Vetting & Linguistics

This notice is updated to clarify the Government responses to questions #10 and #43 as follow:
Subcontracting for services in general can be up to 50% and for 8(a) set-aside requirements, the limitation is 49%. Contractual relationship between the Government and Contractor(s) do not extend beyond the Prime, and as a result Past Performance evaluations are only issued to the Prime. If Offeror(s) intend to utilize your propose subcontractor(s) past performance(s), the propose subcontractor(s) must be a Prime on the recent and similar requirement(s) for it to be considered relevant.
Additionally, The process of obtaining business licenses to operate in Iraq and Afghanistan is not within the U.S. Government control and thus is not a pre-qualification for proposal submission, however, business licenses are required for contract performance.
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The purpose of Amendment 0002 is for the following:
1) Section H-006 of the Solicitation is updated to delete "Uncleared firms will
not be eligible to bid on this effort."
2) Section L-003 of the Solicitation is updated to change "successful offerors"
to "successful Offeror" and "contract award" to "contract performance."
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This notice is updated to notify potential Offerors that Attachment 4 provided as a result of Amendment 0001 did not properly account for all applicable cells in various sub-totals. Potential Offerors may use the new version uploaded on 04 October 2018 or self correct these errors as necessary..

Amendment 0001 is issued to address Offerors' questions, update Solicitation, and revise Attachment 1 and 4..

The U.S. Department of State (DoS), Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) has a requirement for Vetting and Linguistics Support Services in predominantly High Threat Areas of the world. Currently the Middle East region is the initial place of performance anticipated. Other areas around the world, depending on need, may require these services as well during the course of contract performance. This requirement will result in a single award Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity type of contract for a base and four (4) option years. This requirement is set-aside for competition within the SBA's 8(a) program.
To accomplish this objective, the contract will require language-related services to include interpreting, translating, and transcription, along with vetting and intelligence analysis. High levels of quality, performance, and cost controls are expected, so the Contractor must provide the necessary management, supervisory, and administrative personnel to direct, administer, and report on these services on a daily basis.
The contract currently requires expertise in the following languages to include their various dialects: Arabic, Kurdish, Dari, Pashto, and Nepali. Language proficiency testing is required in the source language(s) and English for all levels of linguists in the four basic communications skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Evidence of language proficiency testing with acceptable results is required prior to assignment. In conjunction, the contract requires the support of intelligence analysis and role of liaison between the Regional Security Office (RSO) and local governments and law enforcement at High Threat Posts. Additionally, the contract will require DoS vetting processes and data analyses at posts.
The need for support outside of the Middle East region may arise during performance of this requirement. Thus, the Contractor must demonstrate its capability to provide full support within 30 days' notice to any location worldwide..