W564KV-18-R-0005-0002_180116.pdf

W564KV

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

Jan 16, 2018

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

J

W564KV-18-R-0005

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

Dec 20, 2017

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

CODE FACILITY CODE

(X)

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICAITON NO.

PAGE OF PAGES

1 9

5. PROJECT NO. (If applicble)

6. ISSUED BY CODE

TCC-KAISERSLAUTERN

KLEBER KASERNE MANNHEIMER STRASSE 238

BLDG 3233

67657 KAISERSLAUTERN

GERMANY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)

7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6) CODE

See Item 6

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICIATION NO.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers 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 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 your 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 APPROPIRATION DATA (If required)

N/A

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

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

CHECK ONE 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.)

This amendment publishes the answers to all questions received from industry as of 12 Jan 18.

The deadline for additional questions from has passed. The proposal due date has not changed.

This is the second amendment to the solicitation.

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

(Signature of person authorized to sign)

15C. DATE SIGNED 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

16C. DATE SIGNED

NSN 7540-01-152-8070

Previous edition unusable

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 10-83)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

W564KV-18-R-0005-0002 Continuation SF 30 page 2 of 9

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=core&_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.”

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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?

W564KV-18-R-0005-0002 Continuation SF 30 page 4 of 9

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=core&_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?

W564KV-18-R-0005-0002 Continuation SF 30 page 5 of 9

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

W564KV-18-R-0005-0002 Continuation SF 30 page 6 of 9

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 preforming 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.

*********************************SECOND ROUND of QUESTIONS**********************************

Questions submitted on Solicitation Number W564KV-18-R-0005

Q35) Can the USG detail qualifiers for Language Roundtable (ILR) Language Level 3?

A35) The qualifications are in paragraph 6.1 of the PWS any variation is incumbent upon the contractor to prove compliance IAW 6.4. See Q&A 21&22.

Q36) Can the USG detail qualifiers for Language Roundtable (ILR) Language Level 4?

W564KV-18-R-0005-0002 Continuation SF 30 page 7 of 9

A36) The qualifications are in paragraph 6.1 of the PWS any variation is incumbent upon the contractor to prove compliance IAW 6.4 See Q&A 21&22.

Q37) Are all candidates required to sign letters of commitment?

A37) The USG has not asked for letters of commitment

Q38) Can members of another company sign letters of commitment to more than one firm?

A38) The USG has not asked for letters of commitment

Q39) Ref: Addendum 52.212-1 (Past Performance) 1. Will the Government consider "relevant" past performance of similar scope, complexity, and dollar value performed for customers other than the United States Government outside the continental United States (OCONUS)? For instance similar work performed on behalf of the United Nations, Georgian Armed Forces (GAF), NATO, or other similar entity?

See Q&A #23

Q40) Ref: PWS 4.3 Will the Government confirm if internet services are only required at KNTC? What about other training locations in Georgia?

A 40) The USG doesn’t require internet services; the USG requires interpreter services. See Q&A #27

Q41) Ref: Addendum 52.212-2, Which evaluation factor, "Approach" or "past Performance", is more heavily weighted? Are they considered equal?

A41) Approach and Past Performance are considered to be equal and per 52.212-2 when combined are equal to price.

Q42) Upon award of this solicitation what date will the first Mission Rehearsal Exercise (MRE) be conducted or is estimated to be conducted?

A42) It is estimated that the first MRE will take place in the Summer (ref PWS 4.3)

Q43) Ref: PWS 1.6.13 Is it the responsibility of the contractor or Government to conduct the "security background check and vetting"? If the Government manages and/or facilitates this process, what involvement is required of the contractor?

A43) The USG will conduct a security background check and vetting. The contractor will be required to submit any information necessary to facilitate the background check.

Q44) Ref: Attachment 2, Deliverables Schedule 6. The "Personnel Roster with background check information" deliverable's frequency is listed as, "No Later than 30 days prior to beginning work on the contract." If the contract is set to commence on 01 MARCH 2018 per the delivery

W564KV-18-R-0005-0002 Continuation SF 30 page 8 of 9 information provided on page 9 of 73 this would imply the roster with background check information is due no later than 30 January 2018. Is this the Government's intent?

A44) The intent of this deliverable is to provide all information necessary for the USG to conduct background checks on all contractor employees. On day one of the 30-day phase-in period, the contractor must provide the personnel roster to the USG and any other information which the Contracting Officer Representative requires for the USG to conduct the security background check.

Q45) Ref: Attachment 2, Deliverable Schedule

7. What background check information is required from the Contractor to present to the Force Protection Officer?

A45) Information required may include all questions asked during a USG security clearance questionnaire SF 86. However, specific information will be explained in the Post Award Conference.

Q46) When was the last MRE conducted?

A46) The MREs are scheduled to be conducted twice a year. See PWS 4.3

Q47) We would encourage the Government to provide a separate CLIN for "additional training time" which captures services performed outside core hours. This CLIN can be priced for as an "hourly" unit price. This will allow offerors to provide a per hour rate for work performed outside of core work hours. Without a separate hourly CLIN offerors may wrap 24hr/7day service (or some variation thereof) into their standard monthly rate (CLIN 0001). This increases risk and degrades the Government's value for money if all these hours are not used over the period of performance. Essentially the Government may end up paying for hourly services not rendered.

Will the Government consider this?

A47) Thank you for your input. We encourage contractor’s FFP proposals to include the historical amount of overtime hours only.

Q48) Can the Government confirm that any pages outside the 15 page limit, which do not relate to the cover page, table of contents, or pricing information, will be discarded and not reviewed by the evaluation board? For example, if an offeror includes 42 linguist resumes in the pricing section or as an appendix will these be evaluated?

A48) All content after 15 pages will not be evaluated. We evaluating the contractors vetting system and not the individual resumes

Q49) Are hyperlinks to other web-based information or content allowed in an offeror's proposal?

A49) No

Q 50) Will interpreters be required to be on-site at USG and/or Georgian facilities during required working hours, or should Offerors factor in office requirements (e.g.: office space, desktop computers, additional Internet lines, generator for power-outage backups) and associated costs, in order to provide an adequate home base for the Interpretation staff?

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A50) USG can’t direct the contractor’s internal business practices or administration / human resources facilitation.

Q 51) Is any audio/visual equipment required to be provided by the Offeror?

A51) Refer to section 4 of the PWS

Q52) To the extent that you can disclose information, can you please say at which military bases in Georgia will the Interpreters be working? --- Or, about where? Depending how remote locations are will affect price points and hiring qualified staff in particular regions.

A52) Training areas in Georgia include but are not limited to Vazinia and Krtsanisi training areas.

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