SOL-OAA-16-000002--Q As.pdf

SOL-OAA-16-000002

USAID Security Investigators

These are Questions and Answers related to Solicitation #SOL-OAA-16-000002, USAID Security Investigators.

Question #1: Will our SDVOSB be disqualified on this technicality for bidding on this opportunity?

Answer #1: This acquisition is restricted to small businesses only. The NAICS code for this solicitation is 561611.

Question #2: Has a contractor performed similar work to this for the government in the past? If available, please provide the incumbent contract number.

Answer #2: In the past, USAID has utilized Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPA) with individual contract investigators to perform the background investigations of its employees.

Currently, there are approximately 71 BPAs. BPAs were awarded to individual contract investigators who had investigative experience performing background investigations. These individual contract investigators were self-employed independent contractors.

Question #3: If you are unable to provide a contract number, is it safe to assume this is a new requirement for the government?

Answer #3: This is not a new requirement. See Answer #2 above for details.

Question #4: I would like to know if there is a position available in the Portland, OR area.

Answer #4: The contractor will conduct work at various locations throughout the United States as needed to complete their assigned investigations, refer to Section B.11 of the Solicitation entitled “Place of Performance.”

Question #5: I will be out of the USA during the period 11/5-11/28. My concern is that you will be asking for the seven performance references when I am away. I do not want to be excluded from consideration in the event I cannot provide the names in time. Please advise.

Answer #5: Past performance information is not required to be submitted at the closing date and time of this solicitation (December 2nd). Shortly after offers are received, offerors will be invited to provide seven (7) references through an online automated system via e-mail notification.

Question #5: I came across an advertisement by your agency in the Devex job site. However, when I attempted to download the job description via the link provided, I could not view it, even though I have all the necessary software to open and view the document. I think there might be a technical problem with the link that does not allow direct access to the document for actual downloading and viewing of the document. Having said that, would you be so kind to send me the JD for the above vacancies and provide more information as to how I can submit my application?

I also have a question regarding the condition of the contract. From what I read in the brief advertisement, it seems like the above vacancies are not staff of the agency, but rather independent contractors. With this said, can you tell me if the contractors are contracted to work full-time basis or only on a case by case basis?

Answer #5: The Solicitation for USAID Security Investigators is posted on FedBizOpps.Gov at https://www.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OP/WashingtonDC/SOL-OAA-16-000002/listing.html

There will be no minimum or maximum guaranteed quantity under this BOA.

Contractors must notify the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)/Investigative Program Manager (IPM) of their availability to accept case assignments and must accept a minimum of three (3) investigative cases per month, if assigned.

Question #6: I am aware that USAID has previously contracted directly with individual investigators on this BPA. For this solicitation can companies respond that can propose a pool of investigators to support this mission?

Answer #6: The prior requirement was awarded to individual security investigators. The design of this solicitation is targeted to individual security investigators and USAID anticipates awarding up to 100 BOAs under this solicitation to individual contractors. All qualified small businesses are able to apply.

Question #7: I want to verify that I must still provide 7 references.

Answer #7: Yes. Each individual security investigator must provide 7 past performance references.

Question #8: Is a Top Secret clearance and American citizenship still a requirement?

Answer #8: Contractors must have, or be able to obtain a Top Secret security clearance based on a favorably adjudicated Single Scope Background Investigation to be considered for award.

Contractors must be a US citizen and must possess a current US Passport. Refer to Section B.1.4(A)(3) entitled “Contractor Requirements” of the Solicitation.

Question #9: Is the RFP soliciting individual contractors, or a company that provides background investigations services and would coordinate BOAs?

Answer #9: See Answer #6 above.

Question #10: Will USAID consider one company to provide up to 100 background investigators using BOAs issued by said company, rather than up to 100 separate BOAs?

https://www.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OP/WashingtonDC/SOL-OAA-16-000002/listing.html

Answer #10: See Answer #6 above.

Question #11: If USAID will allow a company to provide background investigation services, what would be the total available spend?

Answer #11: The Government anticipates awarding Basic Ordering Agreements (BOA) to individual security investigators to conduct security investigations for USAID, each with a total ordering maximum of $500,000.

Question #12: The SOW reflects the Period of Performance as March 1, 2015 to April 30, 2020.

Please clarify.

Answer #12: The period of performance of this award is from March 1, 2016 to April 30, 2021.

See Amendment #000002 of the Solicitation.

Question #13: One of the requirements is a current US passport. Is there foreign travel involved?

Answer #13: At this time no overseas travel is anticipated under this Solicitation.

Question #14: How long is the training provided by USAID?

Answer #14: Training is expected to take one full week, Monday through Friday. Travel in will be on Sunday and out will be Friday afternoon.

Question #15: Will the orientation training period be reimbursed? Will there be an allowance for travel reimbursement to and from training?

Answer #15: Yes, USAID will reimburse for orientation training period and the travel expenses associated with the orientation/training.

Question #16: Are there any additional certification required to perform on the project?

Answer #16: All the required certifications are listed in Solicitation.