W564KV-18-R-0005-0001.pdf

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

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)

30-105-04EXCEPTION TO SF 30

APPROVED BY OIRM 11-84

STANDARD FORM 30 (Rev. 10-83) Prescribed by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

This amendment publishes the answ ers to all questions received from industry as of 5 Jan 18. The deadline for additional questions from industry is 12 Jan 18 14:00

Only formatting changes w ere made to 52.212-1 and 52.212-2. The instructions and evaluation criteria have not changed.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

J 1 8

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

16C. DATE SIGNED

BY 05-Jan-2018

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA15C. DATE SIGNED15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of Contracting Officer)(Signature of person authorized to sign)

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., Street, County, State and Zip Code) X W564KV-18-R-0005

X 9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

20-Dec-2017

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

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

Offer 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 numbers. 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)

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

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

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)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor 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.)

10A. MOD. OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO.(If applicable)

6. ISSUED BY

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

05-Jan-2018

CODE

TCC-KAISERSLAUTERN

KLEBER KASERNE MANNHEIMER STRASSE 238

BLDG 3233

67657 KAISERSLAUTERN

GERMANY

W564KV 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than item 6)

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.

CODE

See Item 6

FACILITY CODECODE

EMAIL:TEL:

W564KV-18-R-0005

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

SECTION SF 30 - BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

The following have been added by full text:

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Answers by the USG to Questions received from Contractors IRT:

W564KV-18-R-0005

Interpretation support to the USMC and Georgian Armed Forces in the Republic of Georgia and Germany.

FBO Posting: 20 DEC https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=00f1acf1e6f0feb0b12054517c4e78ba&tab=cor e&_cview=0

1Q. What is the deadline for submitting questions?

1A) The deadline for submitting questions will be 12 January 2018.

2Q. Referencing PWS 1.6.5 and 5.2. How many weeks per year are contractor services required in Georgia as part of the “core work hour” services? Section 5.2 mentions that, “the quantity of these engagements in Georgia will not be year round”. Therefore an understanding of how many weeks per year are required/expected is needed in order to provide a monthly price, as is requested in CLIN 0001

2A) Per PWS Paragraph 5.2, “The quantity of these engagements in Georgia will not be year round. The quantity of engagements will be reduced to three separate, simultaneous and non-collocated translation engagements when the MREs are conducted in Germany. The training in Germany’s total annual duration is two months out of the year. “

3Q) In the SOW you state that in Georgia, there would be a need for sixteen (16) separate simultaneous and non-collocated training engagements at once, working ten (10) hours per day, five days per week (Monday – Friday). Are you referring that there would be a need for 16 interpreters x 10 hours per day = 160 hours of interpretation per day, while in Georgia.

3A) Yes, see PWS Para 1.6.5

4Q) In the SOW you state that in Germany the contractor shall provide sufficient interpreter staffing to support forty-two (42) separate, simultaneous and non-collocated training engagements while in Germany for the training exercises, working 14 hours every day.

Are you referring there would be a need for: 42 interpreters x 14 hours per day= 588 hours of interpretation every day, for the period of 62 days or (two months).

4A) Yes, see PWS Para 1.6.5

5Q) 1.6.17 states “There will be a post award meeting with the awardee.” Where will this meeting take place? Can the Program Manager conference call in if this meeting is OCONUS, or must s/he be physically present at the meeting if it is OCONUS?

5A) See PWS Para 1.6.16.1 for the requirements of the Program Manager, “The PM is reachable at all times and is able to come to the site location if required by the COR at any given time.”

6Q) Section 5.2 states “The quantity of engagements will be reduced to three separate, simultaneous and non-collocated translation engagements when the MREs are conducted in Germany.” However 5.3 subsequently states, “The contractor shall provide sufficient interpreter staffing to support forty-two (42) separate, simultaneous and non-collocated training engagements while in Germany for the training exercises.” 5.2 reads as if the level of effort/ requirement for interpretation is lower in Germany than it is in Georgia (i.e.: 3 simultaneous engagements, versus 16); but then 5.3 reads as if the effort in Germany is much greater, i.e.: 42. Please clarify.

6A) There are 10 months of service in Georgia and there are 2 months of service in Germany. The two month Mission Readiness Exercises (MREs) in Germany are the culmination of the 10 months of training in Georgia. Reference paragraph 1.6.5, 5.2 and 5.3 for greater detail.

7Q) How should offerors prepare their proposals? (Is there an SF 1449 that is forthcoming; a pricing sheet/ budget matrix; or should Offerors use their in-house, corporate format for submitting proposals?)

7A) the solicitation is on FBO and has a 1449.

8Q) We understand the contract will be awarded as a Firm Fixed Price contract, but is the award decision to be made on a Best Value basis, or Lowest Price Technically Acceptable?

8A) The award is based on best value as stated in FAR 52.212-2 Addendum.

9Q) Can companies from outside Germany apply for this? (e.g. India or USA)

9A) Any company can submit a quote as long as they are SAM registered.

10Q) Can we perform the tasks (related to RFP) outside Germany? (e.g. India or USA)

10A) The requirements under solicitation W564KV-18-R-0005 require performance on-site in the Republic of Georgia and Germany.

11Q) Can we submit the proposals via email?

11A) Yes, see instructions found in 52.212-1

12Q) Who is the incumbent on the current contract and what is the cost

12A) The current incumbent contractor is C4ID (DUNS 078824399) performing under contract number W564KV-16-C-0116. The current cost for 6 months of service is $460,121.00

13Q) When does the POP start? (either exactly, or roughly/around what date?)

13A) The phase in period is 1 March 2018 through 29 March 2018. The PoP begins 30 March 2018.

14Q) Does the Army have a Value Added Tax (VAT) exemption certificate from the Georgian government that is applicable to this program, or should Offerors factor in the costs of VAT and pass them along to the USG in their Price Proposal?

14A) Reference DFARS clause 252.229-7001 Tax Relief in the solicitation.

15Q) Attachment 3 (p. 19 of the PWS) reads, “Services performed outside core hours: 31 hours in the last billed six month period.” What is meant by “in the last billed six month period?” What are these 31 hours for and why are they specifically allocated to the last billed six month period?

15A) This information is provided to assist in proposal preparation. There were 31 hours of overtime worked within the last 6 months of performance. These are the hours that were worked outside of the normal core hours in Georgia and in Germany

16Q) Will the Q&As from other Offerors be shared with all Offerors/ interested vendors?

16A) Yes, all questions submitted under this solicitation will be posted to FBO.

17Q) We looked at all available forms posted to FBO (posted dates currently shown there are Dec. 11, 12, 13 and 20; the Dec. 11 link is no longer working, FYSA), and do not see the SF 1449. Could you re-post it, send a copy to me via email, or please point me to where I can find it online?

17A) The posting is there under combined synopsis / solicitation. If you search by the solicitation number you can see the history.

W564KV-18-R-0005

https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=00f1acf1e6f0feb0b12054517c4e78ba&tab=cor e&_cview=0

18Q) Is there an incumbent for this program? If so, please provide the name of the contractor and the contract number.

18A) see response in 12A above.

19Q) 4.3 Materials states, “Contractor will provide… internet while working at KNTC.” Please describe the type of internet service needed. Is this mobile internet? How many interpreters will require internet service at any one time?

19A) The contractor must provide all internal support resources, capabilities, office supplies and other equipment required to perform the requirements of the contract.

20Q) 5.4 Functional Areas and Proficiency Examinations states, “The Government may execute this testing at any time and without warning.” Please describe the type of proficiency examinations that may be executed. What event may trigger one of these testing?

20A) The proficiency exams will cover the duty description of the interpreter IAW the PWS. All the required duties of the interpreter may be tested at any time. Interpreters that are unable to perform the PWS requirements may be required to display their proficiency in a proctored exam, the results of which shall be recorded for the performance requirements summary.

21Q) 6.1 Contractor Adherence gives TOEFL IPT equivalents for ILR 4 and ILR 3. Will the Government give similar equivalents for STANAG, CEFR, and TOEFL iBT scores?

21A) The burden of proof is on the Contractor to show how the results from their chosen standardized and recognized testing is equivalent to what the US Government has determined to be acceptable.

22Q) 6.1 Contractor Adherence gives TOEFL IPT equivalents for ILR 4 and ILR 3. Can Contractors substitute military interpretation experience for testing scores?

22A) The burden of proof is on the Contractor to show how the results from their chosen standardized and recognized testing is equivalent to what the US Government has determined to be acceptable.

23Q) Addendum 1 Past Performance states, “For the United States Government…” Is it required that all past performances be for the United States Government? Can past performance for other governments or organizations be submitted?

23A) The instructions to offerors in FAR 52.212-1 Addendum states that past performance must be relevant. “Relevancy will be determined by linguistic contracts of similar scope, complexity and dollar value performed for the United States Government outside the continental United States (OCONUS).”

24Q) 1.6.8 Quality Control states, “The Government will evaluate the Contractor in (4) four different settings to examine performance after the phase in period has ended.” Please describe what kind of evaluation will occur. Where will it occur? Will contractors be responsible for any related costs regarding this evaluation?

24A). The Contracting Officer Representative (COR) will inspect the performance of all interpreters after the initial phase-in has concluded. The evaluation of the Interpreter’s skills and duty performance shall be IAW the PWS

25Q) 1.6.10 Quality Assurance Will the Government issue a copy of its Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) to bidders?

25A) The QASP will be provided at the Post-Award Conference.

26Q) 1.6.13 Security Program states, “personnel performing work under this contract must have a favorable security background check….” Please describe what a “favorable security background check” includes.

26A) Contractors must meet all the requirements in order to gain access to a US military installation. A local investigation will be conducted to check for criminal history.

27Q) 4.3 materials - the RFP states that the contractor must provide their own equipment while at KNTC.

Will the contractor be provided with an office at KNTC? Also, what about any security requirements in regards to Internet? Furthermore, 1.6.14 says that contractor is responsible for safeguarding all governing property provided. Please elaborate what it would be and how/where is expected to be safeguarded.

27A) The contractor must provide all internal support resources, capabilities, office supplies and other equipment required to perform the requirements of the contract

28Q) How soon after the award with the first training be scheduled for? - 30 days phase-in period with pressings on board.

28A) Contractor personnel must be able to support full contract requirements after the phase-in period.

29Q) How often the schedule may require 24/7 interpreting services?

29A) 24/7 services will not be a normal occurrence. See PWS Paragraph 1.6.5 for further instructions on adjustments to work schedules if required.

30Q) What performing standards will be applied in QASP?

30A) The QASP, which will evaluate performance against the PWS, will be discussed at the Post Award Conference.

31Q) What does firm fixed price mean here: hourly or per entire training?

31A) Firm-Fixed Price to perform the requirements in the PWS

32Q) How long do AT Level 1, level 1 OPSEC training takes.

32A) The AT Level I course is provided online and can be accomplished within one day.

33Q) Will the trainings be conducted simultaneously in Georgia and in Germany? How often?

33A) PWS Para 5.3 states, “The quantity of these engagements in Georgia will not be year round. The quantity of engagements will be reduced to three separate, simultaneous and non-collocated translation engagements when the MREs are conducted in Germany.”

34Q) How will the post award and periodic progress meetings take place and who is expected to participate? Can they be done remotely?

34A) See PWS Para 1.6.16.1 for the requirements of the Program Manager, “The PM is reachable at all times and is able to come to the site location if required by the COR at any given time.” The COR will determine meeting attendance specifics after award of contract.

****************************END OF QUESTIONS **************************************************

SECTION SF 1449 - CONTINUATION SHEET

The following have been added by full text:

CLAUSE(S) 52.212-2 - 52.212-1 ADDENDUM

52.212-1 Addendum

1. Proposals shall be submitted to the following two individuals via email by the due date listed in the solicitation. SFC O’Toole, Contract Specialist, james.r.otoole2.mil@mail.mil Mr. Daniel Cowell, Contracting Officer, daniel.l.cowell2.civ@mail.mil

2. The subject of the email(s) shall be W564KV-18-R-0005-GDP Interpreters. All offerors must be submitted in English. Proposals that are sent in multiple emails shall be numbered to include the total number of emails sent.

3. The proposal length shall not exceed fifteen legible standard pages (8.5” x 11”) with font size not smaller than 10. Cover pages, table of contents, and pricing information will not be counted in the page length. Pages in excess of the page limit will be removed and not evaluated.

Approach – Offerors shall describe their company’s approach for verifying the qualifications of the interpreters ensuring adherence to the TL proficiency requirements in the PWS. An offeror’s approach shall address proficiency screening of new employees, monitoring proficiency of existing employees, continuing education initiatives for existing employees, and customer feedback initiatives.

Past Performance – Offerors may provide past performance information on recent and relevant projects. Recent will be defined by performance within the last three years of the issuance date of this solicitation. Relevancy will be determined by linguistic contracts of similar scope, complexity and dollar value performed for the United States Government outside the continental United States (OCONUS). The Government will also perform a search in the Government wide Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS) at www.ppirs.gov and may consider other sources of past performance information.

Price – Offers shall provide prices for each separately priced Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) in the Solicitation to include Unit Prices and Extended Prices. Prices shall be in U.S. Dollar only.

CLAUSE(S) 52.212-2 - 52.212-2 ADDENDUM

FAR 52.212-2 Addendum

1. This competitive solicitation for interpreter services will use FAR Part 12 – Acquisition of Commercial Items and FAR Part 13 – Simplified Acquisition Procedures under the authority at FAR 13.5.

2. The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The Government will consider approach, past performance, and price in determining the best value. All evaluation factors other than price, when combined, are approximately equal to price. An award may be made to an offeror who is higher priced if the perceived benefits of their proposal justifies the additional price. In arriving at the award decision, the Government will conduct comparative evaluations of the offers as allowed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (FAR 13).

Approach – The Government will evaluate the offeror’s approach used in verifying the qualifications of its interpreters ensuring adherence to the TL proficiency requirements in the PWS and the requirements set forth in the addendum to 52.212-1. An approach which monitors for continuous improvements in customer service will be evaluated more favorably. In evaluating an offeror’s approach for strengths, the Government will also look for examples of continuous improvements in addressing proficiency screening of new employees, monitoring proficiency of existing employees, continuing education initiatives for existing employees, and customer feedback initiatives.

Past Performance – The Government will evaluate the quality of each offeror’s recent and relevant past performance based upon one or more of the methods described in FAR 13.106-2(b)(3)(ii). The Government will evaluate past performance efforts completed within the past 3 years from the date of solicitation. Past performance efforts must be of similar in scope, complexity and dollar value to meet the relevancy criteria.

Price – Prices shall be in U.S. Dollar only. For evaluation purposes, the Total Evaluated Price (TEP) will be the sum of all Contract Line Item Numbers (CLIN). The offeror’s proposed price must be determined fair and reasonable before an award is made.

52.212-2 EVALUATION--COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2014)

(a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

See Addendum

(b) Options. The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. The Government may determine that an offer is unacceptable if the option prices are significantly unbalanced. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

(c) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer's specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

(End of provision)

The following have been linked or unlinked:

Text Item 52.212-1 ADDENDUM applies to clause(s) 52.212-2.

Text Item 52.212-1 ADDENDUM no longer applies to clause(s) 52.212-1.

(End of Summary of Changes)