ATTACH_08_Q&A_RESPONSES.pdf

ATTACHMENT #08

RFP No. TIRMS-17-R-00010

FMSS Consolidated Armed Security Guard Services

ATTENTION OFFEROR(S): RFP No. TIRMS-17-R-00010 is issued as a re-solicitation of RFP No. TIRMS-17-R-00002. As a result of this re-solicitation, Attachment No. 08 represents industry questions addressed under the previous RFP by Midstates Procurement and applies to RFP No. TIRMS-17-R-00010.

MIDSTATES’ RESPONSE(S) TO INDUSTRY QUESTIONS:

1. The offeror shall submit a .PDF file containing it’s cost proposal. The file name must be labeled: TIRMS17R00002_CostProposal_[Offeror’s Name]. The offeror shall also submit a copy of its cost/price proposal in a Microsoft Excel format for the purposes of verifying formula and data only. The Microsoft Excel format shall be the same cost/price proposal submitted in .PDF version. The Microsoft Excel version must be submitted with the offeror’s proposal and on or before the date listed in the RFP.”

a. According to the eFax CSR, eFax documents reach the recipient labeled with an eFax file name, rather than a file name of the sender’s choosing. QUESTION: Based on this information, even if we label our file as directed above, it will arrive at the IRS eFax number with a DIFFERENT file name, assigned by eFax. Was this instruction left over from a previous solicitation in which offerors were required to submit files via CD or e-mail? Will the government please remove this requirement from the solicitation, as it is in direct conflict with eFax capabilities?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Offerors are exempt from the naming of the eFax. However, a cover page is required to be submitted with each factor and marked in accordance with the Proposal Submission Requirements on page 130. The file name is required when transmitting proposal per Special/Alternate Submission Requirements (see page 131. The cover page must be included with each factor. The cover page is excluded from the page count.

b. According to the eFax CSR with whom we spoke, documents only arrive on the recipient end as .PDF files, so we cannot submit a Microsoft Excel document to you via eFax and have it arrive to you STILL in MS Excel file format. QUESTION: Based on this information, do you still require an MS Excel file, and if so, will you allow transmission via e-mail? We are trying to understand how we are to transmit a live Excel file to you via a service whose own customer representative states is only capable of delivering electronic files as PDF documents.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Yes. Please refer to Section B, Special/Alternate Submission Requirements, page 131.

2. WRITTEN PROPOSAL FORMAT, page 130, B. Text: The instructions identify the text size as “Microsoft Word font, Arial, 11 point font” AND “Text lines will be a minimum of single-spaced, to to exceed 35 lines per page.”

a. Arial 11 pt is a large font size. QUESTION: Since the solicitation instructions do not allow use of 11x17 pages, will the Government allow a smaller font size to be used on any necessary tables and/or graphics in order to fit within the specified page margins? Typically, 8pt or 9pt fonts are used in order to fit within the indicated margins.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: No. Arial 11pt is the standard text size for this requirement to ensure readability.

b. According to page 130, A. Page, the Government specifies an image space of 7 x 9 inches on an 8.5 x 11-inch page as the area in which offerors are allowed to provide their proposal information. Further, the statement above indicates we may use single spaced text;

however, we may only include 35 LINES of text on each page. This means that nearly three inches of each page WITHIN THE 7 X 9-INCH ALLOTTED SPACE is to remain white space, in effect, cutting a THIRD of our allotted 120 pages for the Technical Volume out.

QUESTION: Will the Government allow offerors to fill the 7 x 9-inch space completely with the standard 51 lines of single-spaced text that will fit into that area?

GOVERNMENT RESPOSNE: Please refer to the attached solicitation language revisions in Amendment #4.

3. CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES - Please clarify at what point in the solicitation and contracting process that the Government requires offerors to present corporate and individual certificates and licenses.

QUESTION: Are these certificates and licenses due with the proposal, as seems to be indicated on page 136, paragraph 1 under CORPORATE CAPABILITY; or are these certificates and licenses due at the start of the contract, as indicated in the instruction for FACTOR #3 TRANSITION PLAN shown on page 139, fourth paragraph from the top?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: All licenses are required by start of contract performance (See PWS 3.15.7). On Page 136 Corporate capabilities, a copy of the license or a copy of application for license will be considered “evidence” of meeting the requirement.

4. KEY PERSONNEL, pages 137:

On page 129, a list of four key personnel is shown. Instructions state that we are to include resumes in our proposal for these personnel at each of the two IRS campuses included under this contract. Further, a paragraph is this section states:

“Any training and/certifications stated by key personnel and/or documented in resumes must be supported by copies of the certificates or completion, Diplomas, etc.”

QUESTION: Given our limited number of pages to respond to this proposal versus the extensive number of pages necessary to respond as directed with comprehensive resumes and license/certificates, would the Government consider exempting resumes and/or their attachments from the proposal/Factor #2 page limitation?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Resumes and their supporting attachments are exempt from the page count.

5. FACTOR #4 – PAST PERFORMANCE, page 129. Factors 1-3 are each given a limit of 40 pages.

QUESTION: Is there a page limit for FACTOR #4 - PAST PERFORMANCE and, if so, what is that page limit?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The page limit for Factor #4, PAST PERFORMANCE is 40.

6. FACTOR #4 – PAST PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT, Page 139, fourth paragraph down from that heading: “Offerers shall submit completed Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQ) on or before the solicitation closing date of this RFP (Attach 05).” Our experience with PPQs has been that we submit them to our clients for completion, and then our clients submit the PPQs directly to the Contracting Office by the proposal deadline.

QUESTION 1: Please clarify if the Government wants our clients to submit their completed PPQs directly to the Contracting Office, or if the offeror is required to collect the completed PPQs from each client for inclusion in “Volume I - Technical Proposal.” If the offeror is to collect and include PPQs with our submitted proposal, will they be counted against any page limits?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Completed PPQ’s may be submitted directly to the CO by the offeror’s client. PPQ’s will not be included in the page count.

7. Is the PM position required to be dedicated solely to this contract? How often does the PM have to be on-site at each location?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Please refer to Section 6, PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION/REQUIREMENT and Sub-Section 6.3.1 PROJECT MANAGER.

8. SECTION 1.6.14.1. This section states, "All security officers and uniformed supervisory personnel working under this contract must complete the following training and pass the required written examination(s). Contract security officers and uniformed supervisors who worked under the predecessor Contract and maintain valid certification credentials will also be required to take the training. All newly hired Contract security officers under the predecessor must take the required training and pass the written examination prior to working under this Contract."

Question/Request for Clarification Please clearly identify what training incumbents need prior to performance on the new contract.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: All training is required to be successfully completed prior to contract performance, unless waived by the COR. Please refer to the PWS for specific training requirements. Training requirements are clearly stated within Sections 1.6.14 through 1.6.29.2 of the RFP.

9. SECTION 4.3.4. What make, model and caliber pistol are the incumbent guard currently carrying?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Current predecessor requirements on equipment are not relevant to this RFP. Please refer to the PWS included with this RFP.

10. SECTION 4.4.9.4. This section states Watch Commanders shall ensure vehicles are cleaned each shift.

Question/Request for Clarification Where is this cleaning to be done? Does the Government provide garage facilities for 4 vehicles at each site?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Please refer to Section 5, GOVERNMENT FURNISHED MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT & SERVICES. Sub-Section 4.4.9.4, of the PWS, states the inspection and cleaning requirement of the Watch Commander. The Government does not provide garage facilities.

11. SECTION 4.5. This section states, “All radios must have encryption capability. Repeaters and antennas must be installed to improve signal strength if necessary to meet this requirement.

A base radio will be provided by the contractor for each CSCC on this contract. The contractor shall provide two way radios for government SQI’s use.”

Question/Request for Clarification This is very expensive equipment that must be priced with our offer.

a) How many repeater assemblies are required in California?

b) How many base stations are required in California?

c) How many repeater assemblies are required in Utah?

d) How many base stations are required in Utah?

e) Does encryption mean P-25 compliant?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Offerors must determine how to best meet the requirements of the PWS based upon the size and scope and service area. The PWS does not specify the encryption technology required. However, all equipment must meet the requirements outlined in Sections 4.5 through 4.5.3 of the PWS.

12. SECTION 4.6. PWS § 4.6 states, "The Contractor shall provide and maintain one cell phone for designated post per IRS Campus to accommodate communication with customers.

The site SQI is responsible for approving post(s) requiring the use of cell phone(s) for communication."

Question/Request for Clarification We will need to know, prior to submitting our bid, how many posts at each site require cell phones in order to price them. If this is not possible, we would reserve the right to ask for an economic adjustment after award.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: All posts require cell phones.

13. Attch 3 & 4. Two local Federal wage determinations were provided by the Government.

Question/Request for Clarification Which positions that are not covered by the CBAs would fall under Federal WD?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The Collective Bargaining Agreement(s) (CBA) covers all guards (i.e. ASO’s) working productive post hours. The CBA does not include management/key personnel positions.

14. EXHIBIT 2. Exhibit 2 has some conflicts on the post hours.

Post 4 Ogden - if this is 24/7/365, shouldn't the annual hours be 8760 instead of 3000?

Post 6 & 6A Fresno - if this post is 2.5 hours per day, M-F, no holidays, (2.5x251) should the annual hours be 627.5 rather than 287.5?

There are several instances of this. In fact, when we use the traditional M-F/no Hol = 251 (365 - 104 SS -10 Hol) & 365 days against your hours per day, we get 106,675 productive hours for Fresno and 96,485 productive for Ogden (not knowing what "11.5 / .45" is for HPD on Post 2 Fresno). As issued, the post exhibit appears to be almost 15,000 hours short of actual time on post.

Question/Request for Clarification Will the Government recalculate the post hours or should we bid the hours as provided and request adjustment after award?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Ogden post 4 is 8760 hours instead of 3000. Please refer to Exhibit #02, Revision 1.

15. General. So that we may calculate vacation and other benefits, will the Government issue a seniority list?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Please see attached seniority list.

16. Who is the incumbent vendor and are they eligible to respond to this requirement?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: E & A Protective Services.

17. What is the total value of the current contract?

GOVERNMENT RSPONSE: The previous Contract No. TIRMS-11-C-00010 was awarded with a base and four one year options for an estimated contract value of $35,828,700.02

18. Can we speak with incumbent personnel, and are they eligible to work with potential new contractor?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: FAR Subpart 52.222-17, Non-Placement of Qualified Workers

(May 2014) and E.O. 13495 applies to this requirement. The successor will be allowed a 90-day transition period to determine qualified guard force per E.O. 13495 and FAR 52.222-17, Non-Displacement of Qualified Workers (May 2014).

19. WRITTEN PROPOSAL FORMAT - Page 130 of 188.

Please confirm that regardless of the useful space remaining on a page, the Government wants to see no more than 35 lines on any page.

Section B states. Text: Type size shall not be smaller than, Microsoft Word font Arial, 11- point font, normal proportional spacing. Text lines will be a minimum of single-spaced, not to exceed 35 lines per page. Single-column is the preferred format and use of bold face type for paragraph headings is acceptable.

A MS Word single-spaced document at 11 points using the standards defined in the solicitation exceeds 35 lines. Single-spaced 11- point TNR with 1 inch margins and default header/footer settings is 49 lines/ page

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Please see attached solicitation language revisions in

20. Can responses be submitted via email and or efax?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Responses must be e-Faxed due to size of proposal content.

Special/Alternate Proposal Submission requirements are permitted per the proposal submission requirements, page 131.

21. Will the 29 post’s in Fresno, CA and the 14 post’s in Ogden, UT require an armed guard for each post?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: All posts shall be staffed with armed ASO;s.

22. FORMAT. Text: Type size shall not be smaller than, Microsoft Word font Arial, 11 point font, normal proportional spacing. May the offeror use smaller than Arial 11 pt. font for headers, footers, tables, charts and figures?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: No.

23. KEY PERSONNEL. The RFP variously cites Key Personnel as PWS 4: PM, Site Supervisor, Watch Commanders - Please clarify:

Page 136: PM, QC Inspector(s), Site Supervisors, Watch Commanders Page 150: PM, Site Supervisor, QC Manager and all substitutes and/or back personnel.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Key Personnel consist of the following:

Project Manager; Quality Control Monitor(s); Site Supervisor(s); and Watch Commander(s) and all substitutes.

24. TRANSITION PERIOD. We understand that no payment will made to the contractor during transition (ref), however there is no CLIN for billing of these services after transition has been completed. Please advise.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Please refer to Amendment #0003, under the Base Period.

25. Evaluation Procedures. SECTION 2.4 Criteria for Past Performance. This Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs) be returned to the Government by the proposal due date. Please advise how many PPQs are required?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The Government will consider each offeror’s demonstrated, relevant record of past performance in providing armed guard services, in size and scope of this requirement and as a prime contractor that meet the requirements of this PWS. The references for all projects must have been associated with the project during the last five (5) years. There is no limit requirement on the number of PPQ’s.

26. TRANSITION PERIOD. The RFP states that: 1) the transition period will be no more than 90 days; and 2) that only expenses are billable as the incumbent will provide all security services during transition. PWS page 45 “R” however, says that the initial order for productive hours is anticipated to begin no earlier than 30 days after contract award.

Should offerors therefore be prepared to provide armed guard services during the last 60 days of the transition period? Please clarify.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Please refer to attached solicitation revisions under Amendment No. 0004.

27. PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS. The PWS does not state any requirements for citizenship for the security personnel. Please advise whether U.S. Citizenship or Legal Resident (or other) status is required.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Please refer to Section 6.2, EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE, and all its subsections as well as other PWS sections such as 6.5.22.3.

28. CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS. Does the Offeror need Facility Clearance Level for the contract?

If so, at what level?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Please refer Sections 1.6.20 through 1.6.20.8 and 6.5.22, of the

RFP.

29. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE. The SF1449 indicates the period of performance to be one year from August 1, 2017. The CLINS indicate four option years. RFP page 27 describes the period of performance as one Base Period and two 12 month Options. RFP page 28 describes the period of performance as a Base Period plus four Option Years. Please clarify the contract period of performance.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Please refer to attached solicitation language revisions under Section 1.4, Scope.

30. PPQs. Does the offeror submit its PPQs directly to the Government or must they be submitted by the referenced points of contact?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: PPQ’s may be submitted directly to the CO.

31. PROPOSAL PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS. The RFP does not proved guidance on page limitations for Volume II. Please clarify.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The page count requirement does not apply to Volume II, Cost/Price Proposal.

32. Resumes are required for the PM, Site Supervisor, and Watch Commander. Are the resumes, certificates, diplomas, etc. included in the page count?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: No. Resumes and their supporting attachments are exempt from the page count.

33. Do you want one representative resume for the Watch Commander in CA and one representative resume for the UT location?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Please refer to Section 2.0 ACRONYMNS/DEFINITIONS, T – Watch Commander. See also sections, 4.0 CONTRACTOR DELIVERABLE, Sub-Section

4.1.1.2. The key personnel requirements apply to any and all persons who will serve in a Key personnel role.

34. Two positions (Watch Commander and QC Inspectors) were not specifically listed in the RFP, IR1052-96-063 KEY PERSONNEL, page 150 of 188. Are resumes required for these positions? Key personnel were listed as: Security Supervisory Personnel; Project Manager; Site Supervisor; Quality Control Manger; and all substitutes and/or back personnel.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Please refer to attached solicitation language revisions under Amendment No. 0004.

35. Are resumes required for all of these Security Supervisory Personnel? Are these Security Supervisory Personnel – Project Manager, Site Supervisors, QC Manager, and all substitutes and/or back up personnel? Who do you consider substitutes and/or back up personnel for provided resumes?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Resumes are required for all key personnel and/or any substitutes serving in key personnel roles. See also the attached solicitation language revisions under Amendment No. 0004.

36. Is the QC Manager a key person? Is a resume required for the QC Manager?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Please refer to the attached solicitation language revisions under Amendment No. 0004. Quality Control Monitors are identified as key personnel.

37. Do you want one Site Supervisor resume submitted for UT and one for CA?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Yes.

38. Do the incumbent ASOs meet the medical/physical requirements as described in this

RFP/SOW?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The successor will be allowed a 90-day transition period to determine qualified guard force under E.O. 13495 and FAR 52.222-17, Non-Displacement of Qualified Workers (May 2014). Both incumbents and new hires must be screened and tested in accordance with the requirements of this RFP to determine eligibility.

39. In the Exhibit 2, Post Hour Requirements, Posts 6 and 6A for Fresno (Northeast Gate) each show 2.5 hours per day, Monday thru Friday (5 days per week less holidays), for a total of 287.5 hours per year each. However 5 days a week (250 days) x 2.5 hours = 625 hours per year. If you count weekends and holidays at 2.5 hours per day for these posts, you get 287.5 hours per year each (104 weekend days plus 11 holidays times 2.5 hours/day). Are these posts therefore manned Monday thru Fridays (625 hours/year), or Weekends and Holidays (287.5 hours/year)?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Please refer to attached revised Exhibit #2, Revision 1. Please use the hours reflected in the PWS, Exhibit #2, Revision 1.

40. In the Exhibit 2, Post Hour Requirements, Post 17 for Fresno (Interior Patrol, Jul-Dec) shows 20 hours per day (0400-2400), Monday thru Friday (5 days per week less holidays), for a total of 5,000 hours per year. However 5 days a week for 6 months (125 weekdays) x 20 hours = 2,500 hours per year. If you count 5 days a week at 20 hours per day for this post for the entire year, you get the indicated 5,000 hours per year (250 week days times 20 hours/day). Is this post therefore supposed to indicate 20 hours per weekday for 6 months (July-Dec) for 2,500 hours per year, or 20 hours per weekday for the entire year (Jan-Dec) for 5,000 hours per year?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Please refer to attached revised Exhibit #2, Revision 1. Please use the hours reflected in the PWS, Exhibit #2, Revision 1.

41. In the Exhibit 2, Post Hour Requirements, Posts 3 and 4 for Fresno each show coverage hours of 24 hours per day, 7 days a week including Holidays. 365 days a year, at 24 hours a day, totals 8,760 hours - which is what the total annual hours for Post 3 indicates. However Post 4 shows a total of 3,000 hours per year for the same days and hours worked per year.

Shouldn’t Post 4 total 8,760 hours as well, or are the hours per day different?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Please refer to response in #39.

42. Do we anticipate that there may be any additional revisions to the post Assignment in terms of revised schedules and/or reduction or addition of posts?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Any changes pertaining to this requirement will be issued in writing by the CO.

43. Will the government provide the awardee with a location to issue uniform to the officers?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The Government makes no guarantees regarding the availability of space to issue uniforms. However, the Government will make efforts to accommodate the awardee, should space be available. It is the sole responsibility of the contractor to meet the requirements of this RFP.

44. Will the government provide a location to conduct on-site classroom training for the transition and ongoing refresher training?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The Government makes no guarantees regarding the availability of space to conduct on-site classroom training. However, the Government will make efforts to accommodate the awardee, should space be available. It is the sole responsibility of the contractor to meet the requirements of this RFP.

45. In section 4.5 under Radios it says Contractor must provide radios for the SQI to use? How many as some sites may have multiple SQI's? Do they need to be digital or analog?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: There is only one (1) SQI per site that requires a radio. See Section 4.5, RADIOS for contract requirements.

46. Is the security vendor required to provide Base stations for the Console areas? If so, how many base stations will be required per site?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Please refer to the Section 4.5, RADIOS of the PWS and applicable exhibits.

47. Is the security vendor required to provide repeaters for each location? If so, how many repeaters will be required per site?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Please refer to the Section 4.5, RADIOS of the PWS and applicable exhibits.

48. In Section 6.5.21.2 for Random Drug testing, the RFP has conveyed that the government may charge the contractor for the cost of the testing and bill for the officers’ time also? We request additional clarification on this matter.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Section 6.5.21.2, GOVERNMENT REQUESTED DRUG SCREENING outlines requirements regarding random and targeted screenings requested by the Government. If results are “positive” the contractor is responsible for costs associated with the drug screening.

49. Do any of the vehicles need to be 4-wheel drive for the Ogden, UT facility?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Refer to the PWS and applicable exhibits. Proposals should be based on the offerors knowledge and understanding of the locations, size and scope of the requirement.

50. What is the suggested length of time for completion of the suitability investigations in CA and UT?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Please refer to Section 1.6.20, On-boarding of Contractor Personnel and IR1052.204-9005 SUBMISSION OF SECURITY FORMS AND RELATED MATERIALS (OCT 2015). The estimated completion time is based on information provided by the contractor’s personnel.

51. Are Roving Patrol officers able to provide a 5-10-minute restroom break to fixed post officers?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: No.

52. Will the government provide the vendor with radio frequency that are currently being use?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: No.

53. What type of radios are used by the current security contractor?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Offerors must determine how to best meet the requirements of the PWS based upon the size and scope and service area. However, all equipment must meet the requirements outlined in Sections 4.5 through 4.5.3 of the PWS.

54. Are the radios required to be compatible with 800 MHz Public Safety spectrum or otherwise interoperate with Public Safety Agencies, Police or Fire Department?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Offerors must determine how to best meet the requirements of the PWS based upon the size and scope and service area. The PWS does not specify the frequency required. However, all equipment must meet the requirements outlined in Sections

4.5 through 4.5.3 of the PWS.

55. Is the vendor required to use UHF or VHF, digital or analog radios?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Offerors must determine how to best meet the requirements of the PWS based upon the size and scope and service area. The PWS does not specify the band or frequency required. However, all equipment must meet the requirements outlined in Sections

4.5 through 4.5.3 of the PWS.

56. If the government has repeater, can the vendor tap into that repeater using the same frequency?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: No.

57. On Page 27, 1.4 Scope, paragraph 2; The resulting contract will include one Base Period and two (2) 12-month Option Periods. However, on Page 28, 1.5 Period of performance, it states that the period of performance will be for (1) 12-month Base Period and four (4) 12-month option periods. What is the correct period of the proposed contract?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Please see attached solicitation language revisions in

58. On Page 31, Training, 1.6.14.1; the RFP states that “All security officers and uniformed supervisory personnel working on this contract must complete the following training and pass the written examination(s). Contract security officers and uniformed supervisors who worked under the predecessor Contract and maintain valid certification credentials will also be required to take the training. All newly hired contract security officers under the predecessor must take the required training and pass then written examination prior to working under this contract.”

However, under IRS-Specific training, 1.6.22.4, there is reference that suggests “Security officers and uniformed supervisors who worked under the predecessor Contract may be exempt from this training, provided the Contractor can furnish adequate proof that such training was successfully completed (e.g., a valid, legible copy of a Training Certificate). The COR shall have the sole discretion to accept or deny proposed exemptions from IRS specific training based on prior training experience.”

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: All training is required to be successfully completed prior to contract performance, unless waived by the COR. Please refer to the PWS for specific training requirements. Training requirements are clearly stated within Sections 1.6.14 through 1.6.29.2 of the RFP.

59. Note: We are requesting clarification regarding exactly to which training this exemption is applicable?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Refer to PWS Section 1.6.22.4 and its subsections “IRS Specific Training” which is outlined in Exhibit 7. All training must be successfully completed.

60. In Page 32, Supervisors, 1.6.17.3, the RFP state “Newly hired security officers must be assigned to work the site for a minimum of 60 days and have met all required initial training prior to consideration as a supervisor/Watch Commander.”

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Section 1.6.17.3, states, “Newly hired security officers must be assigned to work the site for a minimum of 60 days and have met all required initial training prior to consideration as a supervisor/Watch Commander.”

61. Question: Does that requirement include new hires that have the experience and met the training requirements?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Yes. ALL new hires MUST meet the requirements as outlined in Section 1.6.17.3.

62. In Page 67, Medical and Physical Fitness Requirements, 6.5.1.3, the RFP states that

“Medical examinations are valid for a period of 3 years from date of issuance.”

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Section 6.5.1.3, states, “Medical examinations are valid for a period of 3 years from the date of issuance. Upon expiration, a new medical examination must be provided under the same guidelines stipulated in this section on Exhibit 11.”

63. Question: Will incumbent contractor provide records of current contract personnel’s medical certifications upon award to the new contractor? Will the government accept medical certification on OPM’s certificate of medical examination?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: This requirement allows for a 90-day transition period. During this period, it is the successor/incumbents responsibility to negotiate in good faith a plan to determine the nature and extent of the services required.

No. Please refer to Exhibit #11, Medical Exam Questionnaire. All screenings, exams/tests must be performed on all incumbent and new hire personnel after the award date.

64. In Page 76, Pre-employment Drug Screening, 6.5.19.2, Contract Security officers must resubmit to a urine drug screening upon renewal of physical forms every three years.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Section 6.5.19.2, states, The Contractor will perform random drug screening of 5% of the guard force assigned to this contract over a 12- month period.

Contract Security officers must resubmit to a urine drug screening upon renewal of physical forms every three years.

65. Question: If incumbent employee has submitted a medical screening within the last 3 years are they required to submit to a new drug screening prior to starting work under the new contractor?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Yes.

66. Will the government provide phone and/or Internet service to the key personnel for the security vendor?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: After Background adjudication and granted facility and systems access, Key personnel will be given an IRS.gov email account and computer access to it. The vendor will provide a cell phone for each Key personnel position on the contract and government MAY provide a landline phone to the Site Supervisors.

67. May we have a specific listing of the mileage logged on the vehicles used for the incumbent contractor and the year / time in service for each vehicle?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: No. Please refer to Exhibit #8, Contractor Furnished Vehicle Requirements for estimates.

68. With regards to Instructions to Offerors, what is the page limit for Factor #4, Past

Performance?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: There is no page limitation to address Factor #4, Past Performance.

69. How do we submit the Microsoft Excel version of the financial proposal, if the proposals are to be submitted via fax? (Suggestion: Please remove the request to submit MS Excel spreadsheet)

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The offeror shall submit a .pdf copy of its cost proposal per the solicitation instructions, with their proposal via e-Fax. Additionally, the offeror must submit a Microsoft Excel format of its cost proposal for the purposes of verifying formula and data only.

Offerors must its Excel format directly to the CO via electronically at www.Bernadette.Gross- Briggs@irs.gov. The spreadsheet must be encrypted for safeguarding purposes. Any required passwords or instructions for accessing proposal responses must be provided to the individuals listed above at the time of submission.

70. In Exhibit 2, Post Hours Requirements, what do the “*” and “+” symbolize?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The asterisk symbol denotes holiday. The plus symbol denotes weekends.

71. In Exhibit 2, Post Hours Requirements, Fresno, CA, we are requesting better clarification on the post hours’ requirements for Post #2, Post #18, Post #19 and Post #20?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Please refer to Exhibit #2, Rev. 1.

72. In Exhibit 2, Post Hours Requirements, there is a note that says “WC (factored into offering price)”. Does this suggest that the WC position is a non-billable position much like the Site Supervisor and Project Manager positions?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Yes.

73. In Exhibit 2, Post Hours Requirements, please specify the posts that require relief officers?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Please refer to Section 1.6.13.2, Relief and Lunch Breaks.

74. In Exhibit 2, do the Roving Patrol Posts require a relief officer?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Please refer to Section 1.6.13.2, Relief and Lunch Breaks.

75. In Exhibit 2, we have constructed a comprehensive calculation of the work schedules for each post and have compared it to the proposed “Annual Post Hours”, as provided by the IRS.

We have observed that there is a significant conflict between the two. Considering that this is a firm fixed price contract, we must have accurate hours to ensure that we factor our costs accordingly. We are requesting a rationale for how the applicable hours were derived.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Please refer to Exhibit #2, Revision 1. Hours provided are based on Government’s need.

76. Please specify which posts require coverage on federal recognized holidays?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Please refer to Exhibit #2, Revision 1.

77. With regards to the NIJ standards, it is our understanding that NIJ has removed the official listing of NIJ-approved weapons from their website. Does the government have any alternative guidance in terms of our ability to provide NIJ compliance or could this requirement be suspended?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The NIJ standard is clear and the government offers no alternative guidance. The requirement will be STRICTLY observed. The contractor shall comply with all federal, state, and local laws under this requirement (i.e Section 3.15.6, 4.3.4, etc.).

78. Are the Shift Supervisors covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The Collective Bargaining Agreement(s) (CBA) covers all guards (i.e. ASO’s) working productive post hours. The CBA does not include management/key personnel positions.

79. Is the government expecting all “Key Personnel” to be on site for the entire 90 day transition period?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Transition team personnel (i.e. PM, Site Supervisor, etc.) is required to be on-site for the full 90-day transition period. The transition team must be presence on-site to observe all operations pertinent to the contract requirements for the 90 day transition period at the specified locations.

80. Do the CA and UT facilities have free, ample parking for security personnel?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The Government cannot guarantee free parking. Parking arrangements are based upon availability and on a first come first serve basis. Please refer to Section 4.4.9.2.

81. Will the government permit us to have controlled contact with incumbent key personnel to obtain resumes for proposal submission and to ensure a seamless transition / continuity of operations during the transition? Furthermore, incumbent personnel are entitled to first right of refusal for all employment opportunities if meeting all basic requirements.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Both the incumbent and the successor will be provided sufficient opportunities to coordinate any efforts necessary to ensure a seamless transition within the 90-day period. The successor will be allowed a 90-day transition period to determine qualified guard force per E.O. 13495 and FAR 52.222-17, Non-Displacement of Qualified

Workers (May 2014).