Answered questions 10 MAR26.pdf

1. Is this a new requirement?

Yes, it is a new requirement to support Army cooks. A Total of 01 Cook Type II (Supervisor) & 7 Cooks Type I (Line Cooks) for a period of 6 months 01 April 2026 to 01 October 2026.

2. Timeline Feasibility — Background Investigations & Access Given the 11 March 2026 quote closing date and the 1 April 2026 performance start date, that leaves approximately 15 business days for contract award, employee onboarding, background investigations, and Common Access Card (CAC) / installation access processing. Can the Government clarify whether newly hired contractor personnel will be required to undergo full background checks and security clearances prior to the start date? If so, does the Government consider this timeline realistic for a new contractor workforce, and will any interim access provisions be available?

Refer to PWS 1.6.7.1 Access and general protection/security policy and procedures: Contractor and all associated subcontractor employees shall provide all information required for background checks to meet installation access requirements to be accomplished by installation Provost Marshal Office, Director of Emergency Services or Security Office.

Refer to PWS 1.6.7.5 Background checks. The Contractor shall ensure contractor employees and subcontractor employees performing services under this contract have passed a security check conducted by the State Police Department of their U.S. residence.

Background checks yes, but no clearances required. All personnel must be able to access the garrison. Yes, this is realistic that cannot be waived.

3. Transition / Phase-In Period Will the Government allow a transition or phase-in period for the incoming contractor to mobilize personnel, or is fully operational capability expected on Day 1 (1 April 2026)?

Fully operational by 01 April 2026.

4. Installation Access Requirements What specific security and credentialing requirements apply to contractor personnel at Fort Carson (e.g., National Agency Check, NACI, Tier 1 investigation)? What is the current average processing time for contractor access badges at this installation?

Refer to PWS 1.6.7.1 Access and general protection/security policy and procedures: Contractor and all associated subcontractor employees shall provide all information required for background checks to meet installation access requirements to be accomplished by installation Provost Marshal Office, Director of Emergency Services or Security Office.

Refer to PWS 5.1 Minimum Qualifications. Pass a background check.

No other checks will be required outside of what is required to access the gate. Average current processing time is 2 hours. Contracted personnel must have ID with REAL ID, Passport, or birth certificate and social security card as a means of ID. The COR will have the ability to get contracted personnel temporary badges that extend the period of the contract. This will occur NET 30 days after contract start date.

5. Food Handler Certifications & Health Requirements Are contractor cooks required to hold specific certifications (e.g., ServSafe, military food handler’s card, TB testing) prior to the start of performance, or can these be obtained during a grace period after award?

Refer to PWS 5.1 Minimum Qualifications

Current 40-hour Sanitation Certification; ServeSafe Course (current within 4 years)

b. Pass a background check

c. Complete duties IAW DA PAM 30-22, TB MED 530, and TM 10-412

6. Government-Furnished Equipment & Supplies Can the Government confirm that all kitchen equipment, utensils, food supplies, and consumables will be Government-furnished? Does the contractor bear responsibility for any equipment, uniforms, or supplies beyond labor?

Refer to PWS 1.6.12.2: Employee Health, Hygiene, and Dress Code: The Contractor shall provide a standard uniform for all Contractor and subcontractor employees performing services under this contract and ensure they wear the uniform during appointed duty hours.

Refer to PWS 3.1: Government Furnished Property: 1 The Government will furnish facilities, equipment, and the initial quantity of expendable/ durable supplies along with services specified in this section. Specified facilities, equipment, and supplies and services shall only be used in the performance of this contract. The Contractor shall not be responsible for "fair wear and tear" of specified facilities, equipment, and supplies.

No equipment required from the contractor besides uniform.

7. Evaluation Criteria & Award Basis Will award be made on a lowest-price technically acceptable (LPTA) basis, or will a best-value tradeoff approach be used? What are the specific evaluation factors and their relative importance?

Evaluation criteria: Lowest Price Technically acceptable (LPTA)

8. Option Periods The period of performance is 1 April through 1 October 2026 (six months). Are there option periods anticipated beyond the base period, and if so, what is the total potential period of performance?

Currently, No option periods.

9. Holiday and Training Day Schedule The PWS references Monday–Friday service. How are federal holidays, training holidays, and organizational days handled? Will contractor personnel be required to work on any holidays, and if so, what is the compensation structure?

* Refer to PWS 1.6.3

Recognized Holidays: The contractor is NOT required to work the following federal holidays throughout the Period of Performance in addition to 10th SFG(A) Holiday Schedule.

New Year’s Day Labor Day

Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday Columbus Day

President’s Day Veteran’s Day

Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day

Independence Day Christmas Day

Juneteenth

10. Staffing Gaps and Substitution What are the Government’s expectations and remedies in the event of contractor employee absences (illness, turnover, etc.)? Is there a minimum staffing threshold that must be maintained daily, and are there any liquidated damages or performance deductions tied to staffing shortfalls?

Refer to PWS 1.1 and Part 5 Specific Task: The contractor shall provide a total of seven (7) Cooks Type I (Line cooks) & one (1) Type II Cook (Supervisor).