Questions and Answers - Sources Sought

1.

Prime Contractor and Subcontracting Requirements: Would the contractor be eligible to serve as the prime contractor while partnering with an established, qualified smallbusiness subcontractor to perform the specialized document and media destruction services, provided the arrangement complies with applicable limitations on subcontracting?

The prime must have an FCL at the highest classification level for the scope of work to be performed. Our contract is with the prime. If they use a sub, that is a contract between the prime and sub. If the sub requires access to classified, they would need an FCL as well. Additionally, any COMSEC, and OPSEC requirements that need to be flowed-down to the sub, must be authorized in writing by the KO.
2.

Security Requirements: Must the prime contractor independently possess a facility security clearance, or may the required security clearances, certifications, specialized equipment, and installation access be provided through an appropriately qualified subcontractor?

Both Prime and subcontractors must meet the security requirements. 3.

Performance Requirements: The PWS references monthly services in Section 3 and biweekly services in the Performance Requirements Summary. Could you confirm the intended service frequency?

It will be monthly.
4.

Contract Duration and Quantities: Are the estimated annual electronic media destruction quantities intended to apply to the six-month performance period identified in the PWS?

Yes, we intend to shred the majority of the material during the short-term contract spread out over the six-month period, and then maintain a regular drum beat of shredding in the long term contract.
5.

Would a small-business prime contractor be eligible if all classified material handling and destruction were performed by an appropriately cleared subcontractor, or must the prime independently possess a facility security clearance?

No, both Prime and subcontractors must possess appropriate clearances (please see above). 6.

Would the Navy consider an arrangement in which the prime manages contract administration, scheduling, quality assurance, and invoicing while the qualified subcontractor performs the physical destruction, provided the arrangement complies with FAR 52.219-14?

The government will only directly work with the prime contractor (the prime is responsible for coordinating the work that is being done through the subcontractor). 7.

Are there additional facility clearance, personnel clearance, or security sponsorship