Q A SERE_Government Answers_26 JAN 23.xlsx

XLSX spreadsheet 39 KB Posted Feb 2, 2023

Attached to: Fort Rucker SERE RFP
Solicitation number: W9124G22R0008
Issued by: Department of the Army Materiel Command Mission and Installation Contracting Command Fort Eustis

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File	Type	Posted
SERE Amendment 2 - Conform Copy.pdf	PDF	Feb 8, 2023
Q_A Follow On 7 FEB 23.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	Feb 8, 2023
SERE Amendment 2 - Mod Copy.pdf	PDF	Feb 8, 2023
Attachment 1 - PWS Updated 2 FEB 23.pdf	PDF	Feb 2, 2023
Attachment 3 Staffing Matrix UPDATED 24 JAN 23.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	Feb 2, 2023
W9124G22R0008 MOD 1 CONFORM.pdf	PDF	Feb 2, 2023
Attachment 7 Sample Partner Consent Letter.docx	DOCX document	Feb 2, 2023
Attachment 2 - Wage Determination.pdf	PDF	Jan 6, 2023
Attachment 5 - SERE CMP.pdf	PDF	Jan 6, 2023
Attachment 3 Staffing Matrix.xlsx	XLSX spreadsheet	Jan 6, 2023
W9124G22R0008 6 JAN 23.pdf	PDF	Jan 6, 2023
Attachment 6 - SERE Course Map.pdf	PDF	Jan 6, 2023
Attachment 4 - DD254.pdf	PDF	Jan 6, 2023
Attachment 1 - PWS.pdf	PDF	Jan 6, 2023

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Sheet1

Question Number	RFP Reference	Question	Response
1	PWS Section C, Part 4 4.10.3 & Attachment 4 A.4.1	The PWS states “the Contractor is responsible for ensuring each driver/operator transporting students by bus…,” when discussing required licensing types under the “Contractor Driver/Operator Criteria” paragraph. Would the government please clarify whether they are speaking solely of licensing requirements for SERE Contractor-furnished vehicles capable of carrying students as listed in para A.4.1 (a. thru g.), or is the government implying that the Contractor may also be called upon to drive government busses in support of transporting SERE students during normal operations or as a “be-prepared-to” task for contingency/surge situations?

Note: As government-supplied busses are routinely used to transport students during normal portions of the SERE program, but those busses are operated by a separate contract/contractor or government personnel, may we expect that arrangement will continue and the SERE Contractor need only focus its “Contractor Driver/Operator Criteria” to the SERE CFE vehicles listed in PWS Attach 4, para. A.4.1?	Contractor would not be responsible for operating Government busses. The government-supplied bus services that are currently utilized will be maintained for the foreseeable future.
	2	PWS p. 31/para. 5.7.5	Given that the Contractor provides its own vehicle fleet, is there still a valid additional requirement to also "provide management and oversight of Government vehicles?"	The Government will maintain a small fleet of vehicles for Government use. The Contractor would be responsible for managing/overseeing those vehicles as well as Contractor-provided fleet. The US Army SERE School currently utilizes a total of 34x Government vehicles: 27x GSA leased vehicles and 7x DRMO vehicles. With award of the new contract and the integration of Contractor-provided vehicles, the Government will be conducting a phased turn-in of the Government Vehicles based on when leases expire. SERE plans on maintaining between 10-15x total GSA/DRMO vehicles for Government-personnel use after all turn-ins are complete. The contractor would be expected to track administrative, maintenance and dispatching requirements of these vehicles. All maintenance will be conducted by the Government and would not be the responsibility of the Contractor.
	3	PWS p.27/ para. 5.2.5.1	Does the "minimum 40 personnel" include all of the FTEs required for the Escape section?	Yes.
	4	Solicitation p. 47/para. (iv) (1)	Will the government please clarify if Consent Letters count against the page count limitation of Volume IV?	Consent Letters do not count against page count.
	5	Solicitation p. 47/para. (iv) (2), bullet 3	For Teaming Partners, will the government accept PPQs if no CPARS is available; similar to the "draft" PPQ the Government previously provided?	Government revised approach to utilize CPARS.
	6	ITO Section L, p47, para	Section L, para 2.c. (iv) (2) (3rd para) states “The Offeror shall demonstrate the quality of work performed by the Offeror, or its Teaming Partner(s), for each past performance reference by providing the two (2) requirements described below.” The first requirement is a copy of CPARS, but the second requirement is not clarified.

Q: What is the second quality of work requirement?	Second requirement was Appendix D, Past Performance Questionnaire, which has since been removed. This will be adjusted.
	7	PWS para 5.7.6.h.
PWS Attachment 5, para A.5. and 1.6.15.	PWS para 5.7.6.h. and PWS Attachment 5, para A.5. and 1.6.15. lists the requirements for live training aids.

Q: Does the Government have a preferred vendor for Live Training Aids? What is the historical annual cost and/or forecasted annual budget for Live Training Aids?	Vendor is at the discretion of the offeror can source this in any manner as long as it is in accordance with PWS requirements.
	8	PWS para 5.7.6.h.i. through vii.	PWS para 5.7.6.h.i. through vii. lists the requirements for portable latrines.

Q: Does the Government have a preferred vendor for portable latrines? What is the historical annual cost and/or forecasted annual budget for portable latrines?	See response to Q7.
	9	PWS p32, para 5.7.7.	PWS para 5.7.7. does not provide specifics regarding nomenclature, type, or quantity regarding IT equipment. Without specifics it's difficult to recruit appropriately qualified/experienced personnel.

Q: What are the existing/forecasted IT requirements (nomenclature, type, and quantity), i.e., number of laptops, desktops, printers, software, peripherals, etc?	Skillsets required are listed in PWS Section 5.7.7.
	10	PWS p32, para 5.7.8	PWS para 5.7.8. does not provide specifics regarding nomenclature, type, or quantity regarding AV equipment. Without specifics it's difficult to recruit appropriately qualified/experienced personnel.

Q: What are the existing/forecasted AV requirements (nomenclature, type, and quantity), i.e., number of cameras, microphones, cabling, specialized equipment for measuring RF signal, etc?	Skillsets required are listed in PWS Section 5.7.8.
	11	ITO Section L, p44, para 2.c.	ITO Section L, para 2.c. requires a "Table of Contents, Summary Section, and the Narrative discussion" for each proposal file.

Q: Are these sections excluded from the page limits?	The Table of Contents and Summary are excluded. However, the Narrative is what shall be written to explain the factors and is therefore not excluded.
	12	ITO Section L, p44, para 2.c.	While ITO Section L, para 2.c. requires a "Table of Contents, Summary Section, and the Narrative discussion" for each proposal file, specific volume requirements do not include these requirements.

Q: Is a Table of Contents, Summary Section, and Narrative discussion required in each of the five volumes?	In accordance with Section L, "Each file of the proposal shall consist of a Table of Contents, Summary Section, and the Narrative discussion."
	13	ITO Section M under "Mission Capability Factor 2" para a. "Primary Area 1: Technical Capability"	ITO Section M under "Mission Capability Factor 2" para a. "Primary Area 1: Technical Capability" states "The Offeror will need to demonstrate the use of innovative teaching techniques and outcome-oriented instructional strategies that appeal to digital learners in the full spectrum of training (i.e., classroom, hands-on, simulation/virtual, field environment and exercises, combat scenario driven, and live-fire in a realistic and safe environment)."

Q: Does US Army SERE curriculum include live-fire training?

Q: If so, what are the requirements, i.e., ammunition (type/quantity), weapons (type/quantity), ranges, etc.?

Q: Are contractors responsible for teaching live-firing training?

Q: Are contractors responsible for procuring, storing, and securing ammunition and/or weapons? Q1:The curriculum currently does not include live-fire training Q2: N/A based on Q1 response Q3: N/A based on Q1 response Q4: Contractor is required to transport and operate/demonstrate signaling devices (smoke, pyrotechnics) and simulated munitions.

14 ITO Section L.2(iii)(3) p46 ITO Paragraph L.2(iii)(3) states, "Offerors shall provide certifications and a Quality Control Plan that details approach for auditing, investigating root cause analyst, identify deficiencies, assess courses of action, implementation of corrective actions, and management of the overall QMS program, processes, and procedures both internal and external."

Q: Does the word "certifications" in this context refer to company/corporate certifications?

Q: Does the word "certifications" in this context refer to on task personnel certifications?	Removed certifications as it does not apply to the QCP.
	15	ITO Section L 2 (iv) (1) p47	ITO Section L, para 2 (iv) (1) states Consent Letters are required for each subcontractor and submitted as part of the Past Performance Volume.

Q: Do Consent Letters count against the Past Performance Volume page count?	See response to Q4.
	16	ITO Section L, para 2 (iii) (1) p47	ITO Section L.2(iii)(1) states, "Offerors shall utilize the Staffing Matrix (Section J, Attachment 3 of the RFP) for depicting their staffing..."

Q: Is the Staffing Matrix tab of Attachment+3+Staffing+Matrix of the RFP required to be included in this volume in its entirety?

Q: Is it acceptable to use a condesned table that captures the essential information from the Staffing Matrix tab of Attachment+3+Staffing+Matrix to demonstrate the offeror's approach to task organization, since this extended Excel spreadsheet is provided in Volume V? Q1. Yes, the staffing matrix is required in its entirety.

Q2. No, the staffing matrix is required as is.

17 ITO Section L, para 2. (iii)(1) p47 ITO Section L.2(iii)(1) states, "Offerors shall utilize the Staffing Matrix (Section J, Attachment 3 of the RFP) for depicting their staffing..."

Q: Is the Staffing Matrix (Section J, Attachment 3 of the RFP) excluded from the 20-page page limitation in Volume III?	Staffing Matrix is excluded from the page count, as it is provided as a separate attachment.
	18	PWS para 5.8 p27 and p33	PWS para 5.8 "The Contractor may use personnel during their mandatory out-of-role periods to provide these services, however the nature of the tasks under this section requires consistency of effort and continuity that are provided with permanent staff assignments." PWS para 5.2.5.1-.5 The Govt qualifies manning levels with the use of "minimum of..."

Q: Given the requirement for consistency and continuity in the Training Support Section, should offerors recruit and price 11 Training Support personnel separate and distinct from 98 instructors 8 Section Leadership positions?

Q: Are the 11 Training Support positions in addition to all other SERE Instructor positions? Q1: The Government is adding a CLIN so labor will be split into IT Labor, Instructor Labor, and Mission Support Labor.

Q2: Yes.

19 ITO Section M, para D.2.a p50 ITO Section M, para D.2.a. states that "...The Government will evaluate the proposed instructor retention rate as a mainstay tradeoff criterion."

Q: What is the definition of "mainstay tradeoff criterion?"	Language has since been revised.
	20	PWS para 5.7.8.3 p33	PWS paragraph 5.7.8.3 states that "The current listing of equipment (provided below) will change throughout the life of the contract as

lifecycle replacements occur." No specific list associated with this paragraph is provided in the RFP.

Q: Please provide a current list of equipment (hardware and software) the Contractor can expect to purchase on this contract.	This will be corrected; the most current list of equipment will be provided to Contractor upon award of contract. System repairs are ongoing at this time. Projections on what the contractor is expected to purchase are not available at this timeare dependant on system functionality in the OYs. Purchases will be reimbursable with ODC CLIN.
	21	ITO Section L, para 2.c. (iv) (2) p47	ITO Section L, para 2.c. (iv) (2) states that all contracts identified by the Offeror as past performance references, the Offeror shall provide a copy of all completed performance assessment reports from the Contractor Performance Assessment Reports System (CPARS). With multiple CPARS, which are multi-paged, it will be very difficult to meet the 15 page volume limit.

Q: Are CPARS exempt from the page count?	Yes.
	22	Attachment 3, Staffing Matrix	Attachment+3+Staffing+Matrix-2, Pricing Summary inlcudes two labor CLINS (Instructor Labor and IT Labor). However, the PWS requires several other types of labor that do not appear to fit either of these CLIN types.

Q: Will the Government please clarifiy which CLIN should bidders use include pricing for the Mission Support personnel (Registrar, Admin, Security, Facilities, Transportation, Supply & Logistics, and AV)?	The Government is adding a 3rd labor CLIN, Mission Support Labor, that will capture the requested personnel.
	23	Draft Management Plan, p9 - (no reference para)	The Course Manager Guidance section states, "...all instructors are qualified and certified IAW TR 350-70 and the US Army SERE School Staff & Faculty Certification Program.

Q: Please provide the US Army SERE School Staff & Faculty Certification Program specific to Fort Rucker.	This document will be provided to the Contractor upon contract award.
	24	ITO Section M, para 4.a. p52	ITO Section M, para 4.a. states that “Past Performance shall be in accordance with this plan utilizing the forms and questionnaires set forth in Appendix D.” We did not receive an Appendix D in the attached Government documents.

Q: Will the Government supply an Appendix D, or should contractors use an internal format to satisfy Past Performance Contract information?

	See response to Q5.
	25	Attachment 3 Staffing Matrix	Column B instructs to Identify Labor Category as Non-Exempt Employee, Employee covered under SCA or Employee covered under CBA. Question: Is there a current Collective Bargaining Agreement for this contract and will the government provide a copy of that agreement to us?	There is no CBA associated with this contract.
	26	PWS 1.6.8.6 Instructor Staff, 1.6.11 Key Personnel, 1.6.12 Required Personnel and 5.2.5 Contractor Manning Levels	Several sections discuss personnel and qualifications. Can the government provide a consolidated list or table that shows the labor categories and number required of each?	Labor Categories and required number of personnel is on the contractor to determine.
	27	PWS 4.8 Audio-Visual Systtem Software and Licensing	The Contractor is responsible for purchasing and maintaining all software and licensing required to operate the Audio-Visual systems and equipment utilized during SERE training. Question: Will the government provide a listing of A-V Systems, to include software and licensing currently being used?	Current software on the systems in place do not require recurring/yearly purchasing. As these systems are in the process of replacement/repair, this information is unknown to the Government at this time. Current systems utilize Costar STARnet software and Genitech software for surveillance. Equipment quantity, type and brand varies from location to location. Contractor will be afforded the opportunity to inventory all equipment during Phase-in. There are four total A/V systems that SERE utilizes between four geographically-separated training areas on and off Fort Rucker. Between these sites, the current number of cameras is 149x: site #1 has 45x cameras, site #2 has 30x cameras, site #3 has 26x cameras and site #4 has 48x cameras. These systems are all stand-alone, off-network systems that include, but are not limited to, audio equipment, servers, back-up power supplies and multiple configurations of viewing stations. These systems are in the process of phased repair/replacement and the final numbers of equipment will be provided to the Contractor as they are repaired/replaced. The systems currently utilize Genetec Software and Costar StarNET software for surveillance.
	28	PWS 1.6.8.3 Commercial Driver's License	The Contractor shall ensure that a minimum of three (3) personnel possesses a valid Class C Commercial Driver's License, with HAZMAT endorsement, throughout the term of this contract to assist with transport of pyrotechnics required in various portions of the SERE program. Personnel fulfilling this requirement
must complete certifications mandated by governing regulations and SOP for pyrotechnics issue, transport, and handling – currently, this requirement is AMMO 45, 67, and 108 certifications. Question: Can the CDL with HAZMAT endorsement be considered an ODC, and can the certification courses for AMMO 45, 67 and 108 that are provided by Defense Ammunition Center, McAlester, OK be used to satisfy this requirement?	CDL with HAZMAT endorsement are required prior to performance. The Government will not provide funding for CDL training. Yes, the courses are found through Defense Ammunition Center.
	29	PWS Section 1.1. Description of Services/Introduction, PWS Section 3.1. Facilities, and PWS Section 4.1.	Section 1.1 and 4.1 says, "The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities…" while Section 3.1 indicates that the Government will provide all facilities. Question: Is the Contract responsible to provide any facilities in support of this contract?	The only facilities the Contractor is required to provide would be the Program Management Office (Part 4, 4.3). All training facilities are provided by the Government.
	30	PWS Section 1.6.8.4. Psychological Evaluations	Will these be virtual or in person? If in person, is the location vicinity Fort Rucker, AL?	In-person; Location of evaluations is Fort Rucker.
	31	PWS Section 1.6.12 Required Personnel	Can any of the personnel filling positions in PWS Section 1.6.12 be dual-hatted? Example: The Quality Control Manager (PWS Section 1.6.12.1) also serve as an Academic Instructor (PWS Section 1.6.8.6.4) or other support position on the contract?	Yes.
	32	PWS Section 1.6.12.5 Section Leadership	Can any of the personnel filling positions in PWS Section 1.6.12.5 be dual-hatted? Example: The Academics Section Manager (PWS Section 1.6.12.5.1) also serve as an Academic Instructor (PWS Section 1.6.8.6.4) or other support position on the contract?	Yes.
	33	PWS Section 1.6.20.2 Phase-out.	Does the current Contractor (incumbent) have a requirement to develop a Phase-out Plan with similar requirements to affect a smooth and orderly transfer of contract responsibility to the successor (Incoming Contractor)?	Yes.
	34	Section L- 2, C, iv, (2)- Past Performance References	Solicitation states "shall provide a copy of all completed performance assessment reports from the Contractor Performance Assessment Reports System (CPARS)". Question- Can the government provide guidance on submitted past performance contracts where CPARS is not available or has not been completed yet? Is there an alternative document that would be accepted?	See response to Q5.
	35		Will there be a requirement for medical support contractors (EMT A/B, IDMT, PA) in addition to the new HF Techs? If so, how many and required qualifications?	No.
	36		Will the existing off-road utility vehicles in use at the training camps transfer to the new contract, or will the vendor be required to procure and equip replacements along with required on-road vehicles?	The Government will maintain accountability of all vehicles (on and off-road) not provided by the contractor. Use of these vehicles will be at the discretion of the US Army SERE School Commander.
	37		As vehicle support will be included in the contract, will the contractor have access to AAFES, motor pool fuel point enabling 24 hour refuel access on post?	AAFES refueling is available for purchase by anyone that is authorized to be on-post. Use of the motor pool fuel points is not authorized- only government vehicles are authorized to use these fuel points.
	38		What level of guidance will be provided for instructor contractor training (standards, POIs)? Will the vendor be required to update POIs for this training?	Contractor will be provided the US Army SERE School Staff & Faculty Certification Program in addition to the updated POI upon award of the contract. The Contractor is expected to provide support/expertise to the government-led training development processes.
	39		Which Mission Support contractors will be required to work on post/site as opposed to the off-post PMO?	SERE Mission Support functions are not "contractor exclusive business" as they directly support the training operation. These functions are not expected to be completed off-post.
	40		Will the off-post PMO require SCIF certification and secure voice comms, and to what level?	No.
	41		Will the vendor for this contract be required to update or just maintain existing AV site monitoring systems?	Contractor will provide routine/preventative maintenance and repair services.
	42		Will the USG accept attendance or instructor experience at USAF and USN Level C SERE Schools (certified as compliant with the Code of Conduct/SERE Joint Training Standard) as instructor prerequisite satisfaction? Are there any acceptable non-DoD SERE/PR courses that meet this requirement?	Yes; Contractor personnel can be a graduate of any DOD SERE Level C Courses. Non-DOD SERE/PR Courses are not accepted as a replacement for this requirement.
	43		What is the expected number of female students per class?	Number varies.
	44		Will the award of this contract be based on lowest price technically acceptable or best value?	See Section M, Basis for Award, in the solicitation.
	45		RFP Part 1, 1.1: It states the government shall provide facilities. What facilities are we expected to provide?	The only facilities the Contractor is required to provide would be the Program Management Office (PWS Paragraph 4.3). All training facilities are provided by the Government.
	46		Will there be an administrative/office area provided on post for the use of contract personnel to secure individual and contractual reports as required by section C.16.2 of the RFP?	The Contractor shall procure an off-site Program Management Office (PMO) to conduct all Contractor exclusive business. (PWS Paragraph 4.3)
	47		Will the contractor need to provide own rations during the FTX?	Yes.
	48		There is a separate category for the classroom / academics instructor. What is the expected instructor \| student ratio?	5.2.2. The minimum instructor to student ratio for lecture/conference methods of instruction ranges from 1:1 for Academic Roleplay Instruction, to 1:10 for Small Group Instruction, to a maximum of 1:80 for some large-group instruction and debriefing. (PWS paragraph 5.2.2)
	49		Section 3.2: Specifically, what clothing will be provided to the contractor? FTD, RTL clothing?	Individually assigned items: Field training equipment, such as maps, compasses, fire-starters, and knives; SERE proprietary items, such as patches, flags and other equipment bearing SERE-specific imagery. (PWS Paragraph A.3.2.1). Contractor is expected to provide costumes for use in role-play scenarios.
	50		Instructors are expected to meet various physical conditions at the start. How frequently are they expected to undergo fitness testing?	No fitness testing will be conduct by the Government on Contractor personnel.
	51		Will any military personnel instruct in conjunction to the contractor?	Yes, by exception. Contractor is expected to teach all lessons, Government personnel may supplement instruction by exception.
	52		Will there be a mileage reimbursement for travel between Ft. Rucker and the TAC-X near Samson, AL	No.
	53		Can the Training Manager be the same as the Program Manager?	Yes.
	54		Section 1.6.4 states that overtime is only authorized during “surge” periods. The only authorized, “non surge” overtime is during the NASA training, correct.	Correct.
	55		Section 1.6.13.1: Risk Management Specialist personnel need to have completed a SERE Level C course. May the newly hired individuals attend the Ft. Rucker Level C course?	Yes.
	56		Could you please clarify whether the requirement for job descriptions and minimum qualifications refers to key personnel, or to all necessary labor categories?	Resumes are only required for Key Personnel.
	57		Is the SERE Psychologist expected to be a full-time position?	A contract SERE Psychologist is not a part of this requirement. The Human Factors Risk Management Specialist(s) would fall under the licensure of the Government SERE Psychologists.
	58	Attachments 5 and 6	Two attachments in the Solicitation release are marked draft: Attachment 5 (CMP) and Attachment 6 (Course Map) Will the Government provide final approved documents for Offeror use?	These documents are going through review and will not be complete before the solicitation closes. The Contractor will be provided the final versions upon contract award.
	59	PWS 1 1.5 2	The period of performance includes a 90-day phase-in beginning 26 May 23. Will the Government provide details of the Phase-In period including access to the site, personnel, and transition expectations?	No. Incumbent is expected to have Phase-out plan to coordinate a smooth transition.
	60	PWS 4,5 4.10.3 and 5.7.5 23, 31	Section 4.10 requires the Contractor to maintain driver operator certifications to transport students by “bus or other large occupancy vehicle”; Section 5.7.5 refers to the Contractor “managing government vehicles assigned to” the SERE program. Will the Government provide a comprehensive list of all Government provided vehicles required for Contractor oversight, driving responsibilities, and maintenance?	The final number/type of these vehicles is not available at this time. Contractor will be provided this information upon contract award. The Contractor will not be responsible for maintenance of these GSA vehicles- this is done through a separate contract.
	61	PWS 5 5.6.3 29	ISTP maintenance/management is to be employed “using a management and administrative structure and process” of the Contractor’s choice. Is it the Government’s intent that all ISTP and related coursework be managed exclusively on Government provided IT systems?	Classified information cannot be removed from/sent to non-government systems. If the ISTP and related coursework does not fall into this category, the Contractor shall utilize the appropriate procedures/policies to ensure the safe handling of course information.
	62	PWS 5 5.7.7 32	Section 5.7.7 states “the Contractor shall establish an IT capability to maintain Government IT systems.” Will the Government specify how much SERE related coursework is managed on NIPR and/or SIPR?	All coursework is managed on NIPR/SIPR systems.
	63	PWS 1.6.8.6.1-1.6.8.6.5 10	As part of the special qualification portion of the PWS (1.6.8) there is a requirement for all instructors to be qualified and certified IAW the U.S. Army SERE School Instructor Certification Program. This is the only reference to this program in the PWS or supporting documents provided by the Government. Would the Government please either provide additional details as to the components of the certification program, or at a minimum, provide an estimated time that it would take for a new instructor to achieve this certification?	Contractor will be provided the US Army SERE School Staff & Faculty (Instructor) Certification Program upon award of the contract. The training/certification time varies by position and by individual based on proficiency.
	64	PWS 5.7.5 31	The PWS States: The Contractor shall provide on-site transportation personnel to provide management and oversight of Government vehicles assigned to the SERE Detachment. Contractor duties are IAW U.S. Army SERE School SOPs and respective POI content to include the following tasks: Additionally, will the Government provide copies of these policies, guidance, and documents in the RFP? a. Conducting periodic inspections of vehicles to ensure vehicle inspections are performed and documented in accordance with the Fort Rucker Transportation Motor Pool (TMP) policies and guidance; b. Maintenance and documentation of the Leased Vehicle Log; c. Ensuring vehicle maintenance requirements are met; and d. Assisting the Government during accident investigations. e. Submit status of all areas of responsibility in a weekly report NLT 0900 the first duty day after the week reported as defined in paragraph 4.9. Are there vehicles provided by the Government (i.e., TMP drawn Bus, etc.) for contractor use other than those listed in Attachment 4 (Contractor Furnished Equipment)? If so, will the Government please identify the number and type of vehicles the contractor will have available to accomplish PWS related tasks?	Contractor is expected to accomplish all PWS requirements with the Contractor-provided vehicles. Government vehicles will be for the sole use of Government personnel assigned to the US Army SERE School. The government-supplied bus services are maintained and operated by a separate contract. This bus contract will be maintained for the foreseeable future and Contractors under the US Army SERE Instruction and Support contract will not have access to/be required to drive/maintain these buses.
	65	None	Unlike previous solicitations for this contract, a detailed daily training schedule that reflects the current state of operations has not been included in this RFP. Would the Government please provide a daily training schedule?	The Government will not release the daily training schedule however, the Government has provided information contained in the CMP and the Course map that provides the Contractor with adequate information to develop a labor mix solution. The course schedule is considered Controlled Unclassified Information and cannot be released to the public. The Contractor will be afforded this information during Phase-in.
	66	None	There is not a projected course schedule that allows offerors to identify the anticipated overlaps of course/down time for ISTP activities. Would the Government please provide the current forecasted course schedule for FY 2023 to allow offerors the ability to see the overlaps/“white spaces” in order to identify potential impacts, build a plan for internal training, and determine the anticipated logistical issues?	With the exception of the first and last course iterations of the calendar year, all iterations overlap week one and week three. On at least one occasion per year, depending on USAACE requirements (it's generally once per year), we begin an iteration in the week immediately following the previous iteration. We call this a "back-to-back" and creates a week one/week two overlap, followed by a week two/week three overlap. Subsequent iterations return to the original, every-other-week start. This quirk allows a 25th course iteration to happen each year, in service to Flight School Common Core start dates.
	67	PWS 4.10.4 24	The PWS States “Contractor will be expected to transport students from one training location to another in support of the course. This transport will only be conducted in support of a POI driven event. No contractors will be expected to transport Government personnel (Cadre, DAC, etc.) associated with the instruction or support of the course.” Based on the fact that the maximum # of students required to move to any training event is 80, would the Government please clarify if the contractor is responsible for physically transporting the students in the contractor furnished vehicles, or if we are responsible for coordinating buses or other transport through the Fort Rucker transportation scheduling process?	The government has a separate contract for bussing the entirety of the class at once. The Contractor can be expected to transport up to two teams of students (approximately 10x students) at one time in iterations throughout the course.
	68	W9124G22R0008+6+JAN+23 L.2.4.2 47	In Section L, the Past Performance References section states “Offeror shall identify three (3) recent and relevant past performance references the Offeror, and/or it’s Teaming Partner(s), performed as a Prime or as a subcontractor.” As part of these three references, the section requires contract information for each reference, and “The Offeror shall demonstrate why each past performance reference is recent and relevant.” Additionally, the section states “For all contracts identified by the Offeror as past performance references, the Offeror shall provide a copy of all completed performance assessment reports from the Contractor Performance Assessment Reports System (CPARS).” And “Submission requirements of paragraph L.1 of this solicitation apply to the submission of CPARs information from Teaming Partners.” L.1 Gives Past Performance a page limit of 15. As CPARS are typically several pages in length, Contractors are likely to use up the entire 15-page count on CPARS alone, making it unlikely to be able to provide the required contract information, much less demonstrate relevancy. Will the Government consider excluding CPARS from the Past Performance page count?	See response to Q21.
	69	PWS, 1.6.8.3	PWS, 1.6.8.3 requires the contractor to have a minimum of 3 personnel with valid Class C Commercial Driver's License, with HAZMAT endorsement and certified to assist with transport, handling and issue of pyrotechnics for various portions of the SERE program. Question: Will the Government please clarify what portions of the SERE program involve transport, issue, or handling of pyrotechnics?	At the present time, we use pyrotechnics during Survival training, the final Evasion exercise, and occasionally during liberation scenarios in the RTL. Alabama state law prohibits these materials being transported on state highways without proper driver credentialing. We cannot cover this task sufficiently with organic government workforce.
	70	PWS, 3.5	PWS, 3.5 states. “The Government will provide any equipment listed in Attachment 3 in operational condition or serviceable for training to the Contractor. The Contractor shall maintain Government-provided Education Support Items in fully operational condition throughout the duration of the performance period.” Question: Does this mean the contractor provides vehicle maintenance on government provided vehicles given vehicle maintenance is not listed in 3.7, “[Government] Services” that the Government provides and paragraph 5.7.5 specifies “The Contractor shall provide on-site transportation personnel to provide management and oversight of Government vehicles...”?	Government vehicles will be maintained by the government. All Contractor-provided vehicles must be maintained by the Contractor.
	71	PWS, 4.8	PWS, 4.8 states: “The Contractor is responsible for purchasing and maintaining all software and licensing required to operate the Audio-Visual systems and equipment utilized during SERE training. Question: Will the Government please provide a list of all software and licenses that are currently being used for SERE training?	See response to Q27.
	72	PWS, 4.10 and Attachment 4, A.4.1	PWS, 4.10 and Attachment 4, A.4.1 indicates the contractor is responsible for providing 35 vehicles in a readiness condition to accomplish the SERE training. Questions:
a.	Will the government provide secure facilities on post for vehicle parking, parts and indoor maintenance and what associated government regulations or SOPs must it follow?
b.	Given the uncertainty of fuel pricing, will the Government permit the contractor to fuel these 35 vehicles with Government provided fuel or provide a reimbursable CLIN for the fuel?
c.	If unable to utilize government provided fuel will the Government please provide an estimated annual mileage per vehicle to allow for proper costing of fuel.
d.	Is there an installation fuel storage area where the contractor can emplace a fuel storage container?
e.	Are all the maintenance cost (parts, repairs, routine servicing and extensive repairs) to the vehicle fleet the contractor’s responsibility?
f.	Are all vehicles required to have state annual inspections and have state registrations?
g.	The insurance cost for these types of vehicles to be utilized in a training environment will have varying rates based on contractor only driven versus an extremely higher rate with government service members driving. Will the government be driving these vehicles?
h.	Will the government be responsible for all damages and repair costs for vehicles driven by government service members and employees?
i.	What is the current use of each type of vehicle required in the PWS?	A. Parking of vehicles is permitted at SERE training sites. This parking is outdoors and no covered parking or maintenance facilities are available at this time for Contractor use. There is no SOP for Contractor vehicle maintenance/storage.

B. No Government provided fuel is available for Contractor use. .

C. See average mileage below with utilization D. No.

E. Yes.

F. N/A to state annual inspections, Yes to state registration.

G. Contractor vehciles will not be driven by Government personnel.

H. N/A.

I. 1/4 and 1/2 Ton truck (Average Mileage 3000-3500/year): Transportation of Contractor personnel and students throughout training area, surveillance/observation of student training; Cargo and Mini-Vans (Average Mileage 3000/year): Transportation of Contractor personnel and students throughout training area; 1-Ton Truck (Average Mileage 2500/year): Utilized by Facilities Manager to conduct/oversee duties throughout training areas; 5-Ton Trucks (Average Mileage 2500-3000/year): transport of student gear and course supplies throughout training area; Utility Truck (Average Mileage 500-1000/year): roleplay/transport of student gear throughout training area.

	73	PWS, 5.7.3.f	PWS, 5.7.3.f requires the contractor to “Assess the effectiveness of SERE School security processes, ensuring safes, key control, and armory inspectable security items are in compliance with DoD policy and guidance and local SOPs. Questions:
a.	Please clarify what the armory inspectable security items are and if the contractor is responsible to issue, sign-in, clean, inspect, and perform other functions a conventional Army armorer performs.
b.	Is the contractor required to provide support to weapons ranges and if so, please specify the type of support, for what activity and when?	a. The only weapons systems maintained by SERE at this point are gas guns and blank-firing guns used by cadre.

B. No live-fire ranges are included in the course instruction at this time.

	74	PWS, 5.7.5	PWS, 5.7.5 states “The Contractor shall provide on-site transportation personnel to provide management and oversight of Government vehicles assigned to the SERE Detachment.” Question: What vehicles does the Government provide and are they in addition to the those the contractor must acquire listed in Attachment 4, section A.4.1?	The government will still maintain a fleet of vehicles for government use, but will require contract support to track dispatching, maintenance, etc. Contractor vehicles are 100% the responsibility of the Contractor to administer, maintain, etc.
	75	PWS, 5.7.8.1	Question: Will the Government provide a breakout of the items and quantity of AV equipment the contractor must support to ensure we provide personnel with the correct skills, knowledge, and abilities to execute this service and properly price it in the proposal?	See response to Q27.
	76	PWS, 5.9.f.	Question: Does the Government provide a POI and lesson plans that the contractor Risk Management Support personnel use for the Human Factors Annual Training in which they are to participate or is the Annual Training provided by the Government?	The government HF personnel will provide this training to all newly hired, student-facing personnel and annually thereafter.
	77	PWS, 5.9.k.iii.	Question: Is the Government responsible for leading the quarterly Human Factors section training in which the contractor Risk Management Support personnel participate?	Yes. This HF/Risk management section specific training requirement is a support role. There is no expectation that this person develops products for the government HF staff.
	78	PWS, 1.6.8.1	PWS, 1.6.8.1 states: “Unless otherwise specified in this PWS, all contractors must be U.S citizens and full spectrum SERE-C prior to the start of any employment on this contract, to include Wartime, Peacetime Governmental Detention (PGD) and Hostage Detention (HD) training. This can be accomplished by either graduating from a DoD course that combines all three training requirements or having graduated from separate courses that trains these skillsets. Question: Will graduates of SERE 250F, SERE 425 and SERE 400 be eligible to serve as a SERE instructor on the US Army SERE contract?	They will need to attend SERE C before beginning duties as an instructor on this contract, as none of those programs include Survival and Evasion training.
	79	PWS, 1.6.8.6.2	PWS, 1.6.8.6.2 states in part “Evasion Instructors shall perform Evasion Movement training, Escapes training, . . .” Whereas 1.6.12.5.2 mentions the contractor shall designate a Lead Instructor for each of the four (4) skill areas – Survival, Evasion, Escape and Resistance Training. Question: Will the Government please clarify if the Evasion Instructors still teach Escape Training or do only the Escape Instructors teach the Escape Training.	Escape training has historically fallen on the Evasion section to teach. Because Escape TTP doesn't comprise enough tasks to warrant maintaining a dedicated cadre for just this purpose, we hesitate to direct a Contractor to organize this way. Anyone can certify in Escape training, and would be considered an Escape instructor. But generally speaking, the Evasion section is responsible for this task because they have the most personnel qualified to fulfill the requirement.
	80	PWS, 1.6.8.6.1 through 1.6.8.6.5	PWS, 1.6.8.6.1 through 1.6.8.6.5 indicate that these personnel will not satisfy instructor to student ratio until qualified and certified IAW U.S. Army SERE School Instructor Certification Program. Question: Must these instructors be fully certified in all tasks in their respective areas before being allowed to count against the ratios or may they count against the ratio when instructing/facilitating the specific tasks on which they have been certified. For example, will an Academics instructor who has been certified on two classes be able to teach those classes before being certified on all Academics classes?	Yes. Instructors count against Instructor to Student Ratios for a lesson/task as soon as they are certified in that lesson/task.
	81	PWS 1.6.8.6 and subparagraphs	PWS 1.6.8.6 and subparagraphs discuss instructors including Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Academic, Role Players and Training Support Personnel with no mention of Escape instructors. The only section that implies there is an Escape Section is in 1.6.12.5.2 which indicates there are lead Instructors for each of the four (4) skill areas – Survival, Evasion, Escape and Resistance. Question: Will the Government please clarify if there is to be a separate Escape section within the Field Training Section.	Escape training has historically fallen on the Evasion section to teach. Because Escape TTP doesn't comprise enough tasks to warrant maintaining a dedicated cadre for just this purpose, we hesitate to direct a Contractor to organize this way. Anyone can certify in Escape training, and would be considered an Escape instructor. But generally speaking, the Evasion section is responsible for this task because they have the most personnel qualified to fulfill the requirement.
	82	PWS, 1.6.12	If our personnel in the following Required Personnel positions, i.e., QCM, TM, SC the two (2) Operational Section Managers, the Academics Manager and the four (4) Lead Instructors, meet qualified instructor criteria, will the government please clarify if they may be used to satisfy instructor-to- student ratios when not involved in role-play and their instruction does not conflict with their other duties?	All managers are encouraged to maintain any existing instructor qualifications/certifications. However, in these cases, an alternate point of contact, authorized to make decisions on their behalf during periods where they are instructing, must be identified beforehand.
	83	PWS, 1.6.12.5.1	PWS, 1.6.12.5.1 indicates that “. . . the Contractor shall designate an Academics Manager to coordinate and supervise all classroom-based Academic training. PWS 1.6.12.5.2 indicates the Contractor shall designate a Lead Instructor to act as Academics Training Adviser for all classroom-based training. Question: Is the Academics Manager a separate person from the Academics Advisor?	Academics Manager and Academics Training Advisor are the same- Change will be made in PWS to reflect.
	84	PWS, 4.2	PWS, 4.2 requires the PM and the Deputy PM to be available by phone during all times course instruction is performed. Question: Will the Government consider changing their availability to the PM “or” DPM?	YES - Change will be made.
	85	PWS, 4.7	PWS, 4.7 states: “The Contractor shall provide the clothing and equipment listed in Technical Exhibit 2. Question: There is no Technical Exhibit 2. Should it state Attachment 4 instead?	Yes- Change has been made in PWS.
	86	PWS, 5.1	PWS, 5.1 indicates that there are up to 25 iterations of 3-week long courses per year, Question: Will the Government please describe course sequencing to better understand the course overlap. For example, does the 2nd course overlap with weeks 2 and 3 of the 1st course and week 1 of the 3rd course?	With the exception of the first and last course iterations of the calendar year, all iterations overlap week one and week three. On at least one occasion per year, depending on USAACE requirements (it's generally once per year), we begin an iteration in the week immediately following the previous iteration. We call this a "back-to-back" and creates a week one/week two overlap, followed by a week two/week three overlap. Subsequent iterations return to the original, every-other-week start. This quirk allows a 25th course iteration to happen each year, in service to Flight School Common Core start dates.
	87	PWS, 5.2.5.4	PWS, 5.2.5.4, Training Support Section, states “Areas of responsibility include support to operational training and Instructor training (ISTP) development and execution to include record-keeping, and curriculum development support. In addition to augmentation from the sections as needed and appropriate, a minimum of 11 personnel are needed to accomplish the tasks enumerated in this PWS in these areas.” Question: Given this statement and the time required to properly prepare, conduct, and maintain ISTP, are these 11 personnel in fact primarily dedicated full time for the ISTP, and they only augment operational training if needed as long as that augmentation does not conflict their conduct and support of the ISTP	Yes. The personnel involved in instructor development (both initial and long-term training tasks) and curriculum development support should be dedicated to these tasks. This will often include embedding with the sections to ensure that our student training products match what's happening "on the ground" and are accomplishing JCT requirements, as well as ensuring that instructor development efforts are properly serving the needs of the section leads. It is estimated that at least 11 personnel are required to perform this task. As a performance based contract, the contractor is responsible for determining how to accomplish the task.
	88	PWS, 5.3	PWS, 5.3 states in part “The laboratory portion of the training will require 24-hour support, for a maximum of 48 consecutive hours.” Question: Does the laboratory portion of the training refer to the Resistance Training Laboratory (RTL) and has the RTL training been reduced to 48 hours?	Yes. And No. The US Army SERE School has two separate Resistance Training Laboratory periods, comprising all 3 captivity environments. The longest of these is the Wartime RTL which does not exceed 48 hours. The PGD-HD RTLs are conducted during a different training week, and course overlap does not create scheduling conflicts.
	89	Section B	Section B, includes CLINS for Instructor Labor, IT Labor, Vehicles, Materials, Supplies and Services, ODC/Travel. Questions:
a.	Besides the IT labor CLIN, is there another CLIN which should include the costs for the other Mission Support Personnel and the Human Factors/Risk Management personnel?
b.	CLIN X005 (ODC/Travel): Is the contractor to reflect costs ranging from $39,000 to $42,000 in the X005 CLINs immediately under Unit Price heading?
c.	CLIN 0007 (AV Support Materials) specifies no performance period in “Section F – Deliveries or Performance”. Is that period the same as the Phase-In period, i.e., 26 May – 25 Aug 2023, if not please specify what it is as it will affect pricing.
d.	CLIN X007 (AV Support Materials): Is the contractor to reflect the $20,000 figure in the X007 CLINs immediately under the Unit Price heading?
e.	CLIN 0008, (Phase-In). There is no date listed in the ‘Delivery Date’ column in “Section F – Deliveries or Performance”. Will the Government please specify the delivery period for this CLIN 0008 matches the period in PWS paragraph 1.5, as starting on 26 May 2023 and ending on 25 August 2023, as the period affects pricing?
f.	CLIN 0008, Phase-In): Since CLIN 0007 (AV Support Materials) appears to pertain to the Phase-In period, are all other Phase-In costs, excluding labor, to be included in CLIN 0008?	a. The support personnel should fall under newly added Mission Support CLIN.

b. Yes, the contractor shall use the provided values in CLIN X005.

c. PoP will be updated in the amendment.

D. Yes, the contractor shall use the provided values in CLIN X007.

e. PoP will be updated in the amendment.

f. All phase in costs shall be accounted for in CLIN 0008.

P. 23-26, Section I.

P. 23-26, Section I. We are aware the Government rescinded FAR 52.222-17 (non-displacement of workers), but the President issued an Executive Order 14055 essentially restoring the provisions of 52.222-17. Will Executive Order 14055 apply to this solicitation?

Section 3 of Executive Order 14055 will be incorporated moving forward.

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File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated Feb 2, 2023.