W9114F-21-Q-0097-0002.pdf

0011648141

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

The purpose of this Amendment is to respond to prospective vendors' inquiries.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

J 1 8

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

16C. DATE SIGNED

BY 16-Jun-2021

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 W9114F21Q0097

X 9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

01-Jun-2021

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

16-Jun-2021

CODE

W40M RHCO USAHCA EUROPE

REGIONAL HEALTH CONTR OFC EUROPE

CMR 402

APO AE 09180

W9114F 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than item 6)

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.

CODE

See Item 6

FACILITY CODECODE

EMAIL:TEL:

W9114F21Q0097

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:

Q & A'S (II)

Questions Responses

1. Paragraph 1.2.1. of the PWS states, “Contractor staff shall possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License, USAREUR driver’s license, US Army Transportation Motorpool (TMP) driver’s license and International/EU Identity Card allowing travel within the EU for the entire term of service.” Subfactor 2 (Technical Approach) on page 73 of the PWS further states, “a. Quoters shall submit documentation demonstrating capability to meet the requirements to obtain a valid Driver’s License, USAREUR driver’s license and International/EU Identity Card allowing travel within the EU.”

Question: Please confirm that the candidates must only be able to obtain the licenses and do not have to have them immediately from the start of the contract. For example, a German local national hired for this position with a valid German driver’s license would not need to obtain a USAREUR driver’s license. They can however attend a TMP driver’s course and receive a TMP license.

Also, please confirm that a valid U.S. passport (for U.S.

citizens) meets the criteria for an International/EU Identity Card.

A-1 – Please see Amendment 0001

2. Paragraph 1.2.2. Education/Experience of the PWS states, “Graduate of an Environmental Science Specialist/Technician Course from a post-secondary vocational/trade school or an Associate's or Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university in Environmental Technology or Engineering. Minimum of one-year experience in water sampling.

Question: Please clarify that the post-secondary vocational/trade school or accredited university can be from a non-U.S. institution. For example, that the German equivalent is acceptable and the Director, EHS or Chief, Environmental Health Engineering, PHCE will review the documentation and make a decision.

A-2 – Please see Amendment 0001

3. Paragraph 1.4.8. All contractor personnel performing work on the requirement shall be a United States

A-3 Please refer to Army in Europe Regulation 604-1, also known as AER 604-1, named the Local National citizen or local national and comply with applicable program security requirements.

Question: Please clarify whether EU citizens can be hired as long as they do have a VISA and work permit that allows them to stay and work in Germany.

Screening Program in Germany with publication date 26 August 2015 for requirements.

4. Paragraph 1.7.7. Unscheduled absences, states “Unscheduled absences due to illness or emergency must be called in by the contractor into the on duty Government Technical Supervisor or designee as early as possible, but no later than two hours prior to the scheduled start of the normal work day…The contractor shall provide full coverage for the required hours of performance.”

Question: Will the government amend this paragraph to allow for unscheduled absences up to 72 hours without a backfill? The qualification requirements of the employees required for this contract makes it unfeasible to have individuals immediately on stand-by.

A-4 The Government will expect Contractor’s maximum effort to ensure continuous performance, and ready available personnel alternate.

5. Paragraph 5.5. of the PWS states, “The contractor shall operate a government vehicle such as a car/pickup truck/step van. The contractor is responsible to provide at least the minimum level of insurance as required for contract employees authorized to drive Government Vehicle car/pickup truck/step van.”

Question: Please clarify what constitutes “minimal” automobile insurance to meet this requirement

A-5 Contractor must provide coverages which meet the German and European Union minimum requirements for automobile insurance. Multiple vehicles including sedans, station wagons and minivans will be made available for contractor use.

6. Page 60 of the PWS, FACTOR III: PRICE states, “Quoters shall submit prices in all CLINs on the schedule in the solicitation. Price will be evaluated for reasonableness based on anticipated adequate price competition. Price analysis will be performed through the use of comparative price quotation analysis for technically acceptable quotations. Price will not be rated. The extended amount for each contract line item will be added up for a grand total and will be used to calculate the Quoter’s total price for the Base Period and all Option Periods. Contract award will be made to the technically acceptable offer with the lowest acceptable total five-year price. If a Quoter fails to price all CLINs, the offer will not be considered for award.” The government does not provide a history or average regarding number of trips taken/required to outlying areas in a year. The Public Health Command – Europe website shows 14 different major locations in Germany, Belgium, and Italy. There are however other locations in Spain, the UK, Turkey and The Netherlands that are not depicted.

Question:

a. Please confirm that the contractor is required to submit a not to exceed amount for the Travel and

A-6 (a) – Please see Amendment 0001

A-6 (b) – Please see Amendment 0001

Lodging CLINs or if the Gov’t will determine a NTE amount upon contract award.

The CLINs currently depict this as “Firm Fixed Price” however verbiage in the PWS indicate this would instead be “Cost Reimbursable” which is in line with them being NTE amounts. Please confirm and adjust if necessary.

b. Please provide an estimate of the number of trips and duration (taking into account possible COVID-19 quarantine restrictions, number of satellite installations needing testing, etc.). Especially if the contractor is required to price the Travel & Lodging Clins.

7. Place of Performance: 1.6.1. Places of Performance will be U.S. Army Garrisons within the USAREUR Area of Responsibility (AOR).

Question: Is it possible to have a full list of potential places of performance?

A-7 Please refer to USAREUR-AF webpage https://www.europeafrica.army.mil/Garrisons/.

8. 1.8.5.11. COVID-19 test: No more than 3 calendar days prior to start of performance at the PHCE, all CSPs shall have a COVID-19 PCR test performed at contractors’ expense. Proof of negative result is required.

Question: If personnel are certified to be vaccinated, is testing still required?

A-8

Yes

9. Price: May quotes be submitted in Euros? If so, is there a standard conversion rate for dollar-to-euros that should be used?

A-9 In accordance to FAR Provision 52.225-17, the Government will evaluate offers by converting the foreign currency to United States currency using the approved Fiscal Year 2021 budget rate of EURO

0.8978 per 1.00 U.S. Dollar.

“End of Q & A’s II”

Q & A'S (III)

1. Due Date

A-1

Will the government please extend the submittal date by 2 weeks from the time an ammendment is made answering questions?

It is our expectation that there will be major changes in the solicitation or documents provided that will need to be reviewed to better judge level of effort.

The Government does not intend to extend the RFQ Closing date.

2. Overall Is this a new requirement or an existing requirement? If this is an existing requirement, can the government please provide the previous contract or solicitation number.

If there was a previous contract then the incumbant has an unfair advantage unless it is known by all bidders there is an incumbant.

A-2 –

Award data of the incumbent requirement can be found in https://www.sam.gov under number W9114F-20-P-0101.

3. Overall Was this requirement previously filled by government employees (civilian or host nation)? If yes, are these individuals currently employed by the government?

This PWS reads as a continuation of service. In the interest of providing continuity, this information is relevant.

A-3 –

See A-2

4. Overall If this was a previous requirement, will the government provide the quality control plan for the project to all bidders?

This would provide some insight into estimating level of effort.

A-4 –

See Amendment 0001

5. Overall Will the data under this project be considered controlled unclassified information?

This could effect the level of effort for maintaining project data... Reference...

https://www.archives.gov/cui/registry/category-detail/water-assessments.

A-5

Yes, there is data which will be considered CUI.

6. "CLIN Items 0001-4002 Pages 3-9 of solicitation"

Unit of measure is specified as 60-Minute Period. Is the contractor going to be reimbursed per hour worked on this project?

Performance objectives are listed, but due to the lack of information on number of samples and location of samples it is not possible to estimate the number of hours that will be required to achieve those objectives.

A-6 –

The Government estimates 3x FTEs working 1920 hours p.a.

7. "CLIN Items 0001-4002 Pages 3-9 of solicitation" Is it the governments intention to have this contract be a time and materials or cost plus contract?

If yes, will more indepth pricing information be requested such as overhead rates, profit, etc.

A-7 –

In accordance to FAR Provision 52.212-2:… The Government will offer a Firm-Fixed-Price Contract with fixed unit priced CLINs resulting from this solicitation.

8. "CLIN Items 0001-4002 Pages 3-9 of solicitation"

The government is estimating 5,760 hours for 3 FTE's.

If the performance objectives are completed in less than the number of hours the government estimates, will the contractor be awarded the amount of "60 minute periods" worked or the total amount of the contract? If the 5,760 hours are not enough to complete the performance objectives, will the government issue modifications to the contract?

The government has estimated 3 FTEs and 5,760 hours per year for this project. Without knowing more details to the number of samples, sample locations, types of QC and calibration activies and types and frequeency of communication then the contractor can not independently verify if this estimate is accurate.

A-8 –

See A-7. The contractor will be compensated for its personnel actual worked hours.

9. Pages 3-9 of solicitation Travel and lodging costs are to be listed as not to exceed reimbursement.

In order to estimate the travel costs can the government please provide the number of samples that are to be collected and their locations, or provide a not to exceed number that will be used by all bidders? Will international travel to locations in Belgium, Italy or the Netherlands be required?

To estimate price of travel costs, information on the number of samples to be collected and the location of the samples is required.

A-9 –

10. "PWS Section 5.5 Page 51 of solicitation"

Will government vehicles be available for all travel to complete the performance objectives? Where are the government vehicles located, and what are their size?

Knowing the size of the vehicles can let us estimate how many sample coolers can be fit into a vehicle. Vehicles larger 7.5 tons need a special license in Germany.

A-10

The vehicles are sedans, minivans and station wagons. No special endorsements will be required.

11. "Section 1.2.1 Page 28 of solicitation"

Will a German drivers license, or drivers licenses that enable the contractors staff to operate a vehicle in

A-11 –

Germany be accepted in lieu of the requirements listed in section 1.2.1?

If not, will the government provide the USAREUR or TMP drivers license after award? Contractors who do not currently work for the US government can not obtain a USAREUR or TMP drivers license. Section 1.4.8 states that local nationals that comply with applicable program security requirements can perform this work.

12. "Factor 1, Subfactor 2 Page 73 of solicitation"

Will a German drivers license, or drivers licenses that enable the contractors staff to operate a vehicle in Germany be accepted in lieu of the requirements listed in section 1.2.1?

If not, will the government provide the USAREUR or TMP drivers license after award? Contractors who do not currently work for the US government can not obtain a USAREUR or TMP drivers license. Section 1.4.8 states that local nationals that comply with applicable program security requirements can perform this work.

A-12 –

13. Page 39 of solicitation

Is the shift fill rate of 75% considered to be enough effort to achieve 100% of sampling efforts? Can administrative tasks be carried out in contractor offices?

Please define a shift. This may be language carried over from a personal services. Please clarify.

A-13 A shift is a normal 8 hour business day, not including lunch. Approximate hours are 0730 to 1600 with 30 minutes for lunch. A fill rate of at least 75% is acceptable. The contract employees requested in this Solicitation will be provided office space and computer access at PHCE and are expected to be present at PHCE on all scheduled work days other when conducting field work as directed by the PHCE

COR.

14. "Factor 1, Subfactor Experience Page 73 of solicitation"

Is it acceptable that the contractor submits more than 3 individuals that meet the education and experience criteria listed in Para 1.2.2?

The project is project to be awarded on 1 September.

Designated personnel for this project is likely to change between proposal submission and contract award.

A-14 Yes. It is acceptable. PHCE does not intend to process security checks on all candidates submitted.

A finalized list of three acceptable candidates who intend to accept the Contractor offer should submitted for processing of security checks prior to commencement of the period of performance.

Contract employees may not obtain access to computing systems or Contractor Common Access Cards until the security checks are returned with a favorable determination.

15. "Factor 3 Price Page 74 of solicitation"

Are pages 3-9 of the solicitation considered to be the bid schedule?

If no, then please provide the bid schedule.

A-15 –

“End of Q & A’s III”

(End of Summary of Changes)