Q A_No._3.docx

SOLICITATION SSP50015R0002

JANITORIAL SERVICES FOR THE U.S. EMBASSY MADRID, SPAIN

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS # 3

Question 1: Paragraph d) Responsibility of Section M.1.2. Basis for Award outlines the various factors that the Government will evaluate to determine Contractor’s compliance with the requirements of FAR Subpart 9.1. Does this mean that the proposal needs to specifically address all those factors or just that the Government will make sure that the Contractor complies with FAR Subpart 9.1?

Answer 1: The Government will evaluate all the documentation that forms part of the proposal, as required by the solicitation, to make sure that the Contractor complies with the requirements of FAR Subpart 9.1

Question 2: Box 12 of SF-33 – Is there any restriction in terms of time or can we establish our period of validity?

Answer 2: Narrative included in Box 12 of SF-33 provides clear guidance as to the validity period of the offer.

Question 3: Box 15 of SF-33 – What information needs to be provided under “CODE” and “FACILITY”?

Answer 3: CODE and FACILITY should be left blank.

Question 4: FAR Clause 52.248-1 VALUE ENGINEERING – Is it necessary to suggest / include innovations or any other kind of actions related to this topic? We do not understand this concept properly for this proposal (if it applies).

Answer 4: The language of this Clause, which full text is available at the links provided in Section I.1 of the solicitation, provides clear information and guidance in order to comply with this Clause.

Question 5: Holidays and working days – Please specify the normal working schedule, i.e., Monday through Friday, or Monday through Saturday?

Answer 5: Please refer to Exhibit A.

Question 6: DOSAR Clause 652.237-72 OBSERVANCE OF LOCAL HOLIDAYS AND ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE (APR 2004) lists the U.S. Holidays that are observed by the U.S. Embassy in Madrid, Spain. However, Exhibit A states that American holidays are working days. Are American Holidays working days or not?

Answer 6: Although the US Embassy in Madrid, Spain is closed to the public on American holidays, said American holidays are working days for the cleaning crew.

Question 7: In accordance with paragraph c) of DOSAR Clause 652.237-72 OBSERVANCE OF LOCAL HOLIDAYS AND ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE (APR 2004), if Government employees are granted administrative leave, assigned Contractor personnel in Government facilities shall also be dismissed. Does this clause refer to all the facilities covered by the contract (Chancery, TLA, GLQs, etc.) or only to a specific place within them?

Answer 7: The terms of this clause apply to all facilities covered by the contract.

Question 8: Since we are not a US company and we have not performed any services for the US Government, we believe that the TIN is not required. Please confirm.

Answer 8: Paragraph c) of Section K.3 52.204-3 TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION (OCT 1998) clearly identify the instances when the TIN is required and the instances when the TIN is not required.

Question 9: Under category (4) of Section K.9 we need to fill in the number of “local nationals” employees and the number of “third country nationals” employees. Does this requirement apply to the standard services only or also to the Additional Services?

Answer 9: Section K.9 applies to all services covered by this solicitation.

Question 10: Also with regard to K.9, since the personnel is subject to subrogation, could the current Contractor advise how many employees are local nationals and how many third country nationals?

Answer 10: In accordance with the US Privacy Act and the Spanish Data Protection Law, the Embassy cannot disclose how many of the current employees are local nationals and how many third country nationals. Therefore, since information pertaining to the current cleaning crew will be provided by the current Contractor, potential offerors should provide information requested in Section K.9 only for any new employee that they may assign to this contract.

Question 11: Paragraph (5) of Section L.1.1.2 of the solicitation requires that we provide evidence that the offeror has all licenses and permits required by local law. What exactly do we need to provide, a commercial registry or what document?

Answer 11: The Offeror should provide whatever documentation they deem appropriate to proof that he/she has all licenses and permits required by local law.

Question 12: Under Subparagraph (b) of paragraph (6) of Section L.1.1.2, do we need to provide the exact number of units of the different supplies (mops, gloves, buckets, bleach?

Answer 12: The Offeror should identify types and quantities of any and all equipment, supplies and materials required to perform services under this contract.

Question 13: L.5 Financial Statement – Is it necessary to include the financial statement with the offer or only if we are requested to provide it?

Answer 13: As stated in L.5, the Offeror will provide a copy of its financial condition if asked by the Contracting Officer.

Question 14: Answer 6 of Q&A #2 refers to Provision 52.214-34 – Submission of Offers in the English Language (APR 1991) regarding translation of certificates and permits into English. Is it required that the translation be done by a registered translator or could our staff do it?

Answer 14: Provision 52.214-34 does not require that the translation be done by a registered translator.

Question 15: Section L.1.1.2(4) states that the offeror should provide evidence that it can provide the necessary personnel, equipment and financial resources needed to perform the work. Also, Section L.5 relates to the financial statement. What type of evidence is suitable to demonstrate that we can provide the necessary personnel, equipment and financial resources?

Answer 15: The Offeror should provide whatever document it deems appropriate to demonstrate that it has the necessary personnel, equipment and financial resources to perform the work. In addition, in accordance with Section L.5, the Offeror shall provide a financial statement if requested by the Contracting Officer.

May 13, 2015