Security Question Responses for Battle Command Training Equipment (BCTE) DRAFT RFP

16 February 2023 Update:

The Government is currently finalizing responses to the Battle Command Training Equipment (BCTE) draft solicitation questions received on 25 January 2023. The Government will provide all responses with the final solicitation that will be released late 2ⁿᵈ QTR (March 2023). Based on security questions/feedback received during the 14 February 2023 PALT session, the Government is providing responses to security related questions to assist industry. Please see the questions and answers below.

Q 1: The draft DD 254 identifies the requirement for a Top-Secret facility security clearance. If  the two parent companies form a JV to propose BCTE and both companies have a Top-Secret facility security clearance, does the unpopulated JV require a Top-Secret clearance given that both companies performing the work have that clearance?

A 1: No. A joint venture does not have to hold the facility clearance where its members do hold the required facility clearance. For this procurement, joint ventures are established pursuant to the Small Business Administration (SBA) Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP). The regulation governing facility clearances for SBA MPP joint ventures may be found at 13 C.F.R. 121.103(h)(4). Sources: 13 C.F.R. 121.103(h)(4); Section 1629 of the 2020 NDAA; InfoPoint LLC, B-419856 (August 27, 2021). Secret and 
Top-secret personnel required at time of award per PWS 4.2.
Note: The prime contractor is the entire Joint Venture as formed pursuant to the SBA MPP program. This will include any person or entity that is part of the JV agreement formed under 13 C.F.R.125.8 and 13 C.F.R. 125.9. Subcontractors will not be part of this agreement. Additionally, the SBA rule at 13 C.F.R. 103(h)(4) allows a joint venture to rely on the facility security clearances of its members. This applies to facility clearances only (as opposed to personnel security clearances). Personnel may also require clearances in addition to the facility clearance.

Q 2: Is a Top-Secret Facility clearance required for this requirement? If so, will the Government sponsor the contract after award?

A 2: Top Secret Facility clearance is required per PWS 4.2. The Top-Secret Facility clearance is required at the time of contract award.

Q 3: This paragraph states a Secret FCL must be possessed at time of contract award. Will the Government consider offerors who do not have an active (Facility Clearance (FCL) under the offerors Cage Code? While and offeror may have an FCL pending, there is no guarantee the FCL will be granted by contract award.

A 3: Secret and Top-secret personnel are required at time of award per PWS 4.2.

Q 4: The DD-254 block 1.a. stipulates the contract will require a Top-Secret facility clearance. PWS 4.2 requires the contractor have a Secret Facility clearance. Does the DD-254 take precedence requiring a TS Facility clearance?

A 4: Secret and Top-secret personnel are required at time of award per PWS 4.2.

Q 5: The contractor shall safeguard classified information and meet the security requirements identified in the DD Form 254 and DoD 5220.22-M. Question: Can this requirement be done by a subcontractor?

A 5: The prime contractor has to meet the security requirements for a contract award. Once the contract is awarded and the prime can flow down subcontract DD254’s to have their sub execute, but the prime must meet all requirements. If the prime does not meet the requirement and flow down a DD254 to a sub to execute, they need to self-report to DCSA.

Q 6: The Contractor shall provide the management staff, material and financial resources, and technical expertise to perform all the tasks included in this task. Contractor shall manage the total work effort associated with all services required herein to assure full and timely completion of these services. It is stated later in a) The Contractor and/or its subcontractor shall be a Value-Added Reseller (VAR) for Lenel, DAQ, Software House, Pelco, and Axis equipment. Contractor employees assigned to this task shall have current certifications in all ESS listed. Question: Can the required certification be owned by the Subcontractor and not the Prime Contractor?

A 6: Yes, required certification may be owned by the Subcontractor and or the Prime Contractor.

Q 7: Will the Government change the TS requirement?

A 7: The Government will maintain the TS Facility requirement for BCTE as it is required for this effort/acquisition.

Thank you for your interest in BCTE. Additional information will be provided with the final solicitation. Please monitor sam.gov for future updates.