Industry Questions 2026.09.24.pdf

W91151-26-R-A004 | Installation Custodial Services Fort Hood

For Requiring Activity Use Only | Page 1 of 34

Consolidated Industry Questions Solicitation: W91151-26-R-A004 (Solicitation) Title: Installation Custodial Services supporting Fort Hood and the Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area, including the Warrior Transition Unit and Child Youth Services Date: 24 September 2026

Total Questions: 335

Ref No.

Question Government Response

Q-001 TE Work Schedule Column B lists Reimbursable, R or NR. What does this represent? / What is reimbursement?

This column was part of a previous template and is not relevant to this Firm-Fixed-Price requirement. It has been removed from the final version of the technical exhibits to prevent confusion.

Q-002 Was the incumbent contractor a direct award or a negotiated award?

Competitive? How long has the contract been performed?

The incumbent contract was awarded competitively as a 100% HUBZone set-aside. The Government received nine proposals in response to that solicitation.

Q-003 Was the incumbent contract award a HUBZone set-aside? Yes, the incumbent contract, W91151-21-C-0003, was awarded as a 100% HUBZone set-aside.

Q-004 What are two challenges for a contractor to cope with on Fort Rucker Custodial?

This question pertains to Fort Rucker. This solicitation is for custodial services at Fort Hood, Texas.

Q-005 Is the contractor penalized with loss of revenue when the installation closes?

No. In accordance with PWS Paragraph 1.7.6, when the installation closes, the contractor is required to reschedule the work for the next business day. There is no financial penalty or loss of revenue for such closures.

Q-006 Is the contractor penalized for building closures or construction delays? No. In accordance with the PWS Paragraph 1.7.8, in the event of an unforeseen building closure, the contractor is required to reschedule the service. No financial penalty will be assessed.

Q-007 When base security delays access at gates, is the contractor penalized for delay in accomplishing work?

Minor, infrequent delays at installation access points are considered a normal aspect of performing work on a military installation and should be factored into the offeror's operational planning. As long as the contractor meets the performance standards outlined in the PWS, no penalty will be assessed.

Consistent or significant delays should be documented and communicated to the Contracting Officer's Representative

(COR).

Q-008 What are the levels of Quality Assurance Evaluation for contractor work? Contractor performance is formally evaluated and rated in the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) in accordance with FAR Part 42. The adjectival ratings are: Exceptional, Very Good, Satisfactory, Marginal, and Unsatisfactory.

Q-009 How many defects can a contractor receive and still be rated Satisfactory?

How many defects can a contractor receive and be rated Good? How many defects and be rated Excellent? How many defects and be rated Outstanding?

The Performance Requirements Summary (PRS) in the PWS (Attachment 1, Page 56) defines the Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) required to achieve a 'Satisfactory' rating for specific performance objectives. Higher ratings (e.g., Very Good, Exceptional) are based on the contractor consistently exceeding these standards and are at the discretion of the Government assessing official.

Q-010 Does Fort Hood issue CPARS? Yes. As noted in the Performance Requirements Summary (PWS, Attachment 1), contractor performance will be formally documented in the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS)

Q-011 Does Fort Hood reimburse the contractor for supplies of consumables? No. This is a Firm-Fixed-Price contract. In accordance with PWS Paragraph 4.3, the Contractor is required to furnish all materials and supplies, including consumables. The cost for these items must be included in the offeror's proposed firm-fixed-price for the service CLINs.

Q-012 Does Fort Hood issue consumable supplies directly to each building or to a central collection point for the contractor to receive?

The Government does not provide or issue any consumable supplies. In accordance with PWS Paragraph 3.6 and Part 4, the contractor is solely responsible for procuring, managing, and distributing all required consumable supplies.

Q-013 What is the process and timing for equitable adjustment for wage increases per new DOL Wage Rate increases or change in CBA wages? Is reimbursement agreed to pre-performance or post period?

The process for price adjustments is governed by RFO FAR 52.222-43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts), which is included in the solicitation. Adjustments for

For Requiring Activity Use Only | Page 2 of 34 new Wage Determinations are made effective on the contract's anniversary date. The contractor must submit a Request for Equitable Adjustment (REA) to the Contracting Officer reflecting the change in wages and fringe benefits. Any resulting price adjustment applies to performance after the effective date of the modification.

Q-014 Evaluation of Offerors' past performance: how is it rated, pass or fail? What if the firm is a new business; can the owner and principal Key personnel past performance serve for past performance? Can teaming partner past performance be included for evaluation?

Past Performance is rated "Acceptable" or "Unacceptable" (per Section M, Factor 2). New businesses without a relevant past performance record receive a neutral rating of "Unknown," which is considered "Acceptable" (RFO FAR 15.202(c)). Past performance from qualifying teaming partners/subcontractors performing over 20% of the effort is permitted and must be submitted.

Q-015 per Subfactor 3: Phase-In? Can the government provide the address of the current building the incumbent is leasing/owned building?

Building 4819 Washington Street, Fort Hood, Texas 76544 is where the location of the designated building.

Q-016 What are the current specifications for the contractor building? We do not see any language in the PWS.

The Government will provide the Contractor with administrative office space located at Building 4819 Washington Street as detailed in response to Q-015 and PWS Part 3. However, the Contractor remains responsible for establishing, securing, and maintaining any additional primary bulk warehousing, supply staging, or vehicle maintenance facilities required to support execution. This administrative office space will be available at the start of the 30-day phase-in period.(Ref: PWS Part 3 & Solicitation Section L).

Q-017 Since this opportunity is competitive and LPTA, can the government provide the number of exempt positions by shift?

The Government will not prescribe staffing levels or labor mixes for either exempt or non-exempt positions. In accordance with RFO FAR 37.102(a), performance-based contracting methods are the preferred method for acquiring services.

Under this performance-based approach, the Government defines the required outcomes in the Performance Work Statement (PWS), while the Contractor maintains sole responsibility for determining the appropriate staffing mix, levels, and management structure necessary to achieve those standards.

As outlined in Solicitation Section L & M (Subfactor 1, Equipment and Staffing Plan), offerors must provide a detailed narrative and quantitative calculations demonstrating how their proposed staffing solution mathematically satisfies the workload and frequency requirements defined in Technical Exhibits A and C.

Q-018 Since this opportunity is competitive and LPTA, can the government provide the number of non-exempt positions by shift?

See Q-017 Answer.

Q-019 How many supply technicians per shift? The Government will not prescribe staffing levels for this or any other position. In accordance with performance-based acquisition principles (RFO FAR 37.102), offerors are responsible for determining the appropriate staffing mix and levels necessary to meet the requirements of the Performance Work Statement. This must be detailed in the proposal's Staffing Plan as required by Solicitation Section L, Subfactor 1.

Q-020 How many supply clerks per shift? See Q-019 Answer

Q-021 Does the government provide rooms per building for CFE? Yes. In accordance with PWS Paragraph 3.1, the Government will provide on-site storage space (typically janitorial closets) within the serviced facilities for the Contractor's use. The Contractor is responsible for securing these areas and the equipment stored within.

Q-022 How many site leads/managers per shift since this is a competitive, LPTA procurement?

See Q-019 Answer

Q-023 Is the QCM the QCI for the current provider? PWS Paragraph 1.7.18.6.3 states, 'Depending on the size of the contract (square footage and complexity), the QCM may also serve as the QCI.' Therefore, dual-hatting is permissible provided the individual meets the minimum qualifications for both roles and remains independent from the personnel performing the work they are inspecting, as stipulated in PWS 1.7.18.9.

Q-024 How many people are supporting CLIN 0001 by shift? The Government will not prescribe staffing levels for individual CLINs. In accordance with performance-based acquisition

For Requiring Activity Use Only | Page 3 of 34 principles (RFO FAR 37.102), offerors are responsible for determining the appropriate staffing mix and levels necessary to meet the requirements of the Performance Work Statement.

This must be detailed in the proposal's Staffing Plan as required by Solicitation Section L, Subfactor 1

Q-025 How many people are supporting CLIN 0002 by shift? See Q-024 Answer

Q-026 How many people are supporting CLIN 0003 by shift? See Q-024 Answer

Q-027 How many people are supporting CLIN 0004 by shift? See Q-024 Answer

Q-028 How many people are supporting CLIN 0005 by shift? See Q-024 Answer

Q-029 How many people are supporting CLIN 0006 by shift? See Q-024 Answer

Q-030 How many total employees are supporting the program? The Government will not prescribe a total number of employees. In accordance with the performance-based acquisition policy at RFO FAR 37.102(a), it is the offeror's responsibility to propose a staffing plan that is sufficient to meet all requirements of the Performance Work Statement. This plan must be quantitatively justified as required by Solicitation Section M, Subfactor 1.

Q-031 consumables and paper products?

No. In accordance with PWS Paragraph 4.1, General, and PWS Paragraph 4.3, Materials and Supplies, the Contractor is required to furnish all materials and supplies necessary to meet the requirements of the contract, including all consumable and paper products for stocking.

Q-032 materials that has a dollar value since this is competitive and LPTA for industry?

No. As stated in PWS Paragraph 1.7.10, this is a Firm-Fixed- Price (FFP) contract. The cost of all materials and supplies, including consumables, must be included in the offeror's FFP for the appropriate service CLINs. A separate Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) for materials will not be added.

Q-033 Will the government provide the buffers and scrubbers? No. In accordance with PWS Paragraph 4.5, Equipment, the Contractor shall furnish all equipment necessary to meet the requirements of the contract. This includes, but is not limited to, all buffers, scrubbers, and vacuums.

Q-034 Will the government provide the vacuums? See Q-033 Answer

Q-035 Does the contractor need to provide bio-based consumables? Yes. In accordance with RFO FAR 23.102(a) (which mandates the procurement of sustainable products) and RFO FAR 23.103(c) (which requires the Government to identify these products in the solicitation), the Contractor must provide USDA-designated bio-based/bio-preferred products.

These mandatory requirements are implemented locally under PWS Paragraph 1.7.18.21 (Environmental Compliance) and PWS Paragraph 4.3 (Materials and Supplies). Offerors must ensure all proposed consumables and cleaning products comply with these standards.

Q-036 Will the government provide an office on-site for contractor employees? Yes. As stated in PWS Paragraph 3.1, the Government will provide the Contractor with on-site office space at Building 4819 Washington Street. This facility is provided in 'as-is' condition.

Q-037 Will the government provide designated parking spaces for the contractor? Yes. The Government-provided office space at Building 4819 includes an adjacent parking lot where Contractor vehicles may be parked, as detailed in PWS Paragraph 3.1.

Q-038 How many vehicles does the contractor currently park on base in support of this contract?

The Government does not prescribe the number of contractor vehicles. For informational purposes, the incumbent's employees primarily use their personal vehicles to travel between facilities. The incumbent also utilizes three company vans for supporting periodic cleaning tasks.

Q-039 Does the government provide gasoline on base for contractor vehicles? No. In accordance with PWS Paragraph 4.1, the Contractor is responsible for furnishing all fuel, oil, and other vehicle-related services.

Q-040 The CBA expired May 2026. Can the government provide an updated copy to industry via SAM.GOV?

An amendment to the solicitation will be issued to provide the most current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) available to the Government.

Q-041 Attachment 4 states that completed Past Performance Questionnaires may address(es) to which references should submit completed questionnaires.

Please send to the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist listed on Solicitation on SAM.gov. The emails are listed in the Description and Contact Information Section.

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(Ref: Attachment 4, Past Performance Evaluation Questionnaire, Cover Letter / Questionnaire Return Instructions, Page 1 of Attachment 4.)

Q-042 The solicitation instructs offerors to submit questions to both the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist. Please provide the email address for MSG Justin Mansfield, Contracting Officer. (Ref: Solicitation W91151-26-R-A004, Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, Proposal Preparation Instructions, Proposal Submittal and Inquiries, Page 77 of 111.)

Please send to the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist listed on Solicitation on SAM.gov. The emails are listed in the Description and Contact Information Section.

Q-043 If an offeror has submitted an application for SBA HUBZone certification and the application remains under review on the proposal due date, may the offeror submit a proposal with evidence of the pending application? If so, by what point must active HUBZone certification be obtained to remain eligible for award? (Ref: Attachment 1, PWS, Section 1.2 Background;

Solicitation SF 1449 Block 10.)

An offeror may submit a proposal with a pending HUBZone application. However, to be eligible for award, the concern must be certified by the Small Business Administration (SBA) as an active HUBZone small business concern at the time of award.

In accordance with RFO FAR 19.105-1(d), to be eligible for a HUBZone contract, a concern must be a HUBZone small business concern both at the time of its initial offer and at the time of contract award. The active status must be verified and visible in the SBA's Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) prior to award.

Q-044 Please confirm the Volume and location in which offerors should provide the required CMMC UID(s). (Ref: Solicitation W91151-26-R-A004, DFARS 252.204-7025(d), CMMC Unique Identifiers, Page 105 of 111.)

Offerors shall provide the required Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Unique Identifier(s) (UIDs) in Volume I (General/Administrative). As this is an administrative compliance item, it will not count against the page limits for other volumes.

Q-045 The pricing instructions reference Wage Determination 2015-5237, Revision 30, dated May 13, 2026, while Attachment 2 provided with the solicitation is Revision 32, dated August 12, 2026. Please confirm which revision offerors must use for proposal pricing. (Ref: Solicitation Volume IV, Price Factor, Non-Exempt Labor Pricing Instructions; Attachment 2.)

Offerors shall use Wage Determination 2015-5237, Revision 32, dated 12 August 2026, as provided in Attachment 2 of the solicitation. The reference to Revision 30 in the proposal instructions is a typographical error that will be corrected via amendment.

Q-046 Please confirm that offerors should use the current Attachment 3 CBA wages and fringe benefits without escalation for all ordering periods when developing proposal pricing, with subsequent applicable adjustments handled pursuant to FAR 52.222-43. (Ref: Solicitation Volume IV, Non- Exempt Labor Pricing Instructions, Paragraphs 4(c) and 4(d), Pages 88- 89.)

Yes, the offeror's understanding is correct. In accordance with the instructions in Solicitation Section L, Paragraph 4(d), offerors shall price all ordering periods using the wage and fringe benefit rates from the current CBA (Attachment 3) and applicable Wage Determination without proposing escalation for non-exempt labor. Adjustments to the contract price for changes in prevailing wages will be processed post-award in accordance with FAR 52.222-43, which is incorporated into the solicitation.

Q-047 Please confirm whether a contract that began more than three years ago but continued to be performed within the three-year period preceding this

(Ref: Solicitation Volume III, Past Performance Factor, Up to Three Largest Relevant Efforts, Page 86.)

Yes, the Government confirms this understanding. A contract that began more than three years ago but continued performance into the three-year period preceding this solicitation is considered recent. However, in accordance with the solicitation instructions, all submitted past performance data and narratives must be restricted to work performed within that three-year recency window.

Q-048 Please confirm whether the three-page-per-reference limitation includes the completed Attachment 5, Relevant Contracts, or whether supplemental narrative may be submitted in addition to Attachment 5. (Ref: Solicitation Volume III, Past Performance Factor; Attachment 5.)

The information required by Attachment 5 (Relevant Contracts) must be included within the three-page narrative limit for each past performance reference. The attachment serves as a template for the required data, not as a separate form to be attached.

Q-049 Please confirm whether a separate Price Narrative is required when the offeror makes no changes to Government-provided formula cells in TE-L.

(Ref: Solicitation Volume IV, Price Factor, Pricing Spreadsheet, Page 88.)

A mathematical justification for formula changes is not required if no changes are made. However, a Price Narrative document must still be submitted with Volume IV. This narrative should be used to explain any pricing assumptions, address compliance with pricing instructions, or provide any other relevant pricing information.

Q-050 Please confirm that initial proposal pricing should be based solely on the current facilities and maintainable quantities identified in TE-A, with subsequent additions or deletions addressed through the contract adjustment process. (Ref: Solicitation Volume IV, Additional Information, Page 89; Section H, Adjustments for Square Footage.)

Yes, the Government confirms this understanding. Initial proposals must be priced based on the facilities and quantities identified in the current version of Technical Exhibit A.

Q-051 The solicitation's attachment listing identifies the Hazardous Material Authorization as TE-exhibit designation. (Ref: Solicitation List of Contract Documents; TE-H.)

The correct designation is TE-H, Hazardous Material Authorization. The title on the form itself contains a typographical error. An amendment will be issued to correct the title on the form to align with the solicitation's document list.

Q-052 Attachment 4 contains placeholders for the Contracting Officer's name, telephone number, and/or email address. Please confirm whether offerors are expected to complete these fields before sending Attachment 4 to their references and, if so, provide the information that should be inserted. (Ref:

Attachment 4, Government Cover Letter, Page 1.)

To streamline submission and prevent administrative errors, the Government has pre-filled the Contracting Officer (KO) and Contract Specialist (KS) contact information on the cover letter of Attachment 4 (Past Performance Questionnaire).

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A revised Attachment 4 reflecting these pre-populated fields will be provided via a forthcoming amendment. Offerors are responsible only for completing their firm's identifying information before distributing the questionnaires to their client references. Completed PPQs must continue to be submitted directly from the reference to the designated Government POCs prior to the solicitation closing date and time.

Q-053 Please confirm that completed Attachment 4 questionnaires must be received directly from the references no later than the solicitation closing date and time applicable to proposal submissions. (Ref: Attachment 4, Government Cover Letter, Page 1.)

Yes, the Government confirms this understanding. Past Performance Questionnaires must be received directly from the reference by the solicitation's closing date and time to be considered in the evaluation.

Q-054 Please confirm that commercial custodial contracts may be submitted as relevant past performance when they demonstrate comparable scope, complexity, and magnitude to the Fort Hood requirement. (Ref: Attachment 4, Cover Letter, Past Performance Description.)

Yes. As stated in Section M, Factor 2, recent and relevant past performance from Federal, State, Institutional, Commercial, and Private Industry sources is acceptable for evaluation.

Q-055 For a long-term commercial contract that remains active, please confirm that the offeror should report the current period of performance and performance occurring during the applicable three-year recency period rather than limiting relevance based on the original contract start date.

(Ref: Solicitation Volume III, Past Performance Factor, Page 86.)

Yes, for an active contract, the offeror should report the current, full period of performance and focus the supporting narrative on work performed within the three-year recency period.

Q-056 For commercial past performance efforts that do not have a Government-style contract number, please confirm whether the offeror may provide the customer's applicable agreement, purchase order, account, or internal contract number exists. (Ref:

Solicitation Volume III; Attachment 5.)

Yes, this is confirmed. For commercial efforts without a formal contract number, the offeror may provide the customer's internal agreement number, purchase order number, or a similar unique identifier. If no such identifier exists, the offeror may state 'N/A' and provide alternative points of contact for verification.

Q-057 The solicitation requires information regarding problems encountered and corrective actions. If no significant performance problems were encountered on a submitted contract, please confirm whether the offeror may state that no significant problems were encountered and describe its routine quality/corrective-action processes. (Ref: Solicitation Volume III, Page 86.)

Yes, this is confirmed. If no significant performance problems (e.g., cure notices, letters of concern, etc.) were encountered, the offeror may state so and briefly describe its routine quality control and corrective action processes used to maintain performance standards.

Q-058 If the offeror has not experienced acquisitions, mergers, legal-entity changes, or reorganizations affecting the attribution of its submitted past performance, please confirm that a statement establishing organizational continuity is sufficient to satisfy the Organization Structure Change History requirement. (Ref: Solicitation Volume III, Organization Structure Change History, Page 86.)

Yes, this is confirmed. If the offeror's corporate structure has not undergone any changes (e.g., mergers, acquisitions, or reorganizations) that affect the attribution of its past performance, a statement to that effect will satisfy the Organization Structure Change History requirement.

Q-059 Please confirm that Consent Letters are not required when the offeror relies solely on its own past performance and no subcontractor, teaming partner, or joint venture partner past performance is being submitted. (Ref:

Solicitation Volume III, Consent Letters, Page 86.)

Yes, this is confirmed. Consent letters are only required for subcontractors, teaming partners, or joint venture partners whose past performance is being submitted for evaluation.

Q-060 Please confirm whether the UEI and CAGE Code required for each past performance submission should be those of the entity whose performance is being submitted, rather than the customer/reference organization. (Ref:

Solicitation Volume III, Summary Page, Page 86.)

Yes, this is confirmed. The UEI and CAGE code provided must belong to the legal entity (prime, subcontractor, or partner) that performed the work cited in the past performance reference.

Q-061 Please confirm that the Quality Control Manager may also serve as a Quality Control Inspector when the individual satisfies the QCI minimum experience requirements and remains independent from the production work being inspected. (Ref: Solicitation Factor 1, Technical, Subfactor 5, Management Capability, Page 93. The evaluation language expressly states that the QCI may be the QCM.)

Yes, dual-hatting the Quality Control Manager (QCM) and Quality Control Inspector (QCI) roles is permissible. Per PWS 1.7.18.6.3, the QCM may also serve as a QCI, provided the individual meets the QCI's minimum experience requirements.

However, in accordance with PWS 1.7.18.9, no individual performing in a quality control capacity may be a lead person or first-line supervisor for the work they are inspecting.

Q-062 Please confirm whether the Government requires a minimum number of QCIs beyond the requirement to identify at least one designated QCI, or whether the offeror should determine the appropriate QCI staffing level based on its proposed inspection program and workload. (Ref: Solicitation Factor 1, Technical, Subfactor 5, Page 93.)

The Government does not mandate a minimum number of Quality Control Inspectors (QCIs). The offeror is responsible for determining, proposing, and justifying the QCI staffing level required to successfully execute its proposed Quality Control Plan (QCP) and meet all PWS requirements.

Q-063 For Phase-In planning and pricing purposes, please clarify the required location, minimum size, utility requirements, access requirements, and any other minimum specifications applicable to the contractor-furnished building. (Ref: Solicitation Factor 1, Technical, Subfactor 3, Phase-In, Page 93.)

The Government will provide on-site administrative office space at Building 4819 Washington Street and janitorial closets within serviced facilities (PWS Part 3). The requirement for a 'contractor-furnished building' in the Phase-In plan refers to any additional off-site facility (e.g., warehouse) the offeror deems necessary for its operations. The Government does not prescribe minimum specifications for this off-site facility; its size, location, and features are for the offeror to determine and price accordingly.

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Q-064 Please confirm whether the contractor-furnished building must be fully established and operational by the initial day of performance or by another specified milestone during the phase-in period. (Ref: Solicitation Factor 1, Technical, Subfactor 3, Phase-In, Page 93.)

In accordance with Solicitation Section M, Subfactor 3 (Phase- In), the offeror's Phase-In plan must demonstrate that its entire operational infrastructure, including any contractor-furnished facilities, will be fully established and ready to support all contract requirements by the end of the 30-day phase-in period, which is the start of full performance.

Q-065 Please confirm whether the Government expects the Technical Approach to map cleaning methodology to each individual building in TE-A or whether mapping by facility/building type and applicable PWS frequency is acceptable. (Ref: Solicitation Factor 1, Technical, Subfactor 4, Technical Approach, Page 93.)

Mapping the cleaning methodology by facility/building type and service frequency (e.g., 5-Day Basic, CYS Enhanced, etc.) as defined in TE-A and TE-C is acceptable and encouraged to stay within page limits. However, the technical approach must clearly describe the specific procedures for all routine, quarterly, and annual tasks and quantitatively justify how the proposed staffing accomplishes these tasks across the entire inventory.

Q-066 Please confirm whether the unpriced Labor Mix Chart should reproduce the TE-L labor-mix format as a separate table within Volume II or whether another format containing all required fields is acceptable. (Ref: Solicitation Factor 1, Technical, Subfactor 1, Equipment and Staffing Plan, Pages 92- 93.)

Offerors must use the format provided in the unpriced Labor Mix Chart tab within Technical Exhibit L (TE-L). As stated in Solicitation Section L, Subfactor 1, the use of this format is mandatory to ensure consistency for evaluation. The chart should be included as an appendix to Volume II, Technical Proposal.

Q-067 holidays, training, breaks, supervision, and other non-cleaning hours should be excluded. (Ref: Solicitation Factor 1, Technical, Subfactor 1, Pages 92-93.)

Yes, the Government confirms this understanding. For the purposes of the unpriced Labor Mix Chart, 'net productive hours' are the direct labor hours an employee spends performing the custodial tasks defined in the PWS. These hours exclude all non-productive time, including but not limited to, holidays, vacation, sick leave, breaks, travel time, and training.

Q-068 Please confirm whether backup vehicles and equipment must be separately identified in the proposed equipment list or whether the offeror may describe its contingency/replacement process within the maintenance approach. (Ref: Solicitation Factor 1, Technical, Subfactor 1, Pages 92- 93.)

Offerors must separately identify any dedicated backup vehicles and major equipment on the proposed equipment list.

Additionally, the maintenance plan must include a detailed description of the contingency process for providing replacements to ensure service continuity in the event of equipment failure.

Q-069 Please confirm whether all proposed vehicles, major equipment, and containers must be physically available at Fort Hood by the initial day of performance, or whether specific equipment may be delivered after Day 1 when aligned with the applicable service schedule. (Ref: Solicitation Factor 1, Technical, Subfactor 1, Pages 92-93.)

All vehicles and major equipment required for the initial performance of services must be on-site and operational by Day 1 of the performance period. If an offeror proposes a staggered delivery for equipment used exclusively for less frequent periodic tasks (e.g., annual floor stripping), this approach must be explicitly detailed and justified within the Equipment and Staffing Plan narrative.

Q-070 Does the Government prescribe a minimum QCI inspection frequency beyond the PWS and TE-C requirements, or should offerors propose inspection frequencies based on their own QCP and risk-based quality methodology? (Ref: Attachment 1, PWS, Section 1.7.18.10, Quality Control.)

No, the Government does not prescribe a minimum inspection frequency for the Contractor's Quality Control Inspectors (QCIs). Offerors are responsible for proposing a comprehensive inspection methodology, including frequencies, as part of their Quality Control Plan (QCP). This methodology must be sufficient to ensure all performance standards in the PWS, Technical Exhibit A, and Technical Exhibit C are consistently met.

Q-071 Please confirm that the Government's Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) will not be provided during the solicitation phase and will instead be maintained as a Government surveillance document during contract performance. (Ref: Attachment 1, PWS, Quality Assurance.)

Correct. In accordance with PWS Paragraph 1.7.18.11, the Government's Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) is a 'living document' for internal Government surveillance and will not be provided with the solicitation or incorporated into the contract.

Q-072 Please clarify whether the Hazardous Material Management Plan required under Technical Subfactor 2 should include completed TE-H Hazardous Material Authorization Requests for proposed cleaning products, or whether TE-H authorization is a post-award requirement. (Ref: Solicitation Technical Subfactor 2, Quality Control Plan, Page 93; TE-H.)

Hazardous Material Authorization Requests (TE-H) for proposed cleaning products are a post-award deliverable. They are not required to be submitted with the initial proposal;

however, the offeror's proposed Hazardous Material Management Plan (part of the QCP) should describe the process for submitting and managing these authorizations.

Q-073 Please confirm that the formal Safety Plan is a post-award deliverable due within 30 business days after contract award and is not required as a separate proposal attachment. (Ref: Attachment 1, PWS, Safety Plan.)

Correct. In accordance with PWS Paragraph 1.7.18.16, the formal Safety Plan is a post-award deliverable due within 30 business days after contract award and is not required with the initial proposal.

Q-074 Please confirm that the formal Spill Plan is a post-award deliverable due within 30 calendar days after award and is not required as a separate initial proposal attachment. (Ref: Attachment 1, PWS, Spill Plan.)

Correct. In accordance with PWS Paragraph 1.7.18.19, the formal Spill Plan is a post-award deliverable due within 30 calendar days after contract award and is not required with the initial proposal.

Q-075 Please confirm that Safety Data Sheets for proposed materials are to be submitted to the KO/COR/ACOR for approval within five business days

Correct. In accordance with PWS Paragraph 1.7.18.22 and PWS Paragraph 4.4, Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all

For Requiring Activity Use Only | Page 7 of 34 after award rather than with the initial proposal. (Ref: Attachment 1, PWS, Safety Data Sheets.)

proposed materials are to be submitted to the KO/COR for approval within five business days after contract award and are not required with the initial proposal.

Q-076 Please confirm whether all cleaning affected by a Federal holiday must be made up within the same workweek or whether the contractor may identify the make-up date on its approved schedule based on building requirements and operating conditions. (Ref: Attachment 1, PWS, Work Schedule/Holiday Requirements.)

In accordance with PWS Paragraph 5.19.2, Schedule of Monthly Services, the Contractor shall not include cleaning services on Federal holidays when preparing the monthly cleaning schedule. The schedule must be adjusted in advance based on known Federal holidays before it is submitted to the

COR.

Q-077 Please confirm that the 48-hour requirement for delayed services applies to all delayed scheduled cleaning services regardless of the cause of delay, except where the Government directs otherwise. (Ref: Attachment 1, PWS, 5.19.4, Service Delay Notification.)

Yes. As stated in PWS Paragraph 5.19.4, Service Delay Notification, the Contractor must notify the COR of any delay by 0800 the next workday and ensure that the delayed services are completed within 48 hours of the originally scheduled time, regardless of the cause.

Q-078 Please confirm whether TE-D is the required format for reporting all building/access closures or whether an equivalent contractor-generated report containing all required information is acceptable. (Ref: Attachment 1, PWS, 5.19.7, Access and Condition Report (Building Closure).)

No, TE-D is provided as an example format. Offerors may use their own report format for building closures, provided it contains all information required by PWS Paragraph 5.19.7, Access and Condition Report.

Q-079 Please confirm whether TE-E is a mandatory format that must be used during performance or an example that may be replaced by an equivalent contractor-generated schedule containing all required information. (Ref:

Attachment 1, PWS, 5.19.5, Floor Schedule Report; TE-E.)

No, TE-E is provided as an example format. Offerors may use their own format for the monthly schedule of services, provided it is submitted in accordance with PWS Paragraph 5.19.2 and contains all the required information, including building, CLIN, service type, and day(s) of the week.

Q-080 Please identify which custodial services, buildings, or CLINs the Government considers mission-essential contractor services for purposes of continuity-of-operations planning during crisis situations. (Ref:

Solicitation, Mission-Essential Contractor Services / Continuity of Operations requirements, Pages 67-68.)

The specific tasks considered Mission-Essential Contractor Services are those required to maintain basic facility sanitation and safety. These are identified in the 'Task' column of Technical Exhibit C, PWS Custodial Tasks Performance Standards, and apply to all buildings across all CLINs during a crisis activation, as detailed in DFARS 252.237-7023.

Q-081 The solicitation identifies four proposal volumes and requires electronic submission by email, with a maximum total file size of 9 MB per email.

Please clarify whether the Government intends the four volumes to be submitted as four separate proposal files, with each email not exceeding 9 MB, or whether the four volumes should be combined into one proposal document, provided the document does not exceed 9 MB and if it does should be split. (Ref: Solicitation Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, Proposal Preparation Instructions, Pages 77-82.)

The four proposal volumes must be submitted as four separate files. If the combined size of the files in a single email exceeds the 9MB capacity limit, offerors shall send the files in separate, sequential email submissions (e.g., 'Proposal Submission 1 of 3,' 'Proposal Submission 2 of 3,' etc.) to ensure receipt of all volumes.

Q-082 The proposal instructions specifically identify a Table of Contents under Volume III, Past Performance Factor, but the instructions do not appear to expressly require a Table of Contents for each of the other volumes.

Please clarify the Government's intended Table of Contents format: If the four volumes are submitted as separate files, should each volume contain its own Table of Contents, or should only Volume III include the specifically required Table of Contents? If the four volumes are permitted to be submitted as one combined document, may the offeror provide one consolidated Table of Contents at the beginning of the proposal covering Volumes I through IV, while still maintaining the required volume organization? (Ref: Solicitation Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 / Volume III, Pages 82-86.)

Yes, each of the four proposal volumes must contain its own separate Table of Contents.

Q-083 refers to. Specifically, is Past Performance assessed based on: (1) the four Quality of

Service, Effectiveness of Project Management (including use and control of subcontractors), Schedule/Timeliness of Performance for Services, and Customer Satisfaction; (2) the three areas of Recency, Relevancy, and Quality; or (3) the three areas identified on page 96 Recency Assessment, Relevancy Assessment, and Past Compliance with RFO FAR 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns? Clarification of the applicable evaluation factors will assist Offerors in ensuring that their Past Performance submissions provide the information necessary for the Government's evaluation. (Ref: Solicitation pp. 95-96, Factor 2.)

The statement 'Past Performance is assessed at the factor level' means the Government will not assign separate ratings for subfactors (such as recency or relevancy).

Instead, the Government will perform a holistic assessment of all submitted past performance information specifically analyzing the recency, relevancy, and quality of the submitted contracts to assign a single, overall confidence rating of either 'Acceptable' or 'Unacceptable' for Factor 2 as a whole.

Q-084 Can Offerors provide a printout of Representations and Certifications from SAM.gov rather than completing Section K to satisfy the Representations and Certifications requirement in Volume I? (Ref: Solicitation p. 83, Para 5.)

Yes. Offerors who maintain an active and complete registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) are not required to submit individual hard-copy representations and certifications.

In accordance with RFO FAR 52.204-7(c)(2), by submitting an offer, the offeror verifies that its representations and certifications posted electronically in SAM are current, For Requiring Activity Use Only | Page 8 of 34 accurate, and complete as of the date of the offer, and are incorporated by reference into the offer.

Q-085 The table on page 81 identifies a requirement for a Price Narrative in addition to the TE-L Pricing Spreadsheet; however, the solicitation does not provide guidance regarding the content or level of detail expected in the Price Narrative. Please provide clarification regarding the specific information and/or analysis the Government expects Offerors to include in the Price Narrative so that Offerors can ensure their submissions address

Solicitation p. 81, Para C.2.)

The Price Narrative (Volume IV) must be submitted to provide context for the pricing offered in the TE-L spreadsheet. At a minimum, it must contain:

1. A justification for any changes made to the formulas in the Government-provided TE-L.

2. A clear explanation of any assumptions used to develop the proposed price (e.g., basis of estimate for materials, non-exempt labor benefits not covered by the CBA/WD, or escalation applied to exempt labor).

Q-086 The PWS, paragraph 1.7.1, states that the period of performance consists of a 30-day phase-in, one 11-month Base Year, and six 12-month option years. However, the RFP price evaluation language appears to identify a five-year ordering period and two 12-month option periods. Please clarify the intended period of performance and identify which provision controls for proposal preparation and pricing. (Ref: Attachment 1 PWS p. 3, Para 1.7.1.)

The solicitation's CLIN structure and Ordering Guide (defining a one-month Phase-In, a five-year Base ordering period, and two 12-month Option Periods) are correct and shall control for proposal preparation. The conflicting narrative in PWS Paragraph 1.7.1 should be disregarded.

In accordance with RFO FAR 52.212-4(r) (Order of Precedence), any inconsistencies in the solicitation or contract shall be resolved by giving precedence to the Schedule of Supplies/Services (CLINs) over other documents, exhibits, and attachments (such as the PWS). The PWS narrative will be formally updated via an upcoming amendment.

Q-087 Paragraph 1.7.5 changes normal operating hours to 0700 2000, Monday through Sunday. Please clarify whether the 0700 2000 period represents the allowable window during which individual services may be scheduled, or whether the Government expects Contractor personnel to be continuously available throughout that entire period at all facilities. (Ref:

Attachment 1 PWS p. 4, Para 1.7.5.)

PWS Paragraph 1.7.5 establishes 0700 2000, Monday through Sunday, as the allowable window during which services may be scheduled. It does not require continuous contractor presence at facilities. The contractor is expected to coordinate specific service times with building managers to align with their operational hours, most of which close by 1600. The broader window accommodates facilities with extended hours, such as Gymnasiums and CYS centers.

Q-088 The PWS prohibits overtime while also requiring services within expanded operating hours and allowing certain services outside normal hours with Government authorization. Please clarify whether the Government expects the Contractor to accomplish all such work through multiple shifts/alternative schedules and whether there are any circumstances in which overtime would be authorized or reimbursable. (Ref: Attachment 1 PWS p. 45, Para 5.13.5.)

As stated in PWS Paragraph 5.13.5, no overtime is permitted under this contract. Offerors are responsible for designing a staffing model with appropriate shifts and schedules to accomplish all required work, including services outside of typical business hours, without incurring overtime.

Q-089 TE-C identifies task frequencies as the maximum standards for each building type, while certain PWS sections indicate that frequencies may be lower based on conditional requirements. Please clarify whether offerors should base their staffing and pricing models on the frequencies currently identified in TE-C for each facility, or whether offerors should assume that the Government may routinely establish lower frequencies based on facility-specific conditions. (Ref: Attachment 1 PWS, Various.)

Yes. Offerors must base their initial proposal staffing and pricing on the frequencies identified in Technical Exhibit C. The language in the PWS regarding potential changes refers to the Government's right to add/remove buildings and modify service frequencies post-award via contract modification, as described in PWS Paragraph 1.3.

Q-090 Paragraph 5.2 states that TE-A changes within maintainable square footage and with no cost impact may be provided by email, while changes exceeding the maintainable square footage expressed in the CLINs and/or having a cost impact require a formal modification. Please clarify how the Government will determine whether a change is within the CLIN-maintainable square-footage threshold and how changes in facility type or floor covering will be treated when square footage remains unchanged.

(Ref: Attachment 1 PWS p. 35, Para 5.2.)

The baseline maintainable square footage for each CLIN is established in Technical Exhibit A. The COR will notify the contractor via email of any new buildings to be added, provided the total maintainable square footage for that CLIN is not exceeded. Any request to add buildings that would exceed the total maintainable square footage authorized under a specific CLIN will be processed as a contract modification with an equitable adjustment, in accordance with PWS Paragraph 5.2.

Q-091 Paragraph 5.3 requires special event cleaning, including VIP visits, IG visits, dignitary visits, training, summer camps, and inclement-weather sheltering, with as little as 72 hours' notice and completion four hours before the event. Please provide historical or estimated annual quantities, frequency, square footage, and typical staffing requirements for these special-event cleanings so offerors can reasonably incorporate the workload into their staffing models. (Ref: Attachment 1 PWS p. 36, Para 5.3.)

The Government does not maintain historical data for special events as they typically do not result in additional cleaning tasks. In accordance with PWS Paragraph 5.3, when a special event is scheduled, the COR coordinates with the contractor to adjust the timing of the regularly scheduled cleaning to ensure the facility is prepared. This is typically handled within the existing service frequency.

Q-092 The solicitation requires a duplicate copy of each proposal volume with identifying information redacted for the Source Selection Board. Please and provide specific redaction instructions, including whether Offeror/team member names, subcontractor names, personnel names, logos, past performance contractor names, contract numbers, Government customer information, and other information necessary to substantiate experience and past performance must be redacted or replaced with generic identifiers. (Ref: Solicitation p. 81, C.2.)

Redaction is required only for the duplicate copy of Volume II, Technical Proposal. For this volume, offerors must redact all information that identifies their company or team members, including but not limited to: company names, logos, key personnel names, and contact information. For past performance references within technical narratives, use generic identifiers (e.g., 'Contractor A,' 'Subcontractor B'). The Government will use the unredacted volumes to cross-reference as needed.

For Requiring Activity Use Only | Page 9 of 34

Q-093 The solicitation identifies this acquisition as a HUBZone set-aside;

however, FAR 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns, is included. FAR 19.1309(b) prescribes FAR 52.219-4 for acquisitions conducted using full and open competition, whereas FAR 52.219-3 is prescribed for HUBZone set asides.

Please confirm whether FAR 52.219-4 is applicable to this acquisition or whether it will be removed from the solicitation. Similarly, FAR 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns is included in this solicitation, but the set aside is for HUBZone which requires the business to be Small.

Please confirm whether this is applicable to the solicitation. (Ref:

Solicitation p. 31, FAR Clauses.)

The Government confirms this acquisition is a 100% HUBZone set-aside. The inclusion of FAR 52.219-4 and 52.219-6 was an administrative error. A forthcoming amendment will remove the inapplicable clauses and ensure only FAR 52.219-3, Notice of HUBZone Set-Aside or Sole-Source Award, is included.

Q-094 Subfactor 1 (solicitation Page 83) requires Offerors to quantitatively substantiate proposed QCM and QCI staffing; however, Attachment 1 PWS 1.7.18.11, the Government's QASP, including its surveillance procedures and processes, will not be provided with the solicitation.