SAQMMA16R0280-_QA_Responses_FINAL_6_16_2016.pdf

Solicitation Section

/ Attachment

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1. B.4 – Fixed Fully

Loaded Hourly

Labor Rates – (h)

B.4 – Fixed Fully

Loaded Hourly

Labor Rates – (h)

In Section (h) the USG has indicated that direct incentive compensation (e.g. post hardship differential pay, any danger pay) be included in the fully loaded rate. Since these rates are re-calculated by the Dept. of State, and DSSR can change periodically, how does the USG plan on awarding a fully loaded rate, with potential changes on components within that rate, out of the direct control of the contractor?

Will the USG amend the fully loaded rate, to NOT include the hardship and danger uplifts, and allow those compensations to be added at the task order level, based on potential changes by DoS during the POP on the contract?

No. The DSSR does not apply to contractors, but the Government may use it as a baseline when determining the allowability of a contractor’s costs. Instead, in this regard, FAR 31.205-6(f) (Bonuses and

Incentive Compensation) applies to contractors. The Government has determined that, if an offeror chooses to model the payment terms of its incentive compensation plan/policy or employer/employee agreements after specific

DSSR provisions, including DSSR percentages, such percentages are likely to remain relatively stable through the contract’s period of performance.

2. B.7 – Travel –

Subsection (k)

B.7 – Travel –

Subsection (k)

In Section (k) immunizations are specified and required for a list of countries, but the cost is not reimbursable?

Will the USG change this clause to be a cost reimbursable expense, in line with previously outlined cost reimbursable expenses (visas and passports).

Yes. Costs associated with immunizations and vaccinations are allowable.

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3. RFP- Para B.4 h, L.17.2.3.1, 12, :

Para G-0006 f pg 8/117 pg 101/117 pg 51/117

Each negotiated fixed fully-loaded hourly labor rate consist of an unloaded hourly labor rate, any labor related direct costs [e.g., any direct fringe benefits, any direct bonuses, any direct incentive compensation (e.g., any direct post hardship differential pay, any direct danger pay)], applicable indirect costs, and profit amount. It does not include any other costs

For Post hardship Differential Pay and Danger pay costs under arrangements when payment is made based on actual costs incurred (e.g., cost-reimbursement arrangements, materials portion of time-and-material arrangements, and progress payments based on costs under fixed-price arrangements), the Contractor shall submit a breakdown of the actual costs incurred.

Please clarify if the government wants the fixed fully loaded labor rate to include post hardship and danger pay, or if the government wants post hardship and danger pay to be bid as a cost-reimbursable item.

The Government maintains the referenced terms.

See RFP Section B.4(a), which identifies contract types that exclude those that provide for payment based on actual costs incurred.

The questioned reference under RFP Section

G-006(f) describes an invoice submission requirement when payment is based on actual costs incurred.

4. RFP Section B B.7.k States that all required immunizations and vaccinations are completed.

Are the costs associated with these requirements reimbursable?

Yes. Costs associated with immunizations and vaccinations are allowable.

5. RFP Section B B.7.m Exceptions to U.S. flag carriers Are there any acceptable air travel providers in GOSS?

There are multiple acceptable air carriers that fly into Juba. Upon award, the Contractor shall be informed of unacceptable air carriers.

6. RFP Section B B.8.d Insurance Due to the relatively unsecure nature of

South Sudan, will Kidnap and Ransom insurance be covered if purchased to provide coverage in the country?

Yes. Please see H-003(g)

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7. RFP Section B B.12 CLINs Current CLIN structure does not allow for shipping and transportation costs of equipment; can an additional CLIN be added to cover those costs?

Yes. See the end of RFP Section B.12.

8. RFP Section B B.9 Overtime

h) The following applies to cost-reimbursement arrangements and the materials portion of time and-materials arrangements (task orders or line items in a task order):

Government payment for overtime must be authorized in advance of any Contractor employee’s performance of overtime and in writing by the

Contracting Officer when the Contractor requests an overtime premium cost that exceeds $0.00. Such request shall be submitted in writing to the

Contracting Officer and shall address each item under FAR 52.222-2(b) (Payment for Overtime

Premiums).

Can we get the minimum $ threshold raised for the CC, Deputy CC and when the backups are in these positions?

These advisors work an 8 hour day / 7 days a week at their UN jobs, then do

Contingent and Contract business after work.

No. See RFP Section B.9(a).

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9. RFP Section C C.6.3.4 Property Management : This section infers that there is a lot of movement of goods to include reception, inventory, issue and tracking as well as mentions an

In Country Property Manager

Is this an additional position required by the contract? The scope of this paragraph indicates that this position would be critical to contract success.

This section also mentions a property management system that needs to be approved by the COR. Will the costs of this system be reimbursable to the contract?

Does the incumbent currently have property that can be transitioned to the new contractor such as Quality of Life

(entertainment), fitness gear, refrigerators/microwaves, etc.?

No additional position is required for inventory management. The In-Country

Project Manager doubles as the In-Country

Property Manager.

No this will not be reimbursable.

Yes, there are some property items falling under Quality of Life that will be transitioned from the incumbent.

10. RFP Section C C.5.0 and Pricing

Table 5 and 7

Pricing Table has no CONUS rates, yet there is a significant amount of PDT training that must take place in CONUS before deployment

Request the pricing table(s) be revised to include labor pricing and/or contractor facility pricing for CONUS based PDT period for X102-106. Currently only the

CONUS based Project Manager X101 is priced for CONUS period.

See Response to Question 3.

This “CONUS” rate for personnel based in

South Sudan only applies to PDT.

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11. RFP Section C C.5.7 UN contingent members temporary lodging and travel is discussed, but no mention is made of long term lodging and meal arrangements

Where do UN Contingent members lodge and take meals?

Please See Section C.6.3.2, which has been revised to address “Housing”. Should be amended, with the new title “Housing.”

Existing section should be Sub-section

C.6.3.2.1 “Housing for In-Country Project

Manager,” with the existing text. Sub-

Section C.6.3.2.2 “Housing for UN-Assigned

Advisors” has been added.

12. RFP Section C C.6.1 and C.6.2 Sections C.6.1 and C.6.2 are identical Will the USG provide clarification/correction?

Section C.6.1 General has been deleted and renamed “RESERVED”.

13. RFP Section C.13.0 refers to C.4.2

RFP Section

C.13.0 refers to

C.4.2

Section C.13.0 refers to C.4.2 for prohibitive activities, but this section does not list prohibitive activities

Will the USG provide the missing section(s)?

Section C.13.2. has been corrected to include prohibitive activities.

14. RFP Section C.13.0 refers to C.4.2

RFP Section

C.13.0 refers to

C.4.2

C.13.2 states prohibitive activities below but there is nothing there.

Will the USG provide the missing section(s)?

Section C.13.2. has been corrected to include prohibitive activities.

15. RFP Section F Page 39, Section

F.5

Section F Deliverables and Sub-Section F8.

Reference is made to this section in Sub-Section F5 para. (a) on page 39. Section F ends on page 42 with Sub-Section F.6.5. This would indicate that

Section F7 and Section F8 are missing

Will the USG provide the missing section(s)?

F.5 lines 1 and 2 revised to reflect correct referenced Section F.6.

16. C.4.5 – Security

Requirements

C.4.5 – Security

Requirements

This section states that candidates may not participate in pre-deployment training until interviewed by the U.N. – Question – Does the interview take place tin he UN headquarters in New

York, or virtually? If in person this is an exorbitant costs for a contractor to absorb, with regard to recruitment, without any assurance that the candidate will be acceptable to the U.N.

Does the interview take place tin he UN headquarters in New York, or virtually?

If the candidate is chosen for the interview process will the USG or the

UN assure travel costs are cost reimbursable?

Please refer to Section C.4.3

Please refer to Section B.7 regarding travel costs and allowability in accordance with

FAR 31.205-46.

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17. RFP- Para C.6.5.1

Vehicles and

Maintenance pg 51/117 INL will provide six (6) U.S. Government-owned vehicles.

What is the year of manufacture of vehicles and how long have they been in

S. Sudan?

Section C.6.5.1. Revised to reflect correct numbers.

18. RFP- Section C.2.2 Section C.2.2 Reference: C.2.2 states that the contractor will provide maintenance for five (5) vehicles (four

Toyota Hilux trucks and one Toyota Land Cruiser).

Reference C.6.5.1 states that INL will provide six

(6) vehicles (five Toyota Hilux trucks and one

Toyota Land Cruiser).

Please clarify whether there will be four or five Toyota Hilux trucks provided to the contractor.

Please See question 17. Vehicle quantity has been updated.

19. RFP - Para C.6.6.2

Equipment and

Supplies nd paragraph, pg

30/117

Additional supplies may include but not be limited to, the following: printer, scanner, laptop computer, USB portable drives, office furniture, filing cabinets, copy paper, DVD player, television, miscellaneous office supplies, prepaid phone cards, commonly used medications, etc.

What equipment is currently in place and will remain upon award of this contract?

Equipment provided is listed in this RFP.

Additional equipment requirements/discussions shall occur at the

Task Order level.

20. RFP- Para C.13.0

Other Personnel

Requirements rd sentence, pg

33/117

In the event that the contractor is directed to remove an employee, the contractor shall immediately replace the employee with a qualified replacement, at no additional cost to the US, in order to maintain continuity of services.

Given the timelines describes in para

C.4.3, please clarify USG’s expectations for an immediate replacement.

Given the timelines cited in Section C.4.3, the USG recognizes that a replacement will take time, and there will be a vacancy for a period of time.

21. RFP-Section C.13.2 RFP-Section

C.13.2

A determination of unfitness may be made from, but is not limited to, incidents involving the most immediately identifiable types of misconduct or delinquency as set forth below:

No prohibited activities are identified.

Request that the government provide clarity on prohibited activities.

Section C.13.2. has been corrected to include prohibitive activities.

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22. RFP Section C C.2.1 States that the offeror will provide staffing, procurement of equipment and vehicle maintenance services.

This does not cover Life Support

Services, will these be provided by

GOSS, the UN or DoS/INL?

Please see Section C.6.0.

23. RFP Section C C.2.2 States that the contractor will be purchasing and shipping equipment to South Sudan.

Will AMEMB Juba provide any support with local customs to expedite or assist in getting equipment through customs?

Yes.

24. RFP Section C C.2.2 This section States (5) vehicles will be provided, but

Section 6.5.1 and C.12 states (6)

Which one is correct?

See Questions 17 and 18.

25. RFP Section C C.3.2 States that contractor personnel are required to serve a one year tour.

Will R and R breaks be permitted periodically and will those travel costs be reimbursable. If permissible, can R and

R breaks be back to the U.S. or can they be taken regionally?

Please see Section C.6.2.1 titled “R&R (Rest and Relaxation).

26. RFP Section C C.4.2 Pre-Screening: This section states that individuals must meet UN requirements for medical, psychological and clearance requirements.

Are these requirements the same as required by INL? If they are different, are the costs associated with acquitting these requirements reimbursable?

Please see Attachment 1 of RFP. Please see

Sec. B of the RFP for allowable and unallowable costs.

27. RFP Section C C.4.2 Screening: Usually our policy is to acquire a certain percentage of individuals to be qualified above the requisite amount of personnel required so that we have a “bench” of people ready to deploy, or individuals could be rejected by INL during PDT.

Would the costs of these additional reserves be reimbursable as they would contribute to contractor/INL success in meeting its goals?

Is there a list of vaccinations and shots required for entry into Sudan?

No.

The USG’s Center for Disease Control provides the necessary information for South

Sudan

(http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/cli nician/none/south-sudan ) http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/clinician/none/south-sudan http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/clinician/none/south-sudan

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28. RFP Section C C.4.3 UN Approval Process: This section states that the

UN approval process takes 3-9 months and the average time period for approval is 12-16 weeks.

This indicates that there may be a 4 month period to get qualified personnel submitted and approved.

Does this indicate that the contractor will have more than 4 months to fully transition all personnel, or will the contractor be able to mitigate this by hiring incumbent personnel or personnel with MRPTs or current UN approval?

USG cannot provide your staffing solution.

That is incumbent on your firm to decide.

The clauses for Right of First Refusal and

Displacement of Qualified Workers are in the

RFP.

The incumbent has denied permission to release Personnel.

29. RFP Section C C.4.3 UN Approval Process Once an individual is approved, is the

UN approval good for a certain period of time? Does a person with a past UN approval qualify to be hired under this contract and will that expedite the approval process?

UN approval applies to the specific South

Sudan assignment, and is good for the length of assignment. UN approval does not transfer across UN missions.

INL has found that those who have served in previous UN missions do move through the

UN approval process a bit more quickly.

30. RFP Section C C.4.5 Security: This section states that all personnel other than the four Commander and Deputy Commanders require a MRPT conducted by BDS.

What is the timeline for approval and issue of the MRPT? What system is used by the contractor to submit the applications for MRPT?

An interim MRPT determination is normally made within 72 hours after the case is assigned to a case manager.

Refer to Section H.7.2 – Office of Personnel

Management (OPM) Portal and eQIP Access and Section H.7.4 - Moderate Risk Public

Trust (MRPT) Certification Processing.

31. RFP Section C C.5.0 PDT: There are two Pre-Deployment Training programs mentioned, a UN PDT and the INL/CAP

PDT.

There is minimal mention of the UN

PDT, does that take place in country?

UN Pre-Deployment Training occurs at the

UN facility in Entebbe, Uganda. UN PDT is incorporated into the deployment orders, and an advisor does their first weeks in PDT, before the UN sends them to South Sudan.

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32. RFP Section C C.5.0 PDT: There are two Pre-Deployment Training programs mentioned, a UN PDT and the INL/CAP

PDT.

There are also associated PDT costs with this section, will there be a separate

CLIN provided for billing?

Associated costs are with the INL/CAP PDT, but not the UN PDT. As noted in Response to Question 31, UN PDT is included in the deployment orders, and the UN bears the costs. No separate CLIN will be created.

33. RFP Section C C.5.2 Medical and Vaccinations Are the costs of the medical and vaccinations reimbursable??

Please see Question 4.

34. RFP Section C C.5.3 ECTC Is there available lodging at the

Executive Conference and Training

Center at no cost to the contractor?

Yes.

35. RFP Section C C.5.3 Medical Who provides medical support and treatment in country?

Is this an expense of the contractor or UN provided?

If emergency medical evacuation is required, is that a covered expense?

The UN provides medical support and treatment to all assigned personnel. There is no expense to the contractor.

If there is an emergency medical evacuation required, depending on circumstances, and determination of the CO and COR, the expense would be reimbursable.

36. RFP Section C C.5.3 PDT: This section has two conflicting paragraphs regarding extra days of training for driving.

Paragraph one says that the costs for that extra day are the responsibility of the contractor, while paragraph 6 says they are reimbursable

Which one is correct for pricing?

Is there a current PDT schedule that exists that can be used by the contractor to support its Draft Phase in Plan?

For Section C.5.3, the costs for extra days of

PDT are reimbursable, provided the schedule for the extra days is approved by the CO and the INL Program Officer.

If necessary, a PDT Schedule shall be provided upon IDIQ Award.

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37. RFP Section C C.5.6 Passports and visas Can an approximate timeline for Sudan

Visa approval be provided for planning purposes?

Please note: This is South Sudan, and there are different visa requirements for entering

South Sudan, rather than its northern neighbor, which is not part of this requirement.

Timelines for visas can vary from Embassy to Embassy in Washington DC, but one should allow at least 5-8 business days for visa processing. If the selected Contractor should encounter difficulties with obtaining visas for South Sudan, please contact and coordinate actions with the INL Program

Officer.

38. RFP Section C C.5.7 Deployment of Advisors: This section states that deployment support entails the provision of records, assistance with equipment/baggage, facilitation of transportation to S Sudan and temp lodging upon arrival in S. Sudan.

The assumption is that these are all reimbursable costs, is that correct?

This section also states that deployment orders are issued by the UN, will they go thru INL or directly to the subcontractor?

Yes, these costs are reimbursable. The UN generally covers the costs of transportation and lodging in South Sudan; however, if extenuating circumstances arise, the selected

Contractor may be asked and shall be prepared to provide transportation and temporary lodging.

Deployment orders go through INL, who will pass to the contractor.

39. RFP Section C C.6.3.1 In Country Office Are the costs of the office to include the ancillary gear such as printers, air conditioners, copiers, office supplies, UPS all reimbursable to the contract?

The proposal shall include a budget for establishment and daily operation of the In-

Country Office.

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40. RFP Section C C.6.3.2 Housing for In Country PM Are these costs reimbursable and will security considerations such as alarm systems, guards and secure transportation be permitted?

Housing for the In-Country Project Manager shall be a line in the proposal’s budget.

Given current security circumstances, the CO and COR shall consider security expenses. It should be noted that the incumbent In-

Country Project Manager lives in an apartment complex that has 24-hour security

(guards, CCTV), and self-drives in one of the vehicles identified in the RFP. The vehicles are not armored.

41. RFP Section C C.6.3.3 Warehouse and Storage Are the costs for this requirement reimbursable or assumed by DoS. If reimbursable, will an additional CLIN be added? Will the security costs for this building be included?

The costs of the Warehouse and Storage are reimbursable. Security costs shall be included.

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42. RFP Section C 6.4.1 Communications: This requires the issuance of satellite phones and internet access to contractors.

Given the intermittent state of communications, satellite communications is recommended.

Does the incumbent have satellite communications equipment that can be evaluated to support the new awardee? If not, are the costs for satellite and cellular phones, cards, batteries, PM Laptop and such reimbursable costs? Will the contractor be able to acquire back up phones in case phones are stolen or lost or are rendered inert?

An assessment of existing communications will be part of the transition.

The costs for this are reimbursable. If phones or equipment are lost, stolen, or otherwise need to be replaced, a Serious

Incident Report shall be completed, and the item shall be replaced. If the loss is due to negligence, lack of precautions, or could otherwise have been prevented, the

Contractor shall assume the replacement cost. If loss is due to accident, circumstances beyond an individual’s control, act of God, or after responsible precautions have been taken, replacement costs will be reimbursable as determined by the CO and the COR.

43. RFP Section C 6.4.1 Communications: This section also states that back up communications should be in place should cellular or satellite phones fail. This would mean that one of the few acceptable forms of communications would be radio communications.

Is there a network of transmission sites and repeaters that can be used?

Section 6.4.1 has been amended to read

“Each member of the U.S. Contingent shall be provided with a cellular phone, with local/South Sudan sim card, AND a satellite telephone…calling cards.”

44. RFP Section C 6.4.2 Power Supply Given the current state of electrification in Sudan, will the purchase of backup generators be permitted?

A back-up generator is acceptable for the In-

Country Project Manager Office. UN bases have generators, so the Advisors will not need generators.

45. RFP Section C 6.5.1 Vehicles Can the contractor coordinate for fleet maintenance for the vehicles instead of intermittent servicing?

This question is not clear. Coordinate with whom? There is a Toyota dealership in Juba.

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46. RFP Section C 6.6.1 Uniforms Will the contractor be reimbursed for the modification of uniforms to meet INL standards, i.e. sewing?

The blue ‘National Uniform” is not included in the equipment and supplies, can that be added?

How many uniforms and pairs of boots are authorized to be issued per advisor?

The uniform list in C.6.6.1 doesn’t match the one in B.10, which one is correct?

Uniforms shall be a line in the proposal’s budget.

No. Please see RFP Attachment 1 and

Section C.6.6.1

The list in Section B.10 includes several required items beyond uniforms (X204 and

X205). Section C.6.6.1 details what is need for X204 and X205.

47. RFP Section C 6.8.1 Security For its offices, will the contractor be approved to purchase safes to hold critical Personally Identifiable

Information (PII) and or sensitive documents?

A purchase of a safe for PII or other sensitive documents is permissible.

48. RFP Section C 6.9.1 Phase in Plan Is there an anticipated timeline for Phase

In of the new awardee?

The anticipated Phase-In / Transition period is 60 days.

49. RFP Section C C.13.0 Other Personnel Requirements: There is no mention of any life support requirements or security for contract personnel.

Who will be responsible for the provision of lodging, meals, water and security for this contract?

Please see C.6.3.2.2. Furthermore, as outlined in Section C.6.3.2, the contractor will be responsible for lodging for the In-

Country Project Manager, as well as food and water for that individual.

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50. RFP Section C C.5.6 Visas- Talks about visas for S.Sudan but not for

Uganda and Ethiopia (other countries in the

UNMISS AOR).

Prospective bidders are required to provide vaccinations for these locations, is it correct to assume we will require visas as well for these locations?

All visas are handled by the UN. It should be noted that technically the Advisors do not get visas for assignments to UNMISS; the

UN requests clearance for entry with the

South Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The same goes for Entebbe (which is technically considered part of the mission).

If there is a person that should be assigned to attend induction training in another location

(e.g. Brindisi, Italy), the UN would handle that too.

UNMISS only operates in South Sudan, with

PDT training in Uganda. Occasionally travels for UN business to Ethiopia or another country may be required but the UN handles travel arrangements, including visas, for these instances.

51. RFP Section C C.4.2 Page 22 What level of psychological examinations does DoS require? i.e. is stress test and PTSD test required or will an online assessment suffice?

A professional interview with each candidate personally during PDT is the preferred method.

52. RFP Section C C.2.2 / C.12.0, pages 20 and 33

C.2.2 states (4) Toyota Hilux & (1)

Toyota Land Cruiser while C.12.0 states

(5) Toyota Hilux & (1) Toyota Land

Cruiser. Would the Government confirm which is correct?

Please see Question 17.

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53. RFP Section C C.13.2, page 33 The list of prohibited employee activities is missing.

Please see Question 21.

54. RFP Section C C.6.6.1, page 29 Uniforms: The current configuration is khaki 5.11 cargo pants (3) and Navy 5.11 Shirts (3 Long and 3

Short) and Navy Polo (3).

What are the quantities for the uniforms?

Number of pants, shirts, etc.

Please see Question 46.

55. RFP Section C C.6.6.1, page 30 Uniforms: Khaki uniforms should be more tactical in design, with tactical, waterproof shoes (similar to

5.11 Tactical Zipper 6 inch ATAC Quarter Boots).

Does the government want the Khaki uniforms to be totally khaki or a combination of khaki pants and navy blue shirts?

Section 6.6.1 requests that a proposal be submitted for USG approval regarding the

Uniforms. As such, INL is open to either option, but requests that the proposed option would be enable the advisors to be recognized as law enforcement professionals.

56. RFP Section C C.6.6.1, page 30 Uniforms: Web Gear What is the specification of the web gear?

The equipment list in C.6.6.1 doesn't include "Web Gear", but the IDIQ Excel file refers to "Web Gear".

Web Gear is the tactical gear necessary for

Police and Corrections professionals to perform their duties. This includes duty belts, sunglasses, back packs. Some are listed in the Section B.12. Please note that

Advisors in South Sudan are not allowed to carry firearms, but do carry hand cuffs, pepper spray, baton, and other non-lethal items.

57. RFP Section C C.4.2 Pre Screening: Requisite medical and psychological examinations and clearances are complete and accurate, and candidates obtain the separate, required UN medical clearance.

Can the UN Medical (MS-2) satisfy the medical exam requirement or does there need to be a separate (additional)

Medical Exam performed?

The UN Medical review only reviews the medical information provided, and does not substitute for an exam by a certified doctor.

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58. RFP Section C C.5.3 Attendance and Scheduling of PDT: If the

Contractor must include additional PDT days beyond those days scheduled by INL-PREP, the

Contractor is responsible for all costs of the additional days, including lodging and meals of candidates and administrative personnel, meeting sites, etc. For example, INL recognizes that the driving test for a manual transmission will require an additional day because this is not part of the INL-

PREP curriculum.

For the South Sudan program, trainees must take and pass a driving skills and safety test in a vehicle with a manual transmission.

The driving assessment in a manual transmission vehicle is required and is recognized as requiring an additional day, should this day be proposed as a cost to the government, rather than the

Contractor?

The costs for driving assessment and test are reimbursable.

59. RFP Section C C.5.3 Attendance and Scheduling of PDT: Also, trainees may be required to perform physical and skills training evaluations or tests

Is the physical ability assessment (1/4 mile run, dummy drag, ladder climb and obstacle course) required?

Yes.

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60. RFP Section C C.5.3 Attendance and Scheduling of PDT: including but not limited to combat first aid, and mindset in high risk environments (includes travel safety, surveillance detection, and situational awareness)

Should these training classes with instructors be proposed?

These classes were tailored to the South

Sudan program and not taught by INL-

PREP.

combat first aid mindset in high risk environments travel safety surveillance detection situational awareness

Yes, the proposal should include any extra

PDT that the proposing company deems necessary. Section C.5.3, Para 6 states that such extra PDT may be required.

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61. RFP Section C C.5.8, page 27 First Day of Employment: INL determines the first day of employment to be whichever of two scenarios occur first:

1) the day of the candidates departure from home of residence to attend PDT (must have received security clearance or an MRPT certification required for the position -- interim acceptable -- to attend PDT); or

2) the first business day after receiving notification of receipt of security clearance or an MRPT certification required for the position (interim is acceptable) AND 30 days have passed since the UN interview. All conditions in the two scenarios must be met. Employment may be terminated if an interim clearance or MRPT certification is granted, but final clearance or MRPT certification is later denied.

Does "first day of employment" mean the candidates is paid, if either of these conditions are met?

Example: Conditions are met for scenario

2 and the candidate has not deployed. He would be paid on day 31 after the UN interview, even while in the US?

Yes, the “first day of employment” is the first INL-paid work day.

The example is correct in its understanding of Section C.5.8.

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62. RFP Section C C.5.8, page 27 First Day of Employment

INL determines the first day of employment to be whichever of two scenarios occur first:

1) the day of the candidates departure from home of residence to attend PDT (must have received security clearance or an MRPT certification required for the position -- interim acceptable -- to attend PDT); or

2) the first business day after receiving notification of receipt of security clearance or an MRPT certification required for the position (interim is acceptable) AND 30 days have passed since the UN interview. All conditions in the two scenarios must be met. Employment may be terminated if an interim clearance or MRPT certification is granted, but final clearance or MRPT certification is later denied.

What about the Secret positions? The “First Day of Employment” parameters apply to MRPT and Secret clearances equally.

63. RFP Section C C.6.6, page 29 Uniforms and Equipment: After one year of service, advisor's uniforms, boots and daily use items should be replaced.

Should we propose a partial kit to replace items that would be affected by fair wear and tear?

The Proposal’s budget line should include allowance for replacement of items, but proposal of a partial kit is not necessary.

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64. RFP Section C C.5.3, page 25 Attendance and Scheduling of PDT: In addition, pre-screening processes, including medical health exams, psychological testing, and participating in

INL-PREP refresher training must be renewed every two years. If a Contingent member is extended beyond two years, he/she will need to attend refresher training. The Contractor should propose travel and man-hours (for the advisor) for this refresher training.

Should we propose a full replacement kit for advisors extending over 2 years?

Please see Question 63.

65. RFP Section C C.6.3.3, page 28 Warehouse and Storage: The warehouse / space shall have -- or if it does not, the Contract shall provide -- shelves or pallets to prevent any insect or water damage.

The warehouse currently has shelves for storage, are these adequate to meet this requirement or should we propose additional shelving?

The shelves in the current warehouse space are adequate for this requirement.

66. RFP Section C 13.0, page 33 Other Personnel Requirements

In the event that the contractor is directed to remove an employee, the contractor shall immediately replace the employee with a qualified replacement, at no additional cost to the USG, in order to maintain continuity of services.

What is the definition or expectation of

"immediately"?

If an employee is removed, the Contract shall propose a replacement within two (2) weeks

(10 business days).

See also Question 27.

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67. RFP Section C C.6.1, page 27 The Contractor will implement a performance appraisal system with a minimum of two reporting periods per year upon which to base extension and rehiring decisions, available to INL for review upon request.

The deliverables matrix says

“Performance Reviews (deployed

Personnel)” with a frequency of annually, with mid-year consultation. C.6.1 states there will be two performance reviews per year. Which is it?

The Deliverables Matrix is correct. Section

C.6.2 is corrected to reflect the Matrix.

68. RFP Section F Deliverables and

Sub-Section F8

The NAICS code is not listed on the RFP solicitation document

Will the USG provide the NAICS code assigned to this solicitation in the official

RFP document?

The NAICS code is 541618- Other

Management Consulting Services. This was originally advertised on the initial FBO posting.

69. RFP Section F F.6, page 39 Deliverables Matrix

(Line 12 of table)

Performance Reviews (deployed personnel)

Annually, with midyear consultation

The deliverables matrix says

“Performance Reviews (deployed

Personnel)” with a frequency of annually, with mid-year consultation. C.6.1 states there will be two performance reviews per year. Which is it?

Please see Question 67.

70. RFP Section F F.3 Place of Performance: These section states that the principle location for the work is AMEMB Juba.

Is this the location for all contractor forces to base out of?

Is there lodging and appropriate life support there (i.e. meals, security, internet access, entertainment, fitness facilities)? Who will be responsible for these requirements, AMEMB, DoS, UN?

Yes, all advisors are considered based in

Juba, despite being assigned to other locations in South Sudan.

UN bases have housing, meals, etc., and

Advisors are considered members of the

UNMISS. However, please note additional needs outlined in Section C.6.4.

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71. RFP Section F F.3 Place of Performance: These section states that the principle location for the work is AMEMB Juba.

Where will the contractor’s personnel be located outside Juba and what is there disposition by location. Will there be life support and security at those locations, or will they be “day trips” or periodical in nature? Section 6.4.2 states that advisors could be stationed across multiple UN sites and to consider multiple locations…will these locations be fixed sites and the advisors stationed there for their entire tour? If so, will there be periodic trips to the capital for meetings and coordination?

Can a current disposition of advisors be provided?

The UN provides life support, lodging, food, and security. Also, all assignments are formally defined as Juba. Assignments may be one location for the entire year, or two or more locations during the year. Any travel associated with the assignment, including reassignment or travel for UN business, is covered by the UN.

For security reasons, exact locations and disposition cannot be provided. This information will be provided upon IDIQ award.

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72. RFP Section F F.3 Place of Performance: These section states that the principle location for the work is AMEMB Juba.

This section states that contractors maybe working in denied areas under very hostile and very austere conditions. Does this infer that some areas are more hostile than others and, if so, will the contractor be allowed to adjust its danger/hazardous duty pay to reflect that? Can a description of facilities and support in those areas be provided?

Can a description of current living conditions be provided in order to sensitize potential candidates to realities on the ground?

The contractor will not be allowed to adjust any danger/hazardous duty pay costs that were included in the negotiated fixed fully-loaded hourly labor rates.

Any danger/hazardous pay costs included in the negotiated fixed fully-loaded hourly labor rates would apply to performance anywhere in South Sudan.

The UN has standardized housing and meal service.

73. RFP Section F F.4, page 38 TIME OF PERFORMANCE: Under this award, a work week for all employees shall be eight (8) hours per day, forty (40) hours per week CONUS. 8-hour day, 7 day per week (56 hour week) work schedules are authorized for OCONUS deployments.

OCONUS deployments are paid at regular rate- not overtime.

Will overtime be compensated at straight time, 1.5 X hourly rate, or other OT compensation rate? Does FLSA rules apply to Advisors?

See RFP Section B.9.

The FLSA applies to performance in the

United States and not in South Sudan.

For each contractor employee not exempt under the FLSA, the contractor is legally obligated to pay such employee not less than

1 ½ times the employee’s regular/straight-time rate. Such obligation is not dependent on any Government payment for such overtime.

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74. RFP- Section H Para H.4.1 c), pg

56/117

The contractor agrees that a partial basis for award of this contract is the list of key personnel proposed.

Accordingly, the contractor agrees to assign to this contract those key persons whose resumes were submitted with the proposal necessary to fulfill the requirements of the contract. No substitution shall be made without prior notification to and concurrence of the CO.

Multiple incumbent candidates have advised that they have been prohibited to speaking with companies other than their current employer and may not provide resumes to other companies. Request that the government clarify if its preference is to retain incumbents upon award, or if proposed key personnel will be preferred.

Will the USG provide a list of current incumbent resumes?

It is the decision of the incumbent to disclose personnel. At this time, the incumbent has not provided permission to disclose personnel. Vendors should use sound business savvy to develop alternative strategies.

The RFP includes right of first refusal provisions, as well FAR 52.222-17, Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers.

75. RFP Section H Page 55 – H-002

Licenses, Bonds, and Permits Please confirm requirement for subcontractors to have requisite licenses and permits or if they may operate under the umbrella of the prime.

The Prime must have business licenses and permits to work in South Sudan when attempting to establish offices. Another idea would be to have the individuals work out of their residences.

76. RFP Section H Page 56 H.4.1

Key Personnel

Section states that 32 people are key personnel;

Page 105 Technical Subfactor 2 - Key Personnel states submit one resume per key personnel

Are all 32 personnel considered ‘Key

Personnel’ and a resume required for each individual in the proposal response?

Yes, all 32 personnel are considered “Key

Personnel.” Resumes are required for the

U.S.-based Program Manager and the In-

Country Project Manager.

77. RFP Section H General DD 254 This section mentions an attached DD

254, but there are none attached, can one be provided?

DD 254 attached to the RFP as Attachment

11.

78. RFP Section H H.016 Operation of Government Vehicles: Most corporate policies provide injury and coverage in case of vehicular accidents but preclude repair and replacement coverage for those vehicles in areas such as S Sudan.

Will the contractor be able to acquire comprehensive insurance for those vehicles in S Sudan and charge the contract?

Yes, but not charge the contract.

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79. RFP Section H H.4.1 Key Personnel: this section states that all personnel assigned to this contract are key personnel and their resumes are required in Tab B- subfactor 2, Key

Personnel.

Can the offeror list one resume immediately after the other to save space in the proposal or does every resume need to stand alone as a 1 to 2 page document?

Given the resume format listed in

Attachment 6 and the substantial amount of information listed, it will be quite impossible to get that all in one page, which greatly impacts the size of the technical proposal allocated to resumes.

Or are resumes not included in the page count?

Stand Alone.

Resumes are included in page count. The page count is 100 pages for the technical volume. .

80. RFP Section L L.17.2.4 Tab B - …To be considered most favorably, past performance should be within the last three (3) years from the date of issuance of this solicitation.

Past performance information that fails this condition will not be evaluated.

Due to sequestration beginning in 2013 the number of OCONUS contracts was significantly reduced for small business.

1. Request that recent requirement for past performance be extended to 60 months instead of only 36 months. Using only the last 36 months will unfairly bias a company’s otherwise excellent past performance that is relevant. Other recent

DoS solicitations have allowed past performance of up to 60 months. Delays in final solicitation release also extend a company’s past performance period beyond 36 months.

Not granted.

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81. RFP Section L L.17.2.2 (b) and

Attachment 9

Questionnaire asks for VERY competition sensitive and proprietary pricing information that subcontractors will NOT provide to anyone except the US Government in a sealed package. This is an unreasonable request to ask subcontractors to submit to a prime who then becomes knowledgeable of a subcontractor’s full rate breakdown and gains an unfair advantage in future competitions where they may not be teamed with the subcontractor, but in fact may be head to head competitors. Pricing data is VERY sensitive.

Request you revise this form and allow the subcontractor to submit directly to the

USG from the subcontractor in a sealed package. Prime should not see this breakdown. They should only see the fully burdened rate proposed by the subcontractor.

The Government has withdrawn Attachment

9.

Offerors shall continue to provide the information required in RFP Section

L.17.2.3.1(30).

82. RFP Section L L.17.1.1 Proposal Organization and Page Limitations - Table.

Volume V Technical has 100 allocated pages, currently Resumes for Key

Personnel is included in the page count.

Would the contracting officer consider removing Resumes for identified key personnel from the page count?

See Response to Question 79.

83. RFP Section L Subfactor 5 Subfactor 5 in section L states that we are to prepare for a 60 day transition period timeline; Section M-

003 Factor 1 states that we are to prepare for a 90

Day transition period timeline.

Which timeline is the correct timeline, 60 or 90 days?

The correct timeline is 60 days. M-003

Subfactor 6 has been revised to reflect 60 day transition.

84. RFP Section L L.17.1.7, page 99 Does the Government want a separate

CD for each volume or one CD that contains all volumes? RFP is contradictory: “Indicate on each CD the volume number and title” (multiple CDs) and “Each volume shall be in a different directory on a CD” (one CD).

This is up to the Offeror. If the Offeror chooses one CD, then each Volume should be labeled on the CD and each component to the Volume should have a separate sub-directory. Same applies if they choose multiple CDs.

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85. RFP Section L L.17.1.7, page 99 Does the Government want each tab as a separate electronic file? (i.e. five files for each tab in Volume IV and six files for each tab for Volume V?)

Yes, properly labeled and filed.

86. RFP Section L In regards to past work experience of key personnel, how far back

(chronologically) does the Government wish for offerors to cite on each resume?

It will be very long and cumbersome to cite a 20-year career.

That is for the company to decide what best meets the requirements with their experience.

87. RFP- General General Note It is understood that the UN currently pays a mission subsistence allowance (MSA) to personnel assigned to the UNMISS mission.

Question: Can the government advise if

MSA pay will be paid to personnel assigned to this contract vehicle?

Question: If MSA is to be paid, request that the government advise if the UN will pay this directly to personnel, or if this pay must be processed through the contractor.

Yes, MSA is paid to the personnel, and it is paid to the personnel directly, not to the contractor.

88. RFP- General General Note Links on Pages 11 and 41 are not accessible

Could the government provide accessible links or the information referenced in the RFP for these two sites?

Link on page 11 works perfectly fine. It is a direct download to a word file. Link on Page

41 has been removed.

89. RFP- General General Note The NAICS code is not listed on the RFP solicitation document

Will the USG provide the NAICS code assigned to this solicitation in the official

RFP document?

Please see Question 68.

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90. RFP- General General Note Are these advisors working under INL as advisors or are they going to be classified as UN Police Officers?

The Advisors are Third Party Contractors for

INL, but seconded to UNMISS as IPOs

(Individual Police Officers) who work within United Nations and share his/her knowledge with the host-State policing institutions. The IPOs report to their UN superiors, and INL monitors, oversees, and evaluates their utilization with the UN mission.

91. RFP- General General Note Are the advisors subject to UN disciplinary measures if they cause a major or minor breach of conduct or is disciplinary measures for violations?

Yes.

92. RFP- General General Note Are there any language requirements or preferences?

No.

93. RFP- General General Note Section B7 states that travel includes air travel but doesn’t mention excess baggage, yet 100kg of excess baggage is authorized in the Police GPP guidelines.

Who will reimburse the contractor for excess baggage?

The Government may allow this cost subject to CO Approval.

94. RFP- General General Note If air travel is to be reimbursed by the

UN for outbound from, and inbound to, HOR who arranges for the travel to predeployment training from the US, the

UN, INL or the Contractor?

The UN issues all tickets for deployment to the UN mission, and their return to their

Home of Record at the end of their successfully completed assignment.

Travel to PDT at the ECTC is arranged by the Contractor, and such costs are reimbursable.

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95. RFP- General General Note Do employees receive mission subsistence allowance as provided for in the Police GPP?

Yes.

96. RFP- General General Note Leave is authorized under the GPP, it is expected that any costs associated with leave are Bourne by the contractor and/or advisor?

See Response to Question 25.

97. RFP- General General Note Is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to be issued to the advisors by the UN?

Yes.

98. RFP- General General Note Will advisors be required to sign the letter of undertaking provided in the

GPP?

Yes.

99. RFP- General General Note Can the appropriate licenses and permits to operate in S Sudan be provided for costing purposes?

No, but please see Question 75.

100. RFP- General General Note Can an estimation or description of taxes to be paid in Sudan be provided?

No.

101. RFP- General General Note Will these advisors be required to operate outside the wire and go on police missions in denied or hostile areas?

Do not understand the question. Section C discusses the requirements of this

Acquisition.

102. RFP- General General Note If bonds are required for operations in country, can those bonds be applied to the contract costs?

Bonds are not required for this requirement but export licenses are.

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103. RFP- Attachment 2 Labor Category Description – X101 Minimum

Qualifications state:

“The minimum qualifications of the In-Country

Project Manager are:”

The minimum qualifications listed are for the X106

In-Country Project Manager and NOT for the

CONUS Project Manager. Also uses the term

CONUS Project Manager and Program Manager interchangeably in first paragraph of X101.

1. Request the minimum qualifications be corrected to reflect CONUS based qualifications.

2. Request the CONUS Project Manager be called a Program Manager to reduce confusion between the terms.

1. No.

2. Denied, Attachment 2 has been revised to accurately reflect the position title, US Based

Program Manager.

104. RFP- Attachment 2…