S -- RFI for Contract Guard Services

Request for InformationPossible Guard Contract This announcement constitutes a Request for Information (RFI) to be utilized in market research. Information obtained as a result of this RFI is for planning purposes only. It does not constitute an invitation for sealed bid or request for proposal (RFP), nor is it to be construed as a commitment by the Government. The United States Marshals Service (USMS)/Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System (JPATS) is conducting market research for the purpose of investigating the possibility of awarding a guard contract to be used to provide guards for the transportation of federal prisoners and illegal aliens/detainees on its airlift. JPATS supports the federal judiciary by scheduling and transporting prisoners to court and detention facilities around the country. JPATS also transports illegal aliens to criminal and administrative hearings, court appearances and detention facilities, for the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). JPATS also provides regular international flights for the removal of deportable aliens. Additionally, JPATS transports some non-federal prisoners for state and local law enforcement agencies. JPATS seeks the potential services of the private sector to provide qualified individuals to assist in this effort. The locations for these services are Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Alexandria, Louisiana, and Mesa, Arizona. The contractor must provide for coverage 7 days a week 24 hours a day at all sites for on site hangar security. The Arizona, Louisiana and Oklahoma offices also require two back end crews daily, working on board aircraft. The contractor will be responsible for having approximately 140 guards at the Arizona, Louisiana, and Oklahoma sites to support hangar security, backend aircraft security, and the Federal Transfer Center (FTC). These crews fly daily and must arrive at the site ready to perform. There is minimal lead-time and missions can be cancelled at the last minute. Each guard would be responsible for assisting Aviation Enforcement Officers (AEO), Deputy United States Marshals (DUSM), Immigration and Naturalization Service Detention Enforcement Officers (INS/DEO) and Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Officers in the secure custody of any prisoner/alien/inmate from the time the detainee is accepted into the custody of JPATS and until the detainee is properly removed from the custody of JPATS. "Secure custody" of a prisoner/alien/detainee means that the contractor can physically control the prisoner in the event of an attempted escape. The guards may have to carry firearms and other tactical equipment in order to carry out his/her duties. There is significant travel associated with this position. It is possible that the guard will have to remain overnight in a location with little or no advance notification. The contractor shall be responsible for arranging overnight lodging when it occurs, but will be reimbursed for the travel expenses in accordance with the Government Travel Regulations. The contractor must prequalify potential guards to ensure they meet minimum qualifications for background investigations and medical clearance. All guards must have completed an approved, certified flight safety training program and must undergo a medical examination. The contractor shall be responsible for providing all uniforms, which meet JPATS specifications. Additionally, the contractor will be responsible for providing all necessary training, passports, vaccinations, flight physicals, supervision, transportation, equipment, and all human resources support. It is requested that interested offerors provide the Government with estimated hourly costs based on the information provided above. Industry responses to the RFI should be submitted to the Contracting Officer no later than 30 calendar days following publication of the notice in the FedBizOps. This RFI is for planning purposes only and shall not constitute a request for proposal. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI or otherwise pay for the information solicited. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise as a result of submission of responses to this RFI and the Government's use of such information. Respondents to this RFI may be requested to provide additional information/details based on their initial submission.