DoWEA Safety Aide and Attendant Services for Student Transportation in Okinawa, Japan (AMD2)

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding Solicitation HE125426QE044, specifically addressing clarifications related to the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and potential contract modifications.

• Contract Adjustments: Changes to scope, such as increased routes or runs, will be addressed through contract modifications if warranted, as the solicitation reflects estimated requirements at the time of issuance.
• Transportation for Safety Attendants: The contractor is responsible for meeting all PWS performance requirements, including providing transportation for safety attendants. The Government will not provide this transportation or restructure routes.
• Bus Evacuation/Safety Training: The Government will not provide the 2.5 hours of Bus Evacuation/Safety Training bi-annually. Offerors are responsible for this training as per the PWS.
• PWS Renumbering: The PWS has been revised and renumbered. Offerors must review the amended PWS (titled "PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS) Revised in HE125426QE044 Amendment 2") as the previous version is no longer applicable.
• Training Pricing: The Government does not validate pricing assumptions for training hours. Contractors must develop pricing that accounts for all PWS requirements. There is no requirement for contractor personnel to be certified in "Blood Borne Pathogens."
• Misconduct Reporting: Safety Aides and Attendants are responsible for documenting and submitting Student Misbehavior Reports, as clarified in Amendment 2 of the PWS.

This document, along with Amendment 2, clarifies requirements and updates the PWS. Offerors must review the revised PWS and ensure their proposals account for these clarifications and changes.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (AMD2) to solicitation HE125426QE044 makes the following changes:

• Provides answers to vendor questions received.

• Updates Attachment 1, the Performance Work Statement (PWS), with revisions highlighted in yellow.

• Extends the Submission of Quote due date from May 14, 2026, to May 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. EDT.

• Performance Work Statement (PWS) - Attachment 1

• Submission of Quote due date

• The deadline for submitting quotes has been extended to May 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. EDT.

• Bidders should review the updated PWS for any changes to requirements.

Amendment / Modification

This document is Revision 2 of the Performance Work Statement (PWS) for Safety Aide and Attendant Services for Student Transportation in Okinawa, Japan. It serves as Amendment 2 to the original solicitation HE125426QE044.

This amendment revises the PWS, indicating changes to the original requirements. Specific details of the changes are not provided in the document title or cover page but are incorporated into this revised PWS.

Vendors responding to the solicitation should refer to this revised PWS (Revision 2) as it supersedes previous versions and contains the most current requirements for the Safety Aide and Attendant Services opportunity.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (AMD1) extends the Submission of Quote due date.

• Response Due Date

• The Submission of Quote due date has been extended to 11:00 a.m. EDT on May 14, 2026.

• All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides detailed route information for student transportation services, including safety attendant and safety aide routes, as well as contract manager staffing requirements. It serves as an attachment to a solicitation, offering specific operational details for potential bidders.

• Route Lists: Details specific routes with assigned numbers, originating schools (e.g., Amelia Earhart Intermediate School, Kadena High School), and destination schools or locations (e.g., Lester Middle School, Kadena High School/Middle School). It also notes if routes are shared.
• Estimated Staffing: Specifies minimum staffing requirements, including 42 daily safety attendants for general student ridership and 11 daily safety aides for students requiring special assistance. It also outlines a requirement for 2 Contract Managers (one primary, one alternate).
• Sample Routes: Provides detailed AM/PM schedules for specific routes, including stop names, arrival/departure times, and distances. This section offers a granular view of daily operations.

This attachment is crucial for bidders to understand the scope and scale of the transportation services required. It details the number of routes, the schools served, estimated staffing needs, and provides concrete examples of route operations. This information is essential for developing accurate proposals, estimating resource needs, and understanding the logistical complexities of the contract.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides information related to school commuting zones for the Pacific South District Transportation School Zone Map. It includes a table listing installations, school names, abbreviations, types, and age/grade groups, alongside a map illustrating these zones.

• Table: Lists 12 schools across various installations (Kadena AB, Camp Foster, Camp McTureous, Camp Kinser, Zukeran Area) with details on their type (Elementary, Middle, Intermediate, High) and grade levels.
• Map: Visually depicts the Okinawa School Bus Commuting Zones, color-coded to correspond with specific school combinations.
• Color Key: Explains the color coding used on the map, linking each color to a specific set of schools (e.g., Amelia Earhart IS/ Ralph Stearley Primary School/ Kadena MS/ Kadena HS).

This attachment is crucial for understanding the geographic service areas and school assignments associated with the opportunity. Bidders may need to use this information to assess logistical requirements, staffing considerations, or operational feasibility related to transportation or services within these defined commuting zones.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Enclosure 4, a form for the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS). It outlines the requirements for designating a contractor representative responsible for receiving and responding to performance assessments.

• Designated Representative: Contractors must provide the name, title, email address, and phone number of their representative for CPARS assessments.
• Representative Authority: The designated representative has the authority to receive assessments, review, comment, and return them within 30 days. They can also request a meeting to discuss the evaluation within seven calendar days of receipt.
• Required Information: Fields to be completed include Name, Title, Email address, Telephone number, and N/CAGE number.
• Hardware/Software Requirements: To use CPARS Online, internet access is required, along with the latest major desktop versions of Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. Adobe Acrobat Reader is also necessary for viewing and printing PDF attachments.
• Technical Support: Contact information for technical support is provided via email (webptsmh@navy.mil) and phone ((207) 438-1690 or DSN 684-1690).

This form must be completed by offerors to designate their point of contact for performance assessments, which is a critical part of the contract administration process. Understanding these requirements ensures compliance and proper communication regarding performance evaluations.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Enclosure 5 to Attachment 6, titled "252.239-7009 REPRESENTATION OF USE OF CLOUD COMPUTING (SEPT 2015)". It requires offerors to represent whether they anticipate using cloud computing services in the performance of any contract or subcontract resulting from this solicitation.

• Definition of Cloud Computing: Provides a standard definition of cloud computing, including its characteristics and commercial offerings.
• Offeror Representation: Requires the offeror to check one of two boxes:
  • "Does anticipate that cloud computing services will be used in the performance of any contract or subcontract resulting from this solicitation."
  • "Does not anticipate that cloud computing services will be used in the performance of any contract or subcontract resulting from this solicitation."

Bidders must complete this form to indicate their anticipated use of cloud computing services. This information is crucial for the government's understanding of the potential contract's technical environment and compliance requirements.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ) for commercial services, specifically "Student Transportation Safety Aide and Safety Attendant Services" for the Department of War Education Activity (DoDEA) Pacific South District in Okinawa, Japan. This announcement serves as the sole solicitation, and a separate written solicitation will not be issued. The NAICS code for this acquisition is 485410.

• The core requirement is for Student Transportation Safety Aide and Safety Attendant Services.

• Performance requirements are detailed in Attachment 1 - Performance Work Statement (PWS).

• The acquisition includes a base year and four option years.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price (FFP), Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ).

• Period of Performance: Base year runs from 01 Aug 2026 to 31 Jul 2027, with option years extending through 31 Jul 2030, and additional option periods for Safety Attendant and Safety Aide services extending to 31 Jan 2032.

• Minimum guaranteed amount: 376,103.75 Japanese Yen.

• Maximum quantity: 137,495 runs, plus a 30% increase.

• Non-Disclosure Agreement (Attachment 7): Must be submitted via email by 11:00 a.m. EDT on 22 April 2026 to receive Attachments 7(a) "Route List" and 7(b) "Commuting Area Zone information/Map."

• Questions: Due by 11:00 a.m. EDT on 13 April 2026.

• Quotes: Must be submitted via email by 11:00 a.m. EDT on 04 May 2026.

• Evaluation: Quotes will be evaluated on a best-value basis considering Staffing Capability (Factor 1), Past Performance (Factor 2), and Price (Factor 3). Representations and Certifications (Factor 4) will be evaluated as Acceptable/Unacceptable.

• This acquisition is not set-aside for small business concerns.

• All attachments must be reviewed carefully.

• Full text of provisions and clauses can be accessed at www.acquisition.gov.

• Communications with anyone other than the Contracting Officer or Contract Specialist may compromise the integrity of the acquisition.

• Emails over 10 MB will be rejected.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Letter of Commitment" (Enclosure 3) required as part of the offeror's submission for Solicitation HE125426QE044. It serves to confirm a subcontractor's or teaming partner's commitment to perform the work described in the solicitation if the prime offeror is awarded the contract.

• Solicitation Number: HE125426QE044
• Subject: Commitment for Performance of Solicitation HE125426QE044 for Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA) Safety Aides and Safety Attendant Services for Okinawa, Japan.
• Fields for Subcontractor/Partner Representative Name, Title, and Signature.

Prime offerors must ensure they obtain and submit this completed letter from any subcontractors or teaming partners they intend to utilize for the performance of this contract. It is a required component for proposal submission.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for Safety Aide and Safety Attendant services for student transportation for the Okinawa Military Community in Japan, serving DoWEA Pacific schools.

• Provide Safety Attendant services for Pre-Kindergarten through 2nd grade students.

• Provide Safety Aide services for Special Education (SPED) students.

• Services include assisting students with boarding and disembarking, ensuring on-board safety (seat belts, behavior compliance), and assisting with transportation security.

• Respond to emergencies, including accidents, assaults, and medical situations.

• Services are required during the regular school year (approx. 175 days) and potentially during the Extended School Year (ESY) program (approx. 25 days).

• Routes typically consist of two runs per school day: morning in-bound and afternoon out-bound.

• Services must be performed in a safe, prudent, and professional manner.

• Maintain good order of passengers.

• Compliance with DoWEA, Japan Nation, and military installation regulations.

• Specific quality standards and Acceptable Quality Levels (AQLs) are detailed in the Performance Requirement Summary (PRS) table, including 98% compliance for objectives and reporting, and 100% compliance for security and safety.

• Location: Okinawa, Japan.

• Period of Performance: During the school year, typically August through June, with potential for ESY in June/July.

• Service Hours: Approximately 0530 to 1600, Monday through Friday, for approximately 180 days per school year.

• Personnel must undergo background checks and possess required certifications (e.g., First Aid, CPR, Anaphylaxis/Epinephrine Auto-Injector).

• English language fluency (minimum B1 level) is required for all personnel.

• Strict adherence to safety protocols, including the "Danger Zone" around the bus.

• Specific attire and code of conduct requirements.

• Contract Managers must be located within 40 miles of the installation and available for immediate response.

• Deliverables include personnel lists, training memorandums, accident/incident reports, and employee records.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Staffing Capability," is an attachment to the solicitation and requires bidders to provide specific staffing information for the Safety Aide and Attendant Services (SAA) opportunity in Okinawa, Japan. It details mandatory and optional questions related to personnel proposed.

• Mandatory Questions (8): Bidders must respond to these questions, which are marked in yellow. Failure to do so will result in an "Unacceptable" proposal rating for Subfactor 1.
• Optional Questions (24): These questions allow bidders to provide additional details that may exceed minimum requirements.
• Personnel Categories: Information is requested for Contract Managers, Alternate Contract Managers, Safety Attendants, and Safety Aides.
• Minimum Requirements: For each personnel category, minimum qualifications and availability dates (e.g., by August 1, 2026) are outlined, including language proficiency (English and Host Nation B1 level), physical presence requirements, and experience.
• Above and Beyond Qualifications: Sections are provided for bidders to detail any additional qualifications or certifications their proposed personnel hold beyond the minimum requirements. Note that not having these additional credentials at the time of proposal submission will not result in a deficiency rating.
• Staffing Strategies: Bidders must address how they will ensure adequate staffing daily, their contingency plans for staff call-outs or resignations, and details of any teaming arrangements.
• Word Limit: Responses in each mandatory and optional cell are limited to a maximum of 250 words.

This attachment is critical for bidders to detail their proposed staffing plan and demonstrate their capability to meet the government's personnel requirements for the SAA contract. Accurate and complete responses are essential for a compliant and competitive proposal. Bidders must pay close attention to the mandatory questions and the 250-word limit per cell.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, Attachment 3 - Volume II Past Performance, provides instructions and a template for Offerors to submit past performance information. This is a critical component for the evaluation of proposals.

• Past Performance Volume Instructions: Details requirements for submitting past performance references, including:
  • No more than three (3) recent contracts for the prime, subcontractors, or teaming partners.
  • At least one (1) past performance reference for the Prime Offeror.
  • At least one (1) past performance reference for each proposed subcontractor or teaming partner, including written consent and a description of their roles and responsibilities (estimated percentage of work, specific resources).
  • Requirements for submitting predecessor company information, including evidentiary documentation.
  • Definition of "recent" (completed or ongoing within the last three years) and "relevant" (similar scope, magnitude, and complexity).
  • Consequences of not meeting requirements (e.g., a "Neutral" rating).
• Past Performance Information Template: A required format for submitting each past performance reference, including:
  • Reference Information (Contract Number, Type, Period of Performance, Value, Customer/Agency, Address, POC, Email, Phone).
  • Brief Description of Effort.
  • Past Performance Relevancy Factors (how the reference is relevant in scope, magnitude, and complexity).

Offerors must carefully follow these instructions to submit a compliant past performance proposal. Failure to provide adequate information, particularly regarding subcontractors and predecessor companies, may result in a "Neutral" rating, negatively impacting the evaluation. The recency and relevancy criteria are crucial for demonstrating capability. This attachment directly guides proposal preparation for the past performance evaluation factor.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Attachment 4, a Present and Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ), for Solicitation HE125426QE044 concerning the Okinawa, Japan Military Community. Its purpose is to gather feedback from the Offeror's customers regarding their past performance on similar contracts.

• Offeror Information: Requires the Offeror to complete sections including Firm Name, N/CAGE Code, Address, Unique Entity ID, Phone Number, Email Address, Point of Contact, and details about their role (Prime, Subcontractor, etc.) and the percentage of work performed.
• Reference Information: Requires the Offeror to provide details of the customer/reference, including Business Name, Address, Phone Number, Email Address, Point of Contact, Contract Number, Final Contract Value, Contract Type, and Period of Performance.
• Evaluation Section: To be completed by the Offeror's customer, this section uses a rating scale (Poor/Unsatisfactory to Excellent, Neutral/N/A) to assess the contractor's experience in specific areas such as:
  • Transporting pre-kindergarten through high school children.
  • Transporting special needs students with a Safety Aide.
  • Personnel management and responsiveness to deficiencies.
  • Responding to incidents and accidents.
  • Providing, tracking, and reporting required training.
  • Providing timely and accurate reports.
  • Communication with stakeholders.
  • Overall performance.
• Brief Description of Effort: Customers are asked to provide a brief description of the services rendered and its relevancy to the solicitation requirements, including any problems and resolutions.

Bidders must provide this questionnaire to their past customers to complete and return directly to the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist. The feedback gathered will be a critical component of the evaluation of the bidder's past performance, directly impacting their chances of winning the contract. Bidders should ensure they select appropriate references and that their customers can provide detailed and accurate feedback.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This Excel file contains pricing information and estimated quantities for Safety Aide and Attendant Services for DoDEA Pacific South, specifically for the Okinawa region. It details the breakdown of services across a base year and four option years, including calculations for estimated maximum quantities.

• Summary Sheet: Provides an overview of the estimated price for base and option periods, including the FAR 52.217-8 option. All estimated prices are listed as 0.0 YEN.
• Pricing Input Sheet: Details CLINs, PR Line Items, and descriptions for Safety Attendants and SPED Safety Aides. It outlines the methodology for calculating estimated maximum quantities based on school days, daily routes, and special education routes. The sheet also includes placeholders for estimated unit prices and total costs, which are all listed as 0.0.
• Route Data Sheet: Provides detailed route data for SY25-26, including the number of single/double routes, specific school routes, and total buses used for AM/PM services. This data informs the quantity calculations for safety attendants and aides.
• Option Years: Each option year (1-4) and the FAR 52.217-8 extension include line items for Safety Attendants and SPED Safety Aides, with estimated quantities mirroring the base year, and all cost fields set to 0.0.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the anticipated scope and scale of services required for safety attendant and aide support. While all estimated costs are currently listed as 0.0, the detailed breakdown of quantities, route types, and service periods (base year and four option years) provides a framework for developing accurate pricing proposals. Bidders should use this data to estimate their unit costs and total proposed prices for each CLIN and option period.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 6 – Offeror Representations and Certifications (Reps & Certs)", outlines the required representations and certifications that offerors must complete and submit with their proposals. It also specifies additional documentation that may be required to support the Responsibility Determination.

• System for Award Management (SAM) Registration: Offerors must ensure their SAM registration is accurate and active by the proposal due date.
• Required Representations and Certifications: Offerors must complete and submit the following:
  • Enclosure 1: 52.209-7 – Information Regarding Responsibility Matters
  • Enclosure 2: 52.222-56 Certification Regarding Trafficking in Persons Compliance Plan
  • Enclosure 3: Letter of Commitment
  • Enclosure 4: FAR 42.15 – CPARS Form
  • Enclosure 5: 252.239-7009 Representation Of Use Of Cloud Computing
• Additional Supporting Documentation: Offerors may need to provide additional documentation to support their Responsibility Determination, as outlined in FAR Part 9. This may include:
  • Dunn and Bradstreet (D&B) Risk Assessment
  • Letter from Offeror's bank or financial institution demonstrating adequate financial resources.
  • Other records indicating quality performance, integrity, business ethics, facility capital, or necessary skills.

This attachment is critical for bidders to understand the mandatory compliance and certification requirements for their proposal. Failure to complete and submit these accurately may impact eligibility for contract award. Bidders should carefully review each enclosure and the requirements for additional supporting documentation to ensure their proposal is compliant.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Attachment 7, a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) required for the solicitation HE125426QE044. It outlines the terms under which individuals and companies must agree not to disclose sensitive information related to the solicitation, specifically concerning Attachment 7(a), the Route List.

• Briefing Acknowledgment: A sworn statement by the individual and their company to not divulge, publish, or reveal information about Attachment 7(a) except as necessary.
• Certification: An agreement to read, understand, and certify the truthfulness of the statements made in the NDA.
• Fields to Complete: Name, Company, Job Title, Date, Signature, Printed Name, and Title.

Bidders must complete and submit this Non-Disclosure Agreement as part of the solicitation process. It signifies their commitment to maintaining the confidentiality of specific information provided by the government, particularly regarding the Route List (Attachment 7(a)). Failure to complete this form may impact a bidder's ability to participate in the solicitation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (FEB 2026)," is a provision that requires offerors to provide information regarding their responsibility matters. It is intended to ensure that potential contractors are responsible and have a satisfactory record of performance and integrity.

• Definitions: Clarifies terms such as "Administrative proceeding" and "Federal contracts and grants with total value greater than $10,000,000."
• Offeror Representation: Requires offerors to select whether they "have" or "do not have" current active Federal contracts and grants exceeding $10,000,000.
• FAPIIS Information: If an offeror checks "has," they must represent that the information entered in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) is current, accurate, and complete.
• Specific Dispositions: Details the types of proceedings (criminal, civil, administrative) and dispositions (conviction, findings of fault and liability resulting in monetary penalties or damages) that must be reported if they occurred within the last five years.
• Reporting Requirement: Mandates that offerors post required information in FAPIIS and maintain an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

This provision is critical for bidders as it directly impacts their eligibility and the completeness of their offer. Failure to accurately disclose required responsibility matters or maintain SAM.gov registration could lead to disqualification. Bidders must carefully review the definitions and reporting requirements to ensure compliance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Enclosure 2 to Attachment 6, titled "Reps and Certs." It serves as a certification form for the Offeror (Contractor) regarding compliance with the clause 52.222-56, Combating Trafficking in Persons.

• Requires the Offeror to certify that they have implemented a compliance plan to prevent prohibited activities related to trafficking in persons.
• Requires the Offeror to certify, to the best of their knowledge and belief, that neither they nor their agents or subcontractors are engaged in such activities.
• Alternatively, or in addition, it requires certification that if abuses have been found, appropriate remedial and referral actions have been taken.
• Includes fields for Offeror (Contractors Name), Signature, Title, and Date.

Bidders must complete and submit this form as part of their proposal or response to demonstrate compliance with federal regulations concerning trafficking in persons. Failure to complete this form accurately may impact the evaluation of the bid.