Questions & Responses Released to All Sellers
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Buy #: 1197751_02
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Question Deadline:
None
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Question Count: 0
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Buy #: 1197751_02
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Question Deadline:
None
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Question Count: 0
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The Buyer has not released any questions/responses to all Sellers for this Buy. |
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Buy #: 1197751_01
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Question Deadline:
07/07/2025 12:00 ET
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Question Count: 19
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Buy #: 1197751_01
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Question Deadline:
07/07/2025 12:00 ET
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Question Count: 19
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Question Submitted:
We have uploaded today the answers to the questions submitted yesterday in the Excel sheet. Please see attachment, Questions and Answers.
Response Received:
We received another set of questions today through Unison Market that are similar to those submitted in the Excel sheet yesterday. Since these questions arrived after the RFP Q&A deadline, we will not be answering them. However, we have uploaded today the answers to the questions submitted yesterday in the Excel sheet as a separate Q&A attachment.
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Question Submitted:
We have uploaded today the answers to the questions submitted yesterday in the Excel sheet. Please see attachment, Questions and Answers.
Response Received:
We received another set of questions today through Unison Market that are similar to those submitted in the Excel sheet yesterday. Since these questions arrived after the RFP Q&A deadline, we will not be answering them. However, we have uploaded today the answers to the questions submitted yesterday in the Excel sheet as a separate Q&A attachment.
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Question Submitted:
We have uploaded today the answers to the questions submitted yesterday in the Excel sheet. Please see attachment, Questions and Answers.
Response Received:
We have uploaded today the answers to the questions submitted yesterday in the Excel sheet. Please see attachment, Questions and Answers.
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Question Submitted:
We have uploaded today the answers to the questions submitted yesterday in the Excel sheet. Please see attachment, Questions and Answers.
Response Received:
We have uploaded today the answers to the questions submitted yesterday in the Excel sheet. Please see attachment, Questions and Answers.
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Question Submitted:
Will incumbent staff be available for transition/hire? Are any of the six locations currently unstaffed? Can ICE provide expected timeframes for background investigations, and will ICE permit temporary EOD (Entry on Duty) while background investigations are pending?
Response Received:
ICE does not provide incumbent staff for transition/hire. The six locations are currently staffed by full time or detailed contract staff. ICE cannot provide expected timeframes for background investigations since time frames depend on many factors. ICE will not permit temporary EOD without successful background investigation.
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Question Submitted:
What is the average monthly number of active volunteers per site currently? Are there existing relationships with local religious groups that the contractor should maintain? What level of volunteer turnover should be expected?
Response Received:
The PWS does not specify the average monthly number of active volunteers per site.
The contractor should maintain existing relationships with local religious groups.
Some level of volunteer turnover is expected, and the contractor should be prepared to recruit and train new volunteers as needed.
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Question Submitted:
Beyond the QASP requirements, what additional metrics will ICE use to evaluate contractor performance?
Response Received:
In addition to the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) requirements, ICE will use the following additional metrics to evaluate contractor performance:
1. Detainee Satisfaction: ICE will gather feedback from detainees regarding their satisfaction with the religious services provided. This includes the availability, quality, and inclusiveness of the services.
2. Volunteer Engagement: The contractor’s ability to recruit, train, and manage volunteers will be assessed. This includes the number of active volunteers, the diversity of faiths represented, and the frequency of volunteer-led activities.
3. Compliance with Federal Laws: The contractor must comply with all applicable federal laws, including the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). ICE will monitor adherence to these laws to ensure detainees' religious rights are protected.
4. Incident Reports: ICE will review the frequency and nature of any incidents related to the Religious Services Program. This includes any grievances filed by detainees and how promptly and effectively the contractor addresses them.
5. Innovation and Improvement: ICE will evaluate the contractor’s efforts to innovate and improve the Religious Services Program. This includes introducing new religious materials, enhancing service delivery, and seeking continuous improvement based on feedback and best practices.
By using these additional metrics, ICE ensures a comprehensive evaluation of the contractor’s performance, promoting high standards and continuous improvement in the Religious Services Program.
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Question Submitted:
Are there typical limitations on religious services such as space availability, scheduling conflicts with recreation time, or restrictions on group sizes?
Response Received:
Answer:
Yes, there are some typical limitations on religious services as outlined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS):
1. Space Availability: Religious services are subject to the availability of space within the detention facilities. The contractor must coordinate with ICE to ensure that appropriate spaces are allocated for worship services and religious gatherings.
2. Scheduling Conflicts: There may be scheduling conflicts with other facility activities, such as recreation time or the detainee volunteer work program. While the contractor will make efforts to minimize these conflicts, detainee participation in religious services is voluntary, and sometimes scheduling conflicts are unavoidable.
3. Group Size Restrictions: The size of religious gatherings may be limited based on the facility's security and management considerations. The contractor must work with ICE to ensure that group sizes are manageable and do not compromise the safety and security of the facility.
By understanding and addressing these limitations, the contractor can effectively manage the Religious Services Program while ensuring that detainees have the opportunity to practice their faith within the constraints of the facility.
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Question Submitted:
How will the logistics for the Guantanamo Bay location work? Will they be given accommodations? Will they need to fly in regularly? If chaplain/PM are not on-site, will the 120 minute response requirement be exempt?
Response Received:
The logistics for the Guantanamo Bay location are outlined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS). Here’s a clear breakdown:
1. Accommodations: Yes, contractor personnel traveling to Guantanamo Bay will be provided with accommodations. The Government will work with the contractor to facilitate travel and lodging arrangements.
2. Travel Requirements: Contractor personnel will need to travel to Guantanamo Bay as required. Specific details about the frequency and duration of these trips will be provided at the award kick-off meeting.
3. Response Time Requirement: The 120-minute response requirement for emergencies is generally applicable to all locations. However, given the unique logistics of Guantanamo Bay, exceptions may be made. The contractor should coordinate with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and the Assistant Field Office Director (AFOD) to address any specific concerns or scenarios where the response time might be impacted.
By following these guidelines, we ensure that the Religious Services Program operates smoothly and effectively at Guantanamo Bay, while also accommodating the unique logistical challenges of the location.
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Question Submitted:
Please revise the questions.
Response Received:
I am having difficulty understanding the questions you submitted. The format is unclear, and I am unable to determine the total number of questions.
Could you please resubmit your questions in a clearer format? Specifically, please label each question as follows:
Question 1
Question 2
Question 3 etc.,.
Thank you for your cooperation.
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Question Submitted:
What constitutes "full-time" presence at each facility - 8 hours/day, specific core hours, or flexible based on religious programming needs?
Response Received:
According to the Performance Work Statement (PWS), "full-time" presence at each facility is defined as 8 hours per day. However, the specific hours may be flexible to accommodate the needs of the religious programming. This means that while the chaplain and support staff are expected to work a full 8-hour day, the exact timing of these hours can be adjusted to ensure they are available when religious services and activities are scheduled.
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Question Submitted:
Are chaplains expected to be available on-site during weekends and religious holidays?
Response Received:
The PWS for the Religious Services Program clearly outlines the expectation for chaplains to be available on-site during weekends and religious holidays. This ensures that detainees have the necessary support to practice their religion consistently and without interruption. The commitment to providing religious services during these times is a critical component of the program's success.
Availability of Chaplains During Weekends and Religious Holidays
• Primary Goal: The Religious Services Program aims to provide detainees with consistent opportunities to practice their religion, which includes the availability of chaplains during weekends and religious holidays.
• On-Site Presence: Chaplains are required to be on-site during these times to conduct worship services, provide spiritual counseling, and support detainees' religious needs.
• Emergency Accessibility: Chaplains or their designees must be reachable 24/7 and able to arrive at the facility within 120 minutes in emergencies.
• Religious Observances: The PWS highlights the importance of accommodating religious practices, ensuring chaplains are present during significant religious observances.
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Question Submitted:
Please revise the questions and resubmit.
Response Received:
I am having difficulty understanding the questions you submitted. The format is unclear, and I am unable to determine the total number of questions.
Could you please resubmit your questions in a clearer format? Specifically, please label each question as follows:
Question 1
Question 2
Question 3 and so on.
Thank you for your cooperation.
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Question Submitted:
Could you please clarify which blocks of the SF 33 must be completed and signed? Page 29 of the RFP states that Blocks 13, 14, 15, 16, and 18 must be completed, while Section L.3 instructs offerors to complete Blocks 12 through 18 and digitally sign Block 17. We would appreciate confirmation on exactly which blocks are required for submission.
Response Received:
Both sections correctly state the requirements, referencing the SF33. NOTE: Item 12 does not apply if the solicitation includes the provisions at 52.214-16, Minimum Bid Acceptance Period. Since this solicitation does not include this FAR Clause, Item 12 must be filled out.
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Question Submitted:
Section H.4 and L.4.2 both refer to an Attachment 1. Contract Please provide a copy of these attachments referenced
Response Received:
Thank you for your question.
Section H.4 refers to the Performance Work Statement (PWS) found in Attachment 1A: Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan on page 42.
Section L.4.2(b) refers to Attachment C, which is the SF33 form included in this RFP.
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Question Submitted:
Could you please clarify how religious item expenses for all sites should be allocated? The table on page 3 lists item 007 as “NSGB, Cuba – Religious Services” and item 008 as “Other Direct Costs.” However, Section L.3.4.4.1 states that under CLIN 0007, Other Direct Costs will include travel outside the U.S. and religious item expenses for all sites. Should religious item expenses for all sites be included under CLIN 008 instead?
Response Received:
If you are referring to the Unison Market quote submission on Page 3, please submit the price proposal exactly as described. Include Other Direct Costs as specified, and do not worry about the numbering of CLINs in the Unison Market system. This part of the quote submission was added due to the way the Unison Market system is built.
When you submit the Price Volume II as a separate document, please follow the RFP CLIN numbering requirement. Ensure the description name for each location under each CLIN remains unchanged and the price matches. In the Price Volume, include the total amount for each year, including base and option years.
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Question Submitted:
Could you please provide Attachment 03 – Pricing Schedule? The RFP requests that all worksheets in this attachment be completed, but the file does not appear to be included in the solicitation package.
Response Received:
The file you are looking for is included in the Solicitation Package. Please see Attachment C for the Pricing Schedule.
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Question Submitted:
Can you please confirm how resumes should be submitted? The instructions state that resume pages are not included in the 25-page limit for the technical volume. Should resumes be included as a separate annex within the technical volume but clearly marked as not counting toward the page limit?
Response Received:
Yes, the instructions state that resume pages are not included in the 25-page limit for the technical volume. Resumes should be included as a separate annex within the technical volume and clearly marked as resumes, indicating that they do not count toward the page limit. Yes, resumes should be submitted as a separate annex after page 25 or the last page of the Technical Volume.
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Question Submitted:
Can you please clarify the page limit for the technical content? The instructions state that the technical content must not exceed 25 pages, including the cover page and table of contents. However, it also says the cover sheet does not count toward the 25-page limit. Should we interpret this to mean that the cover page is excluded from the 25-page count, but the table of contents is included?
Response Received:
Yes, that is correct. The cover page, which usually includes the company's name, Volume number, SAM UEI number, address, and POC with phone number, is not counted in the 25-page limit. All other pages are included in the count.
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Buy #: 1197751
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Question Deadline:
07/07/2025 12:00 ET
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Question Count: 2
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Buy #: 1197751
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Question Deadline:
07/07/2025 12:00 ET
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Question Count: 2
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Question Submitted:
Is the Buyer looking for the provider of choice to be the Prime Contractor or a Sub-Contractor on this contract?
Response Received:
The government is looking for a single primary contractor to take full responsibility for the execution of the contract. The prime contractor may subcontract portions of the work to other companies, but the prime contractor will be the main point of contact and will be held accountable for the overall performance and delivery of the contract.
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Question Submitted:
We intend to submit a Response to the Request for Proposal/Bid Question for Clarification: Is the Buyer looking for the provider of choice (e.g., our company) to be the Prime Contractor or a Sub-Contractor on this contract?
Response Received:
The government is looking for a single primary contractor to take full responsibility for the execution of the contract. The prime contractor may subcontract portions of the work to other companies, but the prime contractor will be the main point of contact and will be held accountable for the overall performance and delivery of the contract.
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