SAQMMA16R0396_Resp_to_Vendor_Questions.pdf

Solicitation SAQMMA16R0396 – LGF US MISSION MALI Responses to Vendor Q&As from 12/14/2017

Section J – List of Attachments – SOLICITATION PAGE #69

Question 1. Section J.1 lists an Exhibit N, Past Performance Questionnaire, but there is no

Exhibit N included in the posted solicitation documents or attachments. Please confirm that there is no Past Performance Questionnaire required in this solicitation.

Answer: Exhibit N is part of this amendment.

Section L.11.2 –Proposal Instructions– SOLICITATION PAGE #89

Question 1. The solicitation states, “This proposal volume is restricted to 75 pages with double-sided printing.” Please confirm whether this requirement is for up to 75 pieces of paper, printed on both sides, for a total of up to 150 pages of proposal content, or for up to 75 pages of content, printed on both sides of paper, for a total of up to 37 pieces of paper printed on both sides, and a th piece of paper, printed on only one side.

Answer: Section L.11 PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS states that the technical proposal is restricted to 75 pages with double-sided page printing. To clarify this statement this is 75 pieces of paper printed on both sides.

Section L.11.2 – Volume 2: Technical Proposal – SOLICITATION PAGE #94

Question 1. The solicitation outlines the tabbed and indexed organization required for the proposal, however the tabs listed include a “Tab B2 – Past Performance (Section L.11.2.2.2)” and a “Tab C – Past Performance (Section L.11.2.3).”

The section reference in “Tab C” does not direct to a requirement related to Past Performance or

Experience.

Please confirm that Tab B2 should be Past Performance, and that there is no requirement for

“Tab C – Past Performance.”

Answer : Tab B2 is for Past Performance and Tab C is for the Preliminary Transition Plan.

See Amendment A002.

Question 2. The solicitation outlines the tabbed and indexed organization required for the proposal, and includes a requirements for “Tab D – Preliminary Transition Plan (Section

L.11.2.4),” however it appears that the requirement for Tab C is redundant, and the section reference “Section L.11.2.4” does not exist in the document.

Please confirm that Preliminary Transition Plan should be Tab C in the Technical Volume.

Answer : Tab C should be the Preliminary Transition Plan (Section L.11.2.3). Tab D has been revised to Licenses and Permits. See Amendment A002.

Question 3. The solicitation outlines the tabbed and indexed organization required for the proposal, but does not include a Tab for Licenses and Permits, which consistent with the pattern of other Tabs identified, justify a tabbed section in the response.

Please confirm that Licenses and Permits should be Tab C1 in the Technical Volume.

Answer : Licenses and Permits should be part of Tab D. See Amendment A002.

Section L.11.2.1.2 – Organization and Management – SOLICITATION PAGE #95

Question 1. The solicitation requires that the offeror “identify the manufacturer, make, model, and quantity of the essential equipment necessary for contract performance including… CAMS, if required in Sections C and H.” However, while Section H.7.3, on page 46, requires that, “Personnel monitoring CAMS equipment shall be trained on the proper use and operation of the equipment,” Section C does not have any mention of CAMS requirements, and no CAMS equipment is listed in Exhibit D.

Please confirm that CAMS is not required on this contract.

Answer 1: CAMS is not required on the contract.

Section L.11.3 – Cross-Reference Matrix – SOLICITATION PAGE #101

Question 1. This requirement appears in the solicitation after sections L.12 and L.13, but appears to be a requirement for inclusion in the Proposal Volumes. Does the Government intend that the

Cross Reference Matrix have a separate Tab in the proposal submittal? If not, where does the

Cross-Reference Matrix belong in the proposal response?

Answer: If needed a cross-reference shall be included at the end of proposal volume.

Section M.2 – Evaluation Factors for Award – SOLICITATION PAGE #102

Question 1. The proposal evaluation criteria state that, “Factor 1, Technical, and Factor 2, Experience and Past Performance are of equal importance. Each of those factors is of greater importance than Factor 3, Price Proposal.” The solicitation goes on in the same section to say, “As the price of an offeror’s proposal becomes equal to or more important than the technical factors considered, technical merit may become the determining factor for award. Or, as the technical evaluation becomes equal to or of greater importance than price, then price may become the determining factor for award.”

Given that the Technical and Experience/Past Performance factors have each been identified as being of greater importance, how would the price become equal to or more important than those factors? Please confirm that, based on the criteria stated in the first sentence of the section, Factors 1 and 2 are each more important than Factor 3.

We would appreciate further clarification on the evaluation criteria.

Answer : See Amendment A002.

Section M.2.1 – Factor 1 – Volume 2 – Technical Proposal Evaluation– SOLICITATION

PAGE #103

Question 1. The solicitation states that, “Evaluation of the offeror’s proposal shall address each subfactor as it applies to the Performance Work Statement (PWS) with the criteria for the evaluation set forth in the ‘Evaluation Approach’.” However, there is no other instance of the phrase “Evaluation Approach” anywhere in the solicitation document or its attachments.

Please clarify the Evaluation Approach. We would appreciate further clarification on the evaluation criteria.

Answer: See Amendment A002.

Question 2. The solicitation states that, “The Government will evaluate the Offeror’s proposal based on the following continuum of adjectival ratings: Outstanding, Satisfactory, and

Unsatisfactory.” The solicitation goes on to define the criteria for a proposal to be deemed

“technically satisfactory,” but does not define the criteria for either outstanding or unsatisfactory.

Please define these terms for the purposes of this solicitation.

Answer 2: See Amendment A002.

Question 3. The Evaluation Criteria for Technical Proposals does not include any description for the manner of evaluation for the Preliminary Transition Plan or Licenses and Permits. Please clarify the evaluation criteria for these proposal requirements.

Answer: See Amendment A002.

M.2.2.3 Preliminary Transition Plan

For the Preliminary Transition Plan sub-factor, the proposal will be evaluated for compliance with Section L.11.1.1.7. If the proposal is not in compliance for the sub-factor, a rating of

“unsatisfactory” may be given for the sub-factor. In addition to compliance with Section

L.11.1.1.7, and to be considered Satisfactory, the proposal must be complete and clear, comply with the requirements of the solicitation, demonstrate a thorough understanding of and demonstrate the ability to perform the prospective contract successfully in the area of the sub-factor. The transition plan will also describe the contractor’s plan for acceptance and negotiation of the First Rights of Refusal to employee the incumbent staff under an employment agreement.

Answer: This has been revised to reflect Section L.11.2.3. This factor has been relocated to

M.2.5. See Amendment A002.

Exhibit D – Contractor-Furnished Property – EXHIBIT D

Question 1. There is no requirement for any type of PPE, i.e., body armor, helmets, eye protection, etc. Please confirm that these are not required for this contract.

Answer : There is no requirement for any type of PPE.

Exhibit Q – Proposal Checklist – EXHIBIT Q PAGE #1

Question 1. Exhibit Q, Checklist Item #1 states that an original and one copy of the Volume 1, Price Proposal are required, however Section L.11 (page 89) requires only an original and no copies of Volume 1. Please confirm the number of originals and copies required of Volume 1.

Answer : The language in Section L has been revised to state that the Price Proposal submission should consist of one Original Volume and one Copy. See Amendment A002

Question 2. Exhibit Q, Checklist Item #2 states that an original and five copies of the Volume 2, Technical Proposal are required, however Section L.11 (page 89) requires only an original and three copies of Volume 2. Please clarify the number of originals and copies required of Volume

2.

Answer : The language in Section L has been revised to state that the Technical Proposal submission should consist of one original and five copies. See Amendment A002.

Question 3. Exhibit Q, Checklist Item #24 states that a minimum of two sealed, completed Past

Performance Questionnaires must be provided to the Point of Contact. There is no requirement for PPQs in the solicitation. Please confirm that there is no requirement for PPQs under this solicitation.

Answer : Exhibit Q has been revised to reflect Section L.11.2.2.2 Past Performance.

Cost Questions

Section B.3 – Offers and Payment in Local Currency – SOLICITATION PAGE #3

Question 1. The solicitation states that all pricing is in U.S. Dollars. Section L.11.1.4 (page 93) requires that firms bidding in U.S. Dollars must make a definitive statement that bidding and being paid in U.S. dollars is not in violation of any host country laws. Is there any circumstance under which payment would not be made in U.S. Dollars?

Answer : Payment would not be made in US Dollars if it contradicts local country law.

Question 2. The solicitation states that all pricing is in U.S. Dollars. Section M.2.3.3 (page 105) states that, “The offeror must clearly demonstrate that a barrier to competition exists. In addition the offeror must also address that the contract is performed outside of the U.S., the preponderance of employees hired by the Contractor to perform the contract services will be hired and paid in local currency, and the offeror must be registered, licensed, and pay taxes outside of the U.S.”

Please confirm that these requirements are not necessary for submittal in the proposal, given the stated requirement that all proposals be priced in U.S. Dollars, regardless of whether the offeror is a U.S. firm.

Answer : See Amendment A002..

Section L.11.1 – Volume 1: Price Proposal – SOLICITATION PAGE #90

Question 1. The solicitation outlines the tabbed and indexed organization required for the proposal, however Tab F appears to require that Exhibit P be included in a separate tab, while

Section L.11.1.1, the section identifying requirements for inclusion in Tab A – SF 33, appears to require Exhibit P in that tab.

Please confirm whether Exhibit P should be submitted in Tab A, or Tab F.

Answer: Please include the Exhibit P as Tab F. See Amendment A002.

Question 2. The solicitation outlines the tabbed and indexed organization required for the proposal, however the requirement for a Sample Invoice, in Section L.11.1.7, would appear to warrant its own Tab, based on the pattern of tabs and organization of requirements.

Please confirm what tab should include the Sample Invoice.

Answer: Please include the Sample Invoice under Tab F after Exhibit P. See Amendment A002.

Section B – Standard Services – page 6

Question 1: CLINS for 0007 and 0008 appear to be reversed in comparison to Exhibit S, please clarify.

Answer : The discrepancy has been corrected. Please see revised Section B.7.1 Standard

Services.

Exhibit Q – Proposal Checklist – page 1-2

Question 1: Point 1. References original and one copy and Section L.11 referenced only original required, please clarify

Answer: Please see revised Section L.11.

Question 2: Point 2. References 5 copies and Section L.11 requests 3 copies, please clarify

Answer: Please see revised Section L.11.

Question 3: Point 17 – there is reference to exhibit R – this should be exhibit S, please clarify

Answer: Please see the revised Exhibit Q. The correction was made to reflect Exhibit S.

Question 4: Point 24 – per section J, this is exhibit N referenced, however was not provided with the solicitation, please confirm if this requirement is reserved.

Answer: Please see revised Exhibit Q.

Section L.11.2 – Volume 2: Technical Proposal – page 94

Question 1: Please confirm heading referenced for Tab C. Looking at Section L.11.2.3 this is

Preliminary Transition Plan – not Past Performance

Answer: To clarify Tab C is Preliminary Transition Plan. See Amendment A002.

Question 2: Please confirm heading referenced for Tab D as there is no Section L.11.2.4. as referenced. Please clarify.

Answer: Tab D been revised to allow for Licenses and Permits (Section L.11.2.3.1). See

Amendment A002.

Section C.8.2 – Alarm Monitoring/Dispatcher Services – page 17

Question 1: This section references dispatcher services – what post on Exhibit A is this related to? Section H – does not reference a dedicated dispatcher. Please clarify

Answer : The dispatcher will not be an Exhibit A position. The Contractor shall provide dispatcher services for the Mobile Patrols.

Section C.8.4 – GEMS – page 17

Question 1: Is it a requirement for the GEMs system to be new at time of award?

Answer : A new GEMs system must be ready for use by stand-up of the contract.

Section C.8.5 – Radio Network – page 18

Question 1: Is it a requirement for the Radio network to be new at time of award?

Answer : A new radio network must be ready for use by stand-up of the contract.

Section H.5.1 Project Manager – page 38, Section H.5.2 Guard Force Commander – page

39 and Section H.5.3 Shift Supervisor – page 39

Question 1: These sections reference a contract required supervisor course, however this is not indicated anywhere else in the solicitation. What topics, how many hours are required? Please

Answer : DS refers this question to Post.

Section J – List of Attachments – page 69

Question 1: There is reference to Exhibits J, N, U are referenced but not provided. Please

Answer : Exhibits J and U have been changed to RESERVED and Exhibit N is provided with this amendment.

Section L: 52.233-2 Service of Protest – page 85

Question 1: Please confirm that Nikki Burley is the Contracting Officer for this purpose.

Answer: William Schaeffer is the Contracting Officer and Primary Point of Contact for this requirement. This Section has been revised. See Amendment A002.

Exhibit D – Surveillance Detection Office Operations – page 4, 4th bullet

Question 1: Solicitation references requirement to provide Imminent Danger Notification

System Activators. Please confirm how many or if this is actually a Government Furnished

Property.

Answer : The IDNS will be Government Furnished Property.

Exhibit A – Post Listing

Question 1: Please confirm that Post AC-2 is a 14.5 hour per day position.

Answer : AC-2 is 14.5 hours. 0630-2100 / 7 days

Section B - Price Schedule

This section does not mention or make reference to Special Allowances or Supplemental Wage

Allowance to ensure that the Guards performing services under said Contract are adequately compensated, so as to avoid unnecessary attrition, labor unrest and other dangers to the post’s security. Nor does it include such benefits as meal and/or transportation stipends as well as specific health benefits including hospitalization, outpatient care, maternity care, and medication, for all employees performing under the local Guard Contract often stipulated in other African countries RFP solicitations.

Question1: Will the Government establish Special or Supplemental Wage Allowance and if so what will be the amount per labor category?

Answer: The Government is not requiring a special or supplemental wage allowance.

Section B8.1 – Mobile Patrol Vehicles – page 7

CLIN XX13 - We understand that Mobile Patrol Vehicles used for other purposes in the performance of this contract should be included in the Contractor’s price.

Question 1: Is a vehicle required for the Guard Force Commander and/or Shift Supervisor?

Answer : Mobile Patrol Vehicles shall be used only for Mobile Patrol purposes and shall display a COR-approved logo on the driver’s side and passenger side doors. The Contractor shall provide all vehicles necessary for the performance of this contract (C.8.6 Vehicles) The offer shall identify the manufacturer, make, model, and quantity of the essential equipment necessary for contract performance including: Mobile patrol vehicles; Supervisory vehicles or other methods of transportation; (L.11.2.1.2 Organization and Management, Section 6)

Question 2: How many vehicles are considered adequate for use to meet he Mobile patrol

Services and provide for Relief Guards, and otherwise in the management of this Contract?

Answer : The Contractor shall furnish sufficient vehicles to provide Mobile Patrol operations during the days and hours specified in Section J, Exhibit A. The mobile patrol units shall operate

24-hours per day, seven days per week. The Contractor shall have sufficient spare vehicles to ensure no lapses in coverage due to mechanical failure, regular maintenance or other unforeseen reasons. (Section J, Exhibit D). A minimum of two units is required. (Exhibit D, Section 2)

Exhibit A – page 9

This exhibit identifies 11 OBO Posts.

Question 1: Will DOS provide an estimated time frame for these services? Is it foreseen that these services will continue throughout the Base Year and four Option Years?

Answer : Presently it is expected that Exhibit A will remain constant throughout the duration of this contract. That being said the variation in quantity clause addresses any changes.

Section B.8 - Other Direct Costs - page 6

This section is linked with the Variation in Quantity threshold of 25%. Meaning that if there are changes to the hours in Exhibit A (addition of new posts) the Other Direct Cost CLINs will not be adjustable unless the 25% threshold is met. With a Contract this size, a difference even a 10 % difference could have a considerable impact on staffing Exhibit A posts. For Example, if DOS were to increase Residential Posts by 22% , the contractor would have to recruit an additional

10-15 personnel that require the Exhibit D issuance without reimbursement.

Question 1: To accurately price the Exhibit D requirements, what estimates should the

Contractor consider for increases or decreases in Exhibit A posts during the 5 year Contract

Term?

Answer: Presently it is expected that Exhibit A will remain constant throughout the duration of this contract. That being said the variation in quantity clause addresses any changes.

Section C.8.7 - Uniforms and Personal Equipment - page 19

This section states the contractor shall bear the cost of purchasing, cleaning, pressing and repair of uniforms.

Question 1: Does this mean the contractor must provide a laundry service that furnishes the cleaning and pressing of employee uniform articles?

Answer: The contractor is expected to maintain the uniforms and personal equipment in accordance with Section C.8.7. How the contractor goes about doing that is up to the contractor.

Question 2: Can a uniform allowance or uniform cleaning/maintenance stipend be given as part of the compensation plan or does the Contractor have to actually provide a laundry service?

Answer : Please refer to the previous answer.

Section H.7.1 - Basic Training - page 44

This section states: “The basic training requirements listed below apply to all employees assigned to a position listed in Exhibit A.”

Question 1: Does the Government require the Guard Force Commander, SD Supervisors and SD

Specialists to receive the Contractor Basic 80 hour training?

Answer : Yes. All employees must receive the 80 hours of Basic training.