Technical_Exhibit_L_Technical_Q&A.docx

Q1. What is the due date for Solicitation # W9124J-17-R-0054?

A1: The due date for submission of proposals in response to this solicitation will be 12:00 p.m. CST on 11 May 2018.

Q2. I am writing to respectfully request, per CFR 51, FAR 8.7, FAR 52.208-9, CFR 48, and JWOD Act 41 USC 48, you update your solicitation to insert this clause into your current listings as it is important for all potential bidders for the your contract to understand that in performance of their contract requirements, the procurement of certain mandatory source Procurement List items will be required. Therefore, obtaining quotes/costs/pricing of these mandatory items would be prudent for accurate bidding.

A2: FAR Clause 52.208-9 is added to the solicitation.

Q3. Which has preference- Does the SDVOSB take preference over the Randolph Shepherd Act (R-SA) or does the Randolph Shepherd Act(R-SA) take preference over the Service Disable Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)?

A3: As stated in Section L of the solicitation. All offerors are hereby notified that this solicitation is subject to the Randolph-Shepard Act and the priority it affords to blind vendors for operation of military dining facilities. The blind have a priority right to operate dining facilities on federal property. This applies to this solicitation of Full Food Services (FFS) as defined in Army Regulations 30-22 and 210-25. The State Licensing Agency (SLA) has expressed an interest in the operation of the FFS Dining Facility (DFACs) identified in this solicitation. The Army applies this priority in accordance with Army Regulation 210-25. Specifically, a proposal from a qualified offeror (State Licensing Agency on behalf of a blind vendor) who’s evaluated proposal is included in the competitive range determination may be awarded the FFS contact without further consideration of other proposals.

Q4. Who is the incumbent and what was the previous award amount?

A4: The incumbent is South Carolina Commission for the Blind. Contract W9124C-13-C-0007 was initially awarded for $30,720,761.91 for the base period.

Q5. This is set aside for SDVOSB, Does the Commission of the Blind have preference over SDVOSB?

A5: Please refer to A3 above.

Q6. Can you post a copy of the attendee list and contact info that attended the site visit.

A6: Yes. This document will be provided as an attachment.

Q7. I don't know if you have received any questions yet on FJ RFP but I noticed that Tech Exhibit F shows Bldg 4270 as 1300 capacity. But Tech Exhibit B shows 1200 capacity.

A7: The Technical Exhibits have been updated to correspond to one another. The capacity is 1,200.

Q8. Can you tell us the current contract number?

A8: Current contract number is W9124C-13-C-0007.

Q9. Can you give us the value of the last option year?

A9: No.

Q10. Is the current contract priced using the same format as this new solicitation?

A10: No. This solicitation utilizes a new format.

Q11. During the site visit we were told not to take any pictures or recordings but that you would have a member of your team return to each of the Dining Facilities (DFAC) and take pictures. We would like to see the entrance to each DFAC, The Cashier/Headcount station, the hot food/entrée serving area, the grill/deli areas, the self-service/salad bar/dessert bar areas, the dining areas to include the beverage stations, the kitchen from four angles, the walk-in freezer/freezers, dry storage, and receiving/loading dock areas.

A11: Technical Exhibit J-1 through J-7 has been created to provide pictures for buildings. Building 11500 and 11900 have the same design. Building 5454 and 5455 have the same design.

Q12. In the two-story dining facilities, how often is the second floor utilized to service meals?

A12: Daily during Basic Combat Training (BCT) cycle (10 weeks).

Q13. Are Buildings 5454 and 5455 co-joined with a common wall? The floor plan shows them as one facility. Is there an entranceway between the two buildings?

A13: They are not joined. They are separate buildings.

Q14. Can you provide a layout of the new facility that shows the entrance, cashier station, servery, kitchen, storage areas, dining areas, and back dock?

A14: Layout is provided under Technical Exhibit C.

Q15. Technical Exhibit E – Is this list applicable to each of the dining facilities regardless of size and number being served? If not, please clarify so we can determine cost per facility.

A15: The Durable Tab is applicable to each DFAC. The Expendable Tab is an aggregate for all DFACs for yearly usage.

Q16. Can you provide a full and complete copy of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement?

A16: Yes. The Technical Exhibit is updated.

Q17. Please confirm it is possible to have from 3 to 5 different prices for daily services during any given week based on the number of ranges for the DFAC.

A17: Yes.

Q18. Ref PWS 2.2.1.4, Contingency Plan and DFAR 252.237-7024 (page 70 of 119)

The PWS states the Contingency Plan will be submitted to the Government no later than twenty (20) days after contract award (page 18 of 116). DFAR 252.237-7024, Notice of Continuation of Essential Contractor Services (b) that the offeror shall provide with its offer a written plan describing how it will continue to perform the essential contractor services listed in PWS during periods of crisis. Can the Government clarify what needs to be submitted and when?

A18: Contingency Plan will not be evaluated as part of the proposal. Successful offeror has twenty (20) days after contract award to provide the Contingency Plan as required by the PWS. DFARS 252.237-7024, Notice of Continuation of Essential Contractor Services will be invoked when a crisis occurs and a detailed proposal will be required at that point in time.

Q19. Ref: L-III.2: To be clear, offerors must send hardcopies, CD-R, AND email the proposal, correct? Also, would the Contracting Activity consider using AMRDEC instead of email to insure file size does not restrict receipt at the Contracting Activity or a POC by the mail servers or by inbox sizes?

A19: Each offeror is required to submit hardcopies, CD-R and e-mail copies as specified within the solicitation. The use of the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC) Safe Access File Exchange (SAFE) application is acceptable method for submission should files be too large to e-mail. The AMRDEC SAFE application can be accessed via https://safe.amrdec.army.mil/safe. The AMRDEC SAFE application supports file sizes up to 2GB.

Q20. Ref: PWS 2.2.3, Key Personnel, and L-III.4, Volume II TAB E Subfactor 1, Key Personnel and Qualification

PWS 2.2.3 instructs the Contractor to provide the names of all its Key Personnel to the KO within ten (10) calendar days from contract performance start date. This includes the Project Manager and Supervisory Personnel. Additionally, proposal instructions TAB E, at a. Project Manager (PM) and b. All supervisory personnel, the offeror must identify the Project Manager by name and submit experience and capabilities. Could the Government please clarify whether or not a resumes are required for the Project Manager at time of proposal preparation?

A20: The offeror is required to identify the PM by name and identify their experience and capabilities.

Q21. Ref: PWS 3.2, Transition: The contractor shall follow the transition plan submitted as part of the proposal. Could the Government clarify in which volume to submit the transition plan?

A21: The transition plan is only required to be submitted within seven (7) days after contract award. Reference PWS Paragraph 7 Reporting.

Q22. For pricing purposes, does FAR 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 apply to this proposal/contract?

A22: Yes.

Q23. Block 9. Of the SF 33 is blank. Will the Government be providing an updated SF 33 with the proposal due date information?

A23: Please refer to A1 above.

Q24. PWS Paragraph 2.1 .11 regarding Subcontractor Management discusses submitting eSRS reports. Can the Government please clarify if this requirement is also applicable to Small Business offerors?

A24: The eSRS reporting requirement does not apply to small business offerors.

Q25. PWS paragraph 2.1.12 includes the requirement for the Contractor to ensure "the labor categories as defined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) or Department of Labor (DOL) Wage Determination (see related documents), labor rates, and man-hours used in the performance of each TO (PWS line item) issued hereunder shall be the minimum necessary to accomplish the task." This paragraph seems at odds with the statement in paragraph 1.1 that emphasizes that the contract will be a Performance Based Service Acquisition.

a. What method will the Government use to ensure the Contractor is using the "minimum necessary to accomplish the task"?

b. Is the Government expecting only a minimal level of effort to ensure contract standards are met?

A25: The PWS has been updated.

Q26. PWS paragraph 2.2.1 states "These personnel shall have at a minimum a favorable National Agency Check (NAC)."

a. Can the Government please clarify which personnel are required to have a favorable NAC?

b. What is the cost to the Contractor for the NAC?

A26:

a. See amended PWS.

b. No cost to the contractor.

Q27. PWS paragraph 2.2.1.5.3 requires all new contractor employees to take a "one day classroom course". How many hours long is this class?

A27: The class is four hours long and is a part of the onboarding process for the contractor.

Q28. PWS paragraph 2.2.4.1 requires the contractor to place food in local organizations containers for pick up. Please confirm the local organizations provide the containers?

a. Who is responsible for the cleaning of the containers?

b. Are the any requirements for the contractor to ensure the containers are cleaned and sanitized before placing food in the containers?

A28:

a. The organization is responsible for providing clean containers.

b. Contractor is not responsible for cleaning the donation containers.

Q29. There are numerous references to TB Med 530 throughout the PWS. Please confirm the Contractor shall adhere to the updated requirements in the TB Med 530 Tri-Service Food Code.

A29: Yes. The contractor must adhere to TB Med 530 Tri Service Food Code.

Q30. PWS paragraph 3.1.1.2 a) requires the Contractor to ensure paper towels and toilet tissue are available during operations 100% of the time.

a. A 100% requirement in this area could mean that a patron uses the last paper towel or bit of toilet paper and a Contractor employee must be standing right there ready to refill the dispenser so that product is available 100% of the time. Is the Government truly requiring perfect performance in this area?

A30: Reference Performance Work Statement 4.0 Performance Requirement Summary Matrix Objective #6. All though the standard is 100% the AQL is 6.5% for the month.

Q31. PWS paragraph 3.1.1.2 d) requires the Contractor to remove snow and ice is removed from sidewalks. Who provides the snow and ice removal equipment and supplies?

A31: The removal of snow and ice is the responsibility of the Contractor, to include all equipment and supplies.

Q32. PWS paragraph 3 .1.1.2 f) states "Follow installation, local, state and federal policies concerning recycling and environmental waste program." For the contractor to properly understand the scope of this requirement and to address it correctly in the Technical Volume, can the Government provide a copy of this installation policy?

a. The section also mentions trash compactors or dehydrators. Our experience at other installations has taught us that these items can require a significant amount of labor. Can we be provided a list of the facilities with trash compactors and/or dehydrators in use?

A32: There is no requirement for the offerors to address solid waste and recyclables within their Technical Volume. There are no trash compactors or dehydrators in use in any of the facilities identified under this contract. Each facility has clearly marked dumpsters on the premises that delineate how the recyclables and waste are to be disposed.

Q33. PWS paragraph 3 .1.1.2.1 d) describes the use and requirements for tablecloths. Are tablecloths used at all tables, at all dining facilities?

a. Who is responsible for the laundering of tablecloths?

A33: There are no tablecloths used with the exception of special occasions (i.e. Thanksgiving). The Government will launder the tablecloths for these instances. Coordination shall occur through the COR.

Q34. PWS paragraph 3.1.1.2.1 f) requires the Contractor to replace tray, dinnerware, plate, cup and bowl dispensers so that items are available without delay to diners for soiled dinnerware 100% of the time.

a. A 100% requirement in this area could mean that a patron uses the last cup or bowl and a Contractor employee must be standing right there ready to refill the dispenser so that items are available 100% of the time. Is the Government truly requiring perfect performance in this area?

A34: Reference Performance Work Statement 4.0 Performance Requirement Summary Matrix Objective #5. All though the standard is 100% the AQL is 10% for the month.

Q35. PWS paragraph 3.1.2.3 states "The Contractor shall safeguard and serve food during serving periods at each dining facility operation. Serving service is either, Contractor serving service provided, military serving server or self service. The Contractor shall provide oversight of military serving operations and replenish main, short order serving lines, self-service items, ice, and beverages during designated meal serving periods when servers are provided by Military Units to serve at designated dining facilities listed in Technical Exhibit F." The TE F provided does not specify which facilities utilize military servers, can the Government please provide this information?

A35: The dining facilities that use military servers are: 2302, 04270, 5454, 5455, 10401, 11500 and 1900.

Q36. As this Solicitation is Set Aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, and not Full and Open Competition, why is FAR 52.219-4 incorporated by reference into this solicitation?

a. Will the factor of 10% be added to the price of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business offerors?

A36: FAR 52.219-4 has been removed.

Q37. Included in Technical Exhibit H is a chart for the Project Management Office personnel and also for vehicles. As vehicles are Contractor Furnished, and Other Than Certified Cost or Pricing Data is not required for submission with the proposal, what is the Government's intent in regards to requiring information on vehicles? How is this area going to be evaluated?

A37: The vehicle information requirement has been removed from Technical Exhibit H.

Q38. Technical Exhibit I only includes the current CBA Addendum. Can the Government also provide the core CBA, which will include other relevant information necessary for proposal preparation?

A38: The documentation is incorporated with the amendment under Section J, Technical Exhibit I.

Q39. Technical Exhibit F, for Dining Facility 9572, does not provide dinner meal hours on Saturday. Does this facility close after the lunch meal on Saturdays?

A39: There are no dinner meals on Saturdays in Dining Facility 9572.

Q40. TE F2 AFMIS Headcount does not have headcount data from 16 Dec - 3 Jan for the following building: 10401, 11500, 1875, 2302, 4270, 5454, 5455, 9572. Are these facilities closed for Exodus?

A40: Yes, the dining facilities identified above were closed for Victory Block leave during this approximate timeframe.

Q41. Also bldg. 10401 and bldg. 4270 were closed at least twice during FY 17. Is the standard operating procedure for these facilities?

A41: This is not standard operating procedure for these buildings. There were closed due to not having a Basic Combat Training (BCT) mission requirement.

Q42. Good Afternoon, I recently attended the sight visit for Fort Jackson SC for the Full Food Service Solicitation. Due to the technical exhibits not being available for several days after the visit I would like to request an extension of 1 week for delivery of proposals.

A42: Please refer to A1 above.

Q43. Are Staffing Matrices included in the page count (100 pages)?

A43: The Staffing Matrices are not included in the page count identified for Volume II in Section L. Volume II will be limited to fifty (50) pages per the amendment.

Q44. Are all short order lines required for service during all meal periods? If not, what is the determining factor for utilizing available lines of service?

A44: No, short order lines are not required for all meal periods. The IMT menu dictates the number of short order lines. The current IMT menus can be viewed on the Joint Culinary Center of Excellence website. Here is a copy of the link http://www.quartermaster.army.mil/jccoe/Operations_Directorate/QUAD/nutrition/nutrition_main.html.

Q45. Are all regular menu lines require for service during all meal periods? If not, what is the determining factor for utilizing available lines of service?

A45: If the headcount is low this does not warrant a second line. Contractor is still responsible for performing IAW the contract.

Q46. What menu items are prepared/required from the short order/fast food line for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?

A46: The Army has an IMT Menu standard for BCT and AIT soldier feeding. The current IMT menus can be viewed on the Joint Culinary Center of Excellence website. Here is a copy of the link http://www.quartermaster.army.mil/jccoe/Operations_Directorate/QUAD/nutrition/nutrition_main.html.

Q47. How many cashiers are required per each dining facility? What is the determining factor for utilizing more than one cashier for each meal period?

A47: Based on the soldier strength data IAW TE-F, there is one cashier per doorway open.

Q48. Are IMT (Initial Military Training) patrons signed in via bulk/block signature? Or does each patron sign in on their own?

A48: The sign-in is via bulk/block signature. Single line entry on manual Form 3032.

Q49. Building “NEW”, CLIN 0006 lacks historical head count data. Please provide average head count for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. When this new building opens, which building will it draw its headcount from?

A49: Building is new and there is no historical headcount per day within the bands. The Government is requesting a per day price based on anticipated headcount within the bands.

Q50. How many MRE's are issued by each Dining Facility per week?

A50: The number of MRE’s issued varies. The determining factor is the type of training that is conducted during the cycle. MRE’s issued can range from 480-1,200 per week distributed amongst the nine (9) dining facilities currently in operation.

Q51. How many UPU's (unit pick up), mermites, A-rats, and field chow are supplied by Dining Facilities each week?

A51: See Technical Exhibit F.

Q52. How many light/medium/heavy trucks does the current contractor utilize to ship MRE's to dining facility locations? What are trucks utilized for currently?

A52: MRE’s are shipped to the dining facility by the Government.

Q53. Will the Army deliver durable supplies and MRE’s to each dining facility?

A53: Durable supplies are a contractor responsibility to purchase and transport. MRE’s will be transported to the DFAC by the Government.

Q54. Are contracted staff required for receiving MRE's at centralized warehouse location? If so, what is the scheduled amount of time and days needed per week?

A54: No.

Q55. Is the contractor responsible for receiving and storing durable supplies at centralized warehouse?

A55: It is the contractor’s responsibility to determine how it will manage durables. Reference paragraph 5 of the PWS.

Q56. Is the contractor responsible for shipping durable supplies to dining facilities?

A56: It is the contractor’s responsibility to determine how it will manage durables. Reference paragraph 5 of the PWS.

Q57. What is the current dollar amount spent on durable supplies annually?

A57: It is the contractor’s responsibility to estimate the required amounts to support the mission.

Q58. Which vendors are currently utilized to fulfill typical expendable-durable supplies?

A58: It is the contractor’s responsibility to determine which vendors to utilizing to fulfill this need IAW contract terms and conditions.

Q59. What are the associated prices/pack size for units listed on Exhibit E?

A59: The information contained in TE-E is historically what has been utilized. Please note that this list is not all inclusive and the contractor is responsible for determining and providing expendable supplies to meet the requirements of the PWS. Reference PWS paragraph 6.

Q60. How is the contractor billed for durable supplies if items are ordered through U.S. Army?

A60: Orders will not be placed through the U.S. Army.

Q61. How many plates, cups, spoons, knives, forks are lost and replenished each year by current contractor? Dollar amount per each?

A61: Reference PWS paragraph 5.

Q62. Are the AFMIS/data entry clerk personnel guaranteed or required for any number of hours per day in each DFAC?

A62: The contractor is required to perform in accordance with Paragraph 3.1.2.1.1. It is the contractor’s responsibility to determine how it will staff to meet the requirements of the contract.

Q63. Does pest control occur monthly at each DFAC?

A63: Pest control occurs monthly unless the DFAC Manager submits a request for additional treatments.

Q64. Regarding pest control procedures, are buildings "fogged" for pests or are they just sprayed?

A64: Buildings are typically sprayed, however, they may be fogged if DFAC conditions warrant.

Q65. How many meal periods are affected by pest control, i.e. does the dining facility shut down for dinner or does pest control occur after normal business hours?

A65: Pest control occurs after normal business hours.

Q66. Where is the contractor to store dishes, small wares, pans, cooking utensils, etc. while the building is being sprayed for pests?

A66: Reference amended PWS paragraph 3.1.2.1.(e).

Q67. In the case of a power outage, or refrigeration/freezer breakdown, does the Government provide the dining facility with portable storage/refrigeration spaces? AND Whose responsibility is it to move food stores into temporary location?

A67: The Government is responsible for providing portable storage/refrigeration spaces. However, the contractor will be responsible for moving food stores into temporary locations if required.

Q68. Are Head Cooks or FSS leaders ServSafe Certified?

A68: Not required per PWS.

Q69. Several cook positions are listed on the CBA. For purposes of staffing, please provide a description and differences between the Head Cook, Cook I, Cook II, and Cook Helper. Also describe differences between supply leader and supply clerk.

A69: The contractor is responsible for classifying contract employees based upon their duties and responsibilities. The Department of Labor is responsible for compliance and enforcement of the Service Contract Act provisions.

Q70. An annual fund contribution of $2.79 is currently provided to the ITPE for each productive hour worked by hourly staff members. Does this 2.79 replace union dues due by ITPE members? Is this 2.79 to be built into the cost per hour for each employee?

A70: Contractor is responsible for complying with the CBA.

Q71. How many uniform sets are provided to each employee?

A71: It is the contractor’s responsibility to determine how many uniform sets are provide to each employee. Additionally please refer to the CBA and DOL Wage Determinations for providing uniforms to employees.

Q72. With Bldg 1875 being renovated from a 1500 size DFAC to 2600 in October 2019, shouldn’t a separate CLIN be created to account for extra serving lines and additional headcount?

A72: The bands contained in the pricing matrix for Building 1875 account for this future revision.

Q73. Are meals served by military personnel in any of the DFAC’s?

A73: Please refer to A35 above.

Q74. How many cashier stations are located in each building?

A74: The following dining facilities have four cashier stations: 5454, 5455, 11500, 11900, and 2302. The others 1875, 4270, 9572, 10401 have only two cashier stations.

Q75. What is average level of seniority for each employee? This will be used to determine how much vacation time the average employee will receive. This figure will affect overall productive hours.

A75: This information will be provided in accordance with FAR Clause 52.222-41(n).

Q76. Are head cooks/shift leaders permitted to open the building?

A76: It is the contractor’s responsibility to determine how it will meet the requirements of the PWS.

Q77. How many cases of food handlers (disposable gloves) were used last year? Sizes? Brand?

A77: Reference PWS paragraph 5 and 6 as it is the contractor’s responsibility to estimate.

Q78. How many "to-go" boxes and disposable plastic ware sets were issued last year? To-go cups? Brand?

A78: Reference PWS paragraph 5 and 6 as it is the contractor’s responsibility to estimate.

Q79. How many power washers, floor scrubbers and waxing machines were utilized by incumbent contractor?

A79: Reference PWS paragraph 5 and 6 as it is the contractor’s responsibility to estimate.

Q80. Will the following items be categorized as durable supplies?: Disposable gloves? Power Washers? Floor Machines? Brooms Mops Mop Buckets, Squeegees, Cleaner/Sanitizer Buckets?

A80: These items are considered to be expendable.

Q81. In Section L-III Proposal Preparation Instructions, on page 105 of 116 in the RFP, Table 2 Proposal Submittal Instructions and Format specifies the submission format for each Volume as either in MS Word or Excel. Please clarify if the Price Matrix Excel file is required in the electronic submission.

A81: Please refer to A19 above.

Q82. Please clarify whether or not Offerors are required to submit a completed FAR Clause 52.219-1 as provided in Section I on page 53 of 116 of the RFP. If yes, please specify the location in the proposal submission for this Clause.

A82: Offerors are required to submit a completed FAR Clause 52.219-1 as part of their proposal. This document will be included under Volume I-RFP Documents.

Q83. Section M-I, EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD, subsection a., Basis for Contract Award, Solicitation page 112 of 116 has two parts listed as (1) and (2). Is it correct that part (1) applies to all offerors except the State Licensing Agency (“SLA”) pursuant to the Randolph-Sheppard Act (“R-SA”) and that part (2) applies only to the SLA under the R-SA?

A83: A Competitive Range shall be established after initial evaluation of proposals. If the SLA is determined to be in the Competitive Range (their proposal is acceptable/susceptible to being made acceptable and reasonably priced) then the SLA will be afforded the priority as delineated in the R-SA and AR 210-25. If the SLA is not determined to be in the Competitive Range, then the successful offer within the Competitive Range will be selected in accordance with paragraph M-1(a)(1) of the solicitation.

Q84. Please confirm that the Lowest Priced Technically Acceptable (“LPTA”) method of evaluation does not apply to the offer submitted by the SLA.

A84: See A83 above.

Q85. M.I.a (2) does not address the situation where the SLA’s offer is determined to not be within the competitive range. The implementing regulations of the R-SA at 34 C.F.R. § 395.33 (a) provides for a determination by the Secretary of Education concerning the priority to be afforded to the SLA’s proposal, including any attempt to exclude the SLA proposal from the competitive range. Will the Government adhere to the requirements of 34 C.F.R. § 395.33, in addition to AR 210-25, as to any and all actions taken with respect to the SLA’s proposal?

A85: The Government will adhere to the Randolph-Sheppard Act as implemented in Title 34, Code of Federal Regulations, § 395.33, and for the Army, AR 210-25.

Q86. Please confirm that no award, under any circumstances, may be made to an offeror other than the SLA without first determinations being made and concurrences being obtained from the Secretary of Education in accordance with AR 210-25, para. 6b(1)(c).

A86: The Government confirms that award of the contract will be in accordance with the Randolph-Sheppard Act as implemented in Title 34, Code of Federal Regulations, § 395.33, and for the Army, AR 210-25, paragraph 6b(1)(a) through (c).

Q87. Page 14 of 116, section 2.1.3 General Information says the period of performance will be for a five-year ordering period. There is no identification of Option Year dates. Clause 252.216-7006 Ordering, subparagraph (a) says that orders may be issued from 1 July 2018 through 30 June 2023. Does this mean that option periods will start each July 1 and, if exercised, be in accordance with the normal notification process? If options are not contemplated, what will be the trigger date for the annual wage and benefit pass-through pursuant to Union negotiations? Clause 52.222-43 Fair labor Standards and Service Contract Labor Standards – Price Adjustment contained on page 49 of 116 provides for this periodic pass-through. Traditionally, it has coincided with annual option exercise. If option periods are not contemplated, what will be the effective date for the modification incorporating the new economic terms?

A87: This requirement does not have option periods rather it is a five year ordering period. FAR 22.1007(c)(1) states that a new wage determination will be incorporated on the annual anniversary date of the contract (as implemented in FAR Clause 52.222-43(d)(1)).

Q88. Section L of the RFP states, among other things, the following requirement for the Technical Proposal: “1. The Technical Volume shall be clear, concise, and include sufficient detail for effective evaluation and for substantiating the validity of stated claims in the Offeror’s proposal. Your responses will be evaluated against the Technical Capability Factor and Subfactors defined in Section M, Evaluation Factors for Award. Offerors are cautioned that “parroting” of the Technical requirements or the PWS with a statement of intent to perform does not reflect an understanding of the requirement or the capability to perform. Statements that the offeror understands, can, or will comply with the PWS (including referenced publications, technical data, etc.); and phrases such as “standard procedures will be employed” or “well known techniques will be used” etc., will be considered unacceptable. Offerors are responsible for including sufficient details to permit a complete and accurate evaluation of each proposal. Offerors shall assume that the Government has no prior knowledge of their technical capabilities and past experience, and will base its evaluation on the information presented in the offeror's proposal.”

This statement makes it clear that the Government wants to be able to fully determine (1) that the offeror fully understands all of the aspects of the work to be done in terms of dining facility operations, all administrative and supervisory functions, provision of supplies and all other requirements in the RFP and (2) has presented a detailed plan as to how all of those items will be addressed and performed by the offeror.

On the other hand, when we get to the Section L section that describes what the pricing volume is to contain, no similar level of detail is suggested to show that an offeror not only understands and can tell the Government what needs to be done, they have also presented a realistic price for what the offeror says they will do. Section L simply essentially says that you have to fill out the Pricing Matrix and the Schedule B.

It appears that such an analysis would be necessary for evaluating that the prices of other offerors are realistic in a competitive range determination and negotiations with the State licensing agency pursuant to Army Regulation 210-25.

A88: This is an IDIQ type contract with the ability to issue fixed price Task Orders. The Government anticipates adequate price competition; therefore, there is no need for cost and pricing data to determine fair and reasonable pricing. The Government will use the price analysis techniques delineated in FAR Part 15.404-1(b) to determine price reasonableness.

Q89. Section 4.0 - Performance Requirements Summary Matrix, pages 31 - 32 of 116. An Instructional Note in the DA Prototype PWS dated 26 February 2014 at page 116 says, “AQLs must be set at levels fair and reasonable to both the government and the contractor.” The last sentence of that instruction says, “You and your writing team must document the file and be able to support the rationale used to establish these PRS elements.” A copy of that note is attached with these questions. The Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan and PRS Table contained in that Prototype for firm-fixed price Full Food Service at pages 85 - 87 have all randomly sampled AQLs set at 10%. Also, the AQLs in the PRS for the current Fort Jackson food service contract comply with the Prototype recommendation of 10%. However, many of the AQLs in the PRS Matrix contained in the solicitation are listed at 6.5%. Please provide the rationale for diverging from the Prototype recommendation and tightening the standards by lowering these AQLs or consider revising the percentages to comply with the Prototype recommendation.

A89: Your assumption is that all performance objectives are equal in importance/criticality. The Army desires a higher standard of service for more critical functions.

Q90. RFP paragraph 3.1.1.2.2 and Technical Exhibit E deal with the requirement that the Offeror supply all of the expendable and durable supplies. This is a new requirement for the Fort Jackson food service contract. The information contained in that paragraph and Technical Exhibit E is wholly inadequate for an offeror to make a reasonable estimate of the cost of what actually will be required. More detailed information is needed. It is unclear from Technical Exhibit E what size building is being given as an example or if this is what the Government is saying is needed for an entire year for all facilities (including the new building). Furthermore, paragraph 3.1.1.2.2 makes it clear that Technical Exhibit E is just a typical supplies list. We know for certain that there are items that are currently being provided that are not on the list of examples. Please provide a reasonable amount of detail for ALL items that the Offeror will be expected to buy and provide or consider some contract provision to provide for a modification to the contract in the event that the Technical Exhibit E information is substantially off in terms of quantities and/or items that must be provided.

A90: The size of the buildings are listed in Technical Exhibit B, building layouts are listed in Technical Exhibit C, and historical service information is provided for the contractor to use in estimating usage. Additionally, there are various commercial standards that exist for estimating expendable items (offerors are cautioned that Technical Exhibit E stipulates the list is not all-inclusive).

Q91. The DA Prototype PWS contains a sample QASP that says this plan has to be developed following the development of the PWS (reference FAR 46.4). Has this plan been developed in conformance with the guidance in the Prototype? The policy section of the Draft QASP says, “A copy of the final document is required to be provided, or made available, to all interested parties prior to award…[t]he plan will be provided to prospective offerors (contractors) for information and guidance prior to contract award to detail the Government’s methods of evaluating, assessing performance and enforcing the contract.” Will that QASP be provided in sufficient time for review prior to submission of offers?

A91: The QASP simply provides internal procedures to the COR on how to conduct surveillance. The relevant portion of the QASP to the contractor is the Performance Requirements Summary (contained in PWS paragraph 4).

Q92. Page 110, subparagraph (d) Volume IV – Price says the offeror shall provide a firm-fixed price for each CLIN in Schedule B of the Standard Form 33. Those CLINs are total roll-up prices for each DFAC for the full 5-year period. We understand that the individual band prices in the Pricing Matrix will be firm-fixed price but the totals represented by those Section B CLINs will vary based on the Task Orders issued and the actual quantities that materialize. In that sense, they will not be fixed-price. Please confirm that this is the correct understanding, or explain if not.

A92: Reference the Amended Section B, paragraph entitled “Ordering Procedures” and Section G, paragraph entitled “Invoicing” for details.

Q93. Page 34, Quality Control Plan: Would the Government please specify when the Quality Control Plan is due? If the Plan is due with the proposal, may we submit it as an appendix, excluded from the Volume II 100-page count limit?

A93: Reference this amendment, PWS Paragraph 4.2, the contractor shall submit a Quality Control Plan within 10 days of contract award. It is not a requirement to submit with the proposal.

Q94. Page 10, item 4 Tab E: TAB E – Subfactor 1, Key Personnel and Qualification, states “… At a minimum, key personnel shall include the Project manager and supervisory personnel.” Would the Government please define “supervisory personnel”? In other words, do supervisory personnel include Area Managers, DFAC Managers and DFAC Assistant Managers? Non-management supervisors such as Shift Leaders/Attendants and/or Cook 1? Or, is each Offeror permitted to define supervisory personnel for its offer?

A94: As provided in Webster’s Dictionary, a supervisor is defined as a person who supervises a person or an activity. Each offeror will define supervisory personnel based on their organization structure.

Q95. Page 113, Section M.1: This section states that the PM [qualifications]”…to include, possessing a current 40-hours Sanitation Certification, as defined in TB MED 530, as stated in PWS, paragraph 2.2.3.” We did not find a 40-hour requirement in the TEB MED regulation. Is a ServSafe certificate for Manager adequate to meet this requirement? Or, would the Government please confirm that this is the correct regulation?

A95: As defined in TB Med 530, 2-102-20 paragraph (B) 2, the requirement is for a current food protection management certification (i.e. Food Safety and Protection Certification Course).

Q96. Page 23, PWS 3.1.1.1.2 Performance Standards: Should the references to CFR 178.1010 be 21 CF 178.1010?

A96: PWS paragraph 3.1.1.1.2 has been amended.

Q97. Page 26, PWS 3.1.2.1 Performance Standards: The first performance standard references DA PAM 3-45. We cannot locate this publication. Please clarify.

A97: The reference amended PWS. The reference has been removed.

Q98. Page 17 and 69-70, PWS 2.2.1.4 and Section I: PWS 2.2.1.4 requires a Contingency Plan to accomplish mission requirements in the event of sudden/unusual events and to cover labor disputes (Clause 52.222-1).

1. Is the Contingency Plan the same as the Plan for Continuation of Essential Contractor Services required by Section I, Clause 252.237.7024 which also covers sudden and unusual events?

2. Would the Government clarify the reference in PWS 2.2.1.4 to DoDI 1100.22? We do not find that clause.

3. Would the Government please advise when this plan or these plans (f they are separate plans) are due? The only plan referenced in PWS Section 7 is Transition In/Out Plan – seven (7) days after award.

A98:

a. Yes.

b. Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 1100.22 is not a clause but rather DoD instructions regarding “Policy and Procedures for Determining Workforce Mix”.

c. Reference PWS paragraph 2.2.1.4, which states the plan is due 20 days after contract award. See response in A18 above.

Q99. The instructions for the technical volume, TAB F – Subfactor 2, STAFFING PLAN on Page 107 states that Offerors shall utilize the Staffing Matrix for depicting staffing. Table 2 - Proposal Submittal Instructions and Format says that the technical volume shall not exceed 100 pages total. The way the Staffing Matrix is formatted in Attachment 7 of the solicitation, it currently prints out at well over 100 pages by itself. Should we attempt to reformat that workbook to make it more readable? Even if the answer to that is “yes” it will still exceed 100 pages.

A99: Please refer to A43 above.

Q100. The Randolph-Sheppard Act (RSA) applies to this Full Food Service (FFS) Requirement. Does that take priority over Service Disable Veteran Owned (SDVO) businesses? Which category takes priority when determining award?

A100: Please refer to A3 above.

Q101. Based on the information provided there is a current union in place. If awarded this contract, what is the requirement for the new contractor under current union laws? Will you require the new contractor to honor any union agreement for the first year after award?

A101: See FAR Clause 52.222-41 in Section I of the solicitation for successor contracts.

Q102. For Government furnished equipment, will the government provide an equipment replacement schedule to the Contractor?

A102: Reference paragraph 5 of the amended PWS.

Q103. When it comes to contract reductions in the last 5 years of the current contract, have there been any deductions, and if so, can you provide the historical amounts for the last 5 years?

A103: The current contract does not contain the requirements in PWS paragraph 4.0.

Q104. How often does the government COR conduct inspections in the facilities? Is this based on the random system?

A104: PWS paragraph 4.0. (see the Column entitled, “Sampling Method”). Additionally, see PWS paragraph 4.1.2.

Q105. Will the government provide training on all the administrative government required systems currently being used?

A105: No. The contractor is expected to hire people who can operate Army Food Service systems.

Q106. Can you provide a list of all systems being used to capture headcount, ordering system, and deposit of funds SOP?

A106: Army Food Management Information System (AFMIS), STOREs, OTC Net. See amended PWS, paragraph 3.1.2.1.2 (rations will be ordered through STORES).

Q107. Will there be a slide show of the buildings not included in the site visit posted to FBO.gov?

A107: Please refer to A11 above.

Q108. Will Military Trainees perform Line Serving Functions in any of the DFACs?

a. If so in which DFACs?

b. If so for which meals?

c. If so for which Serving Lines (all, main, snack…)?

A108:

a. Please refer to A35 above.

b. All meals.

c. All serving lines with the exception of the self-service line.

Q109. There are no formulas in the Staffing Matrix under the Daily or Annual Hours columns. Other people in my office had been working on the Staffing Matrix and this has only now come to my attention today. At Fort Benning there were formulae inserted in the Daily column and there was no Annual column. The annual column doesn’t really make sense to have anyway, it would seem since these are staffing levels only for a given number of days.

A109. See amended Technical Exhibit.

Q110. I have discovered another problem with the Staffing Matrix in addition to the problems stated in my first email below. We have people that are in some of the buildings until 2200 hrs. All of the buildings on the current staffing matrix stop at 20:30.

The absence of a working staffing matrix is a real problem in being able to complete our proposal. We can make guesses about what you would like to see from the matrix and make reasonable assumptions about what we expect to come out in an amendment, but different offerors may make different assumptions about how the staffing matrix should be finalized.

When the revised matrix does come out, we will need to take great care in making sure that we enter the information in the new format exactly and then everything about our price proposal builds off the revised staffing matrix.

Whenever the questions and revisions to the matrices come out, please consider an extension of at least a week to March 23 or later if there is a delay on the answers coming out beyond this week.

A110. Please see A1 and A109 above.

Q111. Is there a limit to the number of past performance references?

A111. No.

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