Questions and Answers.pdf

VOLUME 1 — TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE (Section L, Pages 88-90)

1. (Page 88, Section L — Page Limitation) The solicitation states that resume pages are excluded from the 15-page maximum for Volume 1. Please confirm whether any associated certification or qualification documents appended to a resume are also excluded from the 15-page count, or whether only the resume pages themselves (up to 3 per resume) are excluded.

Resume pages including certification or qualified documents up to 3 pages per resume

2. (Page 88, Section L — Blind Submission) The solicitation requires that company name, logo, and identifying information not appear in Volume 1 beyond the first page. Please confirm whether document metadata or mentions of the company name in the volume text(e.g., author name in Microsoft Word file properties) constitutes identifying information for purposes of this requirement, and whether offerors should take steps to remove metadata and/or redact the company name from the text before submission.

As stated in the solicitation, the company name, logo and identifying information shall not appear in Volume 1 beyond the first page. Offerors shall have nothing identifying with company beyond first page of Volume 1

3. (Pages 89-90, Section L — Dollar Threshold Conflict) Section L, Sub-factor 1 states on Page 90 that each reference must hold an aggregate cumulative dollar value of at least $8,500,000.00 to be considered similar in size. Section M, Page 93 states that contract references combined should have a cumulative dollar value of $8,000,000.00. Please confirm which dollar threshold governs for purposes of a reference being considered relevant and similar in size: $8,500,000 per individual reference, or $8,000,000 across references combined.

$8,500,000

4. (Page 89, Section L — Sub-factor 1 Experience) Section L states the Government will only consider contracts performed by the contractor, not by Key Personnel. Please confirm whether this restriction applies solely to Sub-factor 1 (Technical Experience) contract references, or whether it also applies to Past Performance references submitted under Volume 2.

This is pertains to Subfactor 1 Experience as it’s in this section. Instructions are applicable in other areas

5. (Pages 89-90, Section L — Prior Contracts) Please confirm whether this is a new contract requirement or a recompete. If it is a recompete, please identify the current contract number so offerors can assess organizational conflict of interest obligations under FAR Subpart 9.5.

Recompete; W91QEX-21-C-0005

6. (Page 90, Section L — Scope Definition) Section L states that each contract reference must illustrate "working directly with the US Government providing all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform Information Operations as defined in this Performance Work Statement." The PWS describes security services support, not information operations in the traditional joint warfighting sense. Please confirm whether "Information Operations" as used in Section L is intended to mean the security services described in the PWS, and whether security-focused contracts (personnel security, information security, physical security, and SCI program support) will be evaluated as satisfying the scope requirement.

Information Operations language has been removed

7. (Page 89, Section L — Sub-factor 2 Resumes) The solicitation requires resumes for three key personnel: Physical Security Network Engineer, Physical Security System Administrator, and Information Security Specialist. PWS Section 1.6.10 identifies these same three positions as Key Personnel requiring a minimum of five years of experience.

Please confirm whether the resume requirement is limited to these three positions or whether additional resumes for other PWS labor categories may be submitted and evaluated.

Resume requirement is limited to these three positions.

VOLUME 2 — PAST PERFORMANCE (Section L, Pages 90-91)

8. (Page 90, Section L — PPQ Submission Timing) The solicitation states it is the offeror's responsibility to ensure PPQs are submitted to the Contracting Specialist and Contracting Officer before the proposal deadline. Please confirm the preferred method for PPQ submission: (a) included as part of the proposal package; (b) submitted directly to the Government by the reference contact; or (c) either method is acceptable so long as the PPQ is received by the Government before the closing date and time.

Submitted direction to the Government by the reference contract

9. (Pages 90-91, Section L — Past Performance Dollar Threshold) Please confirm whether the $8,500,000 aggregate cumulative dollar value threshold that governs Technical Experience references under Sub-factor 1 also applies to the Past Performance references submitted under Volume 2, or whether Past Performance references are evaluated solely on recency, relevancy, scope, and complexity without a minimum dollar threshold.

Yes

VOLUME 3 — PRICE (Section L, Pages 91; Page 2)

10. (Page 91, Section L — SF 1449 CLIN Pricing) Section L states that offerors shall submit a completed SF 1449 CLIN structure indicating unit price and total price "for the base period accordingly." FAR 52.217-5 (Page 2) references pricing for the base period plus all four option periods for evaluation purposes. Please confirm whether offerors are required to submit pricing for the base period only on the SF 1449, or whether pricing for all option periods (base through Option Period 4) is required on the SF 1449 CLIN structure.

Base and all option periods

11. (Page 91, Section L — Surge Support Pricing Sheet) The Surge Support Pricing Sheet template includes pricing tabs for the base period and all four option periods. Please confirm that offerors are required to complete the surge pricing sheet for all five periods (base plus Options 1-4), and not the base period only.

All five periods

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

12. (PWS Section 1.6.4.1 — Surge Capability) The PWS defines surge as overtime for up to 250 hours per year or up to two additional Security Support personnel for surges exceeding 20 days. Please confirm whether the 250-hour overtime threshold and the two-person personnel surge are alternative options available to the Contracting Officer, or whether they represent simultaneous maximum limits that apply concurrently.

Provide hourly pricing for each labor category. Any further clarification on Surge Pricing will be determined after award in Post Award Kickoff Meeting

13. (PWS Section 1.6.10 — Key Personnel Experience) PWS Section 1.6.10 states that the

Physical Security Network Engineer, Physical Security System Administrator, and Information Security Specialist each require a minimum of five years of experience. Please confirm whether this five-year minimum is specifically related to the labor category functions described in the PWS, or whether five years of any relevant security or IT experience satisfies the requirement.

Five-year minimum is specifically related to the labor category functions

14. (PWS Section 1.6.11.9 — Lenel Certification Timing) The PWS states that a minimum of six Physical Security contractors shall obtain the Lenel Certified Professional certification within 120 days after contract award, and that the Government will fund travel for the certification. Please confirm whether proposed personnel are required to hold the Lenel Certified Professional certification at the time of proposal submission, or whether the 120-day post-award window is the applicable compliance deadline.

Personnel must have certification at time of proposal submission.

15. (PWS Section 1.6.7.3 — Personnel Security Clearance at Proposal Submission) The PWS states that contractor personnel must have an active Top Secret clearance based upon a Tier 5 investigation completed within the past five years and must be determined eligible for SCI access at the time of proposal submission. Please confirm whether this requirement applies to all proposed labor categories or only to the three key personnel whose resumes are being submitted for evaluation.

Applies to all proposed labor categories

16. (PWS Section 1.6.15 — Phase-In Period) The PWS describes a 30-day phase-in period included within the 10-month base period. Please confirm whether performance of billable security services tasks is expected to begin on Day 1 of the base period concurrent with phase-in activities, or whether full task performance is expected to commence only after the 30-day phase-in period concludes.

Full task performance is expected to commence after the 30-day phase in period.

1. Joint Venture Facility Clearance Reference: PWS Part 4, Paragraph 4.2 (Page 64) and SF 1449 Block 10. Question: Is an SBA-certified Joint Venture eligible to bid on this opportunity if one partner holds the Top Secret facility clearance and the other partner has an 8(a) certification?

Should be but check with your local SBA office to confirm. Note the JV must have at least one 8(a) participant as the managing venturer

2. Place of Performance: The solicitation and PWS reference the primary place of performance as HQ USSOUTHCOM, 9301 NW 33rd Street, Doral, FL 33172 (PWS Section 1.6.5). However, other sections (e.g., PWS Sections 1.2, 1.4, and 5.3.8) indicate that support may be required throughout USSOUTHCOM’s area of responsibility (AOR), including Central and South America, the Caribbean, and adjacent waters, with possible travel outside the continental United States.

Question: Could the Government confirm whether the contractor’s personnel will be primarily based at HQ USSOUTHCOM in Doral, FL, and clarify the expected frequency and duration of any required travel to other locations within the AOR?

Primarily based in USSOUTHCOM Doral FL. Frequency and duration of required travel is based on demand.

3. Key Personnel Letters of Commitment Reference: PWS Part 2, Paragraph 2.7 (Page 58) and Section L, Paragraph 2.a.ii (Page 93). Question: Does the requirement for a "firm commitment" for Key Personnel necessitate the submission of signed Letters of Commitment, or is the inclusion of the mandatory resumes sufficient?

Not required but preferred

4. Joint Venture References Reference: Section L, Sub-factor 1, Paragraph i (Page 93). Question: Does the Government require specific documentation (beyond the contract number and description) to verify an individual firm’s specific role and technical responsibility within a submitted Joint Venture reference?

Yes

1. Would the government please provide the PPQ form mentioned in the solicitation?

Amendment will be provided in amendment; has been attached.

2. Would the government please confirm if the PPQs should be returned to the offeror for inclusion into volume 2 or submitted directly to the contracting officer?

Directly to the Contracting Officer & Contract Specialist listed on the solicitation

3. If PPQs are to be returned directly to the contracting officer, please clarify what information should be provided in volume II’s 15 page limit.

See PPQ template with amendment

4. Section M technical volume subfactor 2 is called “staffing plan & resumes”, however no instructions for a staffing plan were presented. Could the government clarify if they require a staffing plan narrative, and what it should include?

Disregard Staffing Plan – language has been removed

1. SF1449 block 8 states due date is 13 April 2026 by 10:am, however SAM.gov states the proposals are due May 18, 2026, 09:00 am EDT. Please confirm the due date for proposals in response to Solicitation W91QEX26RA001.

May 22, 2026 at 9 AM EST.

2. Will the Government confirm there are only 3 Key Personnel Resumes required for this effort to include to each of the following labor categories: Physical Security Network Engineer, Physical Security System Administrator, and Information Security Specialist?

Correct, only 3 Key Personnel Resumes required for this effort

3. How will the Government evaluate offerors proposals? Is there an order of importance?

This is a Tradeoff – all proposals will be evaluated based on instructions set in the solicitation

4. How will resumes be evaluated to earn strengths? i.e. the PWS pages 6-7, Sections 1.6.11.5 and 1.6.11.6 lists certifications that are required for the Information Security Contractors but are not required for all three of the Information Security Contractors.?

See Section M on how proposals will be evaluated

5. Pages 89 and 90 states Relevant contracts must be an “aggregate cumulative dollar value (includes base and option period values at time of contract award) of $8,500,000.00.” However, page 93 evaluation states, “The contract references combined demonstrates at least five (5) years of relevant experience awarded within the past five (5) years of proposal submission. Contract references combined have a cumulative (base and all option periods) dollar value of $8,000,000.00.” Will the Government please confirm the requirements for a contract reference to be deemed relevant?

$8,500,000

6. Page 90, Section ii. Sub-factor 2- Resumes states, “At a minimum, the Offeror's documentation shall illustrate the following: 1. (Resumes): The Offeror shall submit the resumes of Physical Security Network Engineer, Physical Security System Administrator, and Information Security Specialist as defined in the PWS. The resumes shall identify the title of each listed in accordance with the PWS as it pertains to the following personnel:” Then the instructions go to “b.

Volume 2 / Factor 2 – Past Performance”. Will the Government please update the instructions for what is required to be provided within the Key Personnel resumes?

Resumes shall be defined as in the PWS per the solicitation

7. PWS page 6 section 1.6.10 Key Personnel states, “The following lead personnel are considered key personnel by the government: Physical Security Network Engineer, Physical Security System Administrator, and Information Security Specialist.”. In addition to these three labor categories, PWS Section 1.6.10 also discusses a Contract Manager. Will the Government confirm if the Contract Manager is an additional key personnel, or if one of the previously mentioned Key Personnel labor categories in this Section of the PWS shall also be appointed the Contract Manager?

Contract Manager is not an additional key personnel, they are additional duties.

8. The RFP lists FAR 52.222-41 and 52.222-42 on pages 71 and 74 and 52.222-43 on page 71. Will the Government please confirm if WD positions are incorporated into this solicitation? And if so, please provide the mapping and the applicable WD?

Included in the amendment

9. PWS page 3, Section 1.6.7.3 Personnel Security Clearance Requirements states, “Contractor personnel performing work under this contract must have an active personnel security clearance at the Top Secret (Interim Top Secret are acceptable) level based upon a Tier 5 investigation completed within the past five (5) years, and shall also be determined eligible for access to Sensitive

Compartmented Information (SCI) in the DoD personnel security system of record (i.e. DISS, etc.) at time of the proposal submission.” Since Interim Top- Secret clearances are acceptable, and an individual cannot be cleared SCI until the Top-Secret Clearance investigation and adjudication is complete, will the Government please confirm that resumes with a Top Secret Clearnce (interim or final) is acceptable without SCI at the time of proposal submittal?

Please refer to Personnel Security Clearance requirements in the solicitation.

10. PWS page 35 Technical Exhibit A lists the historical Workload data and the total states 48,000 but if you add all the hours listed it comes to 49,920. Will the Government please confirm the historical workload?

The hours are accurate based on previous history

11. Regarding Page 93 of the solicitation, which states: " The contract references combined demonstrates at least five (5) years of relevant experience awarded” and “To be determined acceptable, Offerors shall demonstrate at least five (5) years of relevant contract references awarded”. Question - If an Offeror submits one single 5-year contract, must performance be complete, or does ongoing/active performance qualify?

Complete

1. Submission of Required Licenses and Certifications Can the Government confirm whether all required licenses and certifications must be fully active at the time of proposal submission, or if these may be provided upon award?

Yes

2. Expired Licenses Under Renewal/Reinstatement In cases where a required license has expired but is currently under renewal or reinstatement, would proof of renewal/reinstatement submission be considered acceptable at the time of proposal submission?

Yes

3. Pending License Applications For licenses that are not yet active but are currently under application, will proof of application be acceptable in lieu of an active license at the time of proposal submission?

Yes

4. Acceptability of Alternative Documentation Can the Government clarify what forms of interim documentation (e.g., renewal confirmations, application receipts, processing acknowledgments) would be considered acceptable to demonstrate compliance during proposal evaluation?

This requirement is defined in the solicitation

5. Timeline for Full Compliance If interim documentation is accepted, at what point must all licenses and certifications be fully active—prior to award, during transition/phase-in, or prior to performance start?

Prior to start of contract

6. Facility Clearance (FCL) Requirement Can the Government confirm whether a Facility Security Clearance (FCL) is required to be in place at the time of proposal submission, or if offerors without an active FCL may still submit a proposal provided they are eligible and able to obtain the required clearance upon award?

Must be in place at time of proposal submission

Question: Is it the Government's expectation that we price only the base year on the SF1449, while providing Base and Option Period rates on the Overtime Support Pricing Sheet?

Base Year + all Option Periods. The overtime support pricing sheet will need to be filled out for base and option years.

PWS Section 1.6.10 Key Personnel (pg. 6)

PWS Section 1.6.10 Key Personnel (pg. 6) states "The contractor shall provide a contract manager who shall be responsible for the performance of the work."

Question 1: Is the PM position a separate contract billet, or an additional duty to one of the available 37x LCATs/billets?

Additional duty

Question 2: If one of the 37x LCATS/billets/personnel, can the Government specifcy which billet is anticipated to be used by the PM?

N/A per above answer.

Solicitation c. Volume 3 / Factor 3 - Price:

Proposal Submittal Requirements (pg. 91)

c. Volume 3 / Factor 3 - Price: Proposal Submittal Requirements (pg. 91) states "Complete SF1449: The Offeror shall submit a completed SF 1449 CLIN structure indicating a unit price and total proposed price for all Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINS) for the base period accordingly." The Base Period CLINs include Travel and ODCs.

Question: Will the Government provide a plug number or Not-to-Exceed amount for the Base & Option Period Travel/ODC CLINs?

Yes the government will provide a not to exceed amount for the Travel/ODC CLINs.

Solicitation Section L - Instructions, Conditions and Notices to

Bidders; Volume 1 - Technical; i. Sub-factor 1 - Experience; b.

Relevancy (pg. 89);

Solicitation Section M - Evaluation Factors for Award Volume 1

Technical Sub-factor 1 - Experience (pg. 93)

Solicitation Section M - Evaluation Factors for Award Volume 3

Price

Proposal Submittal Requirements; (a) Evaluation Factors (pg.

98)

Section L - Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Bidders; Volume 1 - Technical; i. Sub-factor 1 - Experience; b. Relevancy (pg. 89) -states "The contract reference must hold a minimum aggregate cumulative dollar value (includes base and option period values at time of contract award) of $8,500,000.00. However, Solicitation Section M - Evaluation Factors for Award Volume 1 Technical Sub-factor 1 - Experience (pg. 93) states "Contract references combined have a cumulative (base and all option periods) dollar value of $8,000,000.00. Subfactor 1 Evaluation: The Government will evaluate each Offeror's organizational experience on the basis of it's relevance to the work that will be required under this requirement. Additionally, Volume 3 Price Proposal Submittal Requirements;

(a) Evaluation Factors (pg. 98) states "5 years of Contractor Experience with cumulative value of $8.5M"

Question 1: Can the Gov’t confirm that relevancy is met if the cumulative value of all contract references totals $8.5M or greater?

$8,500,000

Question 2: Can the Government confirm that Past Performance relevancy will be evaluated based on similarity of scope, complexity, and operational environment, in addition to contract value?

Yes

Solicitation Evaluation Factors for Award Volume 1 Technical

Sub-Factor 2 - Staffing Plan & Resumes; d. Volume 2 - Past

Assessment (pg. 93)

Evaluation Factors for Award Volume 1 Technical Sub-Factor 2 - Staffing Plan & Resumes;

d. Volume 2 - Past Assessment (pg. 93) states "The Offeror must provide a complete and accurate Past Assessment Questionnaire (PPQ), which can be found with instructions as Attachment 1 at the bottom of this document, for each submitted contract reference. It is the offeror's responsibility to assure all identified contract reference PPQ's are filled out entirely and are submitted to the

Contract Specialist / Contracting Officer before the deadline to submit proposals under the subject solicitation.

Solicitation b. Volume 2 / Factor 2 - Past Performance (pg. 90)

Solicitation b. Volume 2 / Factor 2 - Past Performance (pg. 90) requires PPQs for each provided contract references.

Question: Will the Gov't accept CPARS in lieu of obtaining a PPQ when signed PPQs are unavailable or not returned in a timely manner?

Yes

Solicitation a. Volume 1 - Technical:

i. Sub-factor 1 - Experience (pg. 89)

a. Volume 1 - Technical: i. Sub-factor 1 - Experience states "The Offeror shall submit a minimum of one (1) contract reference for which the Offeror was the prime contractor, subcontractor, or Joint Venture (JV) Partner. A maximum of three (3) contract submissions will be evaluated. The Government will only consider contracts performed by the contractor not "Key Personnel".

Question: Provided at least one Offeror contract reference is submitted, can Offerors use a subcontractor teammate contract reference as one of its maximum three references to further substantiate Sub-factor 1 Experience? We believe this will enhance the Government's capacity for assessing the Offeror’s overall experience, consistent with each team member’s proposed role in contract performance.

No unless approved Joint Venture

PWS Section 4.2. Facility Security Clearance (pg. 4)

PWS Section 4.2. Facility Security Clearance (pg. 4) states " The contractor shall possess and maintain a Top Secret with SCI Access facility security clearance from the Defense Security Service.

Question: Shall Offerors provide a DCSA printout of its active TS FCL certification to illustrate adherence to Section 4.2 requirements for possessing a TS FCL?

Yes proof must be provided to Clearance

Solicitation Evaluation-Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Feb 2026)(Deviation) (a) Evaluation factors (pg. 98)

Solicitation Evaluation-Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Feb 2026)(Deviation) (a) Evaluation factors (pg. 98) states "The following factors will be used to evaluate offers:

[Insert evaluation factors in the relative order of importance. For requests for proposals, state: Evaluation factors other than price when combined are [significantly more important than price/approximately equal to price/significantly less important] than price.

Question: Can the Government clarify the evaluation criteria, including whether Technical, Past Performance, and Price are of equal importance, or if one factor is more heavily weighted?

See Section M on Evaluations

Solicitation Section L - Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Bidders (pg. 87)

Solicitation Section L - Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Bidders (pg. 87) shows a maximum page count of 15 pages for the Technical Volume, which consists of a) Subfactor 1 - Experience and b) Sub-factor 2 Resumes. Solicitation (e.) Resumes states "The number of pages per resume shall not exceed three pages (excluding any associated certification or qualification documents)." As such, three provided contract references could consume nine (9) total pages of the available 15, leaving only six (6) pages for the three contract references. This would only provide two (2) pages for each contract reference.

Question 1: Would the Government consider increasing the page count for the Technical Volume to ensure sufficient space for Industry to appropriately illustrate not only recency and relevancy of size, scope and complexity to the solicitation requirements, but also to detail important factors such as transition planning, performance risk mitigation, process improvements, technology enhancements, cost efficiences, etc? If so, would such information be evaluated under Section M?

The requirement will remain as is

Solicitation Section L - Instructions, Conditions and Notices to

Bidders (d) (pg. 88)

Solicitation Section L - Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Bidders (d) (pg. 88) states "With the exception of the first page, the Offeror shall ensure that the company name, logo, or other company identifying information DOES NOT appear in within the Volume 1, Technical."

Solicitation a. Volume 1 - Technical: (1) (pg. 89)

Solicitation a. Volume 1 - Technical: (1) (pg. 89) states "The Offeror shall submit contract references which demonstrate that the Offeror possess a minimum of five (5) years of experience on recent and relevant service contracts similar in size, scope and complexity to the solicitation requirements in the PWS. Section a. Recency (pg. 89) further defines that to be considered recent, the contract reference must have been awarded within the last five (5) years; or was active within the last five (5) years, at time of proposal submission.

Question: as written, the solicitation states a requirement to demonstrate a minimum of five years of experience while also limiting Past Performance references to efforts performed within the past five years. Can the Government confirm that the five-year experience requirement may be satisfied cumulatively across one or more Past Performance references (up to a max of 3)?

Yes

PWS 1.6.11 Special Qualifications or Certifications (pg.s 6-7);

PWS Technical Exhibit A (pg. 35);

Solicitation Continuation of Supplies or Services and

Prices/Costs (pgs. 3-12)

PWS (Sections 1.6.11.5-1.6.11.13 (pgs. 6-7) shows a total of 37x required personnel, which matches the Solicitation CLIN table (pg. 3-12). However, the PWS

Technical Exhibit (pg. 35) reflects historical workload hours the equate to 26x FTE.

Question: Can the Government confirm whether proposed staffing should be based on the minimum staffing levels identified in PWS Sections 1.6.11.5-1.6.11.13 and the Solicitation CLIN table, or the historical workload hours provided in Technical Exhibit A?

See number for each CLIN

Solicitation Continuation of Supplies or Services and

Prices/Costs (pg. 3)

Solicitation Continuation of Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs (pg. 3) shows CLIN 0001 as FFP Phase-In Period.

Question: Can the Government confirm whether the Phase-In Period is included as a paid performance period, or if this period reflects solely administrative costs to be absorbed by the Offeror

Phase in will be funded to the awardee based on any administration or travel costs.

Solicitation FAR Clauses incorporated by text (pg. 74)

Solicitation FAR Clauses incorporated by text (pg. 74) includes FAR clause 52.222-41 Service Contract Labor Standards, but the solicitation does not provide a Wage Determination.

The updated solicitation has Wage Determination.

Solicitation Continuation of Supplies or Services and

Prices/Costs (pgs. 3-12); Surge Support Pricing List

Solicitation CLIN table (pg. 3-12) does not match the CLIN descriptions from the Surge Support Pricing List. For example, in the Solicitation CLIN table, CLIN 0002 is labeled for the Information Security Specialist billets; however, on the Surge Support pricing sheet, Information Security Specialist billets are assigned to CLIN 0001.

Question: Can the Government confirm the correct CLIN structure for the Surge Support Pricing List, or provide an amended version if incorrect?

CLIN 0001 in the Surge Support Pricing List is for Phase In and the rest matches the solicitation CLIN table.

Section L - Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Bidders (d.)

(pg. 88)

Section L - Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Bidders (d.) (pg. 88) states "With the exception of the first page, the Offeror shall ensure that the company name, logo, or other company identifying information DOES NOT appear in within the Volume 1, Technical.

Question: Are Offerors allowed to name and discuss teaming partners/subcontractors in the Technical narrative?

No, not required

1 PWS Technical Exhibit A p. 35

Technical Exhibit A reflects 26 FTEs, while PWS 1.6.11 and the solicitation reflect 37 FTEs.

Please confirm that the hours and FTEs shown in Technical Exhibit A are historical only and are not intended to represent the required contractor staffing levels for this effort.

Technical exhibit A is an estimated/historical quantity.

2 PWS 5.2 p. 35

Can the Government confirm that the Program Manager detailed in PWS 5.2.1 is billable to contract? This billet does not appear to be listed in PWS 1.6 or the solicitation.

Program Manager is not billable. Considered additional duties.

3 PWS 5.2.1 p. 16

Are the duties described in PWS 5.2.1 for the Program Manager intended to be performed by a dedicated Program Manager labor category, or as additional duties assigned to one of the positions described in Tasks 1–6? If the latter, please identify which Task and position is intended to perform these duties.

The government will not pay for a dedicated PM and if the contract company decides to assign it as an additional duty we do not have a preference on a position.

4 PWS 1.6.9.1 and 1.6.10 p. 6

PWS 1.6.9.1 references a Program Manager, and PWS 1.6.10 references a Contract Manager. Please clarify whether the Program Manager and Contract Manager positions have the same qualifications and responsibilities, or if they are distinct roles with different requirements.

It’s the same position/role.

5 PWS 1.6.10 p. 6

PWS 1.6.10 identifies an Information Security Specialist under Key Personnel. Please clarify whether this Information Security Specialist is a separate position from the Program/Contract Manager, or whether this Key Personnel requirement is intended to be fulfilled by the Program/Contract Manager.

The Information Security Specialist is a key role. The PM/CM role can either be an additional duty as assigned by the company or separate position paid for by the company.

PWS 5.4.3.1.7, 5.4.3.2.5,

5.4.3.2.14, 5.4.3.3.22, 5.4.3.4.16, and 5.4.3.5.28

p. 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, and 28

Please confirm whether the contractor will be responsible for executing the procurement actions described in PWS 5.4.3.1.7, 5.4.3.2.5, 5.4.3.2.14, 5.4.3.3.22, 5.4.3.4.16, and

5.4.3.5.28. If the contractor is responsible, please identify the applicable pricing approach, to include whether any fee, handling charge, or material burden is authorized for these procurements.

The government takes care of the procurement actions, the contractor gathers the details/quotes.

PWS 5.4.3.1.12 and 5.4.3.2.6

p. 22

What is the estimated quantity of materials in the vault? Will the contractor be responsible for executing the procurement of the bench stock items? If yes, will the Government provide the fee structure for this requirement?

The government will fund the purchase, the contractor will maintain the inventory to maintain a 20% inventory/quantity

PWS 5.4.3.5

p. 26

Please confirm if the System Administrator will be responsible for the maintenance of any security systems at JTF-GTMO, JTF-Bravo, or any other USSOUTHCOM CSLs or MILGPs.

They will not be responsible for the maintenance outside of the USSOUTHCOM compound.

PWS 5.4.3.5.15

p. 27

Please confirm whether a Government-provided password management solution is already in place, or whether the contractor is responsible for selecting, implementing, and maintaining a password management solution under this contract.

The contract is required to implement

PWS 5.4.7

p. 30

Please confirm whether the Government requires a Deputy Program Manager position for this effort and, if so, indicate whether this is considered Key Personnel and where it is reflected in the PWS or solicitation.

Historically there has always been a deputy program manager as an additional duty and not as an additional role.

PWS 5.4.3.4.1

p. 25

Please confirm who receives or signs for the ATO packages: the SCJ2 or SCJ6?

ATO is signed by J6

PWS 5.4.7

p. 30

Please clarify whether the SCIF Management Specialist described in PWS 5.4.7 will have responsibilities at any OCONUS locations. If so, please identify the locations and the nature of the OCONUS duties at a high level for staffing and pricing purposes.

No

PWS 1.6.11 and Technical Exhibit

A

p. 6 and 35

PWS 1.6.11 does not specify a minimum staffing level for the Conference Center Specialist under Task 5, but the solicitation CLINs (0013, 1012, 2012, 3012, 4012) show two positions.

Please confirm whether two Conference Center Specialists is the minimum required staffing level for this position for pricing and staffing purposes.

A minimum of 2 required.

PWS 1.6.11 and Technical Exhibit

A

p. 6 and 35

The solicitation and PWS 1.6 identify six Personnel Security Specialists under Task 1, while Technical Exhibit A reflects three. Please confirm that six Personnel Security Specialists is the minimum required staffing level for Task 1 for proposal purposes.

There is a requirement for 6.

Solicitation CLINs 0014, 1013, 2013, 3013, and 4013

p. 4, 6, 8, 10, and 11

The solicitation CLINs (0014, 1013, 2013, 3013, 4013) include a Security Operations position that does not appear to be described in PWS 1.6, PWS 5.4, or Technical Exhibit A.

Please identify the applicable PWS paragraph(s) and provide a position description or duties for the Security Operations labor category.

Security Operations duties falls under 5.4.4 under “Security Administration”.

Solicitation CLINs 0003, 1001, 2001, 3001, 4001 and PWS

1.6.11.5/1.6.11.6

Solicitation: p. 3, 4, 6, 8, and 10

PWS: p. 6 and 7

The solicitation CLINs (0003, 1001, 2001, 3001, 4001) depict three Information Security Specialists, while PWS 1.6.11.5 and 1.6.11.6 collectively describe six Information Security Specialist positions. Please confirm the minimum required number of Information Security Specialists the Government expects the contractor to staff for Task 2.

Included within the 5

PWS 1.6.11.7

p. 7

PWS 1.6.11.7 describes two Declassification Specialists. Please clarify whether these two Declassification Specialist positions are included within the five Information Security Specialists referenced in PWS 1.6.11.5, or whether they are additional, separate positions.

Included within the 5

PWS 1.6.11.5 and 1.6.11.6

p. 6 and 7

PWS 1.6.11.6 details one additional billet related to Information Security. Please clarify whether this billet is included in the five Information Security Specialists listed in PWS 1.6.11.5, or whether it is intended to be an additional, separate position.

Included within the 5

PWS 5.4.7

p. 30

Please confirm whether the SCIF Management Specialist billet referenced in PWS 5.4.7 and solicitation items 0010, 1009, 2009, 3009, and 4009 is funded and required. If so, please confirm that this position should be included in the contractor’s pricing.

Its own billet and should be included in the pricing.

SF1449

p. 1

The SF 1449 shows the due date as April 13, 2026, however SAM.gov indicates May 18, 2026. Will the Government please confirm the due date for this proposal?

May 18, 2026

Surge Support Pricing List

p. 1

The CLIN structure on the Surge Support Pricing List does not align with the SF1449 CLIN structure. Will the Government provide an updated pricing list?

It’s an attachment in support of Surge Pricing. Provide pricing on attachment and CLINS accordingly

Surge Support Pricing List

p. 1

Please confirm whether the hourly rates on the Surge Support Pricing List will be Firm Fixed Price.

Yes they will be Firm Fixed Price

PWS 1.6.14.4

p. 8-9

The PWS states that contractor and subcontractor personnel “may receive, have access to, or participate in the development of proprietary or source selection information… or perform evaluation services which may create a current or subsequent OCI.” For purposes of preparing an OCI mitigation approach, can the Government please clarify under what circumstances the awardee would have access to such proprietary or source-selection-sensitive information?

The Security Division, Information Security Branch is tasked and responsible for the Industrial Security (Contracting) program so I’m assuming that’s why this information is in there. It was verbiage from the previous contracts that we kept in there.

Solicitation -

W91QEX26RA001_4.15.26

p. 87

To ensure timely and compliant electronic submission of proposals in accordance with Addendum to 52.212-

1 - Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Items, will the Government please identify any technical constraints or system limitations that may affect delivery of emailed submissions? Specifically, but not limited to, please confirm:

1) Maximum allowable file size for incoming email attachments to Government mail servers.

2) Any firewall, security screening, or automated filtering protocols that could delay or prevent receipt of proposal files.

3) Any other known system restrictions or conditions that offerors should plan for to ensure successful and timely submission.

Providing this information will allow Offerors to mitigate transmission risks that are not otherwise addressed in the solicitation or the FAR.

If interested in bidding submit proposal and confirm delivery upon submission

Solicitation -

W91QEX26RA001_4.15.26

p. 87

Will the Government please confirm how and when Offerors will receive acknowledgement of receipt for emailed proposal submissions? Specifically:

1. Whether the acknowledgement will be automated or manually issued.

2. That the acknowledgement will confirm receipt of all submitted files, including verification that all files were received intact and accessible.

3. The expected timeframe for receiving the acknowledgement.

4. A designated point of contact if no acknowledgement is received within that timeframe.

You can confirm receipt after proposal is submitted and Government will respond accordingly

RFP 93 Section M, Sub-factor 1 - Experience

The Government mentions that contract references combined have a cumulative (base and all option periods) dollar value of $8,000,000.00. However, in Section L the Government mentions each contract reference must hold a minimum aggregate cumulative dollar value (includes base and option period values at time of contract award) of $8,500,000.00. Can the Government please clarify if relevancy threshold as well as if references combined should represent relevancy or if each contract should represent relevant experience?

$8,500,000

RFP 98 Evaluation - Commercial Products and Commercial Services, (a)

Can the Government please insert the evaluation factors in relative order of importance?

See Section M for further guidance

PWS 61.6.9.1.

This section references the on-site Program Manager, however there is not a corresponding CLIN for the PM in the pricing list. Will the Government add a CLIN for the Program Manager?

No CLIN will be added. The Program Manager/Site Lead role will be additional duties.

PWS 61.6.10.

The government requires a contract manager in this section but it is not referenced any where else nor is there an assoicated CLIN. Is the contract manager synomyous with the program manager referenced in 1.6.9.1?

It’s the same position/role.

Surge_Support + Pricing List 1 Base Plus OY CLINs

CLIN 0012 and CLIN 0013 (Conference Center Security Specialist and Security Operations) are not found in the PWS. Will the government provide position descriptions / requirements for these positions in an amended PWS?

The Conference Center Security Specialist Information can be found in section 5.4.5, Task

5. Security Operations is under 5.4.4.

Question 1

PWS

1.6.10 Key Personnel, pg. 6

1.6.11 Special Qualifications or Certifications, pg. 6

Section 1.6.10 identifies the following Key Personnel (KP): Physical Security Network Engineer, Physical

Security System Administrator, and Information Security Specialist. However, the solicitation has inconsistencies on the required number of personnel for each KP position and minimum years of experience for each KP position.

Can the Government clarify the required number of personnel for each KP position and provide the minimum years of experience required for each role to ensure offerors can propose fully compliant staffing approaches?

The Key Personnel is listed and the numbers for each Labor Category is listed within in each CLIN

2 PWS

1.6.11 Special Qualifications or Certifications, pg. 6

Can the Government clarify which specific DoDM 8140.03 baseline certifications are required for each KP position and at time of proposal submission, and confirm that submission of resumes and corresponding certification documentation is sufficient for Key Personnel evaluation, with no additional documentation required?

Would not apply to the Information Security Specialist position. For the Physical Security Network Engineer, Physical Security System Administrator the minimum requirement is CompTIA Security+ and CISCO CCNA.

PWS

1.6.11 Special Qualifications or Certifications, pg. 6

Will the Government accept equivalent or alternate certifications in lieu of the specified requirements for each position? If so, could the Government provide a list or guidance on which substitute certifications are considered acceptable for meeting these position requirements?

No

Solicitation

Section L - Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Bidders

Can the Government confirm whether Times New Roman, 10-point font is acceptable across all volumes for proposal submissions?

We defined this in Section L

Surge Support Pricing List

Pg. 1-3

What does hourly rate include and is this is a fully burdened rate? Is the number inside the parenthesis equal to the number of FTEs?

Yes fully burdened rate. Remaining portion has been updated