SAQMMA16R0106_QUESTIONS_AND_ANSWERS.pdf

SAQMMA16R0106‐ A005

Reference Question Answer

B Supplies Or Services And Prices/Costs

The Schedule for Supplies or Services contains a quantity of “0” for each of the CLIN/labor categories.

Question 1. Will the Government either update the quantities or provide clarification on whether the offeror should multiply the unit rate x “0” in order to establish the total price?

Question 2. Also, are we required to provide unit hourly rate pricing for Option Years 8 and 9 and if so for which labor category (i.e.

Program Manager)?

Question 1 ‐ see amended solicitation. The Government is seeking innovative solutions from the Offeror and will not limit the Offeror’s proposal preparation decisions.

Question 2 ‐ Yes, see amended solicitation

B Supplies Or Services And Prices/Costs

Question 1 Will the Government please clarify if CLINS 8001 and 9001 are for one labor category as previously shown in CLINS 001‐7004.

Question 2 If so, can the Government please specify which labor category applies.

Please see amended solicitation

B Supplies Or Services And Prices/Costs

Question 1 Will the Government please clarify how the Offeror shall propose quantity of personnel or hours since the number of task orders and size/scope is unknown over a 10 year period of performance?

Question 2 Can the Government please clarify if these quantities must be proposed as number of personnel or number of hours?

Question 1 The Government is seeking innovative solutions from the Offeror and will not limit the Offeror’s proposal preparation decisions.

Question 2 Please see clause B.5 Labor Rates.

The offer must be based on fixed hourly labor rates.

B Supplies Or Services And Prices/Costs

Question Will the Government designate a quantity of hours in order for Offerors to propose a total cost?

No, the Government is seeking innovative solutions from the Offeror and will not limit the Offeror’s proposal preparation decisions.

B Supplies Or Services And Prices/Costs

Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs CLINS 8001 and 9001 do not follow the same structure as previous years’ CLINs.

Question Should this be adjusted to reflect CLINs 8001, 8002, 8003, and 8004 for Option Year 8 and 9001, 9002, 9003, and 9004 for Option Year 9?

Please see amended solicitation

B Supplies Or Services And Prices/Costs

The Line Item Summary does not list labor categories to be priced for Option Year 8 and Option Year 9.

Question 1 Does the government only require the Project Manager to be priced against Line Item No. 8001 for Option Year 8 and Line Item No. 9001 for Option Year 9?

Question 2 Is pricing not required for the Contract Manager, Task Order Manager and Task Order – Site Manager for Option Year 8 and Option Year 9?

Question 1 – No, please see amended solicitation. The Government is seeking innovative solutions from the Offeror and will not limit the Offeror’s proposal preparation decisions.

Question 2 – Pricing is required, please see amended solicitation

B Supplies Or Services And Prices/Costs

Question For the four labor categories listed in Section B, will DoS be providing general labor category descriptions and any related job requirements?

No, the Government is seeking innovative solutions from the Offeror and will not limit the Offeror’s proposal preparation decisions.

B Supplies Or Services And Prices/Costs

Question Is it the government’s intention that each of these labor categories will be based upon a FTE year?

No, the Government is seeking innovative solutions from the Offeror and will not limit the Offeror’s proposal preparation decisions.

B Supplies Or Services And Prices/Costs

The pricing schedule is pre‐populated with "0.00" in the quantity column for each CLIN.

The RFP does not provide workload or work location data for the positions listed in the schedule. Please provide the number of hours per year for each position (e.g., 2080 hours for standard 40 hours CONUS work week) or provide workload data and work location for each position.

The Government is seeking innovative solutions from the Offeror and will not limit the Offeror’s proposal preparation decisions.

B Supplies Or Services And Prices/Costs

Option Years 8 and 9 in the pricing schedule deviate from the standard 4 CLINs found in the Base through Option Year 7.

Are offerors to complete this section with one price based on the 4 positions proposed in the Base through Option Year 7 or will a revised pricing schedule be issued in an addendum?

No, please see amended solicitation

B Supplies Or Services And Prices/Costs

Question 1 Is the “quantity” column on the schedule referring to annual productive labor hours for one FTE only?

Question 2 If so, does the government intent to furnish the expected productive hours for these positions in order to allow comparative quotations?

Question 1 No, the Government is seeking innovative solutions from the Offeror and will not limit the Offeror’s proposal preparation decisions.

Question 2 No, the quantities must be a part of the offer. The Government is seeking innovative solutions from the Offeror and will not limit the Offeror’s proposal preparation decisions.

B Supplies Or Services And Prices/Costs

On page 8, Section B, line item 004 of the solicitation there is a request to provide a fixed hourly rate for a Task Order – Site Manager. This position appears to be task order specific, which may have a broad range of experience and skills depending upon the task order complexity, size, scope, and location.

Question Would the USG consider removing this position from the IDIQ and requesting rates at the time of the task order to ensure the appropriate qualifications and wages are assessed relevant to the task order size, complexity, scope, and location?

The Government has considered the recommendation. No changes have been made to the solicitation.

B Supplies Or Services And Prices/Costs

The order quantities are 0.00, which will result in a total price of $0.00 in Section B.

Question Would the Government apply an order quantity of 1 to each labor category, so the total price can be calculated?

No, the Government is seeking innovative solutions from the Offeror and will not limit the Offeror’s proposal preparation decisions.

Quantities must be a part of the offer.

B Supplies Or Services And Prices/Costs

CLIN 001 provides that the period of performance will start on 3/17/17; however, the Government stated in the pre‐proposal conference that it expects an award in April 2017.

Question Will the CLIN 001 PoP be corrected to reflect the expected start date?

Yes, the start date shown in the solicitation is a nominal date provided for estimating fixed hourly labor rates. The period of performance will be updated in the contract.

Current anticipated award date is in June 2017.

B Supplies Or Services And Prices/Costs

For Base Period through Option Year 7, there is a unique CLIN _001 to _004 for each position. Option Year 8 and 9 have only one CLIN for the entire period (8001 and 9001).

Question Does the Government intend to receive pricing this way?

No, please see amended solicitation

B Supplies Or Services And Prices/Costs

Each contract year has four Contract Line Items (CLIN) except CLIN 8001 (option year

8) and CLIN 9001 (option year 9). These option years only have one CLIN.

Question Do you intend to break option year 8 and 9 out by CLIN as you did for years 1‐7?

Please see amended solicitation.

B.5 Labor Rates RFP states “Fixed hourly labor rates include wages, overhead, general and administrative expenses and profit. Fixed hourly labor rates do not include any other costs.”

Question: Confirm USG definition of overhead includes costs of fringe benefits.

Note: Section M, Factor (5) Price lists fringe separate from overhead.

Please see amended solicitation.

B.5 Labor Rates Instructions state that the “The Contractor must ensure the fully loaded labor rates comply with the applicable host Government labor laws, labor requirements, regulations and policies associated with work under this contract.”

Question For proposal purposes, what country should the offeror use to determine a fully loaded rate.”

The Government is seeking innovative solutions from the Offeror and will not limit the Offeror’s proposal preparation decisions.

B.5 Labor Rates Question Although these are ‘ceiling rates,’ can they be increased due to hazard pay and post‐differential or do they need to be a maximum regardless of post?

Hazard pay and post differential must be identified as cost elements, separate and distinct from labor rates.

Task orders may include estimates for hazard pay and post differential

B.5 Labor Rates Section B.5 reads “Fixed hourly labor rates include wages, overhead, general and administrative expenses and profit.”

Does USG mean that this also includes labor related costs such as Benefits (medical, insurance, 401K, etc.) and Burdens (FICA, SUI, etc.)?

B.5 Labor Rates Question 1 ‐ Will the government confirm that the rates to be proposed in the Supplies or Services and Prices/Cost in accordance with the requirements in B.5 will be exclusive of any potential OCONUS Differentials and Allowances identified in B.7… Question 2 ‐ that any differentials and allowances required in performance for a given task order will be allowable?

Please see amended solicitation

Question 1. Yes, labor rates must not include any differentials and allowances authorized under Department of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR).

Question 2 – See clause B.7 and FAR part 31.

B.6 Travel Question Will the government reimburse the contractor where a local sponsor is required?

The Government may reimburse sponsorship fees in accordance with FAR part 31

B.6 Travel Question Will DoS pay for travel within 50 miles of the place of performance in hostile locations/war zones when travel cannot be safely performed in unarmored and/or unescorted POV?

No.

B.6 Travel Question Will the Government provide sponsorship or required letters of invitation for contractor employees to obtain necessary visas or work permits?

Task orders will identify Government provided services.

B.7 Differentials & Allowances

Post Differential (Hardship) for most countries starts on the 43rd day, following a 42‐day eligibility period for “short‐term employees”.

Question What constitutes a “short‐term employee” designation insofar as it applies to contractor employees?

Please see amended solicitation, change "short‐term employees" to read "temporary employees" See Department of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR)

B.7 Differentials & Allowances

Housing may be paid but “shall not exceed the amount paid DoS employees of equivalent rank in the Host Country”.

Please provide clarification on how is such ranking determined for various levels of contractor employees?

Please see Department of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR)

B.7 Differentials & Allowances

RFP notes that ‘short term employees’ qualify for post‐differential on their 43rd day at post.

Question 1 AIs this pay retro‐active from their initial day at post?

Question 2 Please define “short term employee

Question 1 ‐ Please see Department of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) Question 2 ‐ see amended solicitation, change "short‐term employees" to read "temporary employees" Please see Department of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR)

B.8 Standard Work Hours

Question For the purpose of pricing labor categories in Section B, should offerors assume all CONUS pricing?

The Government is seeking innovative solutions from the Offeror and will not limit the Offeror’s proposal preparation decisions.

B.9 Overtime FAR 22.103‐2 does not state an overtime factor.

Question For the purpose of pricing should offerors assume time and a half?

The Government is seeking innovative solutions from the Offeror and will not limit the Offeror’s proposal preparation decisions.

Please see clause B.5 Labor rates regarding compliance with labor laws, labor requirements, regulations and policies.

C.1 Introduction Question What is the projected time period the government intends to allow industry to respond to a newly issued Task Order?

See clause G‐00B, Task Order Request for Proposals (TORP) DiPSS. Task orders will identify the proposal submission requirements.

C.1.2 Background

Questions: 1 ‐ What were the 29 acquisition instruments (scopes, contract numbers) which were awarded for Life Support Services and Logistics (LSS&L)?

Question 2 ‐ What were the awarded values of these 29 acquisition instruments?

Reference contracts number:

SAQMMA11D0092

SAQMMA12C0210

SAQMMA12D0012

SAQMMA13D0013

SAQMMA12D0165

SAQMMA13D0021

SAQMMA13D0042

SAQMMA13D0120

SAQMMA13D0183

SAQMMA14D0151

SAQMMA14D0152

C.1.2 Background

Question Is DoS willing to release the Name and Order Numbers of the “29 acquisition instruments” referenced in this section so that industry may better qualify the type of activities and geographies that may be supported under this vehicle?

Reference contracts number:

SAQMMA11D0092

SAQMMA12C0210

SAQMMA12D0012

SAQMMA13D0013

SAQMMA12D0165

SAQMMA13D0021

SAQMMA13D0042

SAQMMA13D0120

SAQMMA13D0183

SAQMMA14D0151

SAQMMA14D0152

C.1.3 Scope Request clarification to the potential level of security services required.

Task orders will identify security service requirements.

C.1.3 Scope The section reads "...travel services for personnel, to include medical, limited security as deemed necessary by DoS, and insurance."

Do medical, security and insurance relate to travel or are they individual services apart from travel?

Please see amended solicitation medical services, security services, and insurance are separate requirements from travel services

C.1.3 Scope Reference "…limited security as deemed necessary by DoS…", does this include:

A. armed security?

B. static or mobile security (convoy escort)?

Task orders will identify security service requirements

C.1.3 Scope SOW C.1.3 references “insurance”, but does specify what insurance is required. Is this insurance only related to travel? Is this in addition to the insurance requirements stated in Section H, H.2 “Insurance Requirements” and H.3 “Contractor Personnel Insurance Medical Requirements?

Task orders will identify insurance requirements for performance.

In addition to Section H, Insurance requirements are found in Section I, Contract Clauses.

C.2.1 Technical Requirements

Question 1. Does this language mean DoS will award Task Orders under the IDIQ by regions – i.e. one contractor gets the Levant, one gets North Africa, one gets Southwest Asia, etc.?

Question 2. What mechanism is in place for the “redistribution” of resources among DiPSS contract holders?

Question 3. Is there a separate CLIN for charging this service? One is not evident in Section B, just level of effort pricing for four PMO staff.

Question 1 ‐ No, but the Government may issue regional task orders Question 2 – Please see clauses 52.243‐1, 52.243‐1 Alt I, 52.243‐2, 52.243‐2 Alt I, 52.243‐3, 52.243‐4, 52.243‐5, 52.243‐6, 52.243‐7 Question 3 ‐ No

C.2.1 Technical Requirements

RFP states “When directed by Contracting Officer, the Contractor must redistribute equipment, tools, materials, supplies, transportation and other resources among DiPPS contract holders to support DoS worldwide requirements.”

Question: Confirm redistribution of listed resources is for Government owned or provided assets.

The Contracting Officer may direct the contractor to redistribute any equipment, tools, materials, supplies, transportation and other resources necessary to perform contract work.

C.2.1 Technical Requirements

Question Is there existing Government‐ provided “equipment, tools, materials, and supplies” under the existing support contracts that will transfer to the DiPSS contractor?

Government furnished property will be identified in task orders

C.2.1, Technical Requirements

Observation: The paragraph states…”The Contractor must use only new equipment, tools, materials..." Often contractors use “used” tools and power tools from one task order to the next.

Question: Will the requirements for used versus new be stipulated with each Task Order Request for Proposals (TORPs)?

Yes

C.2.2.2 Small Business Utilization

Please clarify the proposal requirements under the SB IDIQ with respect to the SB Utilization Plan.

Question Does a SB have any requirement to sub‐contract work to other SBs?

Solicitation SAQMMA16D0106 is not being solicited as a small business set‐aside.

Solicitation SAQMMA17D0106 is solicited as a small business set‐aside

C.2.2.3 Selection Of Key Personnel

Question Where does USG define key personnel positions and required knowledge, skills and abilities?

The Government is seeking innovative solutions from the Offeror and will not limit the Offeror’s proposal preparation decisions.

See clause H‐016, Key Personnel See provision L.1, Proposal instructions at section "Selection of Key Personnel"

C.2.2.4 Staffing Please confirm that the staffing requirements in C.2.2.4 apply to Task Orders only.

Please see amended solicitation

C.2.2.4 Staffing Question Do the staffing requirements in C.2.2.4 apply to the IDIQ contract (8‐year period of performance) or to each Task Order, or to both?

Please see amended solicitation Task orders will incorporate, by reference, the IDIQ requirements.

C.2.2.4 Staffing Please provide an example of a curtailment that would require a replacement

Curtail ‐ any reason the assignment is cut short.

C.2.2.4 Staffing The solicitation states, “The Contractor shall attain a 70% retention rate of project personnel throughout the period of performance.”

There are various methods of calculating retention rate. Please provide the method the Government will use to calculate the retention rate.

The Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan will be provided to contractors at the contract kick‐off meeting.

C.2.2.4 Staffing This requirement states, “The Contractor shall attain a 70% retention rate of project personnel throughout the period of performance.” As written, the Offeror interprets this to be 70% of the personnel who originally deploy in support of a particular task order must remain employed until the final day of performance

The employee retention rate will measure the contractor performance of each task order, and cumulatively across all task orders to measure the contractor performance of the IDIQ.

(potentially 5‐8 years later).

QuestionWould the USG revise this to be 70% retention on an annual basis rather than over an 8‐year period of performance?

C.2.2.4 Staffing Question 1 Does the Government intend for us to maintain a 70% retention rate across the IDIQ contract or by Task Order?

Question 2 Does this retention rate apply to all types of labor/employees?

Question 1 ‐ The employee retention rate will measure the contractor performance under each task order, and cumulatively across all task orders the contractor performance of the IDIQ.

Question 2 ‐ Clause C.2.2.4 reads in part, "The Contractor shall attain a 70% employee retention rate of project personnel throughout the period of performance."

C.2.2.4 Staffing Question 1. How will the 70% be measured – by contract or by Task Order, and over what period of time? Question 2. Does the standard apply to all categories of employee

– U.S., local nationals, and third‐country nationals?

Question 1 ‐ The employee retention rate will measure the contractor performance of each task order, and cumulatively across all task orders the contractor performance of the

IDIQ.

Question 2 ‐ Clause C.2.2.4 reads in part, "The Contractor shall attain a 70% employee retention rate of project personnel throughout the period of performance."

C.2.2.4 Staffing Question Section C.2.2.4.b states that the Contractor must qualify key personnel in the areas of Physical and mental health suitability based on a Class I medical clearance from a certified medical authorities. In the interest of fairness will the government provide the specific reference for the medical and mental health standards?

Please see amended solicitation

C.2.2.4 Staffing Please clarify whether the reference to a Class 1 Medical Clearance requires DoS MED to review and approve each candidate’s physical and mental health suitability or is the provision of clearance from certified medical authorities the responsibility of the contractor.

Please see amended solicitation

C.2.2.4 Staffing Question Section C.2.2.4.c states that the contractor will have all necessary travel documentation to include visas within 30 days of COR approval. As requirements and lead time vary for countries, will the Government make allowances lead times for visas that exceed 30 days if the contractor

It will be the contractor's responsibility to fulfill the terms and conditions of the contract and task orders.

See clause 52.249‐14, Excusable Delays made timely and reasonable efforts to secure the necessary documentation?

C.2.2.4 Staffing Question Would DoS consider stipulating the deployment date to be within 15 days of receipt of DS approval of contractor employees?

No, it will be the contractor's responsibility to fulfill the terms and conditions of the contract and task orders.

See clause 52.249‐14, Excusable Delays

C.2.2.4 Staffing RFP states, “Within 14 calendar days of receipt of COR approval of the key personnel candidates, the Contractor shall qualify the key personnel in the following areas: c. Completion of all pre‐deployment personnel actions, including hiring, orientation and training.”

Question. Confirm pre‐deployment personnel actions are those within Contractor’s control. If USG provided pre‐ deployment training is required, Contractor’s will be at the mercy of the training agency’s schedule and availability.

It will be the contractor's responsibility to fulfill the terms and conditions of the contract and task orders.

See clause 52.249‐14, Excusable Delays

C.2.2.4 Staffing Question Does this requirement apply if circumstances arise outside of the contractor’s control, for example the outbreak of hostilities or significant civil unrest in country?

It will be the contractor's responsibility to fulfill the terms and conditions of the contract and task orders.

See clause 52.249‐14, Excusable Delays

C.2.2.4 Staffing Please clarify the timelines for NTP of the contact awarded as a result of this solicitation, and the NTP for task orders are the same (i.e., NTP+1: notification, NTP +14:

key personnel qualification, NTP + 30:

deployment)

Paragraph C.2.2.4 reads in part,” Within one day of receiving Notice to Proceed (NTP) and approval of key personnel credentials, the Contractor must notify the COR and CO that the Contractor has initiated the hiring of key personnel for the task order project.”

C.2.2.4 Staffing Question How will contractor personnel (American, TCN and especially HCN) be trained when obligated to use DoS or other agency systems, processes, regulations?

(e.g., some courses would be DoS specific and provided by DoS Bureaus and/or the Foreign Service Institute; some training by other agencies would be required.)

Contractor access to Government systems and training for these systems will be identified in task orders.

C.2.2.5 Ethics, Code of Conduct and Personnel Policies

The RFP requires that Contractor provide a personnel handbook and employment contract to certain employees “in the native language of the employee.” Many countries have multiple predominant languages, and translation into an employee’s self‐ designated “native language” may result in multiple translations that may become quite costly for the Government and Contractor.

Moreover, this poses an apparent conflict with the FAR CTIPS requirements which are also invoked within the solicitation.

Question May the Contractor provide copies of this handbook and employee agreements in a language that the employee understands, as per FAR 52.222‐50(b)(9) CTIPS requirements?

C.2.2.6 Contractor Quality Management Program (QMP)

RFP states: The Contractor shall prepare and submit a monthly Quality Control Report for each project Service Category. The report shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and CO on the last day of the month, for review as part of the Contractor’s Quality Management Program.”

Question: Is this report due on the last day of the current month or the following month?

Please see amended solicitation

C.2.2.7 Security The solicitation states, “Risk mitigation requirements may include such things as housing and transportation security, medical support services, life support services, and training.”

Question Are these items reimbursable costs?

Task orders will identify risk mitigation requirements.

C.2.2.7 Security Question Will the Government provide medical or emergency evacuation services to contractor personnel?

Task orders will identify Government provided services

C.2.2.7 Security Question In instances wherein the Contractor is required to provide/perform security functions, are Government‐required risk mitigation strategies for individual Task Order performance of security requirements provided to Contractor in advance of award?

See clause G.1, Ordering Procedures, and clause G‐00B Task Order Request for Proposals (TORP) DiPSS

C.2.2.8 Contractor Safety Program

Section C.2.2.8 specifies two deliverables: 1) Project Safety Program Plan, and 2) a TO Project Safety Plan. The Project Safety Program Plan is not included in Table F.1 Deliverables

F.1 Deliverables Please confirm that references to “contract award” in the F.1 table refer to requirements at the task order level.

Please see amended solicitation.

01INV Dos Invoice Instructions

Please clarify the intended use of GSA contracts or blanket purchase agreements at the Task Order level. Identify the specific GSA Schedule(s) or BPA’s that will be utilized. Document any requirement for contractors to own a GSA Schedule(s).

Task orders will identify the authorized use of GSA contracts or blanker purchase agreements

G‐00B Task Order Request for Proposals (TORP) ‐ DiPSS

The first sentence states that TORPS “may be issued to the Contractor by the Contracting Officer.” This statement denotes that others may also issue TORPS. Please clarify and/or identify any other person who may issue TORPS.

See clause G‐1, Ordering Procedures

G‐1 Ordering Procedures

Is the prime contractor required to provide a proposal for every Task Order?

No, but see amended solicitation at clause G‐ 3, Cancellation

H.1 Key Personnel

Question 1 Is SECRET reqm’t only for key personnel who are proposed on the overall

IDIQ?

Question 2 Or, will there be key personnel on specific task orders whose positions may not require a SECRET‐clearance?

Question 1 ‐See clause 52.216‐18, Ordering which reads in part: "All . . . Task orders are subject to the terms and conditions of this contract."

Question 2 ‐ Task orders will identify contract security classification specification requirements.

H.1 Key Personnel

Question 1 Are all positions noted in Section B required to be ‘key personnel’ in all instances?

Question 2 That is, if there were multiple task orders might some of them not require cleared positions? (e.g., Project Manager, or Task Order–Site Manager)

Question 1 ‐ The Government is seeking innovative solutions from the Offeror and will not limit the Offeror’s proposal preparation decisions.

Questiion 2 ‐ Task orders will identify contract security classification specification requirements.

H.1 Key Personnel

Question What positions are considered “key personnel”?

The Government is seeking innovative solutions from the Offeror and will not limit the Offeror’s proposal preparation decisions.

H.1 Key Personnel

Question Are contractor’s allowed to propose dual‐hat “key personnel”?

The Government is seeking innovative solutions from the Offeror and will not limit the Offeror’s proposal preparation decisions.

H.10 Legal Requirements

Will the Government consider an equitable adjustment in contract price, schedule or other terms for changes in law issued after Contract or Task Order award?

Not usually.

H.14 International Travel Approval And Notification Requirements

The second paragraph indicates that “prior written approval may be in the form of a letter or telegram or similar method…” Confirm the use of telegram

Confirmed

H.16 Miscellaneous Unpriced Costs

The clause states that Contracting Officer approval is required for purchase orders and subcontracts greater than $5,000.

Question If the prime contractor has an approved purchasing system can this threshold increased?

Please see amended solicitation

H.16 Miscellaneous Unpriced Costs

This language implies that contractors cannot invoice for any goods or services until they are completely delivered in country. Contractors would need to outlay cash and will be unable to recover it in a timely manner, presenting unacceptable risk.

Recommend the Government delete this requirement, which will adversely affect the contractor’s ability to deliver DiPSS services.

The Government has considered the recommendation. No changes have been made to the solicitation.

H.16 Miscellaneous Unpriced Costs

This clause requires the contractor to provide advance copies of all Purchase Orders. It then goes on to mention award of the PO or subcontract.

Is this requirement to provide advance copies of ALL Purchase Orders or just for those Purchase Orders for items costing over $5,000 as mentioned in the preceding sentence?

Please see amended solicitation

H.16 Miscellaneous Unpriced Costs

Question Contractor’s delivery control system – is this a project specific system or is this the Contractor’s Purchasing or Property Management System?

Clause H.16 reads, in part, “The Contractor shall not invoice for any item or service not delivered, received and entered into the Contractor's delivery control system and delivered to the Contractor‘s Central Receiving Facility in‐country.”

H.17 Industrial Security Requirements

Question: Will the Government allow the Prime to have a SECRET FCL at proposal submittal as long as the Prime’s subcontractors maintain a TS FCL as this meets the requirement for the awardee (thru its team) to have the necessary FCL?

Use of the term awardee as opposed to offeror seems to indicate the “team”.

No.

H.17 Industrial Security Requirements

Question Would the Government consider changing the FCL requirement to SECRET for proposal submission, and TS by contract award since Key Personnel are only required to maintain a SECRET clearance throughout the life of the contract.

No.

H.18 Facility Security Clearance H.19 Personnel Security Requirements

Please confirm that the company must hold a TS Facility Clearance, but the employees only need a Secret clearance.

See clauses H.18 Facility Security Clearance H.19 Personnel Security Requirements

H.19 Personnel Security Requirements

1st paragraph states "a clearance issued by the Defense Security Service…."; however, DSS does not grant PCL's. Please clarify if this should be Diplomatic Security Services with DoS or if the meaning is a clearance issued by the Department of Defense.

Please see amended solicitation

H.19 Personnel Security Requirements

3rd paragraph indicates JPAS summary sheets issued by the Defense Security Service must be attached to all VARs;

however our understanding is that DoS does not house their clearances in JPAS.

Question Please clarify if these candidates need to be processed for a DoS clearance or will their DoD clearance be sufficient?

Please see amended solicitation

H.19 Personnel Security Requirements

One clause specifically dedicated to (Key Personnel, H.1) and it states they must possess a SECRET clearance and then (Personnel Security, H.19) states an Interim clearance is ok.

Is H.1 Key Personnel such as PMO staff and then H.19 key personnel referring to those who require a clearance that are non‐PMO?

No

H.20 Moderate Risk Public Trust

(MRPT)

Certification Processing

Question Given the long lead time for the processing of Moderate Risk Public Trust (MRPT) certifications, will government allow personnel to work while MRPTs are pending approval?

Question Will an interim MRPT be considered acceptable?

Yes, for the first 90 days of the personnel assignment

H.20 Moderate Risk Public Trust

(MRPT)

Certification Processing

Request the government clarify which positions will require MRPT certifications and the general timeline for DoS issuance of interim MRPT certifications.

Task orders will identify personnel requiring MRPT clearances

H.27 SECURE

STORAGE

Question Will storage of classified information at the contractor’s location be required?

Task orders will identify secure storage requirements.

H.29 Warranty The requirement states, “At a minimum, the Contractor shall warrant supplies provided under this contract. To the extent the Manufacturer’s warranty for these items exceeds the requirements of this clause…” No information has been provided regarding the duration or level of warranty to be provided. Question Would the USG please revise the language to specify that the warranty period and level of warranty is the same as the manufacturer’s warranty?

Please see amended solicitation

H.4 Firearms Question 1. What type of positions does the client anticipate will be required to be armed?

Question 2. Will our staff be required to live on the economy in all cases, or will consideration be given to high risk countries where the government will provide secure accommodation?

Question 3. Will we be required to self‐ provide security in all cases, or will the government provide?

Question 1 ‐Task orders will identify requirements for authorizing contractors to possess and carry firearms Question 2 ‐ Task orders will identify services and facilities provided by the Government, if any Question 3 ‐ Task orders will identify services provided by the Government, if any

H.4 Firearms Question 1 What type of positions does the client anticipate will be required to be armed?

Question 2 Will we be required to self‐ provide security in all cases, or will the government provide it in some circumstances?

Question 1 ‐ Task orders will identify need for authorizing contractors to possess and carry firearms Question 2 ‐ Task orders will identify security requirements and Government furnished services.

H.4 Firearms Paragraph H.4 references Firearms and then proceeds to repeat the preceding paragraph regarding immunizations, DBA and Medical Evacuation insurance.

Please see amended solicitation

H.4 Firearms Question 1 As many of the possible locations are high‐threat, and some are actually in war zones, will the Government specify in each Task Order the threat to contractor personnel, what security the Government will provide and what the contractor will provide, and whether contractor personnel will be required to live, travel and work "outside the wire" without USG protection?

Question 2 Will the Department of State permit American contractor employees who live and/or work outside the embassy compound to hire armed static and mobile security escorts and be armed for self‐ protection?

Question 3 Will contractors be required to perform security‐related tasks in high‐threat posts such as personal security details, static guards, security modifications to residences and/or offices, protective barriers and blast walls?

Question 1 ‐ Task orders will identify risk mitigation requirements and Government furnished services.

Question 2 ‐ Task orders will identify risk mitigation requirements.

Question 3 ‐ Task orders will identify security service requirements

H.4 Firearms Question 1 In the event that RSO, Post DS and Contracting Officer do not provide direction to comply with host nation laws or should direct contractor in a manner which appears to contradict such laws, will Government provide indemnification or other protections to Contractor for any liabilities or fines which may arise as a result thereof?

Question 2 Will the Government provide access to any applicable treaties in the event that they are not available in the public domain?

Question 1 ‐ See clause 52.243‐7, Notification of Changes Question 2 – If the Contracting Officer determines that access is appropriate.

H‐000 Special Contract Requirements‐ Dipss

Question Does the client anticipate UXO services being required by the contractor, since construction on foreign soil and other services potentially disturbing unremediated land is anticipated?

Task orders will identify service requirements.

H‐005 Contractor Commitments, Warranties, And Representations

Question Would the USG remove liquidated damages from the IDIQ and limit them to a task order basis depending on the nature of the work?

No, see clause 52.211‐11, 52.211‐12 and 52.211‐13 which may be incorporated into task orders.

H‐005 Contractor Commitments, Warranties and Representations

Identify the criteria by which liquidated damages may be assessed in H‐005.

Please see clause 52.211‐11, 52.211‐12 and 52.211‐13 which may be incorporated into task orders.

H‐005 Contractor Commmitments , Warranties and Representations

Please clarify the liquidated damages to which Contractor may be subject pursuant to this clause.

Task orders will identify the daily amount of liquidated damages.

H‐013 Government Furnished Data H‐014 Government Furnished Material H‐015 Government Furnished Property

Please confirm that GFD, GFM, and GFP will be provided at the Task Order level.

See clause 52.216‐18, Ordering.

Clauses H‐013, H‐014 and H‐015 will be incorporated, by reference, into task orders.

H‐016 Key Personnel

Question: Since listing key personnel will be included in any resulting contract which will not be submitted in total by the contractor as part of its proposal, is it acceptable to provide this clause with the listing of key personnel in Section K as part of “Other Statements of Offeror”? If not where should the contractor include the completed clause? Is any additional page required to include the completed clause in the proposal outside of page count?

Please see amended solicitation at provision L.1.

H‐016 Key Personnel

Question Will the government specify what key personnel are required in the IDIQ or should contractors propose key personnel for a generic Program Execution Office and then add personnel as appropriate for each task order?

Offerors must propose key personnel.

The Government is seeking innovative solutions from the Offeror and will not limit the Offeror’s proposal preparation decisions.

H‐016 Key Personnel

The requirement states, “All proposed substitutes shall meet or exceed the qualifications of the person to be replaced.”

Question Would the USG consider striking this term from the solicitation?

No.

Clause H‐016 (2) states, in part, "(2) The Contractor agrees that a partial basis for award of this contract is the list of key personnel proposed."

Accepting the proposed change would be unfair to offerors.

H‐016 Key Personnel

Question 1 When listing Key Personnel and their labor category, which must be inserted at the time of proposal submission under H‐ 016, may the Offeror propose their own labor category titles?

Question 2 If not, can the Government please clarify which labor categories must be used?

Question 1 ‐ The Government is seeking innovative solutions from the Offeror and will not limit the Offeror’s proposal preparation decisions. Alternative category titles must be cross referenced to the category titles identified in the schedule as appropriate.

H‐016 Key Personnel

Section states, "[Names to be inserted by Offeror at time of proposal submission]".

Please confirm or clarify that this information is to be provided in Volume III Price and included as part of the List of Items included in the Volume III Price proposal

Please see amended solicitation at provision L.1

H‐019 Replacement Parts Availability

Please clarify the use of ‘system’ in the first sentence or identify the ‘system’.

Question 1 Also, is there an existing inventory list of replacement parts?

The term referenced in the clause H‐019 is "system life of the equipment". Parsing words in the clause is inappropriate and misleading.

Question 1 ‐ Task orders will identify the Government Furnished Property to be made available to the contractor. Also, clause H‐ 019 reads in part, "The Contractor guarantees that replacement parts for equipment in this contract will be available for the system life of the equipment." The clause is applicable to Contractor Furnished Equipment as well.

H‐027 Warranty Please clarify the nature or level of minimum warranty required.

See amended solicitation at clauses 52.246‐ 17, ‐18, ‐19, ‐20, ‐21

H‐031 SECURITY

REQUIREMENTS

Question: Would the Government consider accepting a SECRET FCL at proposal submission, and a TS FCL at award since this section merely says “required for contract performance” and not at proposal submittal?

No. The requirement for an offeror to possess, at the time of proposal submission, a TOP SECRET facility clearance is a material condition of the solicitation which must be satisfied for a proposal to be acceptable.

H‐033 Organizational Conflicts of Interest Special Clause

Question Based on this contract language, will awardees be allowed to participate in other DoS contracts during the DiPSS performance or in the DiPSS re‐compete after the ten years period of performance?

See clause H‐033 (b)

H‐035 Use Of The Synchronized Pre‐Deployment Operational Tracker (Spot)

Request addition of a bullet on the list of services to be provided to the contractor in H.035 for Iraq, Afghanistan and Department of Defense. Please add “Force protection for contractor personnel”.

Also, will force protection be provided by DoS and/or DoD to contractors equal to that provided DoS employees in all overseas work locations?

Task orders will identify Government furnished services.

H‐035 Use Of The Synchronized Pre‐Deployment Operational Tracker (Spot)

This paragraph provides checklists of available services available from DoS and DoD in Iraq and Afghanistan, ranging from billeting to dining, morale welfare and recreation (MWR), and transportation.

However, none of the items is checked, suggesting that none of these services will be provided to contractor personnel.

Question Will this information be provided on a task order basis?

Yes

H‐035 Use of the Synchronized Pre‐deployment Operational Tracker (SPOT)

This clause lists services to be provided to contractors if checked.

Since nothing is checked, will services to be provided to the contractor be specified in any resulting Task Orders?

Yes

H‐035 Use Of The Synchronized Pre‐Deployment Operational Tracker (Spot)

Question Is it the Government’s intent that the applicable services will be checked for each subsequent Task Order or that no services will be provided across all task orders associated with the IDIQ?

Yes

H‐035 Use Of The Synchronized Pre‐Deployment Operational Tracker (Spot)

None of the services are checked as being government provided.

Question Will this information be revised and provided on a task order basis?

Yes

H‐036 Recruitment of Third Country

Requirement (1) within this section states, “the offeror is required to submit a Recruitment Plan as part of the proposal.

No, please see amended solicitation at provision L.1 Proposal Instructions, Management Approach, Staffing.

Nationals for Performance on Department of State Contracts

Contractors providing employer furnished housing are required to submit a Housing Plan”. The Offeror assumes both the Recruitment Plan and the Housing Plan are not required with the IDIQ proposal and are only required at task order time.

Question Is this assumption correct?

The Government is seeking innovative solutions from the Offeror and will not limit the Offeror’s proposal preparation decisions.

H‐036 Recruitment of Third Country Nationals for Performance on Department of State Contracts

Neither Section F (Deliverables) nor Section L include a requirement to provide a "Recruitment Plan." Accordingly, please clarify the applicability of this clause and revise Section L.1 and/or Section F as needed.

Please see amended solicitation at provision L.1 Proposal Instructions, Management Approach, Staffing.

The Recruitment Plan may be required to be included in the offeror's proposal and is not a contract deliverable.

H‐036 Recruitment of Third Country Nationals for Performance on Department of State Contracts

The paragraph states contracts exceeding $150,000 and employing third country nationals requires a Recruitment Plan and a Housing Plan, as applicable with the proposal.

Please clarify the requirement(s) apply to proposals in response to a TORP, and not in this IDIQ proposal

No, please see amended solicitation at provision L.1 Proposal Instructions, Management Approach, Staffing.

The Government is seeking innovative solutions from the Offeror and will not limit the Offeror’s proposal preparation decisions.

H‐036 Recruitment Of Third Country Nationals For Performance On Department Of State Contracts (October 17, 2012)

Question Are there specified security requirements for employer furnished housing and if there are, will those requirements be defined in each task order?

Security requirements for employer furnished housing will be identified in task orders.

H‐036 Recruitment Of Third Country Nationals For Performance On Department Of State Contracts (October 17, 2012)

Please clarify if the requirement for a Recruitment Plan and the certification at paragraph 5 of this clause is a required submission within this solicitation or is the requirement deferred to individual task order proposals?

Please see amended solicitation at provision L.1 Proposal Instructions, Management Approach, Staffing. If the offeror provides, as part of their proposal, a recruitment plan for Third Country Nationals, the certification at paragraph 5 is required.

The Government is seeking innovative solutions from the Offeror and will not limit the Offeror’s proposal preparation decisions.

H‐036 Recruitment Of Third Country Nationals For Performance On

In addition to employment contracts and personnel handbooks, the Solicitation requires that “Contractors provide workers with written information on relevant host country labor laws.”

See amended solicitation.

The nature and extent of the information is required, in part, to implement 22 U.S.C.

chapter 78 and Executive Order 13627, Strengthening Protections Against Trafficking

Department Of State Contracts (October 17, 2012)

Please clarify the nature and extent of information which must be provided pursuant to this clause.

in Persons in Federal Contracts, dated September 25, 2012.

H‐036 Recruitment Of Third Country Nationals For Performance On Department Of State Contracts (October 17.

2012)

Question 1. Does the certification requirement apply only at the Task Order level?

Question 2. Is there a submission required for the ID/IQ proposal? If so where?

Question 1 ‐ No, please see amended solicitation at provision L.1 Proposal Instructions, Management Approach, Staffing.

The Government is seeking innovative solutions from the Offeror and will not limit the Offeror’s proposal preparation decisions.

Question 2 – Please see amended solicitation at provision L.1 Proposal Instructions, Management Approach, Staffing.

The Government is seeking innovative solutions from the Offeror and will not limit the Offeror’s proposal preparation decisions.

H‐036 Recruitment Of Third Country Nationals For Performance On Department Of State Contracts (October 17.

2012)

Clause H‐036 RECRUITMENT OF THIRD

COUNTRY NATIONALS FOR PERFORMANCE

ON DEPARTMENT OF STATE CONTRACTS

(October 17, 2012) requires submission of a Recruitment Plan with proposals on contracts “exceeding $150,000 where performance will require the recruitment of non‐professional third country nationals”.

Question: Is clause H‐036 intended to apply solely to task order contracts that result from this DiPSS IDIQ contract, and a Recruitment Plan should not be submitted with the DiPSS proposal?

No, please see amended solicitation at provision L.1 Proposal Instructions, Management Approach, Staffing.

The Government is seeking innovative solutions from the Offeror and will not limit the Offeror’s proposal preparation decisions.

Section H Section H goes from H‐000, H.1 thru H.29, then picks up again with H‐004 thru H‐037 (i.e. missing H‐001, H‐002, H‐003, with numerous other paragraphs missing. Please clarify missing paragraphs.

See amended solicitation. There are no missing clauses. DoS employ unique paragraph numbering schemes to identify the source of the requirement.

52.215‐22 "Limitation on Pass Through Charges‐‐ Identification of Subcontract Effort"

Question 1 Does this clause apply to contractor performance or only to proposal preparation?

Question 2 If applicable to performance, does the clause only apply to cost reimbursable Task Orders IAW FAR 15.408(n)(2)(i)(a)?

Question 1 ‐ See Section I table of contract clauses for clause 52.215‐23.

Question 2 ‐ No.

52.215‐23 "Limitation on Pass Through

Please confirm that this clause is not applicable to any Fixed Price Task Order issued under this contract.

Negative. See FAR 15.408(n)(2)(ii)

Charges"

52.219‐13 Notice Of Set Aside Orders (Nov 2011).

Question 1 Given this IDIQ is a small business set‐aside, how does this clause apply?

Question 2 Also, where can offerors find the information referenced in 19.000(a)(3)?

Question 1 ‐ Solicitation SAQMMA16R0106 is solicited under full and open competition Solicitation SAQMMA17R0106 is set‐aside for small businesses.

Question 2 ‐ Information available in the Federal Acquisition Regulation

52.228 clauses FAR 52.228‐7 Insurance ‐ Limitation of Liability to Third Persons is not included in the solicitation. Since this omission places substantial additional risk on the contractor, will the Government consider adding this clause to the contract?

The Government has considered the recommendation. No change has been made to the solicitation requirement.

652.228‐70 Defense Base Act – Covered Contractor Employees (Feb 2015)

Question: Confirm completion of the table applies at the task order level?

Confirm

Part 47 Transportation clauses

Since the contract is for services with transportation as an ancillary service, request removal of all Part 47 clauses with the exception of FAR 52.247‐63 "Preference for U.S.‐Flag Carriers".

The Government has considered the recommendation. No change has been made to the requirement.

Attachment 1 Post Profiles

Lines 107, 146 and 149 incorrectly list Yugoslavia as a country.

As this location, and possibly others, may be outdated within the attachment, will the Government provide an updated Attachment 1?

Please see…