W91B4N-16-R-5009-002_-Postal.pdf

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30-105-04EXCEPTION TO SF 30

APPROVED BY OIRM 11-84

STANDARD FORM 30 (Rev. 10-83) Prescribed by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

The purpose for this amendment is to update the performance w ork statement to capture any changes that w ere the result of questions and answ ers during the solicitation phase. A revised performance w ork statement is attached to this amendment. QA PWS Revised Postal- R3 dated 21 May16 is the final version of the performance w ork statement for this solicitation.

The required response date/time has changed from 27-May-2016 10:00 AM to 01-Jun-2016 08:00 AM Local Bagram Afghanistan time.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

S 1 67

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

16C. DATE SIGNED

BY 22-May-2016

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA15C. DATE SIGNED15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of Contracting Officer)(Signature of person authorized to sign)

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., Street, County, State and Zip Code) X W91B4N-16-R-5009

X 9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

04-May-2016

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

X The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offer X is extended, is not extended.

Offer must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning 1 copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN

REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS.

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE

CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(B).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

10A. MOD. OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO.(If applicable)

6. ISSUED BY

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

22-May-2016

CODE

REGIONAL CONTRACTING CENTER - EAST

BUILDING 13897

BAGRAM AF, AFGHANISTAN

APO AE 09354

W91B4N 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than item 6)

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.

CODE

See Item 6

FACILITY CODECODE

EMAIL:TEL:

W91B4N-16-R-5009

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

SECTION SF 1449 - CONTINUATION SHEET

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

The required response date/time has changed from 27-May-2016 10:00 AM to 01-Jun-2016 08:00 AM.

The following have been added by full text:

QUESTION AND ANSWERS

1- The CLINs for the base period are specified as running from Sep 10, 2016, to June 26, 2017, yet the proposal preparation instructions on page 40 list the base contract period as 12 months. Please clarify.

A - Mobilization CLIN 0011 - 27 Jun 16 - 9 Sep 16 Remainder of the CLINs 10 Sep 16 – 26 Jun 17 = 12 months

2 - Page 46 indicates a 75-day mobilization/demobilization period while PWS 1.6.17 indicates a 30-day phase-in/phase-out period. Please specify whether this is an error or two unrelated periods.

A - Mobilization and phase-in/out refer to distinct activities. Mobilization refers to all of the steps required to hire, train, document, and transport the workforce into theater, while phase-in is the time period during which a new contractor begins to work with the incumbent contract to ensure a smooth transition.

3 - Page 47 instructions to offerors state that offers be kept as brief and minimal as possible, yet the Technical Volume length is stated as 50 pages. This appears to be a contradiction in guidance to offerors concerning proposal length, opening the possibility in perception that offerors utilizing the full 50-page guidance to prepare their technical volume will be penalized for excessive presentation, while offerors striving to present a minimal proposal may be penalized for not providing enough detail. Please clarify.

A – The Technical Volume must not exceed 50 pages. Addendum FAR 52.212-1 has been changed to read: NTE 50 pages.

4 - Will the government consider including DBA costs in price evaluations?

A - 52.212-1 Page 48, B. Factor 1 – Price #5: The price of DBA Insurance will NOT be included in the price evaluation.

5 - PWS 1.6.4 and 5.13.7 state that the contractor be prepared to run continual 24-hour operations but does not indicate what situations would require the contractor to increase operational support at this level, nor for what duration this increased support would potentially be required. Will the contractor be penalized if postal optempo during these situations require contractor personnel to work shifts exceeding 12 hours? Please address this requirement with specificity.

A – See PWS para 1.6.4 - Based on mission requirements the Contractor may be required to provide service 24/7 during upsurge timeframes (such as Holidays). During surge periods, when the contractor is required or authorized to operate 24/7, the 12-hour shift limitation may be waived with the prior approval of the Contracting Officer.

6 - In cases where postal operations are expected to be conducted on a 24/7 basis, does this include front counter operations in addition to prograde/retrograde processing?

A – No 24 hour service counter operation will be required. The 24/7, if required, is for sorting.

7 - If the COR, as specified in PWS 1.6.4 and 5.13.7, sets operational hours or activities deemed unnecessary or excessive by the contractor, is there a process in place to solve this issue?

All concerns in regards to contract performance/conflicts would be addressed to the Contracting Officer. PWS revised to ““approved by the Contracting Officer”.

8 - Does the government have a plan in place to reimburse the contractor for potential mail volume surges that exceed the base ranges listed in PWS 5.3.2?

Mail volume is monitored by the COR. Any increases (due to surge or potential new location would be addressed directly from the Contracting Office to the Contractor for a possible equitable adjustment in price and/or schedule.

9 - The base range mail volume specifications identified in PWS 5.3.1 are for BAF and KAF only. Are there no base ranges for the other MPOs, and consequently no plan to compensate the contractor for increased volume at those locations? Are we to use the historical volumes as the official ranges for those locations?

A – There are no other mail volumes other than what is identified. Mail is only received and processed at BAF and KAF at the Regional Mail Distribution Center (RMDC). Mail volume indicated in PWS includes any areas covered by this requirement. Mail is then transported (Ground Transportation) to MPOs as described in PWS.

10 - What specific factors will the government analyze to compute an equitable adjustment to the contractor in the event a requirement for the establishment of a new MPO arises?

A – PWS 5.1 Basic Services - If any future needs arise to open another MPO (up to 10 per option period) the Government will negotiate an equitable adjustment to schedule and price (after scope determination) on this contract. If the parties cannot mutually agree to its terms, the Contracting Officer will unilaterally direct the change, subject to a request for equitable adjustment or claim by the contractor.

11 - PWS 5.1.7 indicates the COR will specify how many front counters will be manned at the MPOs. Does the government have customer volume data that would allow offerors to anticipate staffing for each individual MPO location?

A – No – The Government has never collected this data for historical use

12 - Regarding PWS 5.2.9: Please provide a detailed description of an "adequate" MPO facility.

A - IAW PWS reference 5.2.9, DoD Postal Manual 4525.6-M, para C13.7 describes an adequate MPO.

13 - What is the division of duties, responsibilities, and authority between the COR, COPE, Postal Facility OIC and NCOIC regarding the contractor.

A - The Duties and responsibilities for the COPE, COR Postal Facility OIC and NCOIC are outlined in Part 5 of the PWS Specific regulations are referenced in PWS Part 6, Applicable Publications .

14 - PWS 5.3.2 states the contractor should be prepared to deliver an average of 2.0 lbs. of mail per person, but does not specify how many persons this figure applies to, and how it fits against the BAF/KAF volume figures stated in PWS 5.3.2. Please clarify.

A - Refer to the Historical Afghanistan Mail Volume attachment A ; the government cannot provide the total number of personnel in theater, but a rough order of magnitude may be derived by dividing the historical volume by 2.0 pounds per person, per day.

15 - Regarding PWS 5.3.5; please specify exactly what type of background and certification checks the government expects the contractor to perform on OCN personnel.

A - OCN personnel shall pass a Local Country Police/criminal background check and meet local base access policies.

16 - The PWS indicates the potential for mail volume surges due to unit redeployments, but does not identify the duration of time these situations will affect mail volume. Please provide more specificity.

See para 5.3.7 of the PWS – When the government is notified of surges due to redeployment a 45 day notice will be provided to Contractor- additional information would be provided at that time relating to each occurrence..

17 - Regarding PWS 5.10.3; upon what justification does the government assume, in cases where no scale is available to make precise weight measurements, that the average tri-wall weight is 350 lbs?

The Government will have a scale at all locations. The Government provides the Tri-Walls and on average a tri-wall holds up to 350lbs. Tri-Walls were added to Attachment C-Government Furnished Equipment

18 - Regarding PWS 5.11.4; please define what heightened security measures the government expects the contractor to take if directed to do so by the COR, and the duration of time these measures will be maintained.

A - The heightened security measures will be identified by the Garrison Commander based on individual situations and will be followed by all military and civilians alike. Contractor employees will be briefed on proper procedures after arrival in theatre.

19 - What is the government's position toward the contractor in situations where mail processing is delayed significantly solely due to GFE malfunctions or breakdowns? Will the contractor be held responsible for the subsequent delays?

A - Contractor will not be held accountable if the delay is due to Government –See FAR 52.212-4 (f) of the solicitation.

20 - Regarding PWS 5.23; should the situation in Afghanistan become one where vehicle movement between BAF and the Kabul Cluster locations becomes subject to hostile encounters with Anti-Coalition Forces, is the government prepared to provide armed escort, allow the contractor to obtain its own armed security escort and reimburse the contractor accordingly, and reimburse the contractor for vehicular loss/damage due to enemy actions?

A – The Government will not allow the contractor to provide armed security, nor will the Government provide Armed Security. Statement added to PWS 5.23.5.

The Government will not reimburse the contractor for loss/damage to any vehicles.

During times of increase threats, mail is sent military air per PWS 5.23

21 - There is a profound disparity between the historical mail volumes listed in Attachment A and the maximum base range levels specified in PWS 5.3.2. This creates the potential for a vendor, that, in good faith, submits pricing reflecting the intent to provide sufficient personnel to adequately accommodate the entire range at any given time, to be bested in pricing by a vendor that decides to take its chances and price for staffing IAW the lower historical volume figure guidance, in anticipation that mail volume will never reach the maximum levels indicated in 5.3.2.

Please provide unambiguous mail volume guidance that will enable all vendors to compete without having to take significant risks in adequate staffing to come in at the lowest price.

A – Historical volume in Attachment A is provided for information purposes only. Per PWS 5.3.1 The contractor must possess the ability to process mail at a volume of 0 -1,554,033 pounds at BAF and 0 – 649,999 pounds at KAF per month, and be prepared for peak periods due to holiday mail (1 November – 31 January) and lasting up to thirty days or more for all classes and types of mail.

22 - Reference: Page 101; PWS paragraph 1.6.11 Key Personnel Question: Could the Government please confirm if the following are all Key Personnel and that resumes must be submitted for all positions listed:

1 x Operations Manager (Bagram) 5 x Site Supervisor (Bagram, Kandahar, HKIA, RS HQ, New Kabul Compound) 10 x Primary & Alternate Registered Mail Clerks (Bagram, Kandahar, HKIA, RS HQ, New Kabul Compound). No need for a resume for the accountable mail clerks.

Total: 16 Key Personnel

A – See revisions in PWS 1.6.11 - Key Personnel, added Resumes are not needed for Accountable Mail Clerks to 1.6.11.

23 -Reference: Page 111; PWS paragraph 5.3.5 Background Checks Question: The PWS states that contractor must perform background and certification checks on all employees (to include OCNs and LNs). However, US contractors are unable to perform the necessary background checks on non- United States citizens. Could the Government please clarify what type(s) of background check, capable of being performed by US contractors, would be sufficient for vetting OCNs and LNs?

A - See Question 15 above.

24 - Reference: Page 42; Proposal Preparation Instructions, (h) Page Limitations Question: Could the Government please confirm the page limit for Key Personnel resumes?

Resumes have no page limit and will not be counted against the NTE 50 page limit Added NTE 50 page and also added “Resumes can be submitted in a separate appendix behind Technical volume – Not included in the number of pages for technical Volume” to 52.212-1.

25. - Q- Reference: Page 42; Proposal Preparation Instructions, (h) Page Limitations Question: Given the amount of resumes to be submitted for Volume III, would the Government consider excluding resumes from the page count to allow offerors to provide a more robust Technical Capability write-up? Yes to the comments

A - Yes - See Question 24, PWS 1.6.11 revised to reflect only Supervisors and Site Supervisors need Resumes BUT all key personnel must have Secret Clearance. Also, added to 52.212-1.

26 - Q -C. FACTOR 2 – TECHNICAL CAPABILITY, SUBFACTOR 2: Management Plan Element 2: Supervisory Personnel Qualifications Clarification request: the solicitation says the offeror must submit resumes and other credentials for key personnel as per the requirements in the PWS. Is there any specification on how many resumes should be provided?

A. Reference PWS 1.6.11 – For individuals marked with *

27 - Q Reference: SF 1449 and its CONTINUATION SHEET Clarification request: do we need to fill out the SF 1449 and its CONTINUATION SHEET as included in the solicitation, and do we need to submit the SF 1449 back with the solicitation? Please clarify.

A. Reference PWS 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors.

28 - Q Reference: forms to be filled out by the offeror and included in the application package:

Clarification request: other than SF 1449, what other forms must be filled out and included in the application package? Also, we assume we do not need to submit the SF 30 with our proposal package. Please clarify.

A. Reference PWS 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors.

29 - Q Reference: 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS OF OFFERORS, PROPOSAL PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS Clarification request: other than the instructions of RFP referenced above, we assume there is no specific format for all 4 volumes of the application package. Please clarify if we are free to use our own format, taking into consideration the instructions in the referenced part of the solicitation.

A. Reference PWS 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors, A. Specific Instructions.

30- Q Would you be able to provide historical data on the number of personnel with Secret security clearance for each of the locations?

No – The Government has no historical data on the number of personnel with Secret security clearances.

31 - Q Do you have you any historical data on the overall number of employees for each of the designated locations?

A. No, The Government did not track the number of contractor employees.

32 - Q - ATTACHMENT (A) Historical Afghanistan Mail Volume for FEB 15 - JAN 16 provides data in unspecified units. Could you please specify the unit of measure for the data provided?

A. Pounds (lbs).

33 - Q Attachment (F) – Ground Transportation Estimates provides data in unspecified units. Could you please specify the unit of measure for the data provided?

A. Trips.

34 – Q - Is there a planned site visit for the tender?

A. No Site Visit.

35 - Q- In case the joint venture submission, does each of the venture parties require to hold an AISA license?

A. Yes.

36. – Q- Reference: Page 40; Proposal Preparation Instructions; PWS paragraph 1.5, and Schedule B pages 3-6 Ambiguity/Clarification: The proposal preparation instructions and PWS paragraph 1.5 indicate the base period is for 12 months, however Schedule B shows the quantity as 9 months. We are unclear if the mobilization period is inclusive of the phase-in period. Please clarify.

A - See Question 2 – The 12-month base period includes a 90-day mobilization period and nine months of postal operations.

37. – Q - Reference: Page 44; Proposal Preparation Instructions (ii) Volume II – Pricing Proposal (2) Ambiguity/Clarification: The instructions state proposals should include a “detailed price proposal”. Request that the Government clarify specifically what constitutes a detailed price proposal. Request clarification if the Government’s intention for offerors is to provide other than certified cost or pricing data.

A - The Government requires only that pricing for each CLIN be provided. No additional cost or pricing information – certified or otherwise – is required.

38. – Q - Reference: Page 45; Proposal Preparation Instructions (iii) Volume III – Technical Capability (b) Ambiguity/Clarification: The solicitation states “The technical capability shall be provided in Microsoft Word (or compatible format, or a PDF format).” However, page 41 Document Type states that Volume II should be in PDF.

Please clarify format.

A - Changed to read PDF-

39. – Q -Reference: Page 102; PWS paragraph 1.6.17 Phase In/Phase Out Period Ambiguity/Clarification: The PWS states “the Contractor shall have personnel on board, during the 30 day phase in/phase out periods.” Please clarify that the 75- day mobilization period start o/a 26 June and the overlapping 30-day Phase- In/Phase-Out period start o/a 10 August. Ambiguity/Clarification: Please clarify when the demobilization (phase-out) period starts for the incumbent offeror. Ambiguity/Clarification: Request that the Government clarify if the successful offeror must have all personnel on-site at the beginning of the 30-day Phase-In period. Ambiguity/Clarification: Clarify if the Phase- In/Phase-Out period is a one-on-one transition with the incumbent.

A – Mobilization period is inclusive of the phase-in period.

40. – Q -Reference: Page 101; PWS paragraph 1.6.11 Key Personnel Ambiguity/Clarification: The PWS states “The Key Personnel must have a favorable Entrance National Agency Check (ENTNAC) or National Agency Check (NAC) evidence shall be submitted with the proposal.” Request that the Government please clarify what kind of “evidence” that is acceptable.

A – The offeror shall be required to provide the Government names and additional information after receipt of proposal for the Government to do a verification in the JPAS for each key personnel as identified in the PWS 1.6.11 for the appropriate clearance. See revisions in 1.6.11

41. – Q -Reference: Page 41; Instructions to Offerors, Specific Instructions Ambiguity/Clarification: The PWS naming instructions do not provide guidance for the redacted version of the Technical Capability (Volume III).

Please confirm the redacted Technical Capability should be a separate attachment and please provide the naming convention to be used.

A - See 52.212-1, A Specific Instructions (h)(2).

42. – Q - Reference: Page 101; PWS paragraph 1.6.11, page 109 paragraph 5.2.3, page 115 paragraph 5.7.3; Security Clearance Requirements Ambiguity/Clarification: The PWS refers to clearance requirements for supervisory personnel and Registered Mail Clerks in multiple ways, either by clearance or investigation type. Paragraph 1.6.11 states “Secret security (Final) clearance”, paragraph 5.2.3 states “secret clearance”, paragraph 5.7.3 states “eligible for a SECRET (Final SECRET) clearance”. Request that the Government please confirm the clearance/investigation type required for both supervisory personnel and Registered Mail Clerks.

A - All key personnel identified in 1.6.11 table titled “Key Personnel” will have Final Secret Clearance.

43. – Q -Reference: Page 123; PWS paragraph 5.13.47 Ambiguity/Clarification: Paragraph 5.13.47 states “The contractor shall prepare and submit accurate and timely Postal Net Alert (PNA) reports to the Postal OIC/NCOIC when any incident of a critical nature occurs which affects the flow of mail.” However, on page 108, Part 5-Specific Tasks, “Create and submit PNAs for disruption of mail movement” is listed as a Government function. Please resolve ambiguity.

A - The contractor shall prepare and submit accurate and timely Postal Net Alert (PNA) reports to the Postal OIC/NCOIC, the Postal OIC/NCOIC will enter into AMPS.

“The contractor shall prepare submit PNAs for disruption of mail movement to the Postal OIC/NCOIC.”

44. – Q -Reference: Page 128; PWS paragraph 5.23.1, Ambiguity/Clarification: The PWS states “The contractor shall transport prograde and retrograde mail, with the exception of Registered/Accountable Mail, between BAF and specific Kabul Cluster locations.” This implies the contractor would need to open all banded tri-walled mail to remove insured/certified mail as it cannot be transported per the PWS. Please resolve ambiguity. Request that the Government resolve its intention to only restrict transportation of registered mail or both registered mail and insured/certified mail. If it is the Government’s intention to only restrict transportation of registered mail, we recommend adjusting the verbiage to read “with the exception of Registered Mail” in paragraph 5.23.1.

A - Contractor will never be given registered/accountable mail for movement via ground transportation.

Accountable/ registered mail will be sorted/ separated before arriving to BAF/KAF and a responsible clerk shall sort it appropriately. With the exception of Registered Mail ONLY, the contractor shall transport prograde and retrograde mail between BAF and the KBC."

45. - Q -Reference: Page 110; PWS paragraph 5.3.1 and page 128; PWS paragraph 5.23 Ambiguity/Clarification:

PWS paragraph 5.3.1 states “No Local National shall work on this contract with exception of the Kabul cluster delivery drivers per PWS 5.23.” Request that the Government confirm if a US citizen is required to escort any Local National drivers.

A – No - U.S. Security/Escort elements will not be required to escort the LN for off post duties. LN will be escorted at all times while on post by contractor personnel if required to and from the work area.

46. – Q -Reference: Page 119; PWS paragraph 5.11.1 Security, Ambiguity/Clarification: The PWS states “The contractor shall ensure security of all mail and equipment staged inside/outside the MPO during normal working hours.” Request that the Government advise who is responsible for securing mail/equipment outside of normal working hours.

A – Outside of normal working hours the Military Postal organization (MPO) will be responsible for security.

Mail/equipment is not to be left unsecured/outside of the MPO outside of normal working hours.

47. – Q -Reference: Page 119; PWS paragraph 5.11.1 Security Ambiguity/Clarification: The PWS states “The contractor shall ensure security of all mail and equipment staged inside/outside the MPO during normal working hours.” Request that the Government clarify if there are there currently any areas inside/outside of the MPO that are not securable. Please clarify if it is the Contractor’s responsibility to ensure security for the non-securable areas.

A – The contractor is not responsible for security of non-securable areas.

48. – Q -Reference: Page 110; PWS paragraph 5.3.1 OCN labor Ambiguity/Clarification: Please clarify if OCNs are authorized access to UNCLASS NIPR systems.

A – Yes, they'll be able access appropriate systems required for postal systems.

49 – Q -Reference: Page 128; PWS paragraph 5.23.5 Recovery Operations Ambiguity/Clarification: The PWS states “Contractor recovery operations will be available 24 hours a day, and be able to respond within 2-4 hours of a break down or damage to vehicles/cargo.” Request that the Government please clarify if the language in the referenced paragraph implies the Contractor should have access to a tow truck or some other means of recovering damaged vehicles. 15(a): Request that the Government clarify if the use of subcontractors for the purposes of damaged vehicle recovery is permitted.

A – Per PWS 5.23.5 -- If a mail convoy is damaged and is unable to continue with movement, the contractor must coordinate the recovery of mail. How recovery will be made to any broken down or damaged vehicles is the contractor’s responsibility. Utilization of a sub-contractor for damaged vehicle recovery is permitted.

50 – Q -Reference: Page 110; PWS paragraph 5.3.1 OCN labor Ambiguity/Clarification: The PWS states “All employees will be required to read, write and speak English.” Request that the Government please provide the metric or standard by which this requirement will be met. As all MPO operations are required to be in accordance with USPS bulletins, manuals, and publications, as well as the DoD Postal Manual, we recommend the Government require language testing of all OCN and LN personnel to ensure comprehension of MPO regulations. Without such a requirement, it would be impossible to ensure all employees working as postal clerks are proficient enough to read mail markings and endorse mail accordingly.

A – The standard required by the Government is that all contractor employees must be able to communicate with English speaking customers, supervisors, and the COR. It is the contractor’s responsibility to ensure all employees working as postal clerks are proficient enough to read mail markings and endorse mail accordingly.

51. – Q -Reference: Page 100; PWS paragraph 1.6.4 Hours of Operation Ambiguity/Clarification: The PWS states “Based on mission requirements the Contractor may be required to provide service 24/7 during upsurge timeframes (such as Holidays) but no individual will work more than 12 hours a day.” In an effort to be more cost effective and reduce the possibility of any break in service, request that the Government allow employees to work over 12 hours per day during upsurge timeframes. Please state the regulatory prohibition that does not allow employees to work more than 12 hours per day.

A- See revision PWS 1.6.4 -During surge periods, when the contractor is required or authorized to operate 24/7, the 12-hour shift limitation may be waived with the prior approval of the Contracting Officer.

Also, please clarify if there is a maximum hour per week/month employees are allowed to work.

A - 48 hours regular and NTE 32 hours overtime a week, for a total of 80 hours per week maximum.

52 – Q -Reference: Page 101; PWS paragraph 1.6.11 Key Personnel Qualifications Ambiguity/Clarification: The PWS requires “Operations Manager/Site Supervisors must have a minimum of four (4) years postal operations experience and two (2) years of supervisory experience.” Request that the Government consider eliminating or reducing the required years of postal and supervisory experience as this requirement is not mandated by USPS or DoD postal regulation, nor does it accurately reflect capability of successfully managing postal operations.

A – The Government is not reducing this requirement. The Requiring Activity has determined that these minimum qualifications provide effective management and oversight of postal operations, notwithstanding that this level of experience is not specifically mandated by USPS and/or DoD regulations.

53. – Q -Reference: Page 110; PWS paragraph 5.3.1 Employee Clearances Ambiguity/Clarification: The PWS states “The contractor shall ensure all employees complete all required postal operations training within 3-5 days upon arrival in theater and submit the training certifications, qualifications, and qualification checklist (i.e., security clearances, background checks, etc.) specified in the PWS to the COR.” Under current regulations, contractors are not permitted to transmit employee clearance data. Request that the Government please clarify what specific documentation is to be submitted to satisfy the clearance requirement.

A – Upon request, the offeror shall provide the Government with additional information after receipt of proposals in order for the Government to request verification from the Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS) for each person identified as a key personnel IAW the table in PWS 1.6.11.

A – 5.3.1 - The Government upon receipt of the proposal will request Contractors to provide information to pass to Government security team for verification of Secret Clearances.

54. – Q -Reference: Page 111; PWS paragraph 5.3.7 Mail Volume Ambiguity/Clarification: The PWS states “The contractor shall support the volume of mail as established in attachment A as the base range for BAF and KAF individually in their firm fixed pricing.” Request that the Government address an increase in mail volume above that listed in Attachment A and 5.3.2. Clarify how contractors are to provide pricing for additional personnel.

A – Pricing shall be based on the volume of mail, not the number of contractor personnel in theater. In Attachment A, the increase in volume is identified for peak periods. In the (unlikely) event that mail volume exceeds the maximum volume identified in 5.3.1, the contractor may request an equitable adjustment from the Contracting Officer.

55. – Q -Reference: Page 126; PWS paragraph 5.19 Government-furnished fuel- Please clarify if the Government also provides fuel for Government-furnished generators.

A - Yes, the Government will provide fuel for generators.

56. – Q -Reference: Page 43; Proposal Preparation Instructions; Organization; Volume I

(b) Contract Registry Ambiguity/Clarification: The PWS states “Non-U.S. Offerors and non-U.S. subcontractors must be registered in the Joint Contingency Contracting System (JCCS) and must provide their JCCS Company ID for verification of complete registration. JCCS information and registration can be accomplished at:

https://www.jccs.gov/olvr/bta_olvr_reg_guide_faqs.aspx.” Request that the Government clarify if service providers and leasing agents not performing as sub- contractors register in JCCS.

A - Service providers are subcontractors and must register in JCCS; leasing agents are not and need not register.

57. – Q -Reference: Page 126; 5.19 Government Furnished Fuel Ambiguity/Clarification: The PWS states, “The U.S.

Government will provide fuel to the contractor for the performance of the contract work requirements for the basic contract period and all option periods that are exercised by the US Government. Fuel for contractor vehicles shall be limited to actual consumption in the performance of the contract requirements. Fuel will be provided for contractor vehicle(s), and Material Handling Equipment (MHE).” Local nationals are allowed to be Bagram-to-Kabul transportation drivers. Please clarify if these same drivers allowed on base to refuel vehicles.

A – No

58. – Q -Reference: Page 127; 5.22 Transportation – Bagram and Kandahar Ambiguity/Clarification: Please clarify if the Bagram-to-Kabul transportation trucks allowed to remain overnight off base when empty of all mail.

A – If the trucks belong to the LN yes. However they will get inspected every day prior to coming on base, if the trucks belong to the contractor the vehicles need to be park on base.

Please clarify if there are additional security measures (and time) that must be allocated for re- entry to base.

A -Yes, average time 1/2- 1 hour per truck including personnel in the vehicle IAW Local policies.

59. - Q -Reference: Page 110; 5.3 Workload/Labor Ambiguity/Clarification: The PWS states, “Employees must be U.

S citizen or other country national (OCN), No Local National shall work on this contract with exception of the Kabul cluster delivery drivers.” Please clarify excluded nations for OCN labor (e.g., China, Iran, and North Korea).

A - Outsourcing positions to foreign and local national will be accomplished IAW current DoD policies. DOD 5200-2-R

60. – Q -Reference: Page 78; 252.225-7995 Contractor Personnel Performing in The United States Central Command Area of Responsibility (Deviation 2015-O0009) (Jan 2015) Ambiguity/Clarification: Please clarify if OCNs are considered “Contractors authorized to accompany the Force (CAAF).”

A – Yes. OCN are considered CAAF.

61. – Q -Reference: Page 110; PWS paragraph 5.3.1 OCN labor Ambiguity/Clarification: In light of trade prohibitions, terrorist sponsoring countries, etc., please clarify the countries prohibited from providing OCN labor.

A - Outsourcing positions to foreign and local national will be accomplished IAW current DoD policies. DOD 5200-2-R

62. – Q -Reference: Page 110; PWS paragraph 5.3.1 OCN labor Ambiguity/Clarification: Please clarify any special medical requirements that must be met by OCNs outside of what is currently stated in the solicitation.

A - See 5152.225-5907 in the solicitation

63. – Q -Reference: Page 48; Evaluation of Offers B – Factor 1 Price Ambiguity/Clarification: As this is a lowest price technically acceptable evaluation method, request that the Government provide clarification as to why DBA is not part of the evaluated price. A contractor’s success or failure in executing risk mitigation programs is a factor in determining the rate received for DBA and will vary between companies; as such, in an LPTA environment, it would be in the Government’s best interest to evaluate DBA in the total evaluated price.

A - All contracts in Afghanistan are solicited with DBA as a Cost CLIN due to DBA policies vary and therefore it is not evaluated. This is IAW Expeditionary Contracting Command –Afghanistan SOP.

64. – Q -Reference: Security Clearance Requirements; Ambiguity/Clarification: Request that the Government confirm if this solicitation is limited to only US companies based on the need for some personnel to hold security clearances.

A - Contractors must meet the requirements of the solicitation and will be evaluated as such. It is not limited to only U.S. companies, it is open to all bidding companies, if they are capable of providing the required personnel with security clearances.

65. – Q -Reference: Page 127; PWS paragraph 5.22.4 Operator Licenses Ambiguity/Clarification: The PWS states “These requirements include required mail handling training such as but not limited to DD 285 card, Class A operator license, and Class B operator license. Operators shall be trained and qualified to operate LMTVs, 10k Forklifts, HLS, and HMTVs.” Request that the Government clarify the requirement for these licenses is based on the US standard for Class A and Class B operator licenses versus some other international standard.

A – It is the contractor’s responsibility to ensure that all operators are properly licensed to operate the equipment.

Operators shall be licensed for operating equipment IAW with the US Standards.

66. – Q -Reference: Page 110; PWS paragraph 5.3.1 English requirement Ambiguity/Clarification: The PWS states “All employees will be required to read, write and speak English.” Request that the Government clarify the minimum ILR (Interagency Language Roundtable) level in English that is acceptable for this requirement.

A – The standard required by the Government is that all contractor employees must be able to communicate with English speaking customers, supervisors, and the COR. It is the contractor’s responsibility to ensure all employees working as postal clerks are proficient enough to read mail markings and endorse mail accordingly.

67. – Q -Reference: Page 118; PWS paragraph 5.9.2 Supply Clerk Ambiguity/Clarification: The PWS states “The contractor shall appoint a postal supply clerk and one alternate per location.” Request that the Government clarify this language as this is a performance-based contract, and it is the offeror’s responsibility to determine adequate staffing to meet the requirements of the solicitation/PWS A – The Government requires postal supply at each location. This can be an additional duty.

68. – Q -Reference: Page 51; Evaluation of Offers; Factor 3 Past Performance (2) Ambiguity/Clarification: The solicitation states “The Government will evaluate recent and relevant information based on completed Past Performance submitted by the Contract Reference POCs.” Please clarify if past performance questionnaires required and provide the applicable template to use.

A – No questionnaires are required only past performance (word -questionnaires is removed)

69. – Q -Reference: Page 46; Instructions to Offerors; Volume III - Resumes Ambiguity/Clarification: Please clarify instructions for providing resumes, to include specific format or provide the template offerors are to use for required resumes.

A - The Government does not restrict resumes to a set format.

70. – Q -Reference: Page 130; Part 6 Applicable Publications Ambiguity/Clarification: Both the DoD 4525.6-M Postal Manual and Postal Operations Division (POD) Standard Operating Procedures AR 600-8-3 name several requirements for civilian personnel involved with mail operations. From AR 600-8-3 (dated 16 February 2016) 2- 4(c)(6), and 2-4(c)(12): “MPCs will - (6) be financially responsible and (12) have or be able to obtain a valid driver’s license.” For US personnel, contractors run standard Background checks, to include credit checks to confirm financial responsibility and possession/eligibility for driver’s licenses. It is impossible to run credit checks on non-US citizens, nor will they have or be able to obtain a US driver’s license. Request that the Government clarify if OCNs would not, then, be disallowed form performing any postal clerk duties on the resultant contract.

A – Yes, The requirements for financial responsibility will be identified in their background check and their ability to obtain a driver's license will be validated prior to employment as they will need to have a driver's license (provide as part of their hiring documentation) Refer to AR 600-8-3 which governs a Unit Mail Room operations and/ or US operations.

USCENTCOM CONTINGENCY POSTAL OPERATIONS Central Command Regulation 25-63(CCR 25-63) 16 July 2014 Outsourcing positions to foreign and local national will be accomplished IAW current DoD policies; ensuring positions that required security clearances or the ability to obtain security clearances are left for U.S. citizens.

Registered mail functions. Contractor must be a U.S. Citizen and possess a FINAL SECRET security clearance

71. – Q -Reference: Page 46; Proposal Preparation Instructions; B – Organization Subfactor (4) Material Handling Equipment Ambiguity/Clarification: The PWS states “The Offeror must submit a proposed listing of the make, model and year of each MHE. All MHE must be at least 2011 or newer and automatic transmission.” Please clarify if offerors are required to have equipment on-hand prior to award.

A – No equipment would be required at start of contract performance

72. - Q - Reference: Proposal Preparation Instructions. RFP states under Proposal Preparation Instructions, Item A.1 (e): “Pages will be equivalent to printable 8 1.2 x 11 paper or A4 paper.”

Question: Could this be an error and the Government means 8.5” x 11”? Please clarify.

A. Yes Solicitation will be corrected to reflect 8.5 X 11

73. - Q -Reference: Proposal Preparation Instructions. RFP states under Proposal Preparation Instructions, Item A.2: “Volumes I, III and IV must be Times New Roman or Arial 12 point font.”

Question: Can tables and figures be a point size no smaller than 8 point font size?

A. Yes, tables and figures can be a point size no smaller than 8 point font size.

74. – Q - Reference: Proposal Preparation Instructions. RFP states under Proposal Preparation Instructions, Item B (iii)(c)(2)b, Subfactor 2, Element 2, Supervisory Personnel Qualifications: “Supervisory Personnel Qualifications element shall include resumes, curriculum vitae, training certifications and/or professional designations which are consistent with the requirements outlined in the PWS.” Also reference Proposal Preparation Instructions, Item A.1 (h).

Question: a. would the Government consider a separate appendix (excluded from page limitations for Volume III) for resumes, curriculum vitae, training certifications and/or professional designations?

A. Added “Resumes can be submitted in a separate appendix behind Technical volume – Not included in the number of pages for technical Volume” to 52.212-1

b. It is assumed that, for the redacted copy, the complete resume would redacted. Please confirm.

A. 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS, A. SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS, h (2): Redacted copy includes blanking out or removing any information that would identify your company, such as but not limited to: company names or affiliates, addresses, phone/fax numbers, names of employees, logos, etc.

c. Please clarify if “Supervisory Personnel” is the same as key personnel for the purposes of submitting resumes and the required information for Element 2.

A. Yes.

75. – Q -Reference: Proposal Preparation Instructions, Sub-factor 4, Material Handling Equipment. Sub-factor 4 states that the “Offeror must also include its maintenance plan to cover routine as well as emergency maintenance and or issues that may arise during the course of this contract period.” Question: Would the Government consider the maintenance plan as an attachment and not subject to the page limitations in Volume III?

A - The maintenance plan shall be part of Volume III.

76. – Q -Reference: Proposal Preparation Instructions, Volume I, General. Under B (i)(c), the RFP states a number of documents to include with the proposal.

Question: Item (2) and (3) states information that would be provided prior to contract performance or award. Please clarify what is to be included in the proposal under these items.

A – Items 2 and 3 removed as proposal submissions and reposted under general information (6) and (7) as these documents are required after award.

77. – Q -Reference: 7.1, Attachment (A): Historical Afghanistan Mail Volume Question: Will the Government provide a breakdown by mail type of these historical volumes?

A – There are no other mail volumes other than what is identified. Mail is only received and processed at BAF and KAF at the Regional Mail Distribution Center (RMDC). Mail volume indicated in PWS includes any areas covered by this requirement. Mail is then transported (Ground Transportation) to MPOs as described in PWS.

78. – Q -Reference: 7.3, Attachment (C): GFE Listing Question: For the items provided only by the Government, does the Government cover the cost of those items?

Please clarify.

A – Yes.

79. – Q - - I wanted to highlight a possible error in the volume table included in the solicitation included below. To give you an example HKIA volumes for Feb is 115,85. Are we missing a digit here?

A – Yes - see below:

Location Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan

BAF 616,464 687,884 646,839 649,506 737,629 711,290 669,382 641,682 709,838 990,272 1,287,005 655,898

KAF 163,932 153,425 152,153 129,825 121,775 144,158 129,709 106,276 141,705 184,343 259,040 142,290

HQ RS 105,000 106,400 85,050 90,300 98,350 118,950 89,600 99,750 90,300 104,650 163,450 88,550

NKC 40,600 40,250 33,250 38,850 39,900 49,000 32,500 40,250 38,850 37,400 58,450 36,400

HKIA 115,850 125,300 106,750 79,801 112,350 130,900 122,200 89,976 79,801 105,797 146,720 84,000

REVISED PWS

REVISED PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

POSTAL OPERATIONS- AFGHANISTAN

21 May 2016

Part 1 General Information

1. GENERAL: This is a non-personnel services contract to provide Postal Operations – Afghanistan The Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein. Such contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the Contractor who, in turn is responsible to the Government.

1.1 Description of Services/Introduction: The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform Postal Operations-Afghanistan as defined in this Performance Work Statement except for those items specified as government furnished property and services. The contractor shall perform to the standards in this contract.

1.2 Background: The Contractor will provide Postal Service at designated locations throughout Afghanistan to ensure Postal Services are provided for all Soldiers and civilians supporting the war effort.

Current Postal services are in place and the need to continue the services are required as long as we have individuals in theatre.

1.3 Objectives: To provide Postal Operations throughout Afghanistan, Area of Operation (AOR) in a timely manner and IAW all Military Postal Regulations and CENTCOM instructions.

1.4 Scope: The Contractor shall operate Military Post Offices (MPOs) and Satellite Military Post Offices (SMPOs) in Afghanistan capable of providing support to United States Armed Forces, authorized Coalition Elements, DoD Civilians, and authorized U.S. citizen contractors on Bagram Airfield (BAF) (one MPO and Warrior Retrograde Facility), Kandahar Airfield (KAF), Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA), Resolute Support Headquarters (RSHQ), New Kabul Cluster (NKC), and any other area where postal operations are required within Afghanistan. The Contractor is responsible for providing all labor, resources, vehicles, and other items necessary to support, manage and operate the safe movement of United States Postal Service (USPS) and Military Postal Service (MPS) items between BAF and the Kabul Cluster (RSHQ, HKIA, and NKC). Operations shall be IAW USPS bulletins, manuals, and publications; DoD Postal Manual 4525.6-M, dated 15 August 2002;

USCENTCOM policies and regulations; Postal Operations Division (POD) Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Army regulations

1.5 Period of Performance: The period of performance shall be for one (1) Base Year of 12 months and four (4) six (6)-month option periods

1.6 General Information

1.6.1 Quality Control: The contractor shall develop and maintain an effective quality control program to ensure services are performed in accordance with this PWS. The contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. The contractor’s quality control program is the means by which he assures himself that his work complies with the requirement of the contract. This is due to the Contracting Officer within 30 days after award. Any changes to the to the quality control plan will be submitted within 14 days of the change and a copy provided to COR and the Contracting Officer. After acceptance of the quality control plan the contractor shall receive the contracting officer’s acceptance in writing of any proposed change to his QC system.

1.6.2 Quality Assurance: The government will evaluate the contractor’s performance under this contract in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan. This plan is primarily focused on what the Government must do to ensure that the contractor has performed in accordance with the performance standards.

It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, and the minimum acceptable defect rate(s).

1.6.3 Recognized Holidays: The contractor is required to perform all postal services on holidays.

New Year’s Day Labor Day Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday Columbus Day President’s Day Veteran’s Day Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day Independence Day Christmas Day

1.6.4 Hours of Operation: The contractor is responsible for conducting business, during hours 0700 - 2000 Monday thru Sunday…