W911XK20R0012 RFI Questions and Answers.pdf

Solicitation No. W911XK20R0012 for FY20 Soo Security Guard Services, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Requests for Information (RFI) closed on 30 May 2020 at 10:00 AM (EDT). The Government responses will be made publically available on beta.sam.gov and an amendment will not be issued in response to the RFI.

Requests for Information (RFI) Questions & Answers

1. I noticed that in the RFP specifies "The Project Manager shall be a current employee of the Prime Contractor and have been continuously employed by the Prime Contractor for at least the last 3 years." My company will be operating for 3 years in December 2020, therefore we do not have someone who has been employed for the time required perse, but still they have extensive experience starting and managing projects of this nature, would this employee’s previous experience meet the Project Manager requirements?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Qualified offerors will be evaluated in accordance with the specifications and requirements of the solicitation.

2. I respectfully request a copy of the following documents containing the following information be provided to me:

a. Any documents, brochures, reference materials or media submitted in response to Soo

Security Guard Services, Sault Ste. Marie, MI.

b. I would like a price break down of the submitted RFPs or any pricing information submitted.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The request is prohibited by the following regulations:

FAR 24.2 - Freedom of Information Act

24.202 Prohibitions.

(a) A proposal in the possession or control of the Government, submitted in response to a competitive solicitation, shall not be made available to any person under the Freedom of Information Act. This prohibition does not apply to a proposal, or any part of a proposal, that is set forth or incorporated by reference in a contract between the Government and the contractor that submitted the proposal. (See 10 U.S.C.2305 (g) and 41 U.S.C.4702.)

(b) No agency shall disclose any information obtained pursuant to 15.403-3(b) that is exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. (See 10 U.S.C.2306a (d)(2)(C) and 41 U.S.C.3505(b)(3).)

3. 5.9.5.3 The Project Manager, Captain of Guards and Sergeant of Guards are considered key personnel. Their names, qualifications, resumes, service records, and current employment status or signed letters of intent shall be submitted with the proposal in accordance with CDRL A002. Can you provide this information?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The request is prohibited by the following regulations:

FAR 24.2 - Freedom of Information Act

24.202 Prohibitions.

(c) A proposal in the possession or control of the Government, submitted in response to a competitive solicitation, shall not be made available to any person under the Freedom of Information Act. This prohibition does not apply to a proposal, or any part of a proposal, that is set forth or incorporated by reference

(d) No agency shall disclose any information obtained pursuant to 15.403-3(b) that

4. There is a vehicle requirement for this contract, can you provide the daily/weekly mileage use?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The contractor will develop their estimated daily/weekly mileage in accordance with the specifications, approximate locations, and requirements of the solicitation.

5. Can you provide the current wage determination for this contract?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Service Contract Act Wage Determination No.:

2015-4871 Revision No. 12 Last revised on 12/23/2019. Currently in Solicitation:

Section H - Special Contract Requirements.

6. Section 1.11 Inherently Governmental Activities states:

"Contractors are not allowed to engage in inherently governmental activities. An inherently governmental activity is an activity that is so intimately related to the U.S.

public interest… Any activity that requires more than a response in self-defense to a hostile attack is inherently Governmental.” This statement seems to contradict the equipping, training, and use of force response requirement outlined elsewhere in the solicitation. Assuming an armed assault on the installation – prior to the arrival of police forces, would this statement preclude the security personnel taking actions in order to protect facility workers and critical infrastructure? This would be outside actions taken in “Self Defense.” Please clarify the intent of Section 1.11.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: In the scenario presented; employees can engage in defensive operations and does not preclude the security personnel taking actions in order to protect facility workers and critical infrastructure. This statement is to prevent entities outside of the U.S. government from acting in a manner that will affect the U.S. public interest.

7. Are we able to transition existing guard force members to our workforce for the purpose of continuity and in accordance with Executive Order 13495, and FAR 52.222-17, Non-displacement of Qualified Workers?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Yes, however, personnel rosters and information related to personnel currently assigned will not be provided IAW FAR 24.202 Prohibitions.

8. Is there an incumbent for this contract and if so, what is their name?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Current contract number is W911XK16C0008 and any publicly available information is posted to beta.sam.gov.

9. Stability and turnover seem to be a point of concern for the Government as referenced in the RFP. What is the current annual turnover rate by position (if known) or total annual turnover for the project personnel?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Current contract number is W911XK16C0008 and any publicly available information is posted to beta.sam.gov. No additional information will be provided IAW FAR 24.202 Prohibitions.

10. Our company is currently in the process for approval of our facility clearance. Does this prevent our submission of a proposal and consideration for contract award?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Qualified offeros will be evaluated in accordance

11. Section 5.11.1 Project Manager states that The Project Manager shall be a current employee of the Prime Contractor and have been continuously employed by the Prime Contractor for at least the last 3 years. Can there be flexibility with this requirements? We are license in Michigan but do not have someone meeting those exact requirements that live in that geographical area and we would prefer to have a local project manager however I am confident that we can hire someone that meets or exceeds those requirements except for 3 years of prior employment with our company?

12. When is the anticipated award date of this contract?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The anticipated award of this contract is prior to the end of FY20. Offeror to assume award date of 31 July 2020 for their proposal submission. See FACTOR II, SUBFACTOR III: Phase-in Schedule.

13. Is there a Union / Collective Bargaining Agreement associated with this contract? If so, please provide us with the seniority roster of the incumbent personnel.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: No, there is not a union/collective bargaining agreement associated with this contract.

14. Is this security program subject to the Service Contract Act?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Yes. Please see Service Contract Act Wage Determination No.: 2015-4871 Revision No. 12 Last revised on 12/23/2019.

Currently in Solicitation: Section H - Special Contract Requirements.

15. Can you confirm that the appropriate category for the assigned personnel are Guard II, as identified by the Service Contract Act?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Yes, the appropriate category for assigned personnel is Guard II of the included Service Contract Act Wage Determination. Personnel located at Post 1 are categorized under Alarm Monitor of the same wage determination.

16. What is the current annual value of the incumbent service contract?

17. Will security personnel be authorized to carry intermediate levels of force tools such as handcuffs, pepper spray, etc.?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Yes, please see section 4.4.2 of the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

18. Are security guard posts self-relieving for meal breaks and restroom breaks?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The contractor shall develop their own policies and procedures to ensure manning requirements of the solicitation are maintained.

19. What is the dollar worth of fines incurred by the incumbent for contract violations?

20. Is the contractor required to possess a Facility Clearance?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: No, the contractor will not be required to possess a Facility Clearance.

21. With regards to the mandatory 3-year tenure of the Project Manager as an employee with the potential bidder, it is our respectful position that this requirement poses an unnecessary hardship and an unfair disadvantage to potential bidders that are not able to meet this requirement. We are requesting for this requirement to be removed.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Requirement shall not be removed as it does not pose an unnecessary hardship or unfair disadvantage to potential offerors. All qualified offerors will be evaluated in accordance with the specifications and requirements of the solicitation.

22. With regards to Contractor Training (Re: 5.14), please direct us to where to find the provisions for ST19-LSEM. Has the government established a mandatory minimum for hour of training required?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: ST19-LSEM will be provided to the awardee.

Estimated minimum training tasks are provided as a table under 5.14.1 to establish a proposal estimate.

23. Will the security provider be required to provide a Radio Repeater for this contract?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: All required equipment is identified in the solicitation. Please see 4.5.9 Radios for any radio equipment requirement.

24. Will the government require a detailed listing of cost elements with detailed amounts by period of performance?

with the specifications and requirements of the solicitation. Price will be evaluated IAW the evaluation criteria listed in the solicitation.

25. Will security personnel be required to undergo any form of aquatic training in support of this program?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The contractor shall develop their own policies and procedures to ensure training and safety requirements of the solicitation are maintained.

26. Will the government allow billing of 100% ODC costs during the 122 days Phase-In period? If not, please provide a listing of the costs that are billable during the phase-in period.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: This is not a cost contract. Please see Section 1.9 Type of Contract in the PWS as this is a firm-fixed price contract with requirement line items.

27. What is the contractor’s responsibility regarding the Information Security Program

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The contractor shall develop their own policies and procedures to ensure the Information Security Program requirements of the solicitation are maintained.

28. In line with Item 4.4.3: Safety and Personal Protective Equipment, what type of Safety and Personal Protective Equipment are required?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Safety and Personal Protective Equipment shall be in accordance with requirements listed in the solicitation, and as defined in 4.4.3.1 and 4.4.3.2 of the PWS.

29. Does the government have a specifically approved firearms safe to be provided for this security program?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Yes, please see section 3.3 of the PWS.

30. In accordance with PWS, Item #4.5.9.1, Security Radio, will are security personnel be issued individual radios or will radios be assigned to individual posts?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The contractor shall develop its own policies and procedures to perform work in accordance with the solicitation and section 4.5.9.1 of the PWS.

31. Will Armed Security Personnel be required to obtain a Public Trust or an additional level of internal vetting by the USCG?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Personnel shall be qualified in accordance with the requirements listed in the solicitation.

32. With regards to the Floating Plant Security for Sugar Island & Neebish Island, which are only accessible by Commercial Ferry, what are the expectations during bad weather or cancelled trips?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Circumstances prohibiting travel by commercial ferry will require further contractual coordination with the Government.

33. What is the anticipated amount of notice to be given if additional security services are required?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The Government will seek to coordinate known requirements at least two (2) weeks in advance, however security posture and threats may change and require contractor coordination in as little as twenty-four

(24) hours.

34. Who processes the NACI background checks? Contractor or Govt. Agency? What is the turn-around time for processing?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The Government as outlined in 1.21.4 of the PWS.

No turn-around time for processing is available at this time.

35. If incumbent or new hire personnel suitability are under investigation can they work with an interim?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Yes, provided all other requirements listed in the solicitation are met.

36. Will the Govt provide a list of incumbent seniority dates and suitability status?

regulations:

FAR 24.2 - Freedom of Information Act

24.202 Prohibitions.

(e) A proposal in the possession or control of the Government, submitted in response to a competitive solicitation, shall not be made available to any person under the Freedom of Information Act. This prohibition does not apply to a proposal, or any part of a proposal, that is set forth or incorporated by reference

(f) No agency shall disclose any information obtained pursuant to 15.403-3(b) that

37. How soon after contract award can we submit candidates for background check processing?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Candidates for background check processing may be submitted upon issuance of the Notice to Proceed (NTP).

38. Where are the Physical Agility Tests currently being performed?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Physical Agility Tests (PAT) are currently performed at the local high school track or the Student Activity Center at Lake Superior State University (LSSU). Additionally, the COR oversees the PAT and it is administered by the security guard SSHO, Captain of the guards, Sergeant of the Guards or other qualified staff.

39. Will the government provide space onsite for onboarding, orientation and required training?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: No, the contractor shall develop its own policies and procedures, to include space and location, to perform onboarding, orientation and required training in accordance with the solicitation.

40. Will the Captain & Sergeant be required to possess a secret clearance before they are assigned to the contract

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: No, however, in accordance with the qualification outlined in 1.21.6 of the PWS, offerors must demonstrate a secret clearance is attainable which will be evaluated under FACTOR 1, SUBFACTOR I:

QUALIFICATION OF KEY TEM MEMBERS item 7) of the Key Team Member Resumes.

41. For Factor III, Past Performance, reference is made to an Attachment #1; however, there is no such document included within this RFP. Please advise.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Attachment 1 is the Sample Past Performance Reference Questionnaire located on page 116 of the current solicitation.

42. 4.5.3 Duty Service Pistol. Will the Govt accept the Glock pistol (striker fired, safe trigger) even thought this pistol does not have an external thumb safety?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Duty service pistol must have an external thumb safety as outlined in 4.5.3 of the PWS. The Glock pistol (striker fired, safe trigger) without an external thumb safety is unacceptable.

43. 4.5.5 CEW. Can we assume a standard cross-draw configuration similar to LE wear? Is there a minimum number of cartridges that need to be carried with CEW (one installed and one in grip for example?)

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Yes, standard cross draw CEW holster is acceptable. Other configurations in accordance with solicitation requirements would also be acceptable.

44. 4.4.1.10 Badge. Are the badges to be of metal design or can they be cloth, sewn onto the uniforms?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Metal or cloth badges worn in accordance with the solicitation requirements are acceptable.

45. Will transitioning incumbent personnel be grandfathered into the security program with regards to the following:

Mandatory Training Requirements Background Screening Drug Testing Medical Evaluations

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: No, transitioning incumbent personnel will not be grandfathered into the security program for any requirements.

46. What company procured the previous security contract with Sault Ste. Marie Army Corps of Engineers?

47. What was the hourly rate the contract was awarded, or what was the total annual amount the contract was awarded for years 2015 -2020?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Current contract number is W911XK16C0008 and any publically available information is posted to beta.sam.gov. Additionally, any unavailable information is prohibited by the following regulations:

FAR 24.2 - Freedom of Information Act

24.202 Prohibitions.

(g) A proposal in the possession or control of the Government, submitted in response to a competitive solicitation, shall not be made available to any person under the Freedom of Information Act. This prohibition does not apply to a proposal, or any part of a proposal, that is set forth or incorporated by reference

(h) No agency shall disclose any information obtained pursuant to 15.403-3(b) that

48. How many full-time staff are employed as armed security?

FAR 24.2 - Freedom of Information Act

24.202 Prohibitions.

(a) A proposal in the possession or control of the Government, submitted in response to a competitive solicitation, shall not be made available to any person under the Freedom of Information Act. This prohibition does not apply to a proposal, or any part of a proposal, that is set forth or incorporated by reference

(b) No agency shall disclose any information obtained pursuant to 15.403-3(b) that

49. How many part-time staff are employed as armed security?

FAR 24.2 - Freedom of Information Act

24.202 Prohibitions.

(i) A proposal in the possession or control of the Government, submitted in response to a competitive solicitation, shall not be made available to any person under the Freedom of Information Act. This prohibition does not apply to a proposal, or any part of a proposal, that is set forth or incorporated by reference

(j) No agency shall disclose any information obtained pursuant to 15.403-3(b) that

50. How many shift hours is required to complete the annual maintenance event for cleaning camera domes and testing intrusion detection sensors?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The contractor shall develop their own policies and procedures to complete the annual maintenance event for cleaning camera domes and testing intrusion detection sensors are complete in accordance with the solicitation.

51. Are electric utility carts required, or can these be gas operated? If electric carts are required, is the cost to charge the carts furnished by the government or the contractor?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Electric Industrial Carts are required as described in 4.6.2 Electric Industrial Cart in the PWS. Gas operated carts are unacceptable.

52. How many miles does a security vehicle put on annually?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The contractor will develop their own estimated annual mileage for security vehicles in accordance with the specifications, approximate locations, and requirements of the solicitation.

53. How many mileage hours does an electric utility cart put on annually?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The contractor will develop their own estimated annual mileage hours for the electric carts in accordance with the specifications, approximate locations, and requirements of the solicitation.

54. Are there off-road trails or unpaved roads that require regular patrol? What is there technical rating (easy, moderate, difficult, or severe), and distance in miles of each road?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: During monthly checks of remote sites there is one

(1) two track road measuring approximately ¼ mile long. During daily checks of the facility perimeter there is one (1) short section of dirt road traveled. This section of road is less than ¼ mile in length and runs along the SW Pier. Both roads are easy to access and easy to travel on.