Q As_1-24-13.pdf

Hagerstown Support Services

SAQMMA13R0003

Questions and Answers January 24, 2013

1. Square footage required (storage)? Office Space?

A: The government leases 400,000 sq ft of space, which includes 4,000 sq ft of office space.

2. Dock spaces required / Will there be any extraordinarily heavy requirements?

A: The operation involves the use of 3 loading docks, which are equipped with powered dock levelers. There may be occasions when the operations require the handling of cargo in excess of 10,000 lbs and if so, the government will provide the required material handling equipment.

3. Existing communal facility or secure Dept. of State only requirements?

A: The entire leased space (see question 1) is for the exclusive use of the Department of State.

4. Rack or flat floor space required?

A: See question 1. Some of the items are stored on the floor and some are stored on racks.

5. Custodial (security) presence required?

A: The facility is equipped with Department proprietary security/intrusion detection system. There are no on site security personnel and there is no requirement under this proposed contract to provide security.

6. Material Handling equipment required?

A: All material handling equipment is furnished by the government and listed on the GFE list. See Attachment C.

7. Nominal temperature requirements?

A: There are no requirements for temperature-controlled storage items.

8. I am interested in responding to the subject procurement for General Warehousing and Storage and would like to know if the Hagerstown warehouse is a Government facility or contractor-owned.

A: See Question 1.

9. Will this opportunity be open to 8(a) companies other than from the Washington DC office?

A: Yes. This acquisition is open to all certified Small Business 8(a) Program companies.

10. Is the incumbent eligible to compete?

A: No. Their 8(a) certification has expired.

11. From a continuity / transition perspective, it would be best to retain the PM and or Foreman. Did they perform well and would you be interested in keeping them and others from the current team on board?

A: They performed exceptionally well and we would be in favor of retaining them for the new contract.

12. Is there a particular warehouse software that is in place that you would prefer or what would be the requirements for integrating a new software?

A: The department provides proprietary software for performing all DOS business transactions, with the exception of the warehouse locator system. The warehouse locator tool is currently performed on an Excel spreadsheet which enables prompt identification and removal of household effects in storage.

13. Who is the building lessor and other than the office areas and restroom cleaning, will the lessor be responsible for security guards, exterminators, snow plowing ….?

A: Please refer to the Statement of Work regarding warehouse and office appearance.

Unless otherwise specified in the SOW and clauses the lessor is responsible.

14. Will the clearance requirements be similar to the prior RFP?

A: See H-031 – Security Requirements.

15. Is it possible to schedule a site visit?

A: Site visit was performed on January 4, 2013. No other site visits will be scheduled.

16. Is there any possibility to "sole source" this opportunity?

A: This requirement is being competed under Small Business 8(a) Program.

17. In tracking the changes posted on 12/19, looks as if the 8(a) set-aside requirement was striked out. Please confirm whether this solicitation is still 8(a).

A: See question 16.

18. Topic: General Reference: Evaluation Criteria Question: Can the Government provide clarification on whether or not a Contractor-owned facility will be required for the performance of this contract?

A: This acquisition is for the management and supervision of a Government-provided warehouse. See B-001. Accordingly the evaluation criterion has been revised. See Amendment 1.

Further question description:

It's unclear to our company whether a contractor facility is a part of this contract in addition to the Government facility where the work is said to be performed. The SOW doesn't discuss a Contractor facility, yet the RFP Evaluation section states:

A: The evaluation criterion has been revised see Amendment 1.

2. The Department of State will evaluate aspects of the Contractor’s Facilities and physical property features and how these relate to services required for handling storage and warehousing of household effects.

i) Extent to which Contractor is able to demonstrate that storage facility is maintained in an orderly manner, with a definite logic and sense to the placement of liftvans/storage containers, the proximity of necessary facilities and areas (e.g. carpentry facility and/or staging area(s), storage boxes are stacked in visibly straight rows, to a consistent height, identification of van contents is consistent, legible, easy to access, etc.

ii) The extent to which Contractor is able to demonstrate that facility is consistently maintained in a clean and debris-free manner; this includes exterior areas located within the boundaries of the property. The extent to which the contractor has established procedures/schedule(s) for maintaining cleanliness in the facility.

A: The evaluation criterion has been revised see Amendment 1.

19. Topic: General Reference: FBO changes Changed Dec 19, 2012 8:39 am Changed Dec 19, 2012 9:07 am Changed Dec 21, 2012 11:37 am Question 1: It appears that the site visit information was removed from the synopsis screen on FBO. Does this mean that the site visit has been canceled?

A: No, site visit was conducted on January 4, 2013.

Question 2: What are the solicitation changes based on the FBO modification made on 12/19 and 12/21?

A: See Amendment 1 for summary of changes.

20. Reference: Solicitation Page 47 of 51 - Volume II - Technical Proposal Instructions – Question: There seems to be no instructions for Tabs A, B, or D of the Technical Proposal. Does the Government intend to provide instructions for completing these sections?

A: Tabs A, B and D are viewed as self explanatory and no further guidance is provided or required in our view.

21. Reference: Solicitation Appendices A through F.

Question: Would it be possible for the Government to provide Appendix A through F in a non-scanned format (MS Word, PDF that is select-able)?

A: We have provided revised select-able pdf documents where possible. See Attachments A, B, C, E and F. Attachment D is not available in select-able pdf format.

https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&tab=core&id=0ae8011c73fe50e0f3db119a2ad0e23a&_cview=0� https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&tab=core&id=c87ed2f56fa331ccacb010e4ab196847&_cview=0�

22. Will the existing record and locator system be available to the winner upon award of the contract?

A: Yes

23. Are the experience requirements for key personnel (to have both transportation/logistics experience as well as direct experience in handling household effects) able to be counted concurrently?

A: Yes, we view these experiences, complementary and logically interrelated.

24. What company is the current incumbent?

A: Compass Solutions Corporation 2760 Eisenhower Ave, Ste 404 Alexandria, VA 22314

25. What is the typical OT requirement (stay 2 hours late for a late shipment, call-ins in the middle of the night/weekends, or a combination)?

A: The provision for OT is provided for emergency use which has historically been rare.

Overtime if used must be in accordance with H-10 – Overtime/Management of Workforce.

26. What theft prevention measures are currently employed?

A: See question 5.

27. Is administrative leave granted for inclement weather?

A: See applicable solicitation Clauses to contract Department of State Acquisition Regulation (DOSAR) 652.237-72 Observance of Legal Holidays and Administrative Leave (Apr 2004).

28. Are additional requirements placed on contractor if Project Manager or Foreman is absent?

A: None other than the requirements found at F-008 – Time of Performance and H-008 – Replacement of Employees/Substitutions.

29. What are the predominant nature, size, and scope of crates required to be built?

A: Provided in Attachment D, Export/Shipping Container Build Requirements.

30. The due date listed on the Past Performance Questionnaire (see attachment G) indicates the Desired Response Date as December 15, 2012. Is this correct or should the Response date read January 15, 2013, since the RFP was not posted until December 21, 2012?

A: Desired due date for Attachment G is January 30, 2013. See Amendment 1 for corrected Attachment G. Original form with incorrect date may be used and submitted if already sent to references.

31. What type of monthly reports on government owned equipment is required?

A: Historical shipment and storage reports. All data can be gleaned from ILMS. See also the requirements found at F-003 and H-008.

32. Are government vehicles actively moving in/out?

A: Yes

33. Is there an expectation that personnel HHE boxes are to be opened and verified when transferred from moving company to warehouse? If so, what is the verification process?

A: Please refer to Attachment F, Contract Specification Requirements.

34. Is there a security system in the building now? If so, what type?

A: See question 5.

35. Reference RFP, Paragraph H-014, H-016, and L-004, Volume 2, Tab E: Paragraph H- 014 states that the Contractor will give incumbent personnel who have been or will be adversely affected or separated as a result of this award; however, the resume requirement in Section L precludes the Contractor’s ability to offer all qualified affected employees employment. We request the Government consider removing the resume requirement from the proposal as the Government must approve key personnel prior to beginning employment on the contract as stipulated in H-016.

A: H-016 requires Government approval before substitutions of proposed key personnel, post contract award. Nothing in the solicitation should be interpreted to preclude the offeror’s ability to offer all qualified affected workers employment.

36. Reference RFP, L-004, Proposal Instructions and M-002 Technical Evaluation Factors:

L-004 Proposal Instructions do not match the evaluation factors in M-002. Please modify the proposal instructions.

A: L-004 is a list of all evaluation factors (non-price and price factors). M-001 includes the Price factor. M-002 is the list Technical Factors (non-price factors) being evaluated.

37. Reference RFP, L-004, Proposal Instructions, Tab D – Corporate Experience, Page 47:

The proposal instructions for this tab are not included. Please clarify.

A: See question 20.

38. Reference RFP, L-004, Proposal Instructions Page 44 and M-002 Technical Evaluation Factors Page 50: The proposal instructions identify management approach, quality assurance/quality control plan, past performance, corporate experience and price as factors 1 through 5; however, on page 47 they are listed as Tabs A through E. Are we supposed to break these down by factors or tabs? Please clarify.

A: The proposal instructions on page 47 described by TAB for organizational purposes only. Please note that they are not all technical factors, see TAB E.

39. Reference SOW, Paragraph 2: The paragraph states the Contractor has the responsibility to ensure forklift maintenance is completed. Please confirm the cost of this maintenance (beyond operator maintenance) is paid for through the Other Direct Costs CLIN included in the solicitation.

A: All equipment maintenance falls under the Other Direct Costs CLIN line as a cost reimbursable line and is subject to the NTE amount.

40. Reference SOW, Paragraph 2: The paragraph states the Contractor has the responsibility to accept loose packed household effects; however, our experience in providing similar services are that household effects are boxed by moving carrier with the exception of items such as the items that are currently held in segregated storage in the current warehouse configuration as seen by Offerors during the site visit. Please clarify the intent of the language of the SOW.

A: The intent of the language is consistent with your experience described above.

41. Reference SOW, Appendix D: The appendix, as shown on the FBO website, is not readable on the dimension information for most of the diagrams provided. Would it be possible for the Government to provide a more legible copy for Offeror review?

A: See Amendment 1 for clearer pdf copy.

42. Reference Proposal Instructions, Volume 2, Tab C: Contract size information requests number of personnel per labor category. If the reference is for a multi-functional contract, is the labor breakdown requested for the relevant functions of the contract?

A: Yes

43. Reference Proposal Instructions, Volume 2, Tab C: Contract size information requests number of personnel per labor category. Will the Government accept past performance information with this level of detail from a subcontractor as a sealed package submitted by the Prime?

A: All past performance information should follow the submission instructions found in the proposal instructions for past performance.

44. Reference RFP, Paragraph F-008 Time of Performance: The paragraph states the Contractor shall perform the services for eight hours per day between 7:00 AM and 5:30 PM.

Please confirm our presumption that there are to be staggered 8-hour shifts to cover the 10.5 hour service window. Please clarify.

A: This requirement simply states 8 hours must be performed between 7:00 AM and 5:30 PM. Specific start times for contractor personnel will be coordinated with the COR and consistent with this clause.

45. Reference Attachment E, UAB Shipping Container Requirements: Please confirm that Federal Specification PPP-B-640 has been cancelled and replaced with ASTM D5168.

A: The requirements are outlined in solicitation - All articles shall be packed into a shipping container of suitable capacity so that all usable space is utilized that will ensure a shipment of the least tare weight and smallest cubic measurement that is compatible with safe transportation to destination wit without damage to container or contents.

UAB Shipping Container Requirements All shipping containers provided by the contractor(s) for the protection of baggage shall be tri-wall fiberboard boxes with minimum 900-pound test burst strength. All UAB shipping containers shall be triple-wall fiberboard boxes and may not exceed 15 cube.

46. Reference Attachment E, Requirements to Protect Household Effects: It is our understanding that MIL-STD-212 has been cancelled. Could you provide the regulation that replaces this governing document?

A: MIL-STD-212 was verified as being cancelled and the regulation which replaces it is:

DOD 4500.9R (DTR Part IV personal property) Appendix B (Tender of Service For U/B And HHG). See Amendment 1.

47. Reference Section L-004 Proposal Instructions, Volume 2, Tab E: Are the following to be counted as part of the 50 sided page limit for the Technical Proposal -- a) Resumes, b) Signed statement granting permission to use resume c) Employment Agreements?

A: No. See Amendment 1.

48. Page 50: Factor 1 (2): Can the government clarify its intent in "The Department of State will evaluate aspects of Contractor's Facilities and Physical property features and how these relate to services required for handling storage and warehousing of households effect". As Contractors are primarily required to provide services (plus ODC items) at Government property, what is the Government trying to assess in this section?

A: See question 18.

49. Page 50: Factor 1 (2) (i): Can the government clarify its intent in section 2(i) - The DOS warehouse is being currently operated within certain guidelines, based on the site visit, seemed very efficient and well-organized:

Is the government expecting the new contractor to set-up new guidelines or new processes?

A: No Or, Is the Government expecting that in the proposal contractor demonstrates how it can improve it?

A: No Or, Is the Government expecting that in the response contractor demonstrates that it can continue on the same path and has done similar work in the past?

A: We expect that the requirements specified in the RFP, SOW and all attachments are met.

50. SOW, Section 2 - Equipment Maintenance: Please confirm that the contractor has to perform basic preventive maintenance; all other equipment maintenance (material and labor) will be paid by the government - through the ODCs or otherwise?

A: All preventive/equipment repair maintenance is anticipated to be performed by a sub-contracted vendor, and paid as a reimbursable on the ODC CLIN subject to the not to exceed amount.

51. Please confirm that the Record Locator System is to be submitted after contract award.

A: Yes, the record locator system will be submitted after contract award.

52. Given that the contractor has no control on the number of containers to be built and other items to be purchased or maintained, what will happen if the ODCs, NTE amount is not enough to cover the actual allowable cost per ODCs? Is the contractor responsible for the difference?

A: The ODC estimates are based on historical cost and are not anticipated to increase.

Any cost/ceiling increase would be subject to negotiation/contract modification.

53. Contractor Specification Requirements: Title to Vans and Materials:

• What is the liability Contractor is undertaking in taking title to inbound shipment liftvans?

A: Refer to Attachment F.

• Responsible for damaged lift vans upon arrival? upon storage? During storage? During Shipment? Responsible for disposition?

A: The Project Manager will request technical guidance from the GTM, as each case is handled on an individual basis

• Is the cost of disposition of liftvans part of the ODCs or does the contractor has to account for these costs separately in its pricing?

A: Disposal of liftvans are the financial responsibility of the contractor and are not a reimbursable ODC CLIN, however, the contractor has use of the lessor’s wood recycling disposal bin, at no additional cost to the contractor.

• If the cost of disposition is not included in the ODCs, can the government provide historical estimates of liftvans dispositions per year?

A: See previous question.

• Are there any guidelines or restriction on how to dispose liftvans?

A: See previous question.

54. Please provide the name of the incumbent contract company.

A: See question 24.

55. Is the incumbent contract company eligible to bid on the current solicitation?

A: See question 10.

56. Reference clause M-001 Will be the primary price evaluation be based on the total price of offers. That is, will the total labor price be evaluated based on multiplying labor rates by the estimated quantity for each labor category?

A: Yes. See M-001.

57. Reference clauses B-005; B-010 This clause states that this is an IDIQ with the potential of CPFF Orders. Will the contractor be required to submit CPFF rates after award in response to CPFF Order requests? Various types of orders may reflect changes in Contractor costs and pricing.

A: That requirement is deleted see Amendment 1.

58. Reference clause H-008 Does the requirement to provide resumes for all contract employees hired after the start of work apply to all Contractor employees or just the “Key Personnel”?

A: All personnel changes after start of work are to have resumes submitted in advance and approved by the COR. During the source selection process, resumes are required only for key personnel.

If so, must all Contractor employees be approved by the COR at contract start-up?

A: During the source selection process, resumes are required only for key personnel.

59. Reference Attachment B; Clauses H-013; H-014 Attachment B has certain requirements for non-exempt tenured employees especially for mandated vacation. Clause H-014 states, “The Contractor SHALL give incumbent personnel who have been or will be adversely affected or separated as a result of award of this contract the right of first refusal for employment openings under the contract in positions for which they are qualified.” In order to be totally compliant with the Wage Determination, please provide the tenure of non-exempt incumbent personnel on this program?

A: First, See clause H-014 revised in Amendment 1, the CO will provide the list of incumbent employees, post-award to the successor contractor.

Woodworker Over 20 years Forklift Driver Over 20 years Forklift Driver Over 20 years Warehouse Specialist Over 8 years Shipment Clerk Over 8 years Shipment Clerk 2 years Shipment Clerk 1 year Laborer 3 years Laborer 2 years Laborer 2 years

60. Reference H-014 To eliminate any unfair advantage to the incumbent or to a team that includes the incumbent, please allow all contractors access to incumbent personnel to provide adequate due process for first right of refusal. Without access to incumbent personnel prior to award, all offerors are not privy to the same salary and qualification data and may subject the new Contractor to tremendous uncertainty and financial exposure.

A: First see revised H-014 – Non-Displacement of Qualified Workers, in Amendment 1.

We are not implying that the hiring of incumbent personnel is a requirement of the contract; rather they are to be offered an employment opportunity with any successor contractor if found to be qualified. If hired they would be covered under benefits IAW the SCA. Evaluation of personnel will be limited to key personnel IAW Factor 1, iii.

61. Reference Attachment G The form states a desired response date of 12/15/2012 but the solicitation was issued on 12/18/2012. Are the questionnaires due the same date of the proposal – Jan 30, 2013?

A: See question 30.

62. Reference L-004 Proposal Instructions; pg 45. Are tables, charts and graphs subjected to the font of 12 point Times New Roman? Or can a smaller font be used for these items?

A: This is at the discretion of the contractor and must follow the directions of L-004.

Ref: Page 25 of 51. Please list all the 3rd party software, Government systems, and DOS-wide or proprietary systems that are currently used on the contract?

A: See question 12.

and any additional ones that a future contractor would use on the job and have to be trained in?

A: Nothing planned at this time.

Also, please list any certifications in addition to HAZMAT handling that is required of contractor personnel on site?

A: The Department requires and provides computer security training on an annual basis and after successful conclusion provides each employee with a certificate.

63. Ref: Page 44 of 51. The note on page 44 seems to indicate that the number of volumes to submit may change – please clarify?

1 Price Proposal – This proposal volume has no page limit. Original and 1 copies 2 Technical Proposal - This proposal volume is restricted to 25 pages with double-sided page printing (including charts, graphs, or foldouts) or 50 pages, one-sided. Original and 3 copies Note: The number of copies for each Volume will be determined by the CO/Contract Specialist.

A: Note is removed, see Amendment 1.

64. Ref: Page 47 of 51, TAB C – Past Performance. Please confirm that the Government wants to see a completed Past Performance Questionnaire for every reference listed and that this list must include all the offeror’s contracts and subcontracts performed for similar work versus selecting 3 references from the list to receive questionnaires.

A: Requirement for providing the list has been deleted, see Amendment 1.

65. Ref: Page 47 of 51, and Page 49 of 51 M-001 Basis for Award On page 47, the RFP states that the Technical Proposal has 5 tabs:

Tab A – Management Approach Tab B – Quality Assurance/Quality Control Plan Tab C – Past Performance Tab D – Corporate Experience Tab E – Key Personnel/Resumes On page 49, however, the RFP states: the non-pricing evaluation factors are of equal importance and are: Factor 1 –Management Approach, Factor 2 – Quality Assurance/Quality Control Plan, Factor 3 – Past Performance, Factor 4 – Corporate Experience. Please confirm that the Government does not intend the Key Personnel/Resumes to be an evaluation factor?

A: Resumes for Key Personnel are part of Factor 1, but are not included in the Volume total page count and are to be placed in TAB E.

66. Does the Warehouse operate on an Inventory Management System? If, so does the system interface with the system being used internally within the office?

A: Yes

67. If the Hagerstown Warehouse does in fact, have an Inventory Management System is the software available for the public to purchase?

A: No

68. How is the paper work processed? I understand the paper work is stored as a hard copy, but does the office staff scan the paper work in order to have electronic soft copies?

A: Paper files are maintained in accordance with the government’s records disposal policies. Some files are converted to electronic format.

69. Is the warehouse using scanners, asset tags, and barcodes for accuracy/correct documentation?

A: The warehouse is in the process of converting to a warehouse management system, integrated within ILMS, for supply items and official vehicles. This will employ the use of barcode asset tags and associated scanner hardware. This conversion is expected to be completed previous to contract start-up.

70. Is the warehouse staff using bingo sheets with the placement of the HHE in the vaults?

A: Refer to Attachment F.

71. When receiving a shipment into the warehouse, are the items being checked off and placed in to the vaults as the shipment is being unloaded from the truck? Or are all of the items from the shipment staged on the floor for accountability, documentation, and any discrepancies?

A: Yes

72. The industry standard is to use a Ryder when checking off and receiving a shipment in to the warehouse to ensure the HHE is delivered in good condition and all the items are accountable. Is this the current process being used in the Hagerstown warehouse now?

A: Yes

73. How does the warehouse staff identify the empty vaults vs. the full vaults?

A: Storage vaults that contain no items are identified as empty. Storage vaults that contain items are identified as full.

74. How are the vaults identified in the warehouse by a numerical system or alphabet table?

A: The warehouse employs an alpha/numeric locator system.

75. Is there a grid of the warehouse by section? If so, will this show the placement of where HHE should be stored?

A: Yes

76. Does the staff take pictures of the vaults once they are loaded and ready for the doors to be closed?

A: No

77. Does the warehouse have a training process / manual in place? (guidelines for employees to follow?)

A: The department provides training and job aids for the operation of ILMS. The contractor is responsible for administering a training program for all other office and warehouse functions.

78. Is there a Safety Program and who is responsible of keeping it current?

A: The contractor is responsible for adhering to all OSHA and MOSH programs, to include a viable and meaningful safety training program.

79. Does the State Department have a contract with Wood Vendors for procurement of pallets and ISPM-15 wood, or is the contractor responsible for this procurement need?

A: The contractor is responsible for establishing a contract with a wood vendor. This cost will be submitted and paid as a cost reimbursable ODC.

80. Attachment A, SOW, Section 2, Paragraph Storage, Receipt, Shipment and Inventory of Household Effects (HSE): The contractor is responsible for development and maintenance of an accurate record and locator system to enable prompt identification and removal of effects from storage.

i) Is the system currently utilized a government provided or contractor provided system?

A: See question 12.

ii) Will the successor contractor have option to utilize current system or must it be purchased/developed?

A: The contractor will be expected to comply with the SOW which will entail utilizing the current system.

81. Solicitation Section L-004, Volume 2: Technical Proposal, Tab B - Quality Assurance/Quality Control Plan

i) Is the QC Plan required to be a full QCP?

A: The QCP needs to provide the information requested.

ii) Is the QC Plan included in the overall technical section page count?

A: Yes

82. Solicitation Section L-004, Volume 2: Technical Proposal, Tab E: Are key personnel resumes included in overall technical page count?

A: See question 65.

83. Solicitation Section L-004, Volume 2, Technical Proposal Requirements: This section states, “The following are specific guidance for TABs when required.”

i) Will the government clarify if any additional expectations are required other than those set forth in Section M for Tabs A and B, as no specific guidance is detailed for those two Tabs in Section L.

A: See question 38.

84. Solicitation Section M-002, Factor 1, Item 2: This item addresses the DOS evaluating aspects of the contractor’s facilities and physical property features and how these relate to services required for handling storage and warehousing of household effects.

i) Would the government please clarify what evaluate the “physical” features of the RFP requirements means as this is under the Management approach section?

A: See question 18, this criterion has been deleted see Amendment 1.

ii) Does this mean the government will inspect the sites of the Past Performance (PP) references only included within the proposal response?

A: See question 18, this criterion has been deleted see Amendment 1.

85. Solicitation Section M-002, Factor 4 – Corporate Experience: This section states, “The offeror shall provide recent corporate experience relevant to the requirements for this RFP.

Recent experience is defined as experience within the past three-(3) years. Provide information of recent experience with management of a Government-provided warehouse similar to this requirement.”

i) Will the government please clarify expectations between past performance references vs.

corporate experience?

A: These are two separate items.

Past Performance references are to provide company’s proven quality of performance with their customers.

Corporate Experience is the type of work your company has performed as it relates to the solicitation.

ii) Will the government confirm how many corporate references are required? The solicitation only states to go back 3 years, yet no minimum requirement.

A: Contractor shall provide recent relevant corporate experience similar to Government warehouse experience within the last 3 years. Minimum would be not less than one and no more than response page count would allow fitting into the 50 one sided total page count.

86. Solicitation Section B-008 TRAVEL COSTS (Time-and-Materials/Labor-Hour), Paragraphs (d), (h): Section (h) states, “…all personnel who will be required to travel outside the United States have current and valid passports. The Contractor shall also be responsible for obtaining any visas required for travel to foreign countries under this contract.”

i) How much foreign travel was required for the past 12 months under the current contract?

A: The current contract has had zero foreign travel; none is anticipated at this time. B- 008 TRAVEL COST contract clause is a standard Department of State solicitation/contract clause.

87. Solicitation Section L-004 - Proposal Instructions: Will the government clarify what minimum type font size is acceptable for graphics?

A: See question 62.

88. SOW Section 2 - SOW Paragraph 4 - SOW page 1

• What locator system is used by the incumbent (other than the ILMS)?

• Do the ILMS and the locator system communicate? If so, how?

A: Not at this time.

• How many people have access to the current locator system?

A: All on site contractor and government staff

• How much notice is provided to prepare an outgoing shipment?

A: Requirements can vary from several days to same day notice.

• How many incoming shipments are received per week?

A: Fiscal Year 2012: an average of 20 HHE shipments a week.

• How many outgoing shipments are dispatched per week?

A: Fiscal Year 2012: an average of 20 HHE shipments a week.

• Are there seasonal trends or volume surges in shipping or receiving activities? If so, please describe them.

A: Typically, the peak HHE workload period is during the months of May, June, July, August and September. During fiscal year 2012, 50% of outbound HHE shipments and 35% of inbound HHE shipments occurred during these months.

• How much notice is provided in advance of an incoming shipment’s arrival?

A: Loose HHE shipments arriving via a van line company are normally scheduled a minimum of 48 hours in advance (although there are exceptions). Crated HHE shipments arriving in liftvans don’t require any advance notice.

89. RFP Section L-004 - Page limitations - RFP page 44 - Are any of the following included in the page count? Proposal Cover, Cover Letter, FOIA Disclaimer Page, Table of Contents A: No

90. RFP Section L-004 - Volume 2, Tab E Key Personnel/ Resumes - RFP page 48 - Please confirm that resumes for key personnel only are required with the proposal.

A: Yes

91. RFP Section M-002 - Paragraphs 2 and 2(i) - RFP page 50 - What facilities does this refer to? Does the State Department plan to visit Offeror facilities prior to award?

A: See question 18.

92. Is there an existing collective bargaining agreement?

A: No

93. The solicitation states on Page 46, “OTHER DIRECT COSTS – Reimbursable Materials (wood, propane, forklift maintenance, travel and COR approved training) is not to exceed $200,000.00 per year and therefore the maximum amount to be inserted. Question: Are offerors to price exactly $200,000 for other direct costs? Or are offerors to provide a cost that may be less than $200,000?

A: Offers are to price the NTE amount of $200,000.00.

94. The solicitation states on Page 25, Clause H-014, NONDISPLACEMENT OF QUALIFIED WORKERS, that the selected contractor shall give incumbent personnel the right of first refusal for employment openings for which they are qualified.

a. Question: Will the government state which company is currently performing the solicitation services for the Department of State?

A: See question 24.

b. Question: How long have the solicitation services been performed under any contract?

A: The current contract has been performed for five years.

c. Question: Will the government provide the average tenure of existing contractor personnel who are currently performing the solicitation services (including tenure under any predecessor contracts)?

A: See question 60.

95. The solicitation contains 14 pages of Line Item Summary Pricing tables (Pages 2 – 15 of the solicitation). Question: Does the government require that these Line Item Summary Pricing tables be completed with offeror pricing? Or, will the pricing completed as Attachment I – Total Price Breakdown Worksheet (which includes the same information as the Line Item Summary Pricing tables) suffice for providing the required pricing?

A: Provide pricing in Attachment I.

96. The solicitation on page 16, Clause B-010, contains the following provision: “This is an 8(a) competitive single Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ). Subsequent orders may utilize Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), Time and Material (T&M), Labor Hour and Firm Fixed Price (FFP) or a combination (hybrid).”

Question: Can the government provide a rationale for the possible inclusion of Cost Plus Fixed Fee task orders when the basic contract type is IDIQ?

A: See question 57.

97. The solicitation envisions the possibility of overtime work and/or alternate work shifts outside the basic 0700 – 1730 work hours (see Clause F-008 on page 19 and Clause H-010 on page 24). Question: Will the government please provide historical data showing overtime hours worked by labor category and also provide historical data showing alternate work shifts worked?

A: See question 25.

98. Section L-004 identifies the components of Factor 2 including Quality Assurance/Quality Control Plan. Is it intended that this plan be included in the 25 double sided (50 single sided printed pages) Technical Proposal allocation?

A: Yes

99. Who is incumbent?

A: See question 24.

100. Will we have the opportunity to consult with the current personnel?

A: See question 60.

101. Is the Department of State currently satisfied with the personnel?

A: Yes

102. Will there be a need for any additional trucks?

A: The government provides all material handling equipment, as specified in Attachment C.

103. Will the Department of State sponsor the awardee for the Facilities Clearance?

A: Yes

104. Please confirm that subcontracting is allowed under this contract as this was prohibited without consent in the previous solicitation.

A: Yes.

105. Per the solicitation, the Project Manager allotted work hours are 1960 yearly. However, a work calendar year based on Attachment B, calls for 10 recognized holidays and two week vacation. That would make the hours 1920. How did you determine 1960 work hours for the Project Manager?

A: These hours are estimated and vendor is requested to provide their proposal based on hours indicated. Subsequent orders may vary but will remain within the contract ceiling.