Solicitation TIRNO-15-Q-NFL001 Fingerprint Specialist Questions: 1) With the understanding that it is on an "as needed" basis and may not be equally distributed, is the total number of hours (2,080) to be split between two examiners? Or will each examiner be budgeted for up to 2,080 hours? I believe the 2,080 hours was intended to be per examiner, but this would depend on how much the contractor is charging. 2) Can more than two examiners be used to perform the required services? That is, assuming that the same level of expertise were provided, could more than two examiners be used to perform the work over the course of the contract? We would prefer just two examiners based on the fact that this is intended to be a one year contract. Because of the learning curve (i.e. they have to learn our policies, procedures and systems, we have to establish competency before letting them work cases, they have to have background checks, there would be possible testimony needed after having worked the cases, etc.) 3) Which AFIS technology is currently being used by the IRS to conduct latent searches (3M Cogent, MorphoTrak, NEC, etc.)? We use the NGI AFIS system maintained by the FBI. Because we are a national laboratory, we only use this system and not a State operated system (e.g. 3M Cogent, NEC, etc.). 4) Is there only one location where services are to be performed? If so, assuming a qualified examiner had to travel from out of the area in order to perform the required services, would travel expenses be subject in any way to reimbursement? We would consider letting the services be performed at another; however, the contractor would have to demonstrate they are capable of demonstrating compliance with the accreditation standards related to evidence security, control, handling, etc. 5) Reference 2080 hours - the solicitation states "seeking services of two fingerprint specialists" -- are these hours for each specialist or a total for two specialists? It is up to 2,080 hours per specialist; however, it may not be that much. It will depend on what the contractor is charging and when the money runs out. 6) When submitting our bid price is there a format to follow, or an online form we are to complete? No, please provide me with your hourly rate. 7) Synopsis states" contractor shall be utilized on an - as needed" basis - would the contractor be allowed to rotate their specialists as needed to provide the services requested? As previously stated, I would prefer we NOT rotate specialists. Rotating specialists could become management intensive and take away from the amount of time that goes into working the cases (i.e. becoming familiar with our operating procedures, competency testing, etc.). However, if the only solicitation we get is the offer to "rotate" specialists, that would not prevent us from entering into the contract. 8) Are there any other fees that we should take into consideration when submitting our bid price (e.g. third party fees)? None, to my knowledge. 9) Are there any specific insurance requirements mandated by the contract? I'm not sure I can answer this. Maybe this is a question for the contracting officer or legal? How has this been handled in other contracts? 10) Are courtroom testimony costs included in the 2080 hours? Yes, while the specialist is under contract. Our examiners will be verifying any identifications made by the contracted specialist, so that when the contract has ended our examiners can testify. 11) What is the minimum number of hours for "as needed" basis? Minimum of 20 hours per week up to 35/40 hours per week, as needed based on case demand. 12) Is travel to be included in pricing, or does the IRS pay all travel related expenses? Again, I'm not sure I can answer this. How has this been handled by other contracts? I would think the potential contractor would have to work that into the price of the contract. Let's say they are including travel time in the 40 hours, then maybe that only gives us 30 hours of casework per week when we're paying for 40 hours to include travel related expenses 13) Should a bid divide that 2080 hours between two individuals who will essentially work part-time, when needed? I am looking for your company's hourly rate. 2080 Hours is for one finger print specialist annual costs. The synopsis states "utilized on as needed basis". Workload shall determine actual hours needed. 14) Or are they looking for two full-time individuals each to work 2080 hours? Yes, the requirement calls for two specialist, "as needed "which may reach a total of 2080 hours annually. 15) And what is the time period - is this a one year full-time contract or is it a multi-year, part-time contract? This is a one year requirement it will run for 12 months from date of award. 16) Does the laboratory management have an anticipated start date for these individuals? Award shall be made based on how many responsible proposals will be submitted by close date of April 7,2015 @12:00pm
