INFORMATION RESOURCE CENTER SERVICES

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to questions submitted by potential offerors regarding Solicitation No. 1131PL26R0031.

• Incumbency/Recompete: Multiple questions confirm that offerors should refer to RFP Section E.1.4 for information regarding incumbent or new contract status.
• Security Clearance: The government will accept an active Facility Clearance at the Secret or higher level granted by DCSA under any current Government contract. Secret clearance is required for all positions, but contractor personnel with an interim clearance awaiting adjudication may be permitted to perform at the Contracting Officer's discretion.
• Phase-In/Phase-Out: Clearance crossover must be completed during the Phase-In/Phase-Out Period, prior to the contractor assuming full responsibility.
• Classified Storage: No classified storage is required at the contractor's facility.
• Labor Categories: Offerors are responsible for determining the appropriate labor category and role for their proposed personnel.
• Key Personnel: Resumes are required for the Project Manager, who is the only designated Key Personnel. Other proposed staff are required to perform work at the USTDA facility.
• Past Performance: Past performance will be evaluated for contracts performed within the last three years from the date of issuance.
• Contract Type: The resulting contract is NOT a time and material contract.
• Joint Venture Facility Clearance: A Joint Venture does not necessarily need its own Facility Clearance (FCL) if one or more of its members hold the required FCL. However, all contractor personnel must possess and maintain a Secret Clearance.

This amendment clarifies several aspects of the solicitation, including security requirements, personnel qualifications, and proposal submission details, which may impact how offerors prepare their proposals and price their services.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Information Resource Center (IRC) Administrative Support Services for the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA). This acquisition is a small business set-aside and will result in a single award Firm-Fixed-Price contract.

The contractor will provide program and administrative support services, including but not limited to:

• Agency Records Management (maintaining Central Agency Files, scanning, archiving, disposition, and liaising with NARA).

• General Administrative Support (reviewing grant/contract deliverables, travel management, building/facilities management).

• Publications and Reports (developing and running agency reports, maintaining manuals and guidelines).

• Mail Room and Copier Areas Support.

• Support for Training Center/Conference Rooms.

• Support for Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) program.

• Receptionist Services.

• Assistance with internal and external dissemination of information.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price.

• Period of Performance: Base period of twelve (12) months from award, with four (4) twelve (12) month option periods.

• Estimated Value: The total value of the incumbent contract (Base Year + 4 Option Years) is $4.39 Million.

• Place of Performance: Primarily at the USTDA Office at 1101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1100, Arlington, VA 22209. Situational teleworking may be granted for certain positions with CO/COR approval.

• Proposal Submission Deadline: Friday, June 5, 2026, at 1pm Arlington, VA Time/EST, submitted electronically to Contractproposals@ustda.gov.

• Proposal Format: Two volumes (I – Technical and Past Performance; II – Price and Contract Documentation). Specific formatting requirements are detailed in the solicitation.

• Evaluation Factors: Technical Approach (Staffing and Management, Implementation), Past Performance, and Price. Technical Approach and Past Performance are of equal importance and combined are significantly more important than Price. The Government will use Best Value Source Selection Procedures.

• This acquisition is a small business set-aside.

• Offerors must be registered and have an active status in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

• A Secret Facility Clearance is required for contract performance.

• This is a re-solicitation of services currently performed by contractor IT Shows, Inc.

• Specific personnel qualifications, security requirements (SECRET clearance), and insurance coverage are detailed within the document.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, a DD Form 254 (Contract Security Classification Specification), outlines the security requirements for a contract. It specifies the level of clearance and safeguarding required for personnel performing work under the contract, as well as guidance on handling classified information.

• Facility Clearance: Secret
• Personnel Security Clearances: SECRET clearances issued by Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DSCA) are required for contractor personnel. Interim clearances may be allowed at the discretion of the Contract Officer (CO).
• Access to Classified Information: Uncleared contractors require a Department of State (DoS) Personal ID Facility Access Card (FAC) prior to performance. Uncleared personnel are not eligible for access to classified information.
• Visit Authorization Requests (VARs): VARs must be sent to the USTDA Office of Administration and forwarded to DoS, DS/IS/IND. VARs are required for personnel removed from contract performance and are valid for 12 months, renewable 30 days prior to expiration.
• Subcontractor Requirements: DD Forms 254 for subcontractors must be forwarded to the CO for certification before issuance and before subcontractor personnel gain access to classified information.
• Compliance: Contractors must comply with applicable DoS regulations, including the NISPOM and Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) 500 and 600, when working at USTDA locations serviced by DoS.
• Reporting: Adverse information concerning cleared personnel, impending marriage/cohabitation/bonds with foreign nationals must be reported to the CO and COR.
• Classified Storage: Classified storage is not a requirement for this contract; therefore, no classified information will be discussed, generated, or stored at the contractor's facility.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the security requirements and potential costs associated with personnel clearances and handling of classified information. It details the necessary clearances, procedures for obtaining them, and compliance obligations, which are essential for determining bid eligibility and developing a compliant proposal.

Amendment / Modification

This document is Revision No. 36 to Wage Determination No. 2015-4281, with the last revision date being March 30, 2026. It provides updated wage and fringe benefit rates for various occupations applicable to service contracts in specific geographic areas.

• The document lists numerous occupational codes and their corresponding minimum hourly wage rates and fringe benefits.

• It includes specific notes regarding Executive Orders (EO) 13706 and 13658, detailing requirements for paid sick leave and minimum wage rates for federal contractors.

• It outlines the process for requesting additional classifications and wage rates (Standard Form 1444).

• It specifies requirements for uniform allowances and the application of hazardous pay differentials.

• Bidders should review the updated wage rates and fringe benefits to accurately calculate labor costs for their proposals.

• Compliance with EO 13706 and EO 13658 is mandatory for covered contracts, and bidders must ensure their proposed wages meet or exceed these requirements.

• Any unlisted classifications require a conformance process, which should be initiated by the contractor prior to contract performance.