S206--FY26: Unarmed Security Guards

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable) CODE 7. ADMINISTERED BY 2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER CODE 6. ISSUED BY 8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR 4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER 3. EFFECTIVE DATE 9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER 9B. DATED PAGE OF PAGES 10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER 10B. DATED BPA NO. 1. CONTRACT ID CODE FACILITY CODE CODE Offers 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: The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers E. IMPORTANT: is extended, (a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning __________ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication 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 is not extended. 12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (REV. 11/2016) is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office. is not, 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. 15C. DATE SIGNED B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b). 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 letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified. C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF: D. OTHER Contractor 16C. DATE SIGNED 14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 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 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER 15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR STANDARD FORM 30 PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.243 (Type or print) (Type or print) (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.) (Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code) (If other than Item 6) (Specify type of modification and authority) (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.) (If required) (SEE ITEM 11) (SEE ITEM 13) (X) CHECK ONE 13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS, IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14. 11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT (Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer) 1 19 0001 08-13-2026 None 36C248 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 8 (NCO 8) VA Caribbean HCS (Admin Bldg) #10 Calle Casia Suite #4M440 San Juan PR 00921-3201 36C248 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 8 (NCO 8) VA Caribbean HCS (Admin Bldg) #10 Calle Casia Suite #4M440 San Juan PR 00921-3201 To all Offerors/Bidders 36C24826R0068 X X X ** HOUR & DATE for Receipt of Offers is EXTENDED to: 08-13-2026 10AM x 1 Unarmed Security Guard Services at VACHS facilities The purpose of this amendment is to provide answers to questions received, a revised performance work statement and revised price/cost schedule. See continuation page. Baryan Sierra Contacting Officer Page 18 of 18 Amendment No. 1 to Combined Synopsis/Solicitation RFP 36C24826R0068 This amendment is hereby issued to respond to questions and requests for information submitted by potential vendors, and to provide additional information on offer submittal. All offers submitted in response to this RFP and any associated communications/documentation shall be submitted in the English language, which is the official business language of the Federal Government and its agencies. Offer Submittal due date has been changed to: August 13, 2026 at 10:00 AM AST via email to Aurea.Gonzalez@va.gov No further extensions to the due date will be granted. Offerors are required to acknowledge this amendment and submit the signed acknowledgement with their offer. All other areas of solicitation remain unchanged. RESPONSES TO VENDORS' QUESTIONS AND REQUEST FOR INFORMATION Q1. While my business qualifies as a small business by SBA, I am still under review by SBA. Am I eligible to apply and be awarded the solicitation? This acquisition is being procured as a small business set-aside; SBA reviews are an independent procedure not managed by VA. Eligibility for set-aside is dependent on government verification of the offeror's business size status on SAM.gov at the time of offer submittal. Q2. We would like to know if this is a brand new contract OR if there is (was) an incumbent performing these services. If not brand new, could you please provide the current/previous contract number? Yes, there is an existing contract in place, as this is a follow-on contract being procured as a competitive set-aside for Small Business concerns. The current contract number is 36C24826P0808. This information is publicly available on Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) at www.fpds.gov and/or US Spending at www.USASpending.gov Current contractor information may be requested and disclosed under Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in accordance with 38 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1.553(b). The VA accepts FOIA requests submitted by email. Email must be sent to SAJFOIA@va.gov . For additional information about FOIA regulations and procedures, please visit www.foia.va.gov Q3. Would you please provide the applicable Wage Determination, or advise where it can be obtained? Department of Labor Wage Determinations applicable to this solicitation are listed in Section D of the solicitation; see page 84 of the RFP. Q4. Is there any incumbent/recompete or this is a brand-new project? If yes, could you please provide us with their award number or even if the customer bought similar services in the past. See Q2 response. Q5. Are uniforms to be priced under a separate CLIN, or should all uniform costs be included in the contractor's overall operating costs and proposed labor rates? The price/cost schedule is built for an all-inclusive monthly price per post. The uniform cost is to be treated as an operating cost. Q6. Will the portable sanitary facilities be covered under a separate CLIN, or should the associated costs be included in the contractor's hourly rates or overall operating costs? The price/cost schedule is built for an all-inclusive monthly price per post. The costs associated with the sanitary facilities are to be treated as an overall operating cost. Q7. If a patrol vehicle is required under the contract, are there specific requirements regarding vehicle markings or identification, required equipment, vehicle age or mileage limitations, vehicle condition, or any other minimum vehicle specifications? A patrol vehicle is not required to perform under the contract. Therefore, the solicitation does not contain any vehicle specifications. Q8. Is the contractor required to utilize an electronic guard tour or GPS checkpoint system to document patrols, or are manual patrol logs acceptable? Manual patrol logs are acceptable. Q9. For personnel performing traffic control duties, are handheld STOP/SLOW (or STOP/GO) paddles and whistles required? In addition to reflective safety vests, are there any other traffic control equipment or safety device requirements that the contractor should include in its proposal? Handheld paddles and whistles are not required. Reflective safety vests are required. Q10. Considering the size of the contract and the staffing, onboarding, licensing, training, and transition activities required, would the Government consider providing a minimum of 15 calendar days between contract award and the commencement of performance? This transition period would facilitate an orderly transition, including employee processing, training, coordination with the incumbent contractor, and the hiring and onboarding of new personnel, thereby helping ensure uninterrupted security services. Although, existing companies in this industry typically possess all resources to begin provision of services immediately upon request. The government will consider providing a period between contract award and commencement of performance not to exceed 15 calendar days for transition. Q.11 Meal Periods and Relief Coverage at Continuously Manned Posts: PWS §2.5 limits guards to no more than eight hours daily and states overtime is not contemplated. PWS §2.10 requires employees to sign in and out including lunch break, and counts only actual working time as productive man-hours. PWS §7.20 permits guards to leave the job for established breaks and lunch periods, while PWS §2.6 requires services at designated locations continuously. Five posts specify 8.5-hour coverage windows against the eight-hour daily limit: Vieques, St. Croix, St. Thomas, Utuado (Tue/Thu), and Comerio (Mon/Wed/Fri). a. At the 8.5-hour posts, Vendor reads the window as eight paid hours plus a 30-minute unpaid meal period taken by the assigned guard, with no relief guard required. Please confirm. This is a performance-based requirement. The hours listed for each post require guard coverage. Its contractor discretion how they will maintain guard coverage while complying with governing labor laws for the industry and location of the post where services are being rendered. b. At the six 24/7 posts, must the post remain physically manned during meal periods, requiring a dedicated roving relief guard or may the assigned guard take a paid meal period on-post while maintaining observation? This determines whether each 24/7 post is priced at three shifts or three shifts plus relief. This is a performance-based requirement. Its contractor discretion to prepare their best offer based on their expertise and customary practice while providing the required coverage for the post and complying with applicable labor laws governing the industry and location where services are being rendered. Q.12 Overtime and Emergency Hours Rate Basis and Payment Deduction Mechanism: Should offerors propose a separate fully burdened hourly rate for approved overtime and emergency/special-event hours, and if so, where in the price proposal? Vendor understands it is not to embed an overtime contingency in the monthly CLIN prices and requests confirmation. No separately burdened hourly rate for approved overtime or emergency/special event hours needs to be provided. If the need for overtime arises, the Government will inform the Contractor, and such rates will be managed following applicable labor laws. Q.13 Overtime and Emergency Hours Rate Basis and Payment Deduction Mechanism: How will "percentage correctly completed" be computed for payment purposes against scheduled post hours evidenced on VA Form 1433, against the AQL percentages in the PRS matrix, or by another method? The government's intention is for the Contractor to provide the required coverage stated in the post. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, OT may arise, and if that need arises, notice will be provided and approved by negotiation at the time of need. OT rates are governed by labor laws; the requirement of invoicing a separate item is to maintain accountability of additional services. Q.14 Continuity of Services During a Declared Emergency or Named Storm: a. Are contract security guards designated essential personnel required to remain on or report to post during a declared emergency, facility lockdown, or curfew, and does the 32-hour monthly ceiling at PWS §5.1 apply during a declared disaster or is it suspended? Security guards are essential personnel and may be required to remain on at some of the facilities based on the declared emergency operational response deemed appropriate. In such instances, those posting needing guards to remain on post will be identified and notified. b. Will the Government provide shelter, food, and water for guards required to remain on VA property beyond their tour during such an event, or is that a Contractor responsibility to be priced into the CLINs under PWS §3(g)? Yes, the government provides all needs in the event that they must stay beyond their tour of duty in an emergency such as a hurricane. Q.15 Wage Determination Attachment and Applicability by Site: a. Will the Government attach the seven wage determinations by amendment? Wage Determinations are publicly available using the SAM URL provided, as the webpage allows searching by WD number provided. Also, the website allows searching by municipality; each municipality is listed on Table 2.7 of PWS. b. Will the Government provide a crosswalk identifying which determination governs each CLIN or municipality? Absent this, offerors cannot price the 23 CLINs on a common basis, and price comparability across proposals is materially compromised. Each Wage Determination (WD) lists the municipalities to which they are applicable to, using the post address/location, which contains the municipality where services will be rendered allows the Offerors to identify the applicable WD. Table 2.7 of PWS contains site/post location address including the municipality. c. Section D states that Executive Order 13706 does not apply to Puerto Rico but is silent as to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Please confirm its applicability to CLINs 0020 and 0023. E.O. 13706 does not apply to contracts with the Federal Government to the extent they are performed in whole or in part outside the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Therefore, it does not apply to Puerto Rico nor the U.S. Virgin Islands. Q.16 Labor Classification of the Lead Guard: Does the Government consider the Lead Guard a service employee payable at 27101, a position requiring conformance to a higher classification under FAR 52.222-41(c)(2), or an exempt supervisory position outside the Service Contract Labor Standards? Ralli Point has priced the position within the all-inclusive monthly CLIN prices as contemplated by PWS §1.7 and §3(g). Government lists Position 27101 as it is the one that best describes the essential functions to be performed. This is a performance-based requirement. The Government expects the Offeror to submit their best proposal based on their expertise and commercial practices following the RFP requirement. Therefore, it is the Contractor's discretion to determine their best strategy based on industry knowledge and expertise, as long as Lead Guard complies with the required qualifications, is up to the Contractor if they categorize them as a service employee or an exempt supervisory position. Q.17 Puerto Rico Law 108 Agency License Prime Versus Subcontractor: a. Where a prime contractor teams with a Law 108 licensed Puerto Rico security agency that will hold operational control of guard performance, must the prime independently hold a Law 108 agency license at proposal submission, or does the licensed subcontractor's credential satisfy PWS §1.5.2? Yes, the subcontractor license satisfies the requirement for an agency license. However, special attention must be provided to the subcontracting limitations compliance. b. Would an SBA-approved mentor-protégé joint venture in which one member holds the Law 108 license satisfy the requirement at the entity level? Yes, the subcontractor license satisfies the requirement for an agency license. However, special attention must be provided to the subcontracting limitations compliance and all applicable SBA Joint Venture requirements. c. PWS §1.5.1 permits individual guards to show proof of application with fees paid where a license is not yet issued. PWS §1.5.2 affords the agency license no equivalent accommodation. Will the Government extend comparable treatment to a prime with a filed Law 108 application, provided the license is active prior to 1 September 2026? Unfortunately, this requirement cannot be changed. The Government has a current critical need for these services. Therefore, it needs to ensure the Awardee is compliant with the law at the time of evaluation and with enough time to initiate transition and begin providing services on the proposed contract start date without delays. Q.18 Limitation on Subcontracting Similarly Situated Entities and Measurement Period: Section C.6(f)(1) is marked to measure compliance "by the end of the performance period for each order issued under the contract," rather than by the end of the base term and each option period. Under a requirements contract with monthly ordering, this appears to require compliance at the close of every order. a. Please confirm the measurement period the Government intends to apply. At the close of every order. b. Please confirm that a subcontractor qualifying as a small business under NAICS 561612 (size standard $29 million) is a similarly situated entity whose work counts toward the prime's 50 percent under C.6(b) and (e)(1) Yes, similarly situated small business under the same NAICS code. c. For an SBA-approved mentor-protégé joint venture, please confirm the application of C.6(g)(1) that the protégé perform at least 40 percent of the work performed by the joint venture in relation to the Law 108 licensing question above. SBA-approved mentor-protégé joint venture Limitations on subcontracting are applicable and must be complied with. Q.19 U.S. Virgin Islands Licensing and Scope of Puerto Rico Guard Licensure: a. Please identify the specific USVI Code title, chapter, and licensing authority the Government considers applicable, and confirm whether USVI agency and guard licenses must be active at proposal submission or only prior to post activation on 1 September 2026. License authority for U.S. Virgin Islands is USVI Code Title 23 Internal Security and Public Order Chapter 17 Private Security Guards and Investigative Agencies. Yes, licenses must be active at proposal submission. See PWS 1.5.1, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands license requirements will be treated the same. Also, response to Q.17c above. b. PWS §1.5.1 limits the Puerto Rico guard licensing requirement to guards assigned to Puerto Rico locations, while PWS §6.6 states that all guards shall possess a valid Commonwealth of Puerto Rico license. Please confirm that guards posted exclusively at St. Croix and St. Thomas are governed by §1.5.1 and require only the applicable USVI credential. Yes, guards assigned to perform at St Croix and/or St Thomas require only the applicable USVI credential. Credentials/license required are based on performance location. Q20. Vetting Timelines, Risk Designation and Incumbent Reciprocity: PWS §11.1.1 designates the position risk and suitability level as NACI, low risk. Section C.14(c) presents a table of Tier 1 / Non-Sensitive Low Risk, Tier 2 / Moderate Risk, and Tier 4 / High Risk designations with no selection indicated, and leaves the Tier 3 and Tier 5 fields blank. The award-to-start window is expected to be under three weeks. Please confirm the governing risk designation and complete the Section C.14(c) table by amendment. Sensitivity Level is Non-Sensitive; Risk Level is Low-risk; Level of Investigation: Tier 1; Level of Investigation: Low Tier. What is the current average VACHS processing time for Special Agreement Check fingerprint adjudication and for PIV issuance? Estimated average processing time is one week. Will guards currently holding active VA PIV credentials under the incumbent contract be eligible for reciprocity and immediate transition, and if so, what is the expected time to re-sponsor an existing credential to a new contract? Yes, guards currently holding a valid PIV credential are eligible for reciprocity and immediate transition. Q.21 Lead Guard Mobility During the Assigned Shift: PWS §6.9 requires the Lead Guard and alternates to maintain a presence at the San Juan facility for a full eight-hour shift, 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM Monday through Friday. May the Lead Guard travel during that shift to the off-site parking facilities (AMA 1, AMA 3) and outlying sites (Carolina, Ceiba, Ponce, Mayagüez, Arecibo) to conduct the quality control inspections required by PWS §15.1, or must presence be maintained continuously on the San Juan campus? If travel is not permitted, please confirm whether a separate mobile quality control resource is expected. Yes, travel among posts and off-site locations for quality control is permitted during shift. Offeror shall submit their best strategy for quality control based on experience and customary practices. Q22. PWS §18.1 states the Government will provide hand-held portable radios, cellphones, and phones to be used at guard posts "if required by the site, depending on availability." PWS §2.11 requires the Contractor to furnish two-way walkie-talkies on a frequency separate from the VA Police frequency, and notes the Contractor shall provide all equipment not otherwise furnished. Please identify by site the quantity of Government-furnished radios, cellphones, and telephones that will actually be issued at contract start, so offerors size the contractor-furnished complement on a common basis. As drafted, "depending on availability" transfers an unquantified equipment cost to the Contractor. Each post has an assigned government-furnished radio. Contractor will not be required to provide radios or means of communication for the posts. Q23.Portable Sanitation Units Location Discrepancy: PWS §17(f) requires four portable toilets at the Carolina warehouse, "AMA 1 and AMA 2 parking lots," and Gate 1. The post schedule at PWS §2.7 identifies AMA 1 and AMA 3 off-site parking lots; no AMA 2 post exists. Please confirm the correct four locations, and confirm that the Government will designate a secure, level location with vehicle access at each site for placement and weekly servicing. The three (3) locations that require Portable sanitation units are Gate 1, Gate 2 and AMA 1. The references to AMA 2 and AMA 3 were made in error. PWS edited to reflect the correct locations. Q24. Anticipated Award Date and Phase-In Period: Proposals are due 12 August 2026 and performance begins 1 September 2026. PWS §1.3 requires the Contractor to have all necessary insurance, licensing, and sufficient employees upon award; PWS §2.1 requires licensed, trained and qualified guards on duty from the first day of performance. Sub-Factor 3 requires a transition-in plan with clear timelines, which cannot be built against an unknown award date. What is the Government's anticipated award date? Will the Government provide a formal phase-in period prior to 1 September 2026, and if so, of what duration and at whose cost? See Q10. Award date is expected sometime in late August, not to exceed Sept 1, 2026. The Government may consider a period of no more than 15 days for transition. Q25. Incumbent Contract Information and Collective Bargaining Status: PWS §1.4 states this is a follow-on effort and that unarmed security guard services have been acquired by contract since 1994. Please identify the incumbent contractor, incumbent contract number, current annual contract value, and current staffing level by post. See Q2 Is any portion of the incumbent workforce covered by a collective bargaining agreement? If so, please provide it. Under FAR 52.222-41(f), a predecessor CBA would set the wage and fringe benefit floor for this successor contract in place of the area wage determinations listed in Section D, which would materially change every offeror's price. No, there is no collective bargaining agreement (CBA) in place for this contract. Q26. Conflict Between the CLIN and the PWS Post Table: CLIN 0003 describes Gate 3 as Monday through Friday 4:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM, including federal holidays. PWS §2.7, Site 3 describes the same post as Monday through Friday 4:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Holidays: NO, with no weekend coverage. The difference is approximately 2,590 productive hours per year, roughly 13,000 hours across the 60-month period. Which schedule governs, and will the Government conform the other by amendment? Table 2.7 coverage prevails. Price/Cost Schedule edited to reflect correct coverage. Q.27 For the avoidance of doubt: CLIN 0011 (AMA 3) is silent as to federal holidays while PWS §2.7, Site 11 states Holidays: NO. Vendor priced AMA 3 without holiday coverage and requests confirmation. Table 2.7 prevails; no holidays for this post are necessary. Q28. Gate 3 schedule discrepancy: The Price/Cost Schedule for CLIN 0003 requires Gate 3 coverage Monday through Friday from 4:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. However, the posting schedule in PWS Section 2.7 identifies Gate 3 only as Monday through Friday from 4:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Please confirm whether weekend coverage is required for Gate 3 and whether federal-holiday coverage is required when a holiday occurs on a weekday or weekend. See Q26 above Q29. AMA 3 holiday coverage: CLIN 0011 identifies AMA 3 coverage Monday through Friday from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM but does not expressly state whether federal holidays are included or excluded. PWS Section 2.7 marks this location NO under holidays. Please confirm that AMA 3 is not required to be staffed on federal holidays. See Q27 above Q30. Lunch and relief coverage: PWS Section 2.10 requires employees to sign in and out for lunch breaks, while Sections 2.5, 2.6, 2.9, and 7.21 require uninterrupted coverage. Please confirm whether each post must remain continuously staffed during meal and rest periods and whether offerors must include separate relief personnel in the all-inclusive monthly price. See Q11 above Q31. Number of guards per post: Please confirm that each listed posting represents one guard on duty at a time unless otherwise directed by a future order or modification. For Ponce and Mayagüez, where overlapping schedules are listed, please confirm that two guards are required during the overlapping hours. This is a Performance-based requirement where the Offeror shall provide their best possible solution according to the requirement description as provided in the RFP and commercial industry practices. Coverage of each post means one physical guard performing at the post during that period. Yes, in Mayagüez and Ponce there is an overlapping period that implies two physical guards will be present during certain hours. Q32. Lead Guard pricing: PWS Sections 6.9 through 6.11 require a Lead Guard to be present at the San Juan facility for an eight-hour shift Monday through Friday and to remain on call during the remainder of the 24-hour day, seven days per week. Please confirm whether the Lead Guard is an additional position beyond the guards assigned to the listed posts or may simultaneously fill one of the scheduled guard posts. It is the discretion of the Contractor, based on their experience and knowledge of the customary practices of the industry, whether they want Lead Guard to be separate from the guards assigned to the posts or within the already assigned guards. See Q16 Q33. On-call Lead Guard compensation: Please clarify whether the Lead Guard s after-hours on-call availability must be incorporated into the fixed monthly post prices, and whether actual after-hours response time will be separately compensable when the Lead Guard is called to perform work. This is a performance-based acquisition, seeking an all-inclusive firm fixed price; requirements not separately noted on Price/Cost schedule are to be treated as operational costs to be part of the all-inclusive pricing. Q34. Emergency deployment locations: Please clarify whether the one-hour emergency deployment requirement applies separately to every listed location, including Vieques, St. Croix, and St. Thomas, or only to locations where the contractor already has assigned personnel. Emergency calls, if they arise, would be for response at facilities where a security guard post already exists. Q35. Pricing for newly added posts: Please clarify how pricing will be established for new posts that are not represented by an existing CLIN, particularly where the location is outside the San Juan area or in Vieques or the USVI. In the event the need for additional posts arises throughout the life of the contract, it will be processed via a supplemental agreement. Q36. Mobilization period: The solicitation anticipates performance beginning September 1, 2026, while the award date is not stated. Please identify the anticipated award date and the minimum transition period the Government expects to provide between award and commencement of full performance. See Q10. Award date is expected sometime in late August, not to exceed Sept 1, 2026. The Government may consider a period of no more than 15 days for transition. Q37. Existing workforce transition: Please confirm whether the Government expects the successor contractor to offer employment to qualified incumbent personnel and whether the contractor will receive an incumbent employee seniority list, current staffing information, and anniversary dates for applicable fringe-benefit calculations. On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14148, Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions (90 FR 8237), which revoked, among other items, Executive Order 14055 of November 18, 2021, Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers Under Service Contracts (86 FR 66397). On December 22, 2025, pursuant to section 3(a) of EO 14148, the Department rescinded 29 CFR part 9 to fully implement and effectuate the revocation of EO 14055. (90 FR 59734). Q38. USVI company licensing at proposal submission: PWS Section 2.1 requires the contractor to be licensed and certified in Puerto Rico and the USVI. Please confirm whether the offeror must possess an active USVI security-agency license at the time of proposal submission, at the time of award, or before the first day of performance in the USVI. See Q17c and Q19 above. Q39. USVI guard licensing: Please identify the specific USVI licenses, registrations, permits, training credentials, or other qualifications required for guards assigned to St. Thomas and St. Croix. See Q19 above Q40. Principal executive officer requirement: PWS Section 2.2 states that the Security Guard Agency/Company License shall be held by the principal executive officer. Please confirm whether this requirement applies only to the Puerto Rico Law 108 license or also to the contractor s USVI security-agency authorization. Statement refers specifically to Puerto Rico license requirement; for USVI license is governed by USVI Laws and Regulations. Q41. Personnel subject to NACI/background investigation: PWS Section 11.1 states that background investigations are required for employees who access VA systems or handle sensitive information, but Section 11.1.2 requires submissions for all contract employees. Please confirm whether every guard, Lead Guard, supervisor, manager, relief guard, and subcontract employee requires the NACI-level investigation and PIV credentialing. Yes, all workforce will require PIV credentialing. Q42. Temporary suitability and start of performance: Please confirm whether guards may begin work after favorable fingerprint/SAC adjudication and temporary suitability while the full NACI is pending, or whether final NACI adjudication and PIV issuance are required before assignment. Yes, temporary suitability is acceptable for commencement of performance. Q43. Background-investigation cost: The PWS requires the contractor to bear the cost of investigations and reimburse VA when applicable. Please provide the estimated current cost per employee for the required investigation, fingerprinting, and credentialing so offerors may price this requirement consistently. The estimated cost per employee for the required investigation is $140.00 Q44. Five-business-day submission requirement: PWS Section 11 requires background-investigation requests for all employees within five business days after award. Please confirm whether this requirement applies to the entire anticipated workforce, including relief personnel, or only to employees proposed for initial assignment. This requirement applies to the entire workforce to be assigned to perform under contract. Q45. Annual psychological assessment: PWS Section 8 requires an annual psychological assessment for all contractor employees. Please identify the minimum content, acceptable professional credentials, required form, and standards the Government will use to determine whether an assessment is acceptable. This PWS section has been revised and the requirement removed. Q46. Medical examination standard: Please confirm whether the Government will provide a required medical-examination form or certification template addressing the vision, hearing, physical-fitness, disease, and other medical requirements in PWS Section 8. The Government will not provide a standard medical examination form or certification template. The contractor may use its own documentation, provided it confirms the employee meets the medical requirements in the PWS. Q47. Training duration and curriculum: PWS Section 6.4 lists annual training subjects but does not establish minimum instructional hours for each subject. Please identify the required minimum hours, testing standards, refresher frequency, and whether the Government will provide required course outlines or learning objectives. This is a performance-based requirement. The expectation of the Government is for Contractor training plan complies with the minimum requirement listed on PWS Section 6 Guard Qualifications and Contract Standards. Q48. VA-provided training and productive hours: The PWS states that Government-furnished mandatory training will occur before personnel perform normal duties. Please confirm whether time spent completing VA-required TMS training, orientation, credentialing, and site-specific instruction is compensable and whether it may occur during scheduled contract hours. This is a performance-based requirement. The training requirement is to be complied with at the Contractor's discretion in terms of schedule, as long as coverage of posts is not interrupted. Q49. Training additions during performance: Section 12 permits the Government to add or delete Government-provided training at no cost to the contractor. Please confirm whether the Government will compensate the contractor for employees labor hours spent completing newly added mandatory training when such training occurs outside scheduled post hours. The intent of the Government in this section is to allow for changes in the mandatory curriculum on TMS, which is mainly virtual training. The training requirement needs to be compliant throughout the life of the contract, using the contractor's most suitable strategy based on expertise and customary practices. Q50. Portable Toilet Specifications: PWS Section 17(f) requires four portable toilets but does not define the required configuration. Please confirm whether each unit must include only a toilet, a toilet with urinal, or another configuration, and whether separate handwashing stations or self-contained hand-sanitizing facilities are required. Please also specify any accessibility, servicing, cleaning, consumable, and maintenance requirements for the units. Portable toilet units shall be commercial-grade, maintained in a clean and sanitary condition, and include hand hygiene capability through either an integrated handwashing station or hand sanitizer dispenser. The contractor is responsible for servicing and maintaining all units throughout contract performance. Q51. Portable toilet service standard: Please specify the required servicing frequency, pumping schedule, cleaning frequency, consumable requirements, accessibility specifications, and whether the units must remain in place continuously throughout the contract. The contractor shall maintain all portable toilet units in a clean, sanitary, and fully operational condition throughout contract performance. Servicing, pumping, cleaning, maintenance, and replenishment of consumable supplies shall be performed as necessary to ensure continuous usability. Q52. Portable toilet location discrepancy: PWS Section 17(f) requires four portable toilets at the Carolina Warehouse, AMA 1, AMA 2, and Gate 1. However, the listed posting and CLIN schedules identify AMA 1 and AMA 3, not AMA 2. The required portable toilet locations are AMA 1, Gate 1 and Gate 2. The references to AMA 2 and AMA 3 were made in error. PWS edited to reflect the correct locations. Q53. Contractor radios: PWS Section 2.11 requires contractor-furnished walkie-talkies on a frequency different from VA Police. Please identify the minimum number of contractor radios required by location and whether the Government imposes specific technical, encryption, coverage, or interoperability standards. PWS edited to remove the requirement of having Contractor furnish two-way walkie-talkies with a different frequency. PWS 2.11 will no longer contain that sentence. See revised PWS attached. Two-way radio will be provided by the Government for each post Q54. Government-furnished radio availability: Sections 2.11 and 18.1 indicate that the Government will furnish handheld radios with the VA Police frequency, but Section 18.1 qualifies Government-furnished equipment as dependent on availability. Please confirm whether a Government radio will be issued to every required post and explain the contractor s responsibility when Government radios are unavailable. Two-way radio will be provided by the Government for each post. See Q53. Q55. Government-furnished cellphones: Please clarify which posts are expected to receive Government cellphones or telephones and whether the contractor must furnish backup cellular communications when Government equipment is unavailable Contractor is not responsible for providing backup means of communication. Each post has a two-way radio; government-furnished cellphones are only at three (3) specific posts, Domiciliary Facility, Carolina Warehouse and Arecibo Clinic. It s the discretion of the Contractor if they deem appropriate to have other internal means of communication, yet it is not required by the Government. Q56. Technical proposal page limits: Please confirm whether any page limits, font requirements, margin requirements, file-size limits, or restrictions on appendices apply to the technical proposal, transition plan, past-performance submission, uniform sample, or price proposal. The Proposal/Offer shall consist of three volumes/sections: Technical, Past Performance, and Price. Each volume/section shall be a separate attachment for clarity. Although there is no page limit for the technical volume/section, consider that submittal is via email, and if the document size is too large, it may cause transmission errors. For the price section, the Price/Cost Schedule is to be filled out, and any additional pricing information the contractor deems necessary to include may be included at the offeror's discretion. If the volume/section is split for submission, then proper naming convention is recommended i.e., Technical Volume Part 1, Technical Volume Part II. Same applies in case submittal is completed in more than one email; the subject shall follow proper naming convention as well i.e. RFP 36C24826R0068 Response Part 1 of 2, RFP 36C24826R0068 Response Part 2 of 2. Q57. Uniform sample submission: PWS Section 6.12 permits a physical or digital uniform sample. Please confirm that photographs or a digital rendering included in the proposal PDF will satisfy this requirement and identify any required views, labels, or specifications. Digital images showing the proposed uniform satisfy the uniform sample requirement. Digital images shall clearly depict the color of the proposed uniform and all pieces of the uniform that the proposed workforce will wear. Q58. Past-performance recency date: The solicitation defines recent past performance as within the last three years. Please confirm whether the three-year period is measured from the solicitation issue date, proposal due date, or another date, and whether a contract that began earlier but had performance within the three-year period will qualify. The solicitation requires three references containing the agency or company, point of contact, contact information, amount, and performance period. The three years are measured from the proposal due date. Yes, a contract that began earlier but was performed within three years will qualify. Information on past performance shall be conformed to what is requested in Factor 2 Past Performance of Solicitation. Q59. Definition of similar size and complexity: Please clarify the criteria the Government will use to determine whether a past-performance project is similar in size, scope, and complexity, including whether separate projects may collectively demonstrate experience across multiple geographically dispersed sites. Past Performance evaluation factor is provided in solicitation; offers will be evaluated in strict conformance with what is established in the solicitation. Q60. Guard Reassignment and Travel Distance: PWS Section 2.8 permits the Government to add, delete, or transfer security guard posts within VACHS facilities. Please clarify whether the Government may require the contractor to reassign an on-duty guard from one established site to another site during the same shift. If so, please identify: the maximum travel distance or travel time that may be required; whether the reassignment is limited to sites within the same geographic area or municipality; whether travel time between sites is considered compensable productive time; whether mileage, ferry, airfare, tolls, parking, or other transportation costs will be reimbursed or must be included in the monthly post price; whether the contractor must provide a replacement guard before the assigned guard leaves the original post; and whether transfers to Vieques, St. Thomas, or St. Croix require advance written authorization and separate pricing. This section provides for changes and relocation among existing posts to be processed via supplemental agreement or with proper notice and approval of the Contracting Officer, as some areas of the VACHS are under construction and the need to remove or relocate the post may arise. Q61. CPR and AED Training Requirement : PWS Sections 6.4 and 7.22 require training in First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogens but do not expressly identify Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training. Please confirm whether all contract security guards are required to maintain current CPR and AED certification. If so, please clarify: whether certification must include adult CPR, child CPR, infant CPR, or adult-only CPR; which certifying organizations are acceptable, such as the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, Health Safety Institute or equivalent; whether Basic Life Support certification is required instead of standard CPR/AED certification; and whether the cost and employee time associated with the training must be included in the contractor s all-inclusive monthly pricing. Basic First Aid training is enough to satisfy the requirement; CPR and AED certification is not required. Q62. Minimum Training Hours and Testing Standards: PWS Sections 6.3 through 6.5 and 7.22 identify required pre-performance and annual training subjects but do not specify the minimum contact hours for each subject or the total annual training requirement. Please provide the minimum required instructional hours for each topic. See Q49 Q63. PWS Section 2.11 requires contractor-furnished two-way radios but does not identify a specific brand or model. Please confirm the minimum required specifications, quantity per site, and whether UHF, VHF, digital, encrypted, or FCC-licensed radios are required. See Q22, 53, 54, and 55; Contractor is not responsible for providing any type of communications. Q64.PWS Sections 2.1 and 6.3 require compliance with applicable U.S. Virgin Islands licensing requirements for the St. Thomas and St. Croix locations. Please identify the specific USVI laws, regulations, agency licenses, individual guard licenses, training requirements, and other credentials that will apply to the contractor and its security guards. Please also confirm whether these credentials must be active at proposal submission, contract award, or before the start of performance. See Q17 and Q19 above Q65. Will employee wages under this contract be based solely on the applicable Wage Determination? If so, in the event that the Wage Determination rate is lower than the minimum wage required under applicable state law, which rate will govern employee compensation the Wage Determination rate or the applicable state minimum wage? See Q15. Service contract employees minimum allowable compensation shall be based on the applicable DOL WD or minimum wage, whichever is higher; plus fringe benefits as specified in the DOL WD. Current State Minimum Wage can be found at:  https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/minimum-wage/state Q66. If there is a discrepancy between the Wage Determination and the applicable state minimum wage, is the contractor required to pay the higher of the two rates to remain in compliance with all applicable federal and state labor laws? See Q15 and 65 above. Q67. When mentioning contractor-furnished walkie-talkies, what technical specifications and features must they have (PWS 2.11)? Since they must be in a different frequency, where will these walkie-talkies receive their frequency from (e.g. a different antenna)? Will earpieces be required for these walkie-talkies? Please clarify. See Q22, 53, 54, and 63. Q68. Do the security guard qualification requirements have to be met and presented by the start of contract or by the first duty shift of the particular security guard? At the time of offer submittal, the proposed workforce presented for Contract Performance shall meet the solicitation qualifications requirements. If any particular security guard is in process to obtain the qualification requirements, evidence of process status is to be included as well. However, security guards assigned to perform under contract need to meet the requirements prior to beginning their first shift. Q69. Does the no smoking policy include vaping and electronic cigarettes? Please clarify. Yes, the facility nonsmoking policy includes vaping, electronic cigarettes and any other type of smoking device. Q70. Is a negative drug test a qualifying factor or condition for security guards under this contract as a condition for employment? Are candidates that possess a medical marihuana license eligible to work under this contract? Please clarify. This is not a personal services contract; a drug test of the workforce is an employer right for the recruitment process. The federal government has not legalized the use of medical cannabis, nor is it permitted for federal government employees or contractors performing on a federal facility. Q71. Is name badge/tag an absolute requirement for the raincoat, or would the employee ID worn outside the raincoat suffice? Contractor employees assigned to perform under contract need to be easily identified as such at all times during performance. Q72. The uniform requirement does not mention jackets or windbreakers. Will there be a specification as to what color and type of jacket can be used by the security guards under this contract? Color and type of jacket is to be determined by Contractor in alignment with the uniform assigned to perform under contract. Colors must adhere to the uniform requirements stated on PWS. Q73. For training, will first-aid training require the CPR and use of AED components, or only the first-aid portion? See Q61 Q74. How will access for the TMS platform work so that all guards take the required training before the performance start date? Upon award, access to the training platform will be provided. Q75. Since there are certain assistive devices that are acceptable under the performance of this contract, which assistive devices are deemed unacceptable for this contract? Would, for example, a walking cane be acceptable? Please clarify. As per PWS, assistive devices are limited to those that do not attempt or compromise the safety performance of the security guard duties. Security guards must be physically capable of performing duties as described on PWS. Q76. Since Hepatitis-B immunization, and in the case of USVI, the immunization record, is required, are candidates with a legal document excusing them from being vaccinated eligible to perform work under this contract? Yes, documentation that satisfies/complies with the Department of Health-approved exemptions to excuse an individual from vaccination due to medical or religious reasons will make them eligible to perform under contract as long as such documentation is current, kept on the employee record, and available upon request. Q77. Is the initial set of training (federal and local OSHA, First-Aid, Heat Stress, Bloodborne Pathogens and workplace violence) required before the stand-on-post date for all employees? Yes, employees must have training completed within the last twelve months before the start of performance date. Q78. Do military-style shoes refer to combat or tactical boots, or does it include black dress shoes? No, it does not include black dress shoes. Q79. The guard requirements specify hairstyles and piercings, but do not specify tattoos. Will tattoos need to be fully covered? If a person has a tattoo in an area that can t be concealed (e.g. face, neck, hands) can they still perform under this contract? Is there a specification on hair colors allowed? This is a performance-based requirement. The Contractor's internal policy and dress code should govern personal appearance and/or uniform standards. However, within the federal government, tattoos are generally permissible as long as they are not offensive, obscene, gang-related, or otherwise inappropriate for a federal healthcare setting. Q80. Under section 10.2, there is mention of a letter of declination regarding the hepatitis-b vaccination. Please clarify what the general content and context of this letter should be. Declination of vaccines documentation should comply with the Department of Health vaccine declination reasoning for medical or religious reasons. Q81. For the background investigation, should the Office for Personnel Management carry it out, what would be the cost per employee to be reimbursed to VACHS? See Q43 Q82. Should a physical sample of the uniform be taken personally to VA San Juan, or will high-resolution digital images suffice as a sample? See Q57 above Q83. As part of the uniform under miscellaneous accessories, will a whistle be required? Also, there is no mention of radio holders. Will these accessories be required under this contract? Please clarify. Whistles are not required. Radio holsters are required. Q84. There is mention of 4 portable toilets. However, currently Carolina Warehouse (Base Muñiz) does not have a portable toilet. Is the requirement for a portable toilet for Carolina Warehouse applicable for this contract? See Q6, 23, 50, 51 and 52. Q85. Section D has the applicable Wage Determinations for this contract, however, the Department of Labor has announced that effective July 10, 2026 updated rates for Health & Welfare benefits will appear on Wage Determinations, making the new hourly rate for H&W $5.81. Please confirm if this is the rate that will be applicable to this contract. The latest Wage Determination publicized on https://sam.gov/wage-determinations by DOL at the time this solicitation is being issued is dated 5/13/2026. It is not possible to enforce something that has not been publicized by the agency. However, if revisions are made and publicized during the solicitation phase, then an Amendment to the Solicitation addressing such changes may be issued. Q.86 Wage Determination Section D. The WD s included for this contract place the hourly rate for Guard I (unarmed security guard) below the Puerto Rico minimum wage, which at the moment is $10.50 per hour. Taking under consideration that, by State law, the contractor cannot pay the employee less than the minimum wage, and that, legally, the contractor must pay the rate which is most beneficial to the employee, will the required hourly rate then be the one outlined by the different Wage Determination documents or the minimum wage outlined by the Puerto Rico Department of Labor? Please advise. See Q15 and 65 Q.87 Are bilingual guards required on all posts or only at those with visitors and patient interaction? See PWS 6 for guards' qualifications. Q.88 Are reflective vests required for all posts? Yes, for safety, reflective vests are required for all posts. Q.89 Is there an official uniform required by VA, or compliance with specifications of PWS enough? There is no official uniform required. Offeror needs to submit their best proposal based on the PWS 6.13 requirements. Also see Q57 Q90. Are all daily reports required in electronic format? Each post has its own reporting that stays on the post. Q91. Is there a VA-specific system for incident reporting? Yes, VA has a standard operating procedure for reporting incidents; the documentation is available at each post for guards to log incidents as necessary. Q92. Are contractors required to keep physical records in addition to electronic records? Contractors do not need to maintain records other than their internal employee records in their customary practice. Q93. In case the PDF file exceeds the allowable transmittal size, would the government accept a downloadable file type like SharePoint, OneDrive, or similar? No, the Government will not accept downloadable links of any kind. In such a case, the RFP response offer needs to be reduced to a size that can be transmitted via email. See Q56 Q94. Please clarify if Contractor needs only to complete blocks 30a-30c of page 1 of RFP? Yes, page 1 of the RFP, blocks 30a-30c need to be completed and submitted along with the Offer following the solicitation requirement. See attached document: PWS Unarmed Contract Security Guards Long Term Final Rev. See attached document: REVISED PRICE SCHEDULE.