent vs non-incumbent transition pricing. How will the Government evaluate price of an incumbent vs non-incumbent transition?

Transition prices are included in the overall firm fixed price of each task.

102 Tech

Section J Exhibit A.1 SOO C.3.G (4) Will the Government consider an indemnity clause for the portion of the work that involves airport screening activities?

No.

A B C D E

108 Tech

Exhibit A.1 – Attachment A C.3.G Page

9 Para. 4 Security Baggage Screening

The RFP states that "The contractor shall ensure all personnel possess and maintain proper airfield access and clearance. A secret clearance is not required and these positions can be filled by Local Nationals." Would the

Government please clarify what type of clearance is required? And would the Government please clarify if this requirement refers strictly to Security

Baggage Screening or all airfield operations?

Unless a secret clearance is stated in a position description or the Secret cleared personnel exhibit, a secret clearance is not required. However, special airfield access badging does apply for those personnel working on the runway.

109 COST

Exhibit A.1 -Attachment 4 pg 2 para

1.F.

Will water trucks, bladders or tanks be provided to the contractor as GFE? Yes.

110 Tech/COST

Exhibit A.1 -Attachment 4 pg 3 para 1.I. Are there abandoned structures and/or airframes available for training purposes? Will DOS provide fuel for fire suppression training as GFM?

There are no abandoned structures on State sites. GF fuel will be provided to contractors for vehicles operating on site.

111 Tech/COST

Exhibit A.1 -Attachment 4 pg 4 para 2A. The RFP states that, "Extinguishers shall be procured through the Federal

Supply System program to ensure compliance with NFPA requirements."

Will these extinguishers be ordered through DOS or will the Contractor be required to obtain a DOSAAC or similar accounting code to order through

FSS?

BLiSS contractors are not required to provide fire extinguishers as this is done through Facilities.

112 COST

Exhibit A.1 -Attachment 4 pg 7 Will the firefighter professional gear listed be provided to the Contractor as

GFE? Will DOD acquire replacement equipment through FSS or other sources or will the costs be reimbursable to the Contractor?

All of the current LOGCAP fire fighting equipment and personal protective gear will be provided to the contractor. Distinguishable uniforms is a contractor responsibility.

113 Tech

Tech Exhibits Attachment III TE-1

"Inspecting Property" Paragraph e

The RFP states that "Radioactive property is not authorized for receipt by

DRMS." Will Geiger counters be supplied to the Contractor as GFE?

Amendment 2 eliminated this requirement.

115 Tech

Tech Exhibits Attachment III TE-5

"Sales" Paragraph h "Through-put"

Would DOS please provide figures for the current and projected throughput for the five year life of the contract?

This does not matter since the contractor is only providing augmentation staff in the disposal yard.

116 Tech

Section J, Exhibit A.1, C.3.J Will the Contractor be required to track ISO shipping containers through the

Army Sustainment Command's ISS/CMM system or any other outside container tracking system?

No.

117 Gen.

Will Local Nationals be permitted to work on the Government site 24 hours a day?

Management of LNs will be a case-by-case basis. Work schedules need to be administered in a way that prevents violations of Iraqi labor law or

Human Trafficking laws.

A B C D E

118 Tech

Sect_J_EXHA1_Atch3D_RSOEquip Density listing accounts for GIRAFFE systems (2 ea) yet there is no corresponding description of effort in the SOW at section C.3.I, Supplemental Staffing and Maintenance Support to RSO. Will requirements be added to C.3.1 for the GIRAFFE Systems?

There are no requirements to maintain Giraffe radar systems.

119 Tech

Sect_J_EXHA1_Atch3D_RSOEquip Density listing accounts for M978 (6 ea) and M969 (3 ea) equipment yet there is no corresponding description of effort in the SOW at section C.3.I, Supplemental Staffing and Maintenance Support to RSO. Will requirements be added to C.3.1 for the M978 and M969?

The density list was updated in amendment 002. There are no requirements to maintain M978s and M969s.

120 Tech

Sect_J_EXHA1_Atch3D_RSOEquip(m ultiple questions)

Density listing accounts for CIDNE system (1ea) yet there is no corresponding description of effort in the SOW at section C.3.I, Supplemental Staffing and Maintenance Support to RSO.Will requirements be added to C.3.1 for the CIDNE system?

The density list was updated in amendment 002. There are no requirements to maintain M978s and M969s.

123 Tech

Sect_J_EXHA1_Atch3D_RSOEquip Is maintenance and repair effort for generator sets associated with the

BETSS-C systems to be included in the scope of work?

BETSS-C systems are no longer part of BLISS.

124 Tech

Exhibit_A.1_Atch3E Is maintenance and repair effort for generator sets associated with the

BETSS-C systems to be included in the scope of work?

For augmentation positions such as badging and Rapiscan operators yes this staffing is prescriptive.. Otherwise the bidders are being advised that critical services bed spaces have been reserved based on USG personnel estimates. The contractor must determine based on established requirements whether or not more or fewer personnel are required. There is no longer a requirement for BETSS-C staffing.

125 Tech

Sect_J_EXHA1_Atch3D_RSOEquip BLiSS RSO Supplement Staffing (Exhibit a.1-Attachment 3E) provides the current staffing levels for the BIO, BETSS-C FSR, and ZBV. Is the staffing provided within attachment 3E a directive to the potential bidder to propose the positions/head counts provided?

The density list and the SOO has been updated to include 3 Rapiscans.

Please see Section J Exhibit A.1 SOO Section 3.G Rapiscan operational requirements under Airfield Services

126 Tech

Section J, Exhibit A.1, Task Order SOO Section J, Exhibit A.1, Task Order SOO, Paragraph C.3.G.4 Airfield

Operations, Baggage Screening references “Government-provided

Rapiscan” units, but Rapiscan units are not listed as equipment to be supported on contract in the equipment density listing (Density listing

(Sect_J_EXHA1_Atch3D_RSOEquip). Will the BLiSS contractor be required to provide maintenance support to the Rapiscan units?

The use of AWRDs will no longer be required to order military spare parts.

However, the offeror will need to propose and utilize a system to track and report maintenance operational requirements under this portion of the SOO.

There are no requirements for SGS software.

127 Tech

Section J - Exhibit A.1 - Task Order

SOO - Supplemental Staffing and

Support to the RSO, Paragraph C.3.I.1, ZBV Techniology, Item B.12

Section J, Exhibit A.1, Task Order SOO, Paragraphs C.3.I.2 RDISS and

C.3.I.3 BETSS-C with SGS references utilizing AWRDS; however, there is no requirement listed in the Task Order SOO to set-up or maintain

AWRDS. Please clarify.

The Radiation Safety Officer requirement no longer applies. The SOO language has been modified accordingly.

A B C D E

128 Tech

Section J - Exhibit A.1 - Task Order

SOO - Supplemental Staffing and

Support to the RSO, Paragraph C.3.I.3, BETSS-C SGS Tower Sensor

Systems, Item K.

This section addresses Radiation Safety Offier requirements. The narrative states that "the contractor shall operate the radiation safety program as directed and under the oversight of the ARCENT Command Radiaiton

Safety Officer (CRSO)". Will ARCENT continue to maintain a presence in theatre to support the radiation safety program or does DoS have an expectation that the contractor will provide a certified Radiation Safety

Officer (RSO) to administer this program?

Calibration equipment and facillities now available at BDSC will remain in place as GFE for the future BLiSS bidder.

133 COST

Statement of Work (SOW) Section

C.1.C, “Objectives”, specfically regarding use of Embassy Air for travel throughout Iraq

A review of the Statement of Work (SOW) Section C.1.C, “Objectives”, finds the following statement:

“Embassy Air, a US DOS air courier and transportation service in Iraq may be used through coordination with DOS COR / GSO, or designated representative, at a fair and reasonable cost per person as listed under each task order. These services are available to move employees throughout the country of Iraq. The cost of initial personnel transition will be borne by DoS”

Questions:

17.1) Personnel assigned to Basrah and Baghdad Embassy Compound work locations will require movement to BDSC in order to access BIAP for commercial air departure from Iraq (and subsequent movement back to worksite location upon return from R&R). Will DoS bear the costs associated with movement of personnel within Iraq via Embassy Air for inbound and outbound R&R travel?

17.2) Will DoS bear Embassy Air costs associated with movement of contractor Program Management Office (PMO) staff to work sites for purposes of site staff visits, quality surveillance audits, product reviews, and other project related matters?

17.3) Will DoS allow for movement of small / discrete cargo via Embassy Air flights? An example would be the movement of small package repair parts to support equipment associated with the Supplemental Staffing and

Support to RSO mission. If so, is there a cost associated with this mode of cargo movement?

17.4) SOW reference addresses use of Embassy Air at a “fair and reasonable cost”. For purposes of proposal pricing, will DoS provide the cost(s) associated with use of Embassy Air transportation services?

If Embassy Air is available, the USG will provide transportation for these personnel across the Mission. However, at some point in the future, Embassy Air transportation will no longer be available and the contractors will have to use commercial transportation to move around the country.

Therefore, the bidders should plan on having to include transportation costs for maintenance techicians to move around the country as required. See

Question #20 above.

Tech RFP_Questions_2-25-2-13.pdf;

Sec_J_Exh_A.1_Task_Order_SOOs.p df;

Sect_J_EXHA1_Atch3E_labor_by_site.

xlsx

Badging and Augmentation augmentees and position descriptions have been updated in the latest amendment.

A B C D E

135 Tech/Cost

Will the firefighter professional gear listed be provided to the Contractor as

GFE? Will DOD acquire replacement equipment through FSS or other sources or will the costs be reimbursable to the Contractor?

Yes all equipment currently being used by LOGCAP will be made available to the BLiSS contractor. All of this equipment will be owned by State. DoD procedures no longer apply except as noted in Amendment 2. Spare equipment will be available within Iraq.

136 COST

Exhibit A.1 -Attachment 4 pg 7 The RFP states that "Radioactive property is not authorized for receipt by

DRMS." Will Geiger counters be supplied to the Contractor as GFE?

This requirement has been removed.

137 Tech

Attachment 12, General Standards, 2.h. page 2

What is the security requirement during fuel delivery; is providing security escorting during transportation (within Iraq) mandatory?

There is no security requirement onfuel truck deliveries.

148 Tech

Sec J, Exh A.1, Atch 1, sub-section 11 Serving and Dining Areas Design: Toward point-of-sale functionality and cafeterias' and snack bars' reconfigurations, are DOS Iraq facilities to be

ADA (American Disabilities Act) compliant? Are DOS Iraq facilities design and construction subject to other - e.g., the International Building Code

(IBC 2012) - regulatory and/or code mandates?

Any actual redesign of spaces will be determined after contract award, to include design standards and code, and will be coordinated with a third party contractor. Offeror's should focus on the approach required and design elements that contribute towards achieving positive control in accountability of the dining spaces.

A B C D E

151 Admin

L.16.3.2 Business Management, pg.

The Offeror shall describe the company's financial condition and capability.

State the estimated percentage of the company's total business the work required by this solicitation will represent. Describe the priority placed by the

Contractors management on the work required by this solicitation. Provide a current statement of financial condition, certified by a third party that includes copies of:

• Income (profit-loss) Statement that shows profitability for the past three years;

• Balance Sheet that shows the assets owned and the claims against those assets, or what a firm owns and what it owes; and

• Cash Flow Statement that shows the firm’s sources and uses of cash during the most recent accounting period. This will help the

Government assess a firm’s ability to pay its obligations.

• Company Lines-of-Credit – provide copies of the all corporate bank lines-of-credit including the available amounts.

Is it acceptable that JV member companies may submit their financials in separate and sealed envelopes with both hardcopies and CDs as part of our overall submission? It will all be sent together, but will have four financial packets so as to prevent unauthorized disclosure to industry peers.

Yes.

153 Admin

Sect_J_EXHA1_Atch10_BLISS_Rqt_M atrix_013013 - Lines 31-38 Airfield

Services

Sec_J_Exh_A.1_Task_Order_SOOs_

C.3.G

Airfield Services (Applicable to TOR 2, 3, and 4) Page 7

The Requirements Matrix indicates that there are no Airfield Services required at the Bashrah location addressed in TOR 4, however the Task

Order SOO says that Airfield Services is applicable to TOR 4. Please clarify, will Airfield Services be required at the Bashrah location (TOR 4)?

There are no airffield services at the Basrah air hub.

A B C D E

159 Admin

H.70,RECRUITMENT OF THIRD

COUNTRY NATIONALS FOR

PERFORMANCE ON DEPARTMENT

OF STATE CONTRACTS (October 17, 2012) Page 85

"On contracts exceeding $150,000

...Contractors providing employer furnished housing are required to submit a Housing Plan."

H.70,RECRUITMENT OF THIRD

COUNTRY NATIONALS ...) Page 86

2)ot counted as part of the 20 page limit. However, these Plans will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis in the

CO’s determination of offerors responsibility in accordance with FAR

Subpart 9.1 (Responsible Prospective

Contractors)"

For clarification, although the M.10.1.1.1 SAMPLE STAFFING PLAN, Page

153 , does not mention Americans, according to H.70 2) will offerors we be required to address the housing of American Nationals in the Housing

Plan?

No housing plan is required for Americians, however, random inspections also apply to American living outside DOS compounds.

163 Admin

Page 151, M.5 states the if Iraqi subcontractors are proposed, “evidence must be provided…”.

In what part of the proposal are the referenced documents to be placed?

The Business Management Proposal seems the most likely place

Offerors may include the evidence of business licenses for Iraqi subs in the

Business Management Proposal

166 Admin

Pg. 57

H.21 IMPORTED MATERIALS,

EQUIPMENT, AND PERSONNEL(f)

Prohibited Carriers List- The following prohibitions are in effect: (3) The

Treasury Department also maintains a list Specially Designated and Blocked persons with whom the U.S.

government will not do business http://www.treasury.gov/offices/eotffc/of ac/sdn/index.html.

The link provided is no longer valid and the following message is given.

Sorry, we recently made changes to our web sites and the page you are looking for may have been removed, had its page address changed, may not exist, or is temporarily unavailable. Please provide the proper link.

http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/SDN-

List/Pages/default.aspx

A B C D E

172 Cost

SAQMMA-12-R-0130, Baghdad Life

Support Services, Exhibit A.1 –

Attachment 1 - DOS Iraq Food

Operations and Management

Statement of Objective. Pg. 15 " Bottled

Water Inventory Control and

Distribution: The IZ, CG Basrah and

BDSC require the receiving, storage, inventory control at multiple pre-determined locations at each compound. In many instances, there are coolers that have to be refilled. This service is to be factored into the overall cost of operations for the Base Year and Option Years. Re-ordering will be done by GSO based on inventory count and projections provided by the

Contractor. This effort is a daily requirement."

Who will provide and pay for and maintain the chillers for bottled water? Chillers are GFE to the contractor, and are maintained under a separate contract.

A B C D E

174 Cost

SAQMMA-12-R-0130, Baghdad Life

Support Services, Section B, B.13, Travel Costs, Pg 13. "n) The costs of going from post of duty in the host country to the Washington, D.C., area shall be generally allowable when a

Contractor employee must interrupt his/her overseas Temporary Duty

(TDY) and return to the U.S. and the

Contractor makes a written determination that such travel is necessary due to death, or serious illness or injury of a member of the immediate family of the employee or the immediate family of the employee's spouse. "Serious illness or injury" and

"immediate family" are defined in accordance with Section 699.5 of the

Uniform State/AID/USIA Regulations, in effect of the date of such travel. A copy of the written determination shall be furnished to the Contracting Officer.

The RFP indicates that costs of going from the host country to Washington, DC, are generally allowable when a Contractor employee must interrupt their overseas TDY. Most Contractor personnel will not reside / originate in

Washington, DC., will the Government pay for travel to their point of hire?

The RFP is modified to state "The costs of going from post of duty in Iraq to the person's home of record shall be generally allowable…"