USMS24-11 A1.pdf

AMENDMENT OF

PAGE O PAGES F

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AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/ MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO.

3. EFFECTIVE DATE 4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.

5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)

A0001 07/19/11

6. ISSUED BY JOSCIE L. BARNES

CODE

7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)

UNICOR FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES

INTERAGENCY SOLUTIONS/PROCUREMENT BR 7TH FL

400 FIRST STREET, NW

WASHINGTON, DC 20534

SAME AS BLOCK # 6

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, country, State and Zip Code) (x)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

I

USMS24-11

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

06/27/11

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

F

FACILITY CODE

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATIONS

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and the date specified for receipt of Offers X is extended, is not extended.

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods: (a) By completing items 8 and 15, and returning 1 copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment number. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

UNICOR FUNDS 15X4500 NO INCREASE IN CONTRACT

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

(X)

A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, Appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103 (b).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF :

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

X

FAR CLAUSE 52.212-1 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS – COMMERCIAL ITEMS (C)

E. IMPORTANT : Contractor X is not, is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

SOLICITATION # USMS24-11 IS HEREBY AMENDED TO REFLECT THE FOLLOWING CHANGES:

1. SEE PAGE TWO OF THIS MODIFICATION FOR DETAILS

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print) 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

15C. DATE SIGNED

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

16C. DATE SIGNED

BY

(Signature of the person authorized to sign)

(Signature of contracting officer)

NSN 7540-01-152-8070

PREVIOUS EDITION UNUSABLE

30-105

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 10-83)

Prescribed by GSA

FAR(48 CFR) 53.243

Amendment 0001 Solicitation # USMS24-11

1. Following are Questions and Answers as it relates to this requirement. The closing date of July 20, 2011 at 2:00 pm EST is hereby extended to July 27, 2011 at 2:00 PM EST. Following are the responses to the inquiries received:

GENERAL QUESTIONS

1. Has a Contracting Officer been designated at this time as Block 31b of SF1449 is blank?

Response: The Contracting Officer for this requirement is Joscie L.

Barnes, Senior Contracting Officer as noted in Block 7 of the SF‐1449 and page

3 of the solicitation.

2. Is there a timetable for publishing answers to the technical questions and will the proposers have sufficient time to respond?

Response: There is not a timetable to publish answers to questions.

The Contracting Officer will publish as quickly as the responses are provided depending upon the number of questions to answer. If determined by the Contracting Officer, an extension is given to all interested offerors to afford an opportunity for a timely response.

3. Need a proposer submit only one electronic copy if responding by that option?

Response: Yes. Your Subject shall be identified with the Solicitation

Number.

4. Are written acknowledgments required for each subsection in item of the

“SOLICITATION INFORMATION” when it is merely a stated requirement? Is a blanket acknowledgement that the proposer has read, understands and accepts the specifications as they are written acceptable for evaluation purposes, if proposers respond to the call for information in particular items?

Response: This question is unclear. Any section of the solicitation that requests a response from the offeror is considered as responding to the solicitation.

If as the offeror, you make a determination to elaborate on any portion of the solicitation to clearly substantiate your offer is acceptable.

5. Is there another auction scheduled under the current contract?

Response: This information is not needed to submit a proposal for this solicitation.

PAGE-REFERENCED QUESTIONS (SOLICITATION INFORMATION)

6. Would you please provide the current total appraised value in contractor custody at which the assets are to be insured?

Response: This is a fluctuating amount. The dollar value could range from $25 million to $250 million or above. The contractor must be able to insure based on the inventory amounts. [Ref: Page 14, 3) e) iii)]

7. Does the current contract require this same level of jewelers block insurance?

Response: No. The current contract is a different requirement than this one.

The decision to have different levels of jewelers block insurance will vary. [Ref:

Page 14, 3) e) iii)]

8. Have any assets been lost, misplaced, stolen or unaccounted for under the current contract or any preceding contracts? If so, would you please provide information about the circumstances (for the sake of avoiding any such losses in the future)?

Response: None. [Ref: Page 14, 3) e) iii)]

9. Would you please provide an explanation of “alarm recognition system” in this context?

Response: This is a system that would recognize the authorized personnel in the facility by using advanced technology features. [Ref: Page 15, 4) a) v)]

10. Will the COTR pre‐approve regular delivery personnel such as drivers for the USPS, FedEx and UPS who may routinely be delivering assets to the Contractor’s facility? If not, how are those personnel to be handled in regards to facility access?

Response: No. this would be done through the contractor. The contractor will have to develop a plan for the delivery and security of the assets while in their care and custody. [Ref: Page 16, 4) e) i)]

11. If a district requires return of assets that require special loading equipment, packaging supplies or services, are these to be provided on a cost reimbursable basis?

Response: Yes. [Ref: Page 16, 5) d)]

12. Does this mean that each and every separate container of assets (e.g. a sealed box, a

Brinks bag, a crate, a pallet, etc.) needs to contain a device that provides moment‐ to‐moment GPS location in real time whether it is on the ground, in the air or on the sea?

Response: The contractor should present a system for proposal review to satisfy the requirements of the Statement Of Work. [Ref: Page 17, 5) e)]

Are “in‐transit assets” currently being monitored electronically during the actual transportation of the asset shipment, and what system(s) of electronically tracking are being used?

Response: No. [Ref: Page 17, 5) e)]

If so, is the system meeting USMS expectations, or does the Service wish to improve upon the system?

Response: Not Applicable. [Ref: Page 17, 5) e)]

Are the assets to be tracked from districts to the Contractor, from the Contractor to the districts or other designees, or in both directions in all cases?

Response: They will be tracked from district to contractor. The offeror should propose the most advanced tracking system for consideration. [Ref: Page 17,

5) e)]

Will the government provide the hardware and software technology for the tracking system, or is that to be the Contractor’s responsibility?

Response: Contractor’s responsibility. [Ref: Page 17, 5) e)]

How will district recipients be compelled to return any contractor‐owned electronic devices after receipt if they are contractor property?

Response: If the contractor property is used, it is the contractor’s responsibility via the COTR to regain possession of the property. [Ref: Page 17, 5) e)]

How will districts receive the tracking devices to attach to outgoing shipments, and who will pay for devices that are lost or not returned to the Contractor?

Response: This is not necessary since assets will only be shipped to the contractor facility. [Ref: Page 17, 5) e)]

13. Does this section refer to assets that are inbound from a district to the Contractor facility or the outbound return of assets to a district? If these assets are being returned to the district, does the Contractor have to be present at the district “to inspect and verify the assets upon arrival at the delivery point?”

Response: It is the shipment of assets from contractor facility at any point in the process. [Ref: Page 17, 5) f)]

14. Does the current contract require the use of this electronic asset management database (EAMD), and if so, what system is being used? Does the USMS find the system satisfactory?

Response: This information will not be released (it is proprietary). [Ref: Page

17, 6) b)]

15. Will the USMS reveal to proposers what the existing software is so the proposer can prepare a demonstration for the TEB?

Response: No. The offeror should provide/present a system for review based on needs. [Ref: Page 17, 6) b)]

16. Would the USMS want any new contractor to use the system currently in use, and will the USMS provide a sample of the existing software to proposers for demonstration to the TEB?

Response: The database should be developed by the awardee and the USMS can approve. [Ref: Page 17, 6) b)]

17. If not, should the proposer demonstrate other software even though it may not be compatible with the system currently in use?

Response: Yes. If needed. [Ref: Page 17, 6) b)]

18. In the interest of efficiency and continuity, will the USMS allow the successful proposer to incorporate the same EAMD software for use under this contract?

Response: The offeror should state the system that would be used for handling of the assets. The existing system will not transfer with the contract. [Ref:

Page 17, 6) b)]

19. Wouldn’t every asset have to be re‐coded to any new EAMD system if a Contractor’s existing system did not integrate with the current system in use?

Response: All assets would have to be coded with the awardee’s software.

[Ref: Page 17, 6) b)]

20. Is the current system based on barcode, RFID or other technology?

Response: This information will not be released. [Ref: Page 17, 6) c) iv)]

21. What level of videography is required during the unloading stage at the Contractor’s facility,: images of the unopened boxes and the off‐loading process, case‐specific packaging, asset packets or the individual assets themselves?

Response: Assets should be videotaped when the box is received and items are verified. [Ref: Page 17, 6) d) iv)]

22. What is “swing space for USMS employees?”

Response: Swing space is space for the USMS and contractor to discuss any issues or to conduct meetings. Two desks, work space, and electric. [Ref:

Page 17, 7) e)]

23. How much swing space does the USMS anticipate a new contractor to have?

Response: 10X10 space. [Ref: Page 17, 7) e)]

24. Does this mean simply “a copy in the case file” rather than an “electronic copy in the case file?”

Response: Yes. [Ref: Page 18, 6) (g)]

25. What type of expanded areas (vault, climate‐controlled, warehouse, yard, etc.) and of what minimum sizes (100 s.f., 10,000 s.f., 10,000 s.f.) might be needed by the

COTR?

Response: See response to Question # 111. [Ref: Page 18, 7) (c) iii]

26. How will the USMS evaluate the relative “expanded area” capacities of the proposers for purposes of determining the awardee?

Response: All information reviewed by the Contracting Officer and the TEB will be evaluated in accordance to the requirements of the solicitation and the evaluation factors/sub‐factors outlined. Additionally, as a part of the Oral Presentation, there will be a site inspection of the proposed storage area. [Ref:

Page 18, 7) (c )iii]

27. What types of assets might warrant outside storage under this contract?

Response: Assets that are too large to be kept in a vault or warehouse area.

[Ref: Page 18, 7) (g)]

28. Are there requirements for covers or enclosures to protect such assets from weather and other potential types of damage?

Response: The assets will have to be protected from the weather upon COTR approval. [Ref: Page 18, 7) (g)]

29. Will any such protective measures be reimbursable?

Response: No. [Ref: Page 18, 7) (g)]

30. Please clarify the meaning of and physical requirements of a “secure perimeter line?”

Response: The perimeter should have no less than an 8 foot chain link fence with barbed wire and with all entrances secured. This should be a fully enclosed area. [Ref: Page 18, 7) (g)]

31. If appraisal hours are requested or extend outside of regularly scheduled business hours, would the resulting staff overtime be cost reimbursable to the Storage

Contractor?

Response: No. [Ref: Page 19, 8) (d)]

32. Would you please specify or estimate how many additional staff hours a proposer should anticipate to be requested by the USMS annually?

Response: Unknown. However, the contractor must be able to properly and adequately service the needs of the contract at all times. [Ref: Page 19, #8 (d)

33. Would you please specify or estimate the number of square feet of floor space the

USMS requires for four appraisers and their equipment?

Response: The estimated square footage for the appraisers and their equipment is a minimum 500 square feet. Restroom facilities must also be available. [Ref: Page 19, 8) e)]

34. How many appraiser assistants might accompany each appraiser, and how much floor space would they and their equipment require?

Response: The number of assistants will vary. It could be 1 or could be 5. The floor space for their equipment is unknown. [Ref: Page 19, 8) e)]

35. How much storage space for appraisers’ equipment is required?

Response: The appraiser may or may not store their equipment at the contractor facility. If equipment is stored at the contractor location, then a cabinet would be needed. [Ref: Page 19, 8) e)]

36. What are the minimum specifications of the two computers to be provided (hard drive size, RAM specifications, processing speed, internet security, etc.)?

Response: The appraiser will have to access Microsoft Excel and high speed internet. A copier, fax machine, and basic office supplies will also be needed.

[Ref: Page 19, 8) (e)]

37. What software would be required and who would provide the software?

Response: Microsoft Excel and the Internet. [Ref: Page 19, 8) (e)]

38. What download/upload speeds are required for internet access for USMS and appraiser use?

Response: High speed internet access is requested. [Ref: Page 19, 8) (e)]

39. What are the minimum requirements for the required scanner and printer, e.g.

copies per minute and do they need to be able to scan/print in color?

Response: The appraiser will need a color printer/scanner to complete their job. [Ref: Page 19, 8) (e)]

40. How much lead time will the Contractor receive between Form‐115 notice and the date of the appraiser’s arrival?

Response: It could vary from a few days to a few weeks. [Ref: Page 20, 8) h)]

41. Is the appraiser’s work day considered to be 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays excluding Federal Government holidays?

Response: Yes. [Ref: Page 20, 8) j) vii)]

42. How is “day’s end” determined, and by whom?

Response: The “days end” is the end of the normal working hours and that has already been established. [Ref: Page 20, 8) j) vii)]

43. Will the Contractor be reimbursed for overtime pay If appraiser(s) do not complete their day’s work in time for auction Contractor to seal, re‐pack and return assets to storage prior to the end of a regular work day?

Response: No. [Ref: Page 20, 8) j) vii)]

44. As the party bearing ultimate responsibility for the integrity, condition and segregation of all assets, how can the Contractor assure that the assets are properly accounted for, organized, itemized, protected from damage and arranged in strict accordance with our asset filing and storage system and that asset identification is intact if the appraisal contractor places the assets back in the box?

Response: The contractor is responsible for verifying the contents when they are put back in the box. [Ref: Page 20, 8) (j) vii]

45. Will the Government‐issued ID contain a photograph of the appraisers and assistants?

Response: Yes. The government issued ID will be a driver’s license. [Ref: Page

20, 8) i)]

46. Will the USMS allow the Contractor to upload the preliminary appraisal report into the Contractor’s database to avoid any conflict should there be an inadvertent loss of data or other problem with the database during upload?

Response: There will be no preliminary reports, only a final report. [Ref: Page

20, 8) ix)]

47. Who is responsible for damage to a gemstone or setting during removal by the appraisal Contractor for grading?

Response: Appraiser. [Ref: Page 21, 9) (b) ii]

48. Would you please clarify this requirement and identify the types of electronic delivery records and actions specified and illuminate the meaning of “record copy of all provided reports?”

Response: Any emails or reports related to the diamond grading of the assets.

[Ref: Page 21, 9) (b) ix]

49. Are the inventory and/or packaging services in this section cost reimbursable per

CLIN xxx6 and xxx7?

Response: Yes. [Ref: Page 21, 9) c) i)]

50. Would you please describe assets that might be sold by sealed bid?

Response: Large volume and unique asets. This is on a case‐by‐case basis.

[Ref: Page 22, 10) a) i) (3)]

51. Would you please describe assets that might be sold by a Third Party Vendor?

Response: Any asset that is handled regularly by our contractor. [Ref: Page

22, 10) a) i) (4)]

52. Would you please identify possible Third Party Vendors and which such vendors have been utilized under the current contract?

Response: This information will be provided to the selected vendor. [Ref:

Page 22, 10) a) i) (4)]

53. Would you please identify types of assets that were sold or might be sold by Third

Party Vendors?

Response: This information will be provided to the awardee. [Ref: Page 22,

10) a) i) (4)]

54. What were the revenues generated using Internet Sales by USMS Third Parties?

Response: This information will not be released (this is proprietary information). [Ref: Page 22, 10) a) i) (4)]

55. What assets might be sold by smelting?

Response: Precious metals. [Ref: Page 22, 10) a) i) (5)]

56. Would you please provide the amount of sales by smelting under the current contract?

Response: This information will not be released (this is proprietary information). [Ref: Page 22, 10) a) i) (5)]

57. What assets might be disposed by destruction/crushing, and might the crushed assets be sold for residual scrap value to the benefit of the USMS?

Response: Assets that are counterfeit. These assets cannot be sold and will be destroyed. [Ref: Page 22, 10) a) ii)]

58. How much advance notice will the COTR provide the Contractor of the need for each live/simulcast auction?

Response: At least 30 days. [Ref: Page 25, 10) (b) ii]

59. Does the current contract have the reserve standard of 85% of appraised liquidation value? If so, what volume of assets has not met the 85% threshold under the current contract?

Response: Yes. [Ref: Page 24, 10) b) xviii)]

60. Would you please explain what happens to assets that do not meet the 85% threshold?

Response: All assets are sold at the COTR’s discretion. [Ref: Page 24, 10) b) xviii)]

61. Would you please provide the definition of “appraised liquidation value,” and how it differs from “fair auction market value?”

Response: Please reference the definitions. [Ref: Page 24, 10) a) xviii)]

62. Will the Appraisal Contractor identify and provide the country of origin for each item as a part of the appraisal process if assets will potentially be shipped to buyers worldwide?

Response: No. [Ref: Page 25, 10) (b) xxvii]

63. Does this requirement for the mailing list apply to the outgoing Contractor or the incoming Contractor?

Response: Outgoing contractor. [Ref: Page 26, 10) a) xxxiii)]

64. Would you please provide the number of registered simulcast bidders for each live auction, how many of them actually purchased online and the total simulcast purchases for each auction held under the current contract?

Response: This information will not be released (it is proprietary information). [Ref:

Page 26, b)]

65. Can you please indentify the specific aspects of market research for potential auction venues which are most important to the USMS and COTR?

Response: The COTR will provide the live auction venue location and the contractor will do market research to find the location (hotel, convention center), best value and fit for the sale of the assets. [Ref: Page 26, e)]

66. If the catalog on the Contractor’s website contains clear asset photographs for each lot prior to and up to the auction day, is it necessary to put the photographs in the print catalog as well?

Response: Yes. [Ref: Page 26, h)]

67. How far in advance of Preview or Auction Day will the Press days occur, and will there be more than one Press Day for an auction?

Response: Usually the day before the public preview, and is usually only one day. It could be more. [Ref: Page 28, 10) (n) vii]

68. Will there be a Press Day scheduled for every live auction?

Response: No. [Ref: Page 28, n) vii)]

69. Where will the Press Days be held?

Response: At the same location as the auction. [Ref: Page 28, n) vii)]

70. Would the USMS consider a Press Day located at the Contractor’s storage facility to be a possible security threat by potentially exposing the location of this volume of assets to the general public?

Response: Yes at the auction location. [Ref: Page 28, n) vii)]

71. What assets will need to be available for inspection at the Press Day previews (e.g.

high value, notorious, eye‐catching), or will all assets need to be available?

Response: This is determined by the COTR and the COTR will let the contractor know in advance of the press day. [Ref: Page 28, n) vii)]

72. Would all members of the press need to be approved by the COTR in advance?

Response: Yes. [Ref: Page 28, n) vii)]

73. How would the Contractor know who was authorized to be in attendance?

Response: The USMS will provide a list to the contractor. [Ref: Page 28, n) vii)]

74. What credentials would be required of all non‐USMS personnel?

Response: Press credentials or driver’s license. [Ref: Page 28, n) vii)]

75. Will the scheduling of Press Day take into consideration the timing of shipping assets to preview and auction venues from an off‐site Press Day location?

Response: The Press Day is usually at the auction location. [Ref: Page 28, n) vii)]

76. Would you please explain where and for what reasons a preview might held at a site different from the auction location?

Response: Per the determination of the COTR it is dependent upon the sale and the type of assets, or the marketing required. [Ref: Page 28, o) viii)]

77. Have any previews been held at locations other than the auction venue under the current contract, and if so, what were the locations of the previews and of the auctions?

Response: No. [Ref: Page 28, o) viii)]

78. How much time will the Contractor be provided to relocate sale items from a remote preview location to the auction venue securely?

Response: This depends upon the contractor location and the auction location.

This is up to the contractor to schedule the relocation of the assets and the contractor is responsible for getting the assets to the location in time for the press day/preview day. [Ref: Page 28, o) viii)]

79. Would an off‐site preview be held on the day prior to an auction or more than one day in advance of the auction?

Response: No. However, at the discretion of the COTR, this could change.

[Ref: Page 28, o) viii)]

80. Would such a preview be in addition to the “day before” on‐site preview?

Response: There is no on‐site or off‐site preview. There is only a preview before the auction and it is usually in the same location as the auction. [Ref:

Page 28, o) viii)]

81. Would you please detail how many prospective bidders have attended each preview period under the current contract, how many have tendered a deposit and registered to bid and how many actually attended the physical auction?

Response: This information will not be released (it is proprietary information).

[Ref: Page 28, 10) (o) xv)]

82. What is the definition of “showcase” format?

Response: This is how the assets are to be displayed for the preview. The assets should be displayed in a way that will be the most advantageous to the government. [Ref: Page 29, 10) (o) xi]

83. What is the definition of “specialty showcasing?”

Response: In certain circumstances assets need additional showcasing (ex.

Lighting, draperies). [Ref: Page 29, 10) (o) xi]

84. If the focus on Preview day is to showcase items using merchandising techniques, how does that focus allow the Contractor to guarantee asset security?

Response: The contractor must secure the assets no matter how they are showcased for the public. [Ref: Page 29, 10) (o) xi]

85. If the public is not required to register prior to viewing assets, how could the

Marshals Service have knowledge of the identification of attendees at the Preview in case of a disturbance and/or the disappearance of assets?

Response: The contractor will have security and law enforcement officers located throughout the preview and live auction to ensure the public inspects and views the items in a controlled and secure environment. All assets will be secured in a case unless a registered bidder requests to see it and the contractor representative does not let go of the asset while being viewed. All unregistered bidders are not allowed to request to see any assets unless they register for the auction. [Ref: Page 29, 10) (o) xi]

86. Would anonymity possibility facilitate or invite criminal behavior when high value assets are exposed in this way?

Response: The contractor will have security and law enforcement officers located throughout the preview and live auction to ensure the public inspects and views the items in a controlled and secure environment. [Ref: Page 29, 10)

(o) xi]

87. What level bid deposit does the USMS require for registration to bid?

Response: This is information which will be discussed with the awardee. [Ref:

Page 29, 10) (o) xvi]

88. May the contractor require a different amount of bid deposit for simulcast bidders?

Response: Yes. [Ref: Page 29, 10) (o) xvi]

89. Where will preview of online auction merchandise be held? Does the USMS want the general public coming into the secure facility to preview assets where other non‐ forfeited assets may be stored and visible?

Response: Online auction preview will be held a the contractor location. The assets can be viewed by appointment only and should be moved to another area as not to have access to other assets not for sale. [Ref: Page 30, Disposal via Online Auctions, f)]

90. Would you please explain “Authorized Third Parties,” who might they be, and why they might be utilized for the disposal of assets?

Response: Authorized Third Parties are other vendors that may sell USMS assets. Third party vendors can be used at any time, and this determination made by the COTR. [Ref: Page 32, Disposal via Authorized Third Party, a)]

91. Have such vendors been utilized under the current contract, and if so, who has been utilized, and what were the revenues generated?

[Ref: Page 32, Disposal via Authorized Third Party, a)]

92. How can the Contractor be held responsible for a situation he or she cannot control?

For assets shipped to a Point of Contact whereby all requirements of this RFP were followed, i.e. specifically marked “TO BE OPENED BY ADDRESSEE ONLY” and requiring the addressee’s signature, how can the contractor control whether someone other than addressee opens the package? Are secure shipping companies such as UPS, FedEx and the USPS able to enforce who opens a package, and if they are not, how can they or the Contractor be held responsible for the contents?

Shouldn’t the POC be responsible for whomever receives the package at the correct shipping address and opens the package without authorization?

Response: The contractor is responsible for the assets once it is in their custody. [Ref: Page 32, Disposal via Authorized Third Party, e)]

PAGE-REFERENCED QUESTIONS (CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA)

93. Why would the Contractor need to submit an original invoice to the COTR at commencement of services, and for what would the billing be? Is this just a sample invoice for approval, or is this intended to read “at the completion of services?”

Response: The contractor would need to submit the invoice to the COTR to be paid for their services (ex. Transportation, commission, live auction venue).

The invoice that was provided is the template that will be used by the contractor to invoice the USMS. [Ref: Page 38, 4.(a)(1)]

PAGE-REFERENCED QUESTIONS (CONTRACT CLAUSES)

94. Are the clauses marked by an “X” in Section 2. (a)(1) through 2. (c)(8) the only clauses in Section 2. that are applicable to the proposed contract?

Response: The solicitation is clear regarding this clause (52.212‐5). All clauses indicated by an “X” are incorporated as a part of this solicitation in addition to the clauses in reference text on page 45 of 85.

95. Is this date correct?

Response: Yes. All clauses referenced are per the most current Federal

Acquisition Regulation. As referenced on page 45 of 85, if you would like to see the full text of a clause, you may go to www.acquisition.gov/far. [Ref: Page

56, 9.] http://www.acquisition.gov/far

PAGE-REFERENCED QUESTIONS (REPRESENTATIONS AND

CERTIFICATIONS)

96. Is there any action to be taken to “complete only paragraph (b) of this provision” if the proposer has updated their annual ORCA representatives and certifications?

There do not appear to be any boxes to check or representatives to make to complete section (b) other than verifying “by submission of this offer.”

Response: The solicitation is clear as to this instruction. Please reference page

61 of 85 Clause 52.212‐3 (1).

97. Is there any harm, penalty or possible disqualification to be incurred by the proposer for completing sections (c) through (o) even if a proposer’s ORCA representatives and certifications are current and accurate?

Response: No. However, if you are registered in ORCA, the same information should be updated on the official ORCA website. If a vendor completes the written ORCA information, they are to be registered at the ORCA site prior to award of this contract or your offer will no longer be considered for award.

98. Is this solicitation expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold?

Response: Yes.

99. Are the Past Performance References to be submitted in both Volumes I and II since the title of Section 4. is “Past Performance?”

Response: Only one copy of the Past Performance References is needed. There will not be a determination of non‐responsibility if they are presented in either Volume I or II.

100. Would you please explain why written material which is provided in the proposal response to this solicitation cannot be considered by the TEB if not addressed in the Oral Presentation?

Response: Any written response to this solicitation shall be considered by the

Contracting Officer. There are other aspects of the solicitation relative to the evaluation factors, sub‐factors, inspection of proposed or existing site, etc.

which the TEB will address as a a part of the Oral Presentation. Additionally, the Oral Presentation allows ample time to discuss offerors capabilities and gives the TEB an opportunity to ask questions.

101. Does this mean the TEB cannot consider the Memorandum of

Understanding, the Past Performance Worksheets and any other attachments and inclusions a proposer provides in their Technical/Business Proposal if not specifically addressed in the Oral Presentation?

Response: No. The TEB evaluates the technical aspects of the solicitation which the Contracting Officer needs input from this board to make a reasonable determination for contract award.

102. Will you please provide the specific topics required to be discussed in the proposers’ Oral Presentations?

Response: This information will be issued when a determination has been made for those offerors who will give Oral Presentations.

103. Is the last sentence of the Business Management Questionnaire only a partial sentence in the copy which was included as Attachment 8 in FedBizOpps?

Response: “. . . by the Contractor and their position.”

104. What cost factors are reimbursable under CLIN 0001, and how will direct labor rates for CLINs 0001, 0011, 0012, 0013, 0024 and 0025 be determined for reimbursement?

Response: CLIN 0001 will include all elated expenses for the retrieval of assets which includes labor and transportation. CLIN 0011 which is for the destruction of asstes would not be reimbursable unless the contractor travels onsite to a recycling center. CLINs 0012 and 0013 are for the sales facilitation and prep and will be used for sales by a 3rd party vendor that would result in the contractor not being paid for commission. CLINs 0024 and 0025, the contractor must be available to work 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, and not required to work overtime. The labor that’s conducted during these hours on USMS cannot be billed to us. It is up to the contractor to staff these positions. If the contractor wishes to allow overtime, they still cannot invoice the USMS. The contractor can only invoice for labor of work that is outside the daily routine work. Example: Contractor needs to assist onsite at a seizure location. [Ref:

Pricing Schedule, Base Year]

105. Are CLINs 0024 and 0025 related to the above CLINs for reimbursable labor rates?

Response: Yes. [Ref: Pricing Schedule, Base Year]

106. Is the solicitation correct in showing the Base Year Total to be

$1,030,000.00?

Response: This total does not include the information that the vendor is to submit with their proposal. Once the vendor completes the entries, that will give the base total. [Ref: Pricing Schedule, Base Year]

107. Would you please provide the total appraised value of forfeited assets in the current contractor’s possession which are being held in anticipation of new contract funding, and what is the value of those assets for in‐transit insurance coverage purposes?

Response: The total replace value of all USMS assets is $120 million. [Ref:

Pricing Schedule, Base Year]

108. Who is responsible for costs associated with transporting assets from the current contractor’s location to a new contractor’s storage facility in the event a new contractor receives the award?

Response: The awardee. [Ref: Pricing Schedule, Base Year]

109. Should there be a CLIN for relocation of assets from the current contractor’s location to any new contractor’s facility since it does not seem to be addressed in the Pricing Schedule?

Response: No. This would fall under the retrieval assets CLIN. [Ref: Pricing

Schedule, Base Year]

110. Would you please provide the annual sales by CLIN for each year of the current?

111. Can you supply us with an estimate of the Environmental Controlled storage to be required and the estimated floor space required for standard storage. The solicitation does not provide the amount of yard space required. Do you also have an idea of the size required for the Live auction venue.

Response: The vault area shall be no less than 400 square feet. There is the climate control area which is different from the vault area which we are stating shall be no less than 400 square feet. The warehouse space would not be less than 15,000 square feet and the outdoor area would be no less than 10,000 square feet. We have all these areas designated on the solicitation.

112. Did you get the request for more info about square footage requirements and what would be stored outside if needed?

Response:

113. The Attachments to be utilized by the contractor (listed on Page 78 of The solicitation) were not included in the solicitation documents on FedBizOpps. Will you please email copies of the attachments to me, or post them with the other solicitation documents? The attachments I refer to are as follows:

The remainder of the attachments are those which will be utilized by The resultant contractor for this requirement.

1. Sub‐Task Order From (USM‐115)

2. CATS Itemzation Listing (USM‐102)

3. Appraisal Report

4. Invoice Cover Sheet (JAAC Invoice)

5. Contractor Travel Form

6. Contractor Travel Voucher

114. There are some problems with The Pricing schedule. Some of the cells on the option years are not unlocked for input, ie, the CLIN#'s 1012 and 1013. the schedule will also not allow for a smaller percentage than 1% in some area's.

Response: Attached is the new pricing sheet.

115. Can we charge a processing fee of 4.25% for all sales to the buyers.

This will be discounted to zero% for cash or certified funds.

Response: No. This may not take place.

116. Can you tell me how much time we will be allotted for presenting or proposal when the time comes?

Response: If you are referring to the oral presentations, there is 90 minutes alloted if determined an oral presentation is needed.

117. Pricing: What is the historical numbers for sales per year for each CLIN starting with 0014 ‐ 0023?

118. Pricing: Labor: Labor rate under CLIN 24 & 25: Clarification is being requested for the purpose behind the estimated hourly rate requested in this section.

Response: Project Manager and Administrative Staff can be used by the contractor for services undefined, with COTR prior approval.

119. Description/Specifications/Work Statement pg.15 of 85 Physical Security

Requirements for Secondary Facility.

Question: If required is the staffing of the secondary storage facility a reimbursable expense.

Response: No, it is not.

120. Description/Specifications/Work Statement pg.16 of 85 Transportation of Assets section F.

Question: Please clarify if the contractor is to meet the asset shipped out to complete verification and integrity process no matter the shipment location.

Response: Yes. This is the responsibility of the contractor.

121. Pricing Sheets

In regards to looking at the base Year Total Maximum Amount of $1,030,000.00, this amount is equal to the total maximum estimated cost of the NTE (Reimbursed Costs) and appears not to have any commission and labor costs taken into consideration.

Problem: Filling out the rates sheets provided will automatically put us over the Contract’s Total Maximum Cost.

Response: The cost will go higher at the last cell—base year total once offeror has submitted pricing. The cell will recalculate.

122. Question: If the NTE estimates actual costs end up is near or at the maximum estimated levels coupled with the commission and labor costs; this would put the contract over budget. Could you please confirm both the NTE estimated costs and the base year total maximums?

Response: See previous answer.

123. Pricing Sheets:

Questions:

a. CLINs 0001‐0013:

i. Are we supposed to add a column to add our estimates for CLINs

0001‐0013? Or keep the amounts the same?

Response: 0001 – 0011 are not to exceed amounts, you need to fill in the other ones, such as 12, 13, and 14‐25.

ii. Are we supposed to add an estimated quantity in the blank for that column? Or is it left blank for after award, when the amount will be filled in for each task order award?

Response: No. No quantity is to be added.

b. The total estimated cost amounts in CLINS 0001‐0013 add up to the

$1,030,000 shown as the Base Year Total Maximum Amount. If we add prices for CLINs 0014‐0025, the proposed amount will exceed the estimated base year. Please advise us as to what we can and can’t change on the pricing sheet.

i. For example, if 5 auctions are required to be performed during the year (Solicitation Information page 8, paragraph 2.2), our proposed amount would be less than the estimated maximum, which would give us the difference in amount to be reflected in another CLIN ‐ if every CLIN has to add up to the $1M base year amount .

c. What is the purpose of the “Labor” category in CLIN 0024 for 200 hours of Project Manager and CLIN 0025 for 350 hours of Administrative Staff?

d. There is no “Labor” CLIN for General Clerk III. Since both Administrative

Staff and General Clerk III are subject to the Wage Determinations, should the price for General Clerk III also be a CLIN?

Response: That is not on the pricing schedule.

124. Travel is reflected in Solicitation Information paragraphs 2.3, 2.4 (page 8) and 3.3

(page 9).

Questions:

e. 2.3 states, “All personnel travel cost associated with sales…shall be included in the contractor’s commission. The Government will not pay salaries of the personnel who travel.”

i. Is the intent of the estimated dollar amount of CLIN 0009 Live

Auction Venue to include the costs/salaries of personnel who are required to travel for those sales in different location?

ii. If not intended to pay the salaries of personnel such as for an auctioneer, if the Contractor was hiring an outside auctioneer, the

Contractor would need to add the price/cost of that in its proposal somewhere. Where should the capture of costs for this be included on the pricing sheet?

Response: Should be included in commission rate.

iii. Is the intent of the Government’s statement to control the number of people being paid to travel? If so, we can propose how many staff members would be needed to perform this requirement.

Response: No.

f. Disposal Travel costs:

i. 2.4 states, “All transportation costs associated with the shipment of assets for disposal shall be included in the contractor’s commission.”

ii. 3.3 Under Cost Reimbursement states, “Travel cost associated with retrieval [of] assets shall be reimbursed… This cost excludes any cost associated with disposal property. Travel associated with disposal shall be included in the Contractor’s commission (CLIN

0002).”

Response: Because retrieval of assets is different than assets being transported to a venue for an auction.

iii. The Contract is assuming that it is adding the price of travel in the commission area based on 5 sales, as reflected in the solicitation document.

Response: Yes, but that is an estimate, could be more or less.

125. Reps and Certs – The proposal instructions on page 80 of 85 do not designate in which volume the reps and certs/ORCA pages should be included. Please advise.

Response: There is no Volume this information should be included. You are certifying by signing the offer in block 30 of the SF‐1449 that you are registered at the official ORCA website as noted on page 4 and 5 of the solicitation. Each offeror responding to this solicitation has a reasonable amount of time to have their company information registered at this site (www.http://orca.bpn.gov).

4. Description/Specifications/Work Statement pg.15 of 85 Physical Security Requirements for Secondary Facility.

Questions:

iv. If required, is the staffing of the secondary storage facility a reimbursable expense?

Response: No.

v. If so, where is this to be priced/estimated? Or is it not included in the total estimated amount at this time?

Response: See above

126. The vault requirement‐‐does the US Marshals Service realize that a Vault meeting the specs that they have laid out will cost between $65,000 and $75,000 dollars. Will they allow a vault to be incorporated that provides a very high level of security within a building that also has 24 hour security on site?

Response: The cost associated with this requirement is a cost for doing business. The minimum requirements for the vault are set forth in the Statement of Work. Any additional security should be disclosed during the proposal.

All other terms and conditions of this Request for Quote shall remain unchanged. All amendments issued against this Request for Quote shall be acknowledged and sent with your quote by the date and time due for closing.

USMS24-11 Inquiry Responses