Solicitation_Questions_with_Responses.docx

Professional Role Player Services Solicitation Questions

1. Is there an incumbent on this contract?

Yes, the incumbent for this contract is Dav Services LLC.

2. Is this contract subject to Wage Determination?

No, this contract is not subject to Wage Determination.

3. Do incumbent employees (if any) have a right of first refusal?

No, while this is not a specific requirement of the solicitation; generally, incumbent employees are offered the right of first refusal.

4. Are there job descriptions and minimum requirements available for the role players outside of the compliance criteria provided in paragraph 3 of the PWS such as screening criteria in the areas of: medical fitness, training requirements and security screening requirements?

No, there are no additional job descriptions/minimum requirements for the role player other than what is mentioned in the compliance criteria in Section C., number 3.

The only job description/requirements for the role player are the descriptions of the types of scenario playing they will be doing. These include, but are not limited to, playing the role of an uncooperative subject, getting handcuffed, handling training weapons such as blank firing and marking round firing weapons, lying on the floor or sitting handcuffed for prolonged periods of times and being interviewed or interrogated for extended periods of time.

5. Are the role players full time employees?

The current role players are employees of the incumbent contractor, not the USCP. Any follow on contract will have the same arrangement.

6. RFP Section L Paragraph 2, subparagraph E States “As part of the proposal, the offeror shall submit the names and labor categories of all proposed staff. The offeror shall also submit resumes, with dates provided for past positions, for proposed professional staff. The resumes shall include specialized experience, education, number of years of experience, and any related specialized expertise. At a minimum, thirty-five (35) resumes for proposed staff must be submitted in order to be considered” The statement states resumes are required for proposed professional staff yet states that a minimum of 35 are required.

Question: Which positions require resumes?

Resumes for the Project Manager and thirty-five (35) role players are required. Section L, Paragraph 2, subparagraph E of the RFP will be amended to state “at a minimum, thirty-five (35) resumes for proposed role players staff must be submitted in order to be considered”.

7. Can the government provide contractors with the anticipated schedule of practical role playing exercises? Or, can the government provide an estimate of the total billable hours per year for each labor category?

The anticipated schedule of role playing exercises and the estimate of billable hours per year are determined by the number of recruit classes and specialized training being conducted in a fiscal year. There is no set amount of billable hours per year for each labor category.

8. Page 1, block 15 of the solicitation states “deliver to USCO, TSB-Executive/entry level & in Service Divisions, Building 31, 2nd floor, 9000 Commo RD, Cheltenham, MD 20623. Page 58, section L.1. of the solicitation states hand deliver to USCP Office of procurement, ATTN Shavonne Shaw, 499 South Capitol Street, SW, Fairchild BLDG, 7th Floor, Washington, DC 20003.

Question: Which is the correct location for delivery of our final proposal?

The correct location for delivery of proposals is:

USCP Office of Procurement Attn: Shavonne Shaw 499 South Capitol Street, SW Fairchild Building, 7th Floor Washington, D.C. 20003 Block 15 of the solicitation will be amended to show the correct delivery location.

9. Page 11, Para H (Special Contract Requirements), sub-para 1b. (Attachment 1 – USCP Request for Check of Criminal History Records/Building Access Card forms) does not match attachment 1 issued with the solicitation (United States Capitol Police Professional Role Player Services Nondisclosure / Conflict of Interest Certificate.

Question: Should we have received a USCP Request for Check of Criminal History Records/Building Access Card form as specified in the solicitation and if so what are we supposed to do with it?

No, this was a typographical error in the RFP. Attachment 1 of this RFP is the Non-Disclosure/Conflict of Interest Certificate. Once award is made, the USCP will provide the USCP Request for Check of Criminal History Records/Building Access Card form to the contractor and explain its purpose. The RFP will be amended to remove the words “Attachment 1” and to add the following statement “a copy of this form will be given to the Contractor upon award’ on page 11, Para H, subpara 1b.

10. Page 58, para 2d briefly mentions letters of commitment but does not specify a requirement for submission of letters of commitment.

Question: Are letters of commitment required to support each of the thirty-five resumes that must be submitted with our proposal?

Yes, letters of commitment are required to support each of the thirty-five resumes that must be submitted with the proposal.

11. Last Year’s solicitation cited FAR clause 52.222-17 Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers (May 2014). However, the new solicitation makes no mention of it.

Question: Was this a deliberate omission on the part of the government given the requirement to submit 35 Resumes that may or may not be attributed to incumbent employees?

Question: Is adherence to FAR clause 52.222-17 Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers (May 2014) a requirement under this contract offering?

FAR clause 52.222-17, Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers is not applicable to this requirement.

12. Page 59, para 2f states that the Past Performance References must be for work performed in the capacity of a prime contractor.

Question: In instances where a single sub-contractor has provided all materials and performed 99-100% of contract labor under the auspices of a “pass-thru” agreement with a prime contractor, will the government consider waiving the requirement for Prime Status and allow the sub-contractor in question to submit its past performance?

There are no subcontractor requirements for this solicitation. Past performance will only be evaluated at the Prime Status level.

13. Section L, Page 59, para 3 (Price Proposal Instructions) states “The offeror shall submit pricing for each CLIN Identified under section B – Contract price for each option year period.

Question: Is a cost narrative required for each option year period in addition to the stated requirement for a price sheet for each identified CLIN?

A cost narrative is not required for each option year period.

14. Page 58, Section L, para 2c. States “The introduction should also include a background section that discusses relevant and previous research and/or support for the services.”

Question: This statement is vague. Can you please elaborate on what it is you require here?

This statement will be removed from Section L, paragraph 2c. The first sentence of this paragraph explains what the Government requires in the introduction – “The introduction shall provide evaluator(s) with an impression of the offeror’s understanding of the requirements, objectives, scope of work and intended services.

15. Does the government anticipate a transition period for this program? If so, how long will the transition period be?

The Government anticipates a transition period of approximately two (2) weeks.

16. Reference: Section C. Statement of Work, 3. Requirements: This section references a Security Training Exercise and Assessment (STEA) Program. Can the government please give more details as to the nature, occurrence, and duration of this exercise?

The Government anticipated implementation of the STEA Program when the RFP was posted, but at this time, there are no plans to implement it in the immediate future. However, when the Government decides to implement this program, detailed information will be provided to the awardee. Section B.2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 and 2.5 will be amended to state that providing pricing under CLINS 0003, 1003, 2003, 3003 and 4003 is now optional based on this information.

17. Reference: Section L. Can the government please confirm there is no font or font size requirement for this proposal?

There is no font or font size requirement for this proposal.

18. Reference: Section L. Can the government please confirm that the signed Non-Disclosure Agreements and Confidentiality Agreements, which a minimum of 35 proposed personnel must sign and submit with their resumes, are outside of the 30 page limit?

Yes, the signed non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements are outside of the 30 page limit.

19. Reference: Section L, 2a Table of Contents. This section states the “table of contents shall provide the evaluator(s) with an impression of the offeror's understanding of the requirements, objectives, scope of work, and intended services. The introduction should also include a background section that discusses relevant and previous support for this type of services.” Can the government please confirm that these instructions are intended only for Section L.2.c Introduction and not required as part of the table of contents?

Yes, the Government confirms that these instructions are intended only for Section L.2.c Introduction and not required as part of the table of contents. This statement will be removed from the RFP.

20. Reference: Section M,2.b states “this factor considers if the offeror can provide contractors who meet the requirements and qualifications for the positions specified in the SOW.” However, the Project Manager is never specified in the SOW. Can the Government please clarify how they will evaluate the qualifications and resume of the Project Manager?

The Site Supervisor will also serve as the Project Manager. Duties shall include: supervising role player activities, ensuring role player safety, prompt arrival time, ensuring proper role player clearances, and acts as a liaison between the USCP and role players. As the Site Supervisor, this individual will take corrective action for role players not performing in a manner consistent with the terms and conditions of the contract. Section C of the solicitation will be amended to include this information.

21. Reference: Solicitation, all sections. A) This solicitation includes references to a FAR Part 12 modeled acquisition, in addition to FAR Part 15. This contractor does not agree that the nature of the services rendered under this contract would be considered “commercial” as these type of training courses are not provided similarly to the general public, which USCP alludes to throughout the solicitation by referencing “national security implications” and “law enforcement sensitive.” Please consider revising the solicitation to remove the references and provisions to FAR Part 12, or specify which services would be considered commercial and apply those clauses only to the commercial services/contract line items. B) This contractor believes that the solicitation provisions are inconsistent in that the contract includes both 52.212-4 Commercial Terms & Conditions and also, United States Capitol Police specific clauses: USCP52.001 Order of Precedence, USCP52.004 Changes, USCP52.006 Disputes, and USCP52.009 Excusable Delays. The agency specific clauses contradict the same provisions contained within 52.212-4. Please consider an amendment to the solicitation to remove the conflicting provisions, alternatively, please consider specifying which clauses pertain to the non-commercial requirements and which specify to the commercial requirements by identifying those aspects as outlined in A) above.

FAR 52.212-4 Commercial Terms & Conditions is not applicable and is hereby removed from the solicitation.

22. Reference: Solicitation Section C. Statement of Work, 3. Requirements: The last sentence states “…and any other specialty training identified by USCP agents.” Please provide additional insight into this requirement by providing examples of ‘specialty’ training that may occur during the life of the contract.

Examples of specialty training may include playing the roles of dignitaries, riotous crowds or wanted individuals.

23. Reference: 52.227-14 Rights in Data – General (May 2014) incorporate by reference. Section C. does not specify what anticipated data will be delivered during the course of the contract.

FAR 52.227-14 Rights in Data is not applicable and is hereby removed from the solicitation.

24. Reference: Section M., Evaluation Factors for Award, 1. Contract Award: “…Price shall be a secondary factor.” Please specify the degree or weight associated with price as a secondary factor in order for the contractors to adequately develop a valid proposal. For example, is price significantly less, slightly less, or less important?

Price will be considered slightly less important.

25. Reference: Section M., 2. Evaluation, Negotiation, and Award Process. 1. Evaluation of Technical Acceptability. Please clarify this title in that this is a best value tradeoff evaluation and the technical volume is not being evaluated simply on the basis of acceptability. The contractor recommends that this is retitled to: “1. Evaluation of Technical Merit.”

The title of Section M.2.a.1 is changed from “Evaluation of Technical Acceptability” to “Evaluation of Technical Merit”.

26. Will the government consider hosting an industry day visit at the proposed training locations?

No, hosting an industry day at the proposed training locations is not required for proposal submission.

27. Will the government specify the course, training and role player gear, equipment and materials that will be Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) and what required gear, clothing, equipment and materials will be the responsibility of the contractor?

In every course that requires the participation of role players, the Government will provide the necessary protective gear for eyes, ears and throats, along with gloves, vests and helmets. The contractor does not need to supply any equipment.

28. Will the government please describe the support provided to the contractor on the training sites? Specifically, will the contractor be provided space, internet connectivity, access to break rooms/common areas and if so what is available in those spaces?

The Government will provide the contractor with access to break rooms that are equipped with tables, chairs, vending machines and refrigerators. Internet connectivity and space designated directly for role players will not be provided.

29. Is it the government’s intent to host a contractor Site Lead/ Site Coordinator during course training? If so will the government please describe the level of host support (office space, desk, access to the internet, briefing area, break room/common area, etc.)?

It is not the Government’s intent to host a contractor Site Lead/Coordinator during course training. Therefore, office space, a briefing area, and access to the Internet will not be provided.

30. Type of Contract

The United States Capitol Police (USCP) anticipates awarding an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract and will issue Task Orders on a Firm Fixed Price basis for the performance of Professional Role Player Services as identified in Section C - Statement of Work. The resultant contract will have a base period plus four (4) one-year option periods which shall be exercised upon the request of the USCP.

QUESTION: Will the government clarify the number of anticipated awards? Specifically, does the government intend to issue a single or multiple award?

QUESTION: Will the government impose a minimum small business requirement to this IDIQ, Task Order basis contract?

The Government intends to issue a single award.

No, the Government will not impose a minimum small business requirement to this IDIQ contract.

31. Requirements

The contractor shall be responsible for providing qualified staff to perform all practical exercises as identified by USCP agents. These services will include providing a range of up to 88 hours of practical exercise participation by qualified role players for each 48 member recruit class and 64 hours of participation for each 24 member recruit class of entry-level officers. These exercises shall be varied and targeted for law enforcement personnel as directed on a case-by-case basis and represent real-life scenarios in order to prepare entry-level recruits to meet the challenges they may face in the application of their roles as police officers. The contractor shall provide role players in adequate numbers for other specific advanced training to in-service staff and officers as necessary to meet the mission of the Department. The contractor shall be responsible for providing qualified staff to perform practical exercises as identified by USCP agents for the Experienced Officer Training Program (EOTP), Security Training Exercise and Assessment (STEA) Program and any other specialty training identified by USCP agents.

QUESTION: For the purpose of staff planning, will the government allow each role player to provide multiple roles per course?

QUESTION: For the purpose of staff planning, will the government please provide a sample training course schedule that reflects the staffing requirements for daily training per course?

QUESTION: Is the training for each role conducted congruently?

No, each role player will not be allowed to provide multiple roles per course.

During a typical 12-week Basic Training course, the USCP will utilize role players on an average of thirteen (13) days during this training. On average, the USCP holds four (4) Basic Training courses per year. There is also a 6-week Dignitary Training course that occurs approximately twice a year where role players are used ten (10) days out of the six (6) weeks.

Yes, the training for each role is conducted congruently.

32. Security Requirements All contractual personnel (role players) shall be required to meet the security requirements as determined by the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Special Investigation & Security, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) Cheltenham, MD and those of the U.S. Capitol Police. Such requirements will include, but are not limited to, a criminal background check and other screening of all persons wishing to enter the facility as determined necessary by the FLETC and the U.S. Capitol Police. No person may be granted access to the FLETC that has not successfully passed all security processes required by the above-mentioned agencies. (See Guidelines for Visitor and Contractor Employee Access to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center section on page 8.)

QUESTION: Is it the government’s intent to assist the contractor with security requirements (background checks, etc.), or will the contractor be solely responsible for conducting all security requirements?

All contractual personnel (role players) must pass a FLETC background check before being admitted to the USCP’s training facility on the FLETC campus. The USCP will not assist the contractor with security requirements as this background check is provided by FLETC.

33. Page 6, 2. Scope. What does qualified staff to perform all practical exercises as identified mean. Is there something specific a role player needs to have that you are looking for?

Role players must comply with the criteria outlined in Section C.3.

34. Page 6, 2. Scope. Is there a particular demographics range you’re looking for?

In terms of area demographics, the USCP would like to be able to notify the contractor of the need for role players within twenty-four (24) hours. At times, the USCP will also need an equal number of males and females to report for training.

35. Page 6, 3. Requirements for Recruit Officer Classes (ROC). Services require a range up to 88 hours of practical exercise participation for each 48-member recruit class. If the maximum number of role players of twelve (12) is used, wouldn’t this equate to 96 hours versus 88 hours using a full 8-hour day?

Not all days are 8-hour days; some may be 4-hour days.

36. Page 6, 3. Requirements for Recruit Officer Classes (ROC). How many classes are conducted per?

The USCP is averaging four (4) Basic Training courses per fiscal year.

37. Page 6, 3. Requirements for Recruit Officer Classes (ROC). Do the Recruit Officer Classes overlap from one class to the next?

Yes, at times, recruit classes do overlap.

38. Page 6, 3. Requirements last sentence on page 6. The contractor must be able to provide at least 35 role players per day when requested. Does that number also include the site supervisor?

Yes, this number does include the site supervisor.

39. Page 7, Safety, 4. Role players should arrive promptly at the scheduled time and place for all training exercises. How much time should the role players be in place before an event?

The USCP requires that role players be in place 30 minutes before an event.

40. Page 7, Safety, 4. Any travel costs or parking fees will be the responsibility of the Contractor. What is the average daily parking fee for areas other than FLETC in Cheltenham, MD such as the U.S. Capitol complex?

At this time, role players are only being utilized at FLETC in Cheltenham, Maryland. There is no parking fee at this location.

41. Page 10, 3. Key Personnel. Who is considered key personnel that needs to be designated other than the contractor’s Project Manager?

There is no other key personnel that needs to be identified other than the contractor’s Project Manager.

42. Page 59, 2 Technical Proposal Instructions, f. The offerors shall provide at least three (3) references that have received services from the offeror, which are comparable to those described in the solicitation. We use qualified role players for a multitude of task orders. What does comparable mean in relation to the requirements listed on Page 6, role players will be required to comply with the following criteria?

The contractor shall provide references that shows that their role players have performed duties that fit the criteria outlined on page 6 of the RPF and that have been utilized in law-enforcement scenarios (for example, being handcuffed or being shot at with marking rounds).

43. Page 60, 2. Evaluation factors. This section should be numbered three (3) instead of (2).

This is correct – the numbering for this section will be changed accordingly.