Attachment_0010_-_Q&A_-_W52P1J-18-R-0011_23AUG2018.pdf

# RFP Section # Discussion Question Government Response

1 Attachment 0001 PWS Given the recent RS HQ reorganization, certain parts of the PWS may be outdated. Please confirm that references to Essential Functions should be removed.

References to Essential Functions within the PWS have been removed, as follows:

Removed the following:

EF 1.1 at PWS 5.4.1 EF 1.2 at PWS 5.4.2 EF 1.3 at PWS 5.4.3 EF 1.4 at PWS 5.4.4 EF 1.5 at PWS 5.4.5 EF 2 at PWS 5.5 EF 3 at PWS 5.6.1 EF 4 at PWS 5.7 EF 5.1 at PWS 5.8 ‘and with all the EFs’ at PWS 5.8.11 EF 5.2 at PWS 5.8.20 EF 5.3 at PWS 5.8.21 EF 6 at PWS 5.9 EF 7 at PWS 5.10 ‘across the 8 EFs’ at PWS 5.21

2 Attachment 0001 PWS Given the recent RS HQ reorganization, certain parts of the PWS may be outdated.

Please confirm that references to Task Force Forge should be changed to Task Force Southwest

(TF SW).

No, Task Force Forge (TF Forge) is separate/different from Task Force Southeast (TF Southeast) and Task Force Southwest (TF Southwest).

3 Attachment 0001 PWS Given the recent RS HQ reorganization, certain parts of the PWS may be outdated.

Please confirm that references to TAAC‐SW and TAAC‐SE should be changed to Task Force Southwest (TF SW) and Task Force Southeast (TF SE), respectively.

SEE TECH EXB 6 TAAC references have been verified as correct.

4 Attachment 0001 PWS There are frequent references to "Submit reports IAW para. 1.32.2" but there is no

PWS 1.32.2.

Please provide clarifications on reporting standards. PWS reference has been updated to IAW para. 1.36 Contractor Reporting.

Attachment 0001 PWS,

1.1 Scope

PWS states: “The Contractor shall comply with all USG and Host Nation laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and guide lines (e.g. the US‐AFGHAN Compact, Bilateral Commitment letters), in the performance of this PWS, unless otherwise stated.”

Is an Afghan Business License required for this contract?

Yes. As of 1 September 2015, all companies operating in Afghanistan are required to have a business license issued by the Afghanistan Investment Support Agency. The Government will verify at award the Afghan Business License is in place for the awardee.

Attachment 0001 PWS,

1.2 Background

PWS states: “CSTC‐A has an ongoing requirement for experienced Contractors to train, advise, and assist the MoI and MoD per published security assistance plans that specify objectives, milestones, and specific and implied tasks.”

Will the government provide the specific published security assistance plans?

PWS is changed to remove reference to published security assistance plans, objectives, milestones and tasks.

Attachment 0001 PWS,

1.6 Place of Performance

PWS states: “The work to be performed under this contract will be performed at various locations throughout Afghanistan, including coalition and U.S. and MoI and MoD facilities bases. Specific locations may vary and may be co‐located anywhere MoI and MoD forces are stationed.”

Can the USG please provide a list of all possible work locations?

No. It is not possible to provide a list of all work locations. Contractors will be required to perform at various locations throughout Afghanistan, including coalition and U.S. and MoI and MoD facilities bases. Specific locations may vary and may be co‐located anywhere MoI and MoD forces are stationed.

Attachment 0001 PWS,

1.8 Quality Control Plan

PWS states: “The Contractor shall develop and maintain an effective Quality Control Plan (QCP) to ensure services are performed in accordance with this PWS. The Contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non‐recurrence of defective services. The Contractor’s QCP is the means by which it assures itself that work complies with the requirement of the contract. The QCP shall be provided 10 days after award and be approved by the Contracting Officer (KO) and implemented prior to the conclusion of the transition period. The Contractor shall receive the KO’s acceptance in writing of any proposed changes to the QCP or QC system throughout the contract period of performance. (D001).”

Is compliance with OSHA and EPA regulations required?

Yes. The Contractor shall comply with all Government and Host Nation laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and guide lines (e.g. the US‐AFGHAN Compact, Bilateral Commitment letters), in the performance of this PWS, unless otherwise stated.

Attachment 0001 PWS, 1.15

PWS states: “Contractors who uncover activities by employees must take appropriate actions toward the employee and report the activities to the appropriate Afghan authorities.”

Could the Government please identify the Afghan Agencies, entities or individuals that would satisfy this requirement?

The PWS has been revised to read the following at 1.15; "Contractor personnel who willingly participate in such activities, or initiate such activities, are themselves corrupt. Contractors who uncover activities by employees must take appropriate actions toward the employee and report the activities to the USG via the COR and applicable NATO and/or military authorities to the the USG via the COR and applicable NATO and/or military authorities."

Attachment 0001 PWS, 1.15

PWS 1.15, Technical Exhibit 4, Section L 6.5 The PWS requires an Anti‐Corruption Plan at proposal submission. Is it the Government's desire that the plan be included as an attachment to Volume III or somewhere else?

PWS Updated:

Contractor must provide a monthly report to the KO summarizing Anti‐Corruption program activities undertaken during the previous month. The report is due no later than the fifth day of the month, and negative reports (no Anti‐Corruption activities or incidents) are required.

Reporting is a material term of the contract, and failure to report corrupt activities (e.g.

solicitation or acceptance of a bribe or improper fee, etc.) will be considered a breach, and may be cause for complete contract termination. (D003)

Attachment 0001 PWS, 1.17

COR/QAR location. Will the COR and/or QAR for this contract be assigned to CSTC‐A and physically reside at RS HQ?

Yes, there will be a COR/QAR Assigned to this Contract from CSTC‐A and will be located at different bases throughout Afghanistan.

W52P1J‐18‐R‐0011 Questions/Answers Security Ministries of Afghanistan Advisory Program

Attachment 0001 PWS,

1.18.1 & 1.34

PWS states: "All Contractor civilians who will be armed for personal protection under this contract must have an individual weapons permit from the Ministry of Interior"

It is our understanding that the Ministry of Interior is not currently issuing individual weapons permits. Rather the company submits a list of the personnel and weapons assigned to a DoD contract.

Will the Government remove the requirement for each individual to possess a MOI weapons permit, and replace with language that the Contractor should be compliant with GoIRA MOI regulations with regard to registering personnel and weapons?

PWS Sections 1.18 and 1.34 revised to incorporate the following; "Contractor should be in compliance with GIRoA regulations with regard to registering personnel and weapon."

Attachment 0001 PWS, 1.18.3.c

PWS states: "DESCOPE is defined as a position that the Government has determined is no longer required and the Contractor shall not backfill, bill hours or otherwise obligate the Government for any costs related to work of the position. The Contractor shall have 14 days from the date of the KO notification to remove the descoped FTE position."

Will the contractor still be able to bill hours and allowable costs for a descope position during the 14 day demobilization?

This is a Time & Materials contract. The Government will only pay for actual hours worked, per the rates provided in the contract.

Attachment 0001 PWS, 1.19

PWS states: “If the contractor fills a vacant position with an existing employee from another position, the position left vacant will inherit the original vacancy’s fill time limit. Example: Position 1 is left vacant and upon approval to backfill from the PCO, the 60‐day clock begins. On day 30, the contractor fills Position 1 by hiring an existing employee from Position 2. The contractor shall fill Position 2 within the remaining 30 days. The contractor employee shall report to the assigned duty location no later than the 75th day from the KO authorization to fill the vacant positon.”

Will the Government make an exception if a vacancy is filled by a qualified employee on the current contract and if they are moving to more Senior level position (ie. Mentor Advisor to Sr.

Advisor)? This will not penalize the contractor for encouraging professional growth of the workforce.

No. The Government will make no such exceptions.

Attachment 0001 PWS, 1.20

90% fill rate calculation Similar to the turnover rate calculation provided in PWS 1.21, please provide the fill rate calculation used to calculate 90% fill throughout the duration of the period of performance.

There is no calculation. The contractor is to fill a minimum of 90% of the number of required positions.

Attachment 0001 PWS, 1.20

Rest & Relaxation Please confirm that advisors taking scheduled R&R will be treated as active, filled positions for the purposes of calculating fill rate.

Yes. Advisors on R&R status are treated as active, however, their duties should be covered while on R&R

Attachment 0001 PWS, 1.20

The Contractor shall meet or exceed a 90% fill rate throughout the duration of the period of performance.

Please confirm that the 90 day transition is not included in the period of performance for purposes of measuring fill rate.

The 90 day transition is not included in the period of performance for purposes of measuring fill rate.

Attachment 0001 PWS, 1.21

PWS states: “The Contractor shall meet or exceed employee retention rate of 97% (expressed as less than or equal to 3% turnover) each month for key personnel and all positions that are defined in this PWS (not to include interpreters/translators). For each month the Contractor falls below the 97% retention rate, a 10% reduction of payment will occur on the next billing period. Retention rate (turnover) will be calculated as: Number of resignations in the month divided by the number of FTE’s authorized by the PWS at the beginning of that same month = turnover rate.”

Is the 10% reduction of payment that will occur on the next billing period a 10% reduction of the total due the contractor or does the 10% reduction of payment only relate to the affected position?

Reference to the 10% reduction has been removed from PWS 1.21.

Attachment 0001 PWS, 1.21

Based on work location, workforce demographics, living conditions, workforce size, nature of the work performed and our historical experience, a 3% monthly turnover rate is unrealistic for this contract.

Will the government consider increasing the allowable monthly turnover rate to 10%?

Alternatively, would the government consider removing the 10% financial penalty for not meeting the 3% monthly turnover rate?

No. The Government will not consider increasing the allowable turnover rate.

As to the penalty for not meeting the turnover rate, the 10% financial penalty has been removed from PWS 1.21.

Attachment 0001 PWS, 1.21

With 3% allowable monthly turnover, the contractor can only turnover roughly 1/3 (36%) of the total workforce a year. This implies advisors must commit to three years on contract, instead of the one year standard.

Please provide incumbent monthly turnover metrics for the previous 12 months so offerors can determine whether a 3% maximum monthly turnover is achievable on this program.

This information is considered proprietary and will not be provided.

Attachment 0001 PWS, 1.21

It seems unreasonable to penalize the contractor for planned employee departures when that employee has completed the agreed term of their contract and has given the contractor adequate notice (typically 60 days) that they do not intend to extend.

Would the government consider exempting from the monthly turnover calculation those employees who have reached the end of their agreed contract, choose not to extend and give adequate notice of this intent?

No. The internal control(s) of the contractor should not have bearing on the contract between the awardee and the Government If a vacancy exists it needs to be filled unless the Government deems the position is no longer needed (i.e., descope).

Attachment 0001 PWS, 1.21

"The Contractor shall meet or exceed employee retention rate of 97% (expressed as less than or equal to 3% turnover) each month for key personnel and all positions that are defined in this PWS (not to include interpreters/translators)."

Please confirm that the 90 day transition is not included for purposes of measuring the turnover rate, and that the earliest any penalty would be assessed is month five after award.

The 90 day transition is not included for purposes of measuring the turnover rate, however;

penalty will begin on day 91.

Attachment 0001 PWS, 1.21

PWS states: "The Contractor shall meet or exceed employee retention rate of 97% (expressed as less than or equal to 3% turnover) each month for key personnel and all positions that are defined in this PWS (not to include interpreters/translators)."

Are Host Country National (HCN) positions that are not interpreters/translators excluded or included in the retention rate calculation? Are they to be considered part of the interpreter/translator pool or the advisor pool for the 97% retention rate calculation?

Per the PWS, "The Contractor shall meet or exceed employee retention rate of 97% each month for key personnel and all positions that are defined in this PWS (not to include interpreters/translators)."

Attachment 0001 PWS, 1.21

"For each month the Contractor falls below the 97% retention rate, a 10% reduction of payment will occur on the next billing period."

Without a FAR/DFAR reference, please provide additional details on how the 10% reduction will be assessed for the contractor not meeting the monthly 97% retention rate. Is the penalty assessed as a percentage of total invoice amount, of total labor invoice amount, or some other calculation?

Will this decrement be based on labor only or on overall contract cost? Penalties to contract performance are more common on cost‐plus type contracts. Would the government consider a cost‐plus type contract or consider removing the 10% decrement requirement?

This has been removed from the PWS.

Attachment 0001 PWS, 1.21

"Retention rate (turnover) will be calculated as: Number of resignations in the month divided by the number of FTE’s authorized by the PWS at the beginning of that same month = turnover rate."

Does a descope (PWS 1.18.3.c) count as a resignation? No, a descope does not count as a resignation.

Attachment 0001 PWS, 1.21

"Retention rate (turnover) will be calculated as: Number of resignations in the month divided by the number of FTE’s authorized by the PWS at the beginning of that same month = turnover rate."

Does a government‐directed removal count as a resignation? No ‐ a government directed removal does not count as a resignation.

Attachment 0001 PWS, 1.24

PWS states: “... The USG will reimburse ODC’s when approved by the USG and incurred by the Contractor in performance of this contract. These costs are Non‐Fee Bearing and the Contractor shall obtain prior written approval from the KO for all costs over $1,000 before making any purchases...”

Is the normal practice of reimbursing applied Over Head (OH), General and Administrative (G&A), and Material Handling (MH) to the Other Direct Costs applicable to this contract?

These items are not considered fees.

1.24

PWS States in paragraph four (4): “If they are process a ITAS waiver.” Can the Government please define what an ITAS waiver is?

The Information Technology Approval System (ITAS) replaces the Goal One Waiver process, an element of the Army Request for Information Technology (ARFIT) initiative to provide visibility and accountability of all Army IT purchased with appropriated funds. The ITAS waiver is for customers/contractors seeking to procure commercial‐off‐the‐shelf information technology from alternative sources not available CHESS

Attachment 0001 PWS, 1.24

PWS states: "The Contractor shall obtain three quotes for all purchases over the current micro‐purchase threshold identified in the FAR and purchase the lowest quote. The Contractor shall provide all supporting documentation including waivers, quotes and receipts to the Government, and obtain written approval from KO prior to making any purchases."

Does this mean that the Contractor cannot award competitively based off of two quotes?

No ‐ However, the contractor needs to communicate with the Contracting Officer with justification as to why only 2 quotes could be obtained.

Attachment 0001 PWS, 1.24

PWS states: "For every purchase over $1,000, the Contractor shall provide all supporting documentation to the Government. Only actual costs for ODCs, that are supported with detail sufficient for the Government to verify valid are reasonable will be reimbursed."

Is the detailed documentation limited to written pre‐approval from KO, waivers (if applicable), quotes and receipts? If not, what other documentation is required?

No other documentation is needed.

Attachment 0001 PWS,1.29.c & 3.10

"The contractor is responsible for movement between the work site and its own offices or off base safe houses"

Can the Government confirm if all personnel in Kabul move to and from safe houses each working day? If not what percentage will move each working day?

No.

IAW PWS 3.2 to a range of 50% to 80% IAW PWS 4.2 "The Contractor shall be responsible for movement between the work site and its own offices or off base safe houses. The contractor shall make its own assessment on the movement of its employees to fulfill its obligation to meet PWS requirements.

Attachment 0001 PWS, 1.29.g & 3.7

"A full physical inventory shall be conducted as part of the official turnover at each site where property is stored to verify the GFP is present at each site"

To enable the contractor to accurately plan and price it is necessary to understand where the equipment is located.

Will the Government provide the location of the GFP provided in Attachments 0004 and 0005?

This will be addressed during the Transition‐In/Out Phase, at which time a right hand/left hand transition will take place and all property will be turned over from the incumbent to the incoming contactor.

Attachment 0001 PWS, 1.29

PWS states: “c) VEHICLES AND SUPPLIES Vehicles and supplies necessary to effectively accomplish contractual tasks shall be obtained during phase in and ready for use at the end of the transition period”

Are all of the GFE vehicles to be transferred fully registered and licensed to operate in Afghanistan? If so when do the current registrations and licenses expire and is the contractor responsible for obtaining registration and licenses?

Yes, the GFE vehicles are currently registered and licensed to operate in Afghanistan through the transition period.

IAW PWS 1.29 These requirements should and will be addressed during phase‐in meeting where hand/left hand transition will occur.

Attachment 0001 PWS, 1.29

PWS states: e) SAFE HOUSES. Address safe house requirements to accomplish phase‐ in activities, beyond what is to be provided by the Government, if any.”

Will the Government require safe houses to be Tier 1 security certified?

YES, safe houses are to be Tier 1 security due to current FP conditions; conditions are susceptible to change.

Attachment 0001 PWS, 1.29

PWS states: “g) PROPERTY TRANSFER Address how Contractor will coordinate with incumbent and Government to conduct a 100% inventory and transfer property. See attachments 0005 and 0006: Government Furnished Property List.”

If any equipment on the Government Furnished Property List is or becomes unserviceable, will new equipment be provided?

This would be determined on a case by case basis. If the property is replaced it may not be "new" property. If the property is replaced (based on need) it may be replaced as GFP or the contractor may be required to procure it under a cost CLIN as Contractor Acquired Property (CAP). If the concern is for inventory losses found during inventory, the incumbent should report the losses on a LOSS Report (DFARS 252.245‐7002) and the determination to replace the property would be made at that time.

Attachment 0001 PWS, 1.32

PWS states: “General Order 1. All Contractors shall be subject to U.S. laws, particularly when it comes to illegal or unauthorized substances or items.

Accordingly, the Contractor shall establish and enforce an aggressive substance abuse screening program (AR 600‐84, as a minimum) at all sites with random testing performed continuously and 100% testing at least once every 6 months. The results of all drug testing (negative and positive) must be presented to the COR in a monthly report. Any individual with a confirmed positive report shall be dismissed from both duty and Afghanistan. General Order 1 applies to all individuals performing under this contract …”

Are the costs of complying with random testing performed continuously and 100% testing at least once every 6 months reimbursable?

Yes, the costs of complying with random testing is reimbursable under the ODC CLIN.

Attachment 0001 PWS, 1.34

PWS states: “Questions related to firing range usage shall be addressed to the COR for scheduling routine weapons training for security personnel”

Will the US Government provide firing ranges, range material, ammunition, and range personnel?

Will the US Government provide secure transportation to and from firing ranges?

The Government will not provide firing ranges, range material, ammunition, and range personnel. Nor with the Government provide secure transportation to and from firing ranges.

Attachment 0001 PWS, 1.34

PWS states: “The Contractor shall also abide by the Cooperation Agreement (SDCA) between the USG and GIRoA; and by all applicable Afghan Law and U.S., theater laws, regulations, policies, and orders (Including, but not limited, to DoDI 3020.41 & USFOR‐ A FRAGO 16‐143 MOD 1 or superseding FRAGO.”

Could the Government please specify the date of the SDCA as referenced above and provide a copy?

Added SDCA date & language PWS 6.2.3 document and website. Updated table 6.3 added verbiage at PWS 1.34.

and Section L

Section L.6.1.3.3, PWS 3.1 & 3.7, Technical Exhibit 4, and Exhibit A CDRLs

Section L.6.1.3.3 requires a Property Management Plan submitted with the proposal.

Tech Exhibit 4 shows D014 Property Management Plan referencing PWS Section 3.1 as a day 10 deliverable. There are no other D014 references anywhere in the PWS (and 3.1 has nothing to do with property). There is no DD Form 1423‐2 for CDRL D014 Property Management Plan in Exhibt A.

PWS Section 3.7 requires develop and implement a Property Transition Plan within 30 days of contract award. Could the USG clarify the property management plan requirements?

The Offeror shall submit a Property Management Plan meeting the requirements of FAR Clause 52.245‐1 (specifically, 52.245‐1(f)) IAW L.6.1.3.3. All other references have been removed

Attachment 0001 PWS, 3.1

PWS states: “The USG will provide transportation for personnel travelling to locations throughout Afghanistan for work conducted in support of this contract”.

Will the Government provide transportation to and from the airport for contractor personnel?

No, the Government will not provide transportation to and from the airport for contractor personnel.

Attachment 0001 PWS, 3.2

PWS states: "The TAA mission requires the Contractor to lease safe house space for all contract employees assigned the Camp Resolute Support Headquarters and is represented by approximately 35% of the total number of headcount."

35% of the current total headcount in Attachment 0002 is approximately 125 FTE.

However, once missing FTE are added back to Attachment 0002 and filtered by physical location, the headcount is approximately 278 FTE.

Please clarify the anticipated total safe house headcount by providing an updated PWS of FTE by physical location, and confirmation that all USN advisors working in Kabul require contractor‐ provided safe houses.

See weighted Price Matrix.

Updated PWS 3.2 to a range of 50% to 80%

Attachment 0001 PWS, 3.2

PWS states: “The USG will provide facilities on board coalition bases wherever possible for Contractor personnel directly assigned to the TAA mission with the exception of contract employees assigned to Camp Resolute Support Headquarters.

The TAA mission requires the Contractor to lease safe house space for all contract employees assigned the Camp Resolute Support Headquarters and is represented by approximately 35% of the total number of headcount.”

Will billeting and facilities for PMO support personnel be provided by the Government?

IAW PWS 3.2 PWS states: “The U.S. Government will provide facilities on board coalition bases wherever possible for Contractor personnel directly assigned to the TAA mission with the exception of contract employees assigned to Camp Resolute Support Headquarters."

The contractor is responsible to provide for its employees during periods when the U.S.

Government cannot accommodate facilities on board coalition bases (to include RS HQ);

facilities are limited through out the AOR.

Attachment 0001 PWS, 3.3

PWS states: "The Contractor shall provide safe house billeting for employees assigned to the Camp Resolute Support Headquarters."

Are all US National employees in Kabul assigned to Camp Resolute Support Headquarters, even if their work location is somewhere different? Do all contract employees in Kabul require contractor‐provided safe houses?

IAW PWS 3.2 PWS states: “The U.S. Government will provide facilities on board coalition bases wherever possible for Contractor personnel directly assigned to the TAA mission with the exception of contract employees assigned to Camp Resolute Support Headquarters."

The contractor is responsible to provide for its employees during periods when the U.S.

Government cannot accommodate facilities on board coalition bases (to include RS HQ);

facilities are limited through out the AOR.

IAW PWS 3.3 it states: "As the NATO presence in country expands and contracts, on base billeting may not be available for Contractor personnel directly assigned to the TAA mission.

The Contractor shall provide safe house billeting for employees assigned to the Camp Resolute Support Headquarters."

Attachment 0001 PWS, 3.3

PWS States: “One set of bedding may be included for each bed. … Employees are entitled to laundry services on base. Therefore, laundry (washers and dryers) are not provided by this contract.”

Currently laundry turn around at coalition bases is more than 24 hours, will the Government allow two sets of bedding per bed to allow for laundering of same?

No. IAW PWS 3.3 it states, "One set of bedding may be included for each bed." this only implies the contractor "MAY" supply one set of linen for its employees. It does not direct whether or not the contractor has to supply linen of any quantity.

Attachment 0001 PWS, 3.7

“3.7 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY (GFP)

The Contractor shall achieve and maintain full control and accountability of GFP. The USG will provide materials contained in the GFP attachment. The Contractor shall develop and implement, subject to approval by the COR, a Property Transition Plan within 30 days of contract award. All property currently known is provided in the GFP attachment. A full physical inventory shall be conducted as part of the official turnover at each site where property is stored to verify the GFP present at each site.

All course material modification, expansion, and revision, as well as the required changes log, shall be considered property of the USG and Afghan Government IAW the clauses in the contract.”

Is the contractor responsible for the maintenance of all GFP listed in attachments 0004 & 0005?

Yes. Per Clause 52.245‐1(f)(1)(ix): The Contractor shall properly maintain Government property. The Contractor’s maintenance program shall enable the identification, disclosure, and performance of normal and routine preventative maintenance and repair. The Contractor shall disclose and report to the Property Administrator the need for replacement and/or capital rehabilitation

Attachment 0001 PWS, 3.9

PWS states: “Currently, it is not legally possible for contractors to deploy into theater and immigrate into Afghanistan carrying their body armor, weapons, and ammunition. Until contractors are able to do so, personal equipment items such as helmets, body armor, individual self‐protection weapons, and ammo will have to be securely stored and managed by the contractor in‐theater. These items can then be issued once contractors arrive and immigrate legally.”

Does the Government require an approved weapon, body armor, and ammunition storage facility to be included in the proposal?

PWS 3.9 and 6.2.4 have been updated to incorporate the following; "The U.S. Government requires an approved weapon, body armor, and ammunition storage facility to be included in the proposal IAW AR 190‐11."

3.10

PWS states: “For movement between work sites, adequate force protection will be afforded to U.S. Contractor employees based on the local U.S., NATO, and coalition military threat assessments, policies and procedures. This force protection covers a wide range of safety, defense, and protection activities. Force protection measures adopted by escorting military teams will be flexible and designed for effective performance under changing threat conditions. The Contractor shall be responsible for movement between the work site and its own offices or off base safe houses. Per Afghan law, U.S. Contractors shall not act as guardian angels or as personnel security for any reason other than individuals acting for their own individual self‐protection and in compliance with Afghan law and US laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, DoD, CENTCOM, USFOR‐A, and Resolute Support regulations, policies, and orders relating to arming and personal security.”

Question: Will the vehicles being transferred to the contractor be maintained by the Government or maintained by the contractor?

Question: What is the standard to be applied to tier level security at the safe houses and vehicles used to move personnel between safe houses and work site?

Q‐1: Vehicles are considered GFP and will be maintained by the contractor IAW with manufacture recommended maintenance guidelines.

Q‐2: Safe houses currently require Tier 1 Force Protection Status; this is subject to change IAW FP conditions. GFP Vehicles are currently up‐armored to current Army regulations. Each uparmored vehicle at a minimum will meet the following characteristics:

1 x armed guard driving the vehicle 1 x armed guard in the passenger seat

Attachment 0001 PWS, 3.10

PWS states: “For movement between work sites, adequate force protection will be afforded to U.S. Contractor employees based on the local U.S., NATO, and coalition military threat assessments, policies and procedures. This force protection covers a wide range of safety, defense, and protection activities. Force protection measures adopted by escorting military teams will be flexible and designed for effective performance under changing threat conditions. The contractor shall be responsible for movement between the work site and its own offices or off base safe houses. Per Afghan law, U.S. Contractors shall not act as guardian angels or as personnel security for any reason other than individuals acting for their own individual self‐protection and in compliance with Afghan law and US laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, DoD, CENTCOM, USFOR‐A, and Resolute Support regulations, policies, and orders relating to arming and personal security.”

Question: Will the vehicles being transferred to the contractor be adequate for off base movements and are they legally licensed and registered in Afghanistan?

Question: Will adequate communication equipment be provided in the vehicles being transferred to the contractor?

Question Will adequate electrical counter measures (ECM) equipment be provided in the vehicles being transferred to the contractor?

Q‐1: The vehicles are currently legally licensed and registered in Afghanistan.

Q‐2: Current comm equipment in the vehicles will be transferred to the KTR.

Q‐3: Current ECM is provided in the vehicles

Attachment 0001 PWS, 5.2

Program Management Office ‐ Technical

Will the Government identify the individual staffing locations by exact working site and/or US/NATO base in order to properly structure the program so that lines of authority, lines of communication and command and control responsibilities and the approach for interfacing with the Government program offices and oversight can be fully developed?

It is not possible to provide a list of all work locations. Contractors will be required to preform at various locations throughout Afghanistan, including coalition and U.S. and MoI and MoD facilities bases. Specific locations may vary and may be co‐located anywhere MoI and MoD forces are stationed.

Attachment 0001 PWS, 5.2.1

Key Personnel Resumes.

The PWS requires resumes for Key Personnel. Is it the Government's desire that the resumes are included as an attachment to Volume III or somewhere else?

No.

Any changes after award, the Contractor shall provide resume of Key Personnel Change to the KO and COR. ..., and the Government reserves the right to request resumes at any time during the life of the contract. (D013)

Attachment 0001 PWS, 5.2.1

PWS states: “a) The Contractor shall appoint in writing a Program Manager (PM), Deputy Program Manager (DPM), Security Manager (SM), and OCONUS Site Lead for Resolute Support Headquarters and this position shall be on call 24 hours a day. Any changes after award, the Contractor shall be provide new resumes to the KO. It is the contractor’s responsibility to ensure personnel meet all minimum qualifications throughout this document, and the Government reserves the right to request resumes at any time during the life of the contract. (D013)

b) In addition to the Site Leads designated as key personnel, the contractor shall identify site leads for each base in the AOR where the contractor has assigned personnel. These site leads will not be identified as key personnel and resumes at the time of proposal are not required.”

Will the 4 key personnel listed above be required to live and work at RS HQ and will the Government provide their office equipment?

No. the Key Personnel are not required to live and work on RS HQ.

‐‐Yes, there will be contractor personnel officed on RS HQ and HKIA as needed for performance of the contract. However, they will not be provided billetting on HKIA or HQ RS for the forseeeable future.

Attachment 0001 PWS, 5.2.1

PWS states: “b) In addition to the Site Leads designated as key personnel, the Contractor shall identify site leads for each base in the AOR where the Contractor has assigned personnel. These site leads will not be identified as key personnel and resumes at the time of proposal are not required.”

What are the requirements and duties for site leads at each base?

PWS 5.2.1 revised; reference to site lead deleted in this section. PWS 5.2.1.4 addresses the Site Lead position.

5.2.1.4

PWS states: “At a minimum, the Contractor shall assign a Site Lead to the Kabul area working at the direction of the Program Manager. This position shall be on call 24 hours a day. At a minimum, the site lead manages the day‐to‐day program support and ensures personnel under this contract perform in accordance with this PWS and service requirements in the Services Summary section and ensures service quality in accordance with the Contractor Quality Control Plan.

The minimum qualifications are:

a) Master’s degree or eight years of relevant experience in logistics contingency environments may be substituted for the Master’s Degree.

b) Experience on projects of similar size and scope in the last 5 years is also required.

c) 3 years logistics contingency support experience is required.

d) 3 years of life cycle logistics experience.

e) Familiarity with GOVERNMENT supply chain management standards is required.”

The OCONUS Site Lead duties appear to not match the qualifications listed. Will the Government please confirm life cycle logistics and Government supply chain management background is required for this position?

PWS 5.2.1.4 has been revised to address that the life cycle logistics and supply chain management background is preferred, not required.

Attachment 0001 PWS,

5.2.1.2 OCONUS Deputy

Program Manager (DPM)

"Master’s degree and a background in the management of projects or organizations of similar size and scope"

Will the government consider changing this requirement to read:

"Master’s degree and a background in the management of projects or organizations of similar size and scope OR Bachelor's degree and 10 years of relevant experience in the management of projects or organizations of similar size and scope"

Providing an education equivalency for the DPM is consistent with equivalency allowed for other key personnel and provides a broader pool of qualified candidates, while still requiring a Master's for the PM.

PWS 5.2.1.2 has been revised to incorporate "Master's degree and a background in the management of projects or organizations of similar size and scope OR a Bachelors degree and 10 years of relevant experience in the management of projects or organizations of similar size and scope."

Attachment 0001 PWS, 5.3

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS BY POSITION CATEGORY

In cases where the generic position category qualifications contradict the individual PWS position qualification; which requirement will take precedence?

PWS 5.3 has been revised to include language addressing the individual position requirements and qualifications; which shall take precedence.

Attachment 0001 PWS,

5.3.5 ‐ LEVEL 1

INTERPRETER/

TRANSLATOR (IT‐1)

PWS states: “Contractor may be required to provide office/working space for ITs not directly accompanying advisors on TAA missions.”

If the contractor is required to provide office/working space and/or office equipment for interpreters/translators not directly accompanying advisors on TAA missions will these costs be reimbursable to the Government?

The Government will reimburse approved costs incurred by the contractor in performance of this contract. The contractor shall obtain prior written approval from the Contracting Officer for all costs over $1,000.00 before making any purchases, IAW PWS 1.24.

Attachment 0001 PWS, 5.3.7

PWS states: “The Contractor may provide security personnel in order to provide adequate protection for Contractor employees at safe house locations and for transportation to and from the safe house to the base. Security personnel may be armed in accordance with the arming SOP’s, FRAGOs, and Afghan law as described under the Firearms paragraph and the contract.”

Due to possible conflicting language in another section of the PWS (Part 3 Government‐Furnished Items and Services; (g)), will this security personnel be supplied by the contractor or the Government regarding the Safe Houses and the movement elements?

The Contractor shall provide security protection for Contractor employees in, around, and between work site and its own offices as well as off base safe houses.

Sections 3.10 and 5.37 of the PWS have been updated to remove any conflicting language.

Attachment 0001 PWS, 5.3.7

PWS states: “The Contractor may provide security personnel in order to provide adequate protection for Contractor employees at safe house locations and for transportation to and from the safe house to the base. Security personnel may be armed in accordance with the arming SOP’s, FRAGOs, and Afghan law as described under the Firearms paragraph and the contract.”

Are contractors required to provide security personnel?

Yes. PWS 5.3.7 has been revised to state the following; "The Contractor shall provide security protection for Contractor employees in, around, and between work site and its own offices as well as off base safe houses. Security personnel shall be armed in accordance with the arming SOPs, FRAGOs, and Afghan Law as described under the Firearms paragraph and the contract."

Attachment 0001 PWS, 5.20.2

PWS States:”5.20.2 Senior Advisor, Accounting/Finance (0 USN)” What is the correct quantity for this position? Adjust Price Matrix to match.

The correct quantity for this position currently is zero (0). The position is currently in an inactive status. Contractors shall still price out a labor rate on the price matrix

Attachment 0001 PWS, 5.19.1

PWS States: “q) Requires the advisor to work a 10‐hour shift, 6 days a week with one day off; however, this position is classified as “n” on call 24/7 position.”

If the Technical Advisor is called out over 60 hours will the hours over 60 be billable to the Government?

For proposal purposes, offerors are not to propose overtime in their proposal. Any overtime will be authorized subject to availability of funds after award for anything above the 60 hours as stated in PWS.

Attachment 0001 PWS,

1.4 HOURS OF

OPERATION

PWS states: “The Contractor shall work the hours IAW Technical Exhibit 5 with specific schedules coordinated through the Contractor program manager and within specific requiring activity’s staff. When hiring personnel, the Contractor shall keep in mind that the stability and continuity of the workforce are essential.”

If contractor personnel are required to work additional hours due to mission requirements and USG direction, will these hours be billable to the US Government?

For proposal purposes, offerors are not to propose overtime in their proposal. Any overtime will be authorized subject to availability of funds after award for anything above the 60 hours as stated in PWS.

Attachment 0001 PWS,

1.5 RECOGNIZED

HOLIDAYS

PWS states: “The Contractor is required to perform services on all Federal (U.S.)

holidays if such a holiday falls on a scheduled workday. Host Country Nationals (HCNs) are entitled to take additional holidays IAW Afghan labor laws.”

Will Host Country Nationals (HCNs) be paid for holidays?

This is a Time & Materials contract, thus, the Government will only pay for actual hours worked, per the rates provided in the contract.

Attachment 0001 PWS,

1.5 RECOGNIZED

HOLIDAYS

PWS states: “The Contractor is required to perform services on all Federal (U.S.)

holidays if such a holiday falls on a scheduled workday. Host Country Nationals (HCNs) are entitled to take additional holidays IAW Afghan labor laws.”

Will Host Country Nationals (HCNs) be paid for their Fridays off?

This is a Time & Materials contract, thus, the Government will only pay for actual hours worked, per the rates provided in the contract.

Attachment 0001 PWS,

1.5 RECOGNIZED

HOLIDAYS

PWS states: “The Contractor is required to perform services on all Federal (U.S.)

holidays if such a holiday falls on a scheduled workday. Host Country Nationals (HCNs) are entitled to take additional holidays IAW Afghan labor laws.”

If Host Country Nationals (HCNs) are required, due to mission requirements, to work a holiday, will they be paid a premium?

It is the contractor's responsibility to ensure compliance with the local/host nation labor laws.

Attachment 0001 PWS,

1.5 Recognized Holidays

PWS states: “The Contractor is required to perform services on all Federal (U.S.)

holidays if such a holiday falls on a scheduled workday. Host Country Nationals (HCNs) are entitled to take additional holidays IAW Afghan labor laws.”

Will USN/TCN employees be paid a premium if they are required to perform services on all Federal holidays?

No. USN/TCN employees will not be paid a premium for holiday hours worked.

Attachment 0001. PWS Part 3.g & 5.3.7

PWS 3.g: "Security for safe houses."

PWS 5.3.7: "The Contractor may provide security personnel in order to provide adequate protection for Contractor employees at safe house locations"

It's unclear from these statements who provides safe house security.

Please clarify whether security at safe houses is government or contractor‐provided?

The Contractor shall provide security protection for Contractor employees in, around, and between work site and its own offices as well as off base safe houses. Security personnel shall be armed in accordance with the arming SOPs, FRAGOs, and Afghan Law as described under the Firearms paragraph and the contract.

Attachment 0001 PWS, 5.37, & Price Matrix

Security Costs Does the Government want Security costs associated with the tasks within 5.3.7 to be included in the proposal? If so, to which CLIN should these costs be allocated?

Contractors should address any positions identified in section 5, Specific Tasks, in L.6.3.1 Management and Staffing Plan

Attachment 0001 PWS,

5.4 ‐ 5.24

In order to propose a realistic and low‐risk program management approach, we require the physical work locations of all advisors. This information is specifically provided only for PWS 5.10.19 ‐ 22 and PWS 5.24 (except 5.24.2 and 5.24.7 ‐ 8).

Locations for all other advisors are unspecified or ambiguous. The incumbent contractor has this information and it creates an unfair competitive advantage.

Please provide locations for all advisors in PWS 5.4 ‐ 5.24.

No. It is not possible to provide a list of all work locations. Contractors will be required to perform at various locations throughout Afghanistan, including coalition and U.S. and MoI and MoD facilities bases. Specific locations may vary and may be co‐located anywhere MoI and MoD forces are stationed.

Attachment 0001 PWS, Technical Exhibit 1

The AQL for cost control states: "Actual labor resource mix is maintained within 3% of originally awarded resource mix. " Since the Government is dictating the labor categories and level of effort, this would seem to be an inappropriate measure of contractor cost control.

Will the Government please clarify what they mean by labor resource mix or consider devising a more meaningful measure of cost control?

AQL has been deleted.

Attachment 0001 PWS, Technical Exhibit 2

In PR# 5, the last line of the table is missing in the first two columns. Can the Government please provide the missing language?

The PWS has been updated to correct this issue.

Attachment 0001 PWS, Technical Exhibit 2

PR#1 lists the performance standard for fill rates to be 95%; however PWS section 1.20 FILL RATE states “Contractor shall meet or exceed a 90% fill rate”. Please confirm fill rate standard should be 90%

Confirming that the fill rate standard is 90%.

Attachment 0001 PWS, Technical Exhibit 3

The following sentence before the table appears to be cut off, will the Government please provide the missing language? “The Contractor shall be notified, in writing, of the Government’s determination of its performance level for each performance objective including all instances there the Contractor failed to”

PWS Technical Exhibit 3, 5th para, has been revised to state the following: "The overall performance assessment will also include an assessment of overall Customer Support. The Contractor shall be notified, in writing, of the Government’s determination of its performance level for each performance objective including all instances there the Contractor failed to meet the acceptable quality level."

Attachment 0001 PWS, Technical Exhibit 3

The performance objectives listed appear to only pertain to a handful of mentor/advisor duties.

Are the performance objectives listed in the table meant to be a sample or are they the only position description objectives the contractor will be measured on?

Technical Exhibit 1 specifies Contractor General Performance Requirements; Technical Exhibit 2 specifies Specific Perfomance Requirements; and Technical Exhibit 3 specifies Contractor Position Description Performance Requirements

Attachment 0001 PWS, Technical Exhibit 3

For PR 7, 8, 9, 11 and 12, the AQL reads "was not submitted" or "was not completed", implying that it's acceptable if milestones ARE NOT met for each PR.

Please clarify the AQL for each of these PRs.

The specified AQLs have been updated as follows: For 7 & 8 Submission of sustainment requirements to MoF by the end of each Calendar Year. For 9 Submission Spend Plan by the end of each Calendar Year. For 11 Submission of annual maintenance strategy plan by the end of each Calendar Year. For 12 Submission of annual pertinent annual campaign plan by the end of each Calendar Year.

Attachment 0001 PWS, Technical Exhibit 3

There are several references in the left hand column of Technical Exhibit 3 similar to this: 9001.02.011. The PWS does not indicate to what these refer.

Will the Government please indicate the significance of those references and provide more information on where those references can be found?

PWS Technical Exhibit 3; References have been removed.

Attachment 0001 PWS, Technical Exhibit 3

PR#10 includes a reference to (presumably) PWS 5.2.1.a, which relates to the key personnel, not to an individual mentor/advisor position

Will the Government please clarify the significance of this reference to PWS 5.2.1.a? PWS Technical Exhibit 3; Reference has been removed.

Attachment 0001 PWS, Technical Exhibit 3

PR# 12 (ESCP) Please define ESCP.

PWS Technical Exhibit 3; Definition of ESCP has been added, Effective Security Campaigns and Operations

Attachment 0001 PWS, Technical Exhibit 3 (1.15, Exhibit A, D003)

PWS 1.15 states, "... shall institute an anti‐corruption program plan (ACPP) C/AACPP that holds public officials and their employees accountable for their illegal activities."

CDRL D003 specifies how the offeror will plan anti‐corruption efforts, but does not mention "counter‐corruption" program for Afghan government officials.

Will the Government clarify to what degree it expects the Contractor to hold Afghan public officials accountable for any suspected illegal activities, i.e. is this just limited to reporting to US officials or is something else envisioned?

PWS 1.15 paragraph 4 has been revised to state the following;

"When implemented, the program must provide for immediate incident reporting of any attempt by a public official to improperly influence contract performance, or to require payment of any fee, bond, toll, or bribes to the…