Level II - Armed Protective Service Officers and Patrol Services

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to questions submitted by potential bidders regarding Solicitation 70FBR226R00000006 for Level II Armed Protective Service Officers and Patrol Vehicle Services in support of disaster recovery operations in Puerto Rico.

• Company Performing Services: To determine if a company is currently performing similar services and the contract value, bidders must submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.
• Local Set-Aside: To qualify for the Local Set-Aside, an offeror must have had its main operating office in Puerto Rico for the last twelve months and that office must have generated at least half of the offeror's gross revenues and employed at least half of its permanent employees.
• Incumbent/Recompete Information: Information regarding incumbent or recompete status requires a FOIA request.
• Wage Determination: The applicable Wage Determination is No. 2015-5707, Revision 28, dated 12/03/2025, for Protective Services labor category 27102 – Guard II, with a wage rate of $10.87 per hour. Federal Executive Order 13658 does not apply to contracts performed in U.S. territories like Puerto Rico.
• Two-Way Radios: Each post requires an assigned two-way radio or an equivalent (e.g., cell phone with application).
• Firearms and Duty Gear: Individually owned and licensed firearms, ammunition, and duty gear are acceptable, provided they comply with applicable Puerto Rico laws and the Statement of Work. The contractor is responsible for ensuring all PSO equipment is compliant.
• Staffing: The contractor has the prerogative to manage their staff once awarded. The government's requirement is that PSOs are on time, qualified, trained, and fully equipped.
• Personally Owned Equipment: While PSOs shall not possess unauthorized supplemental or personal equipment, individually owned, properly licensed, and compliant equipment (including firearms and ammunition) will be permitted under the contract, as detailed in Section 9.4.1.3 of the Statement of Work.

These clarifications provide essential details for bidders regarding eligibility for the local set-aside, equipment requirements, wage rates, and the process for obtaining specific contract information. Bidders should carefully review these responses to ensure their proposals meet all stated requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This spreadsheet, titled "PSO FEMA SPREADSHEET COMPLIANCE," appears to be a compliance tracking tool for Personnel Security Officers (PSOs) related to FEMA requirements. It is intended to capture and organize information regarding PSO qualifications and compliance status.

The spreadsheet is organized into several sections:

• PSO Information & License: Captures basic PSO details and license expiration dates.
• Firearms Compliance: Details related to firearms, including Make, Model, Caliber, and Serial Number.
• Trainings Compliance: Tracks various required trainings and certifications, including:
  • Security Guard License Expiration
  • Driver's License Expiration Date
  • Firearm License Number and Expiration
  • Last Firearm Use & Handling Certification
  • CPR Certification
  • Pepper Spray Certification
  • Mechanics & Arrest Techniques Training
  • OPSEC Training

Bidders may need to use this spreadsheet to understand the specific compliance and training requirements for personnel who will be performing services under this opportunity. It could also serve as a template for reporting or verifying personnel qualifications if required as part of the proposal submission or contract performance. The detailed breakdown of required licenses and training indicates specific standards that personnel must meet.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "REGISTER OF WAGE DETERMINATIONS" issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Wage and Hour Division, under the Service Contract Act. It provides the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations in Puerto Rico.

• Geographic Area: Specifies "Puerto Rico" and lists numerous municipalities within the state.
• Occupational Listing: Provides a comprehensive list of occupations, each with a code, title, and a corresponding minimum hourly wage rate.
• Fringe Benefits: Indicates that fringe benefits are required and follow the occupational listing, though specific details are not provided in this excerpt.
• Footnotes: References footnotes for specific occupations, which may contain additional details or exclusions (e.g., computer employees, air traffic controllers, hazardous pay differentials, uniform allowances).
• Conformance Process: Outlines the process for requesting additional classifications and wage rates if an occupation is not listed.

This document is crucial for bidders as it establishes the minimum labor costs for various positions that may be employed under a Service Contract Act-covered contract. Bidders must use these wage rates when calculating their proposed labor costs to ensure compliance with federal regulations. Failure to adhere to these wage determinations can lead to penalties.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Notice to Offerors - Statement of Contractor Assurance," serves as an attachment to a solicitation. It requires offerors to certify their financial resources, capability to meet performance schedules, and adherence to general standards as per FAR 9.104-1. It also mandates disclosure of any filings, fines, or legal proceedings that could materially affect their ability to implement the proposed project, as required by FAR 52.209-5 or 52.212-3(h).

• Certification: Offerors must certify adequate financial resources, capability to meet delivery/performance schedules, and compliance with general standards.
• Disclosure: Offerors must disclose bankruptcy filings, governmental fines, or legal proceedings impacting project implementation.
• Submission Instructions: Supporting information for this certification must be submitted to the Contracting Officer (CO) by the proposal due date. This submission is solely for responsibility determination and will not be part of the technical evaluation or count against technical proposal page limits.
• Minimum Required Information:
  1. Offeror's delivery plans, including supplier agreements, detailing how the Statement of Work will be accomplished.
  2. Description of the offeror's ability to meet financial demands, including relationships with lending/financial institutions or equity sources interested in financing the project.
  3. At the offeror's discretion, any additional information supporting the certification and assisting the CO in determining responsibility.
• Information Fields: Includes spaces for Company Name and Local Address, Unique Entity ID, Company's Authorized Representative (Signature and Date).

This attachment is crucial for bidders as it outlines specific information required to demonstrate their responsibility and capability to perform the contract. Failure to provide adequate assurance may impact the offeror's eligibility. Bidders must carefully prepare and submit the requested details regarding their delivery plans, financial arrangements, and any other supporting information to the CO by the proposal deadline.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for Armed Protective Service Officers (PSO) Level II and Patrol Vehicle Services to provide physical security at various FEMA sites and facilities in Puerto Rico. This is in support of disaster recovery operations related to multiple declared disasters (DR-4339-PR, DR-4671-PR, DR-4473-PR, DR-4850-PR) and fixed facilities, encompassing all municipalities of Puerto Rico.

• Provide Level II Armed Protective Service Officers and Patrol Vehicle Services.

• Services to be performed at multiple FEMA facilities across Puerto Rico, including specific locations in Guaynabo, Bayamón, Cayey, and Ponce.

• Contractor must provide all necessary personnel, management, supervision, training, equipment, and supplies.

• PSOs must meet specific qualifications, including U.S. Citizenship, English proficiency, security experience, firearms permits, and be at least 21 years of age.

• PSOs must undergo a favorable suitability adjudication from FEMA.

• Specific duties include access/egress control, security screening, visitor processing, patrol and response, traffic control, and adherence to building rules and regulations.

• PSOs must be knowledgeable of emergency procedures and equipped with required safety gear.

• Contract Type: Hybrid Labor Hour and Firm Fixed Price.

• Period of Performance: Base Period (04/15/2026 to 04/14/2027) with one (1) year Option.

• Labor Hour Ceiling: Not to exceed 197,830 Labor Hours for the contract.

• Pricing: Offerors must complete Attachment 8 CLIN Pricing Spreadsheet.

• Proposal Submission Deadline: April 1, 2026, at 11:00 am ET.

• Questions Deadline: March 25, 2026, at 10:00 am ET (via email only).

• Evaluation Factors: Best value determination based on Technical Capability (most important), Past Performance, and Price.

• Proposals must be submitted in two volumes: Technical Proposal Volume 1 and Business Proposal Volume 2.

• This requirement is a small business set-aside for local firms in Puerto Rico.

• Local firms are defined as companies residing or primarily doing business in Puerto Rico.

• The solicitation includes numerous attachments covering Statement of Work, Evaluation Factors, Wage Determinations, and various forms.

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 7," lists the specific FEMA facilities in Puerto Rico where Armed Protective Service Officers Level II and Patrol Vehicle Services are to be provided. It serves to detail the locations relevant to the opportunity.

• Puerto Rico Recovery Office (RO) and Consolidated Resources Center (CRC) Atlantic facilities.
• National Processing Service Center (NPSC) (Call Center) facilities.
• Logistics Management Directorate (LMD) Distribution Center Caribbean (DCC) facilities, including Bayamón Warehouse Annex, Cayey Warehouse Annex, and Ponce Warehouse Annex.

This attachment is crucial for bidders to understand the geographical scope of the required services. It provides the exact addresses and designations of the FEMA facilities where security and patrol services will be needed, directly impacting resource allocation, logistical planning, and proposal development.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Attachment 8, a Labor Hour Pricing Proposal Excel Sheet. It provides a template for bidders to submit their pricing for the services outlined in the solicitation.

• Base Period Pricing: Includes CLINs for 'Level II-Armed Protective Service Officers' (98,915 Labor Hours) and 'Patrol Services' (365 Days). Unit and Total Prices are to be filled in by the vendor.
• Option Period One Pricing: Mirrors the Base Period structure with the same CLINs and quantities, also requiring vendor-filled Unit and Total Prices.
• Totals: The Base Period and Option Period One sections show a pre-filled total of $0.00, indicating that vendor-specific pricing needs to be entered.

This sheet is critical for bidders to detail their proposed costs for the services. Bidders must accurately complete the 'Unit Price' and 'Total Price' columns for both the Base Period and Option Period One for each CLIN to be considered responsive.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an "On-Hand Uniform and Equipment Checklist" for Protective Service Officers (PSOs). It is intended to be used by potential bidders to report their current inventory of required uniform and equipment items when submitting a proposal.

The checklist details specific uniform and equipment items required for PSOs, including:

• Shirts (Company standard with patches)
• Pants (Company standard, all-weather)
• Boots/Shoes (Company standard)
• Hat (Company standard baseball type with "Security" imprint)
• Duty Belt with keepers
• Handcuffs with case
• Firearm retention holster (Level II)
• Double magazine or speed loader case
• Level II Bulletproof Vest
• Two-Way Radios (minimum 5-mile range)
• Glove carrier with latex gloves
• Expandable Baton or Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray
• Semi-automatic pistol (9mm or .40 caliber, factory non-modified)
• Patrol Vehicles (amount to be included in "Partial #" column)

Bidders must indicate the availability of each "REQUIRED ITEM" by placing an 'X' in the "YES" box if they have a minimum of 80 on hand, or in the "NO" box if none are on hand. If the quantity on hand is less than 80, the specific amount should be entered in the "Partial #" box. All accounted-for items must be in proper, usable condition (not broken, expired, discolored, rusted, or out-of-service).

This checklist is crucial for bidders to demonstrate their readiness to meet the uniform and equipment requirements for PSOs. It directly impacts proposal preparation by requiring an inventory assessment and accurate reporting of available resources. The information provided in this checklist will likely be a factor in evaluating a bidder's capability to fulfill the contract requirements.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the evaluation factors for the "Level II - Armed Protective Services Officers (PSO)" requirement by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The objective is to procure PSO and Patrol Services to ensure the security of Agency assets and personnel. This requirement is a small business set-aside for local firms in Puerto Rico.

Bidders must demonstrate their ability to:

• Staff all FEMA locations.

• Provide sufficient Protective Service Officers (PSOs).

• Possess required uniforms, equipment, and firearms for PSO safety and security.

• Have required patrol vehicles.

• Comply with stated Hours of Operation and Labor hours.

• Provide a detailed approach for fulfilling SOW requirements.

• Award will be made to the responsive, responsible contractor providing the best value.

• The contract type, period of performance, and estimated value are not detailed in this document.

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following factors, in order of importance:

1. Technical Capability (Significantly more important than Past Performance and Price):
   • Requires detailed answers to specific questions regarding staffing, equipment, compliance, and approach.
   • Includes requirements for minimum qualifications, proof of insurance, State and local licenses, weapon licenses, PSO uniform/equipment lists, and a Draft Transition Plan.
   • Evaluation ratings include High Confidence and Low Confidence.
2. Past Performance (Significantly more important than Price):
   • Focuses on contractual work similar in size, scope, and complexity completed within the last three years.
   • Requires specific details for each referenced contract (program title, contract number, type, synopsis, relevance, value).
   • Evaluation ratings include Superior, Satisfactory, Unsatisfactory, and Neutral.
3. Price:
   • Offerors must complete Attachment 8 CLIN Pricing Sheet.
   • Price is a factor, but non-price factors combined are significantly more important.
   • The Government will evaluate offers by adding total price for all options to the basic requirement price.
   • The option to extend services (FAR 52.217-8) will be evaluated by adding six months of the final option period price.

• Small business set-aside for local firms in Puerto Rico.

• Local firms are defined as those residing or primarily doing business in Puerto Rico.

• Lowest price does not necessarily equate to best value.

• The Government reserves the right to make an award based on the best overall value.

• The document references other sections of the SOW and specific attachments for detailed requirements and forms.

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

This Statement of Work (SOW) outlines the requirements for contracted Protective Service Officers (PSOs) to provide physical security services.

• Provide physical security at all sites and facilities related to disaster declarations (DR-4339-PR, DR-4671-PR, DR-4850-PR) and FEMA-established warehouses across Puerto Rico.

• Services encompass all municipalities of Puerto Rico, including Vieques and Culebra.

• Patrol vehicles will be provided by FEMA as needed based on location characteristics, vulnerabilities, and risks.

• The period of performance is one (1) base year with one (1) option year.

• Places of performance include the Recovery Office in Guaynabo, PR; the West Wing facility in Guaynabo, PR; warehouses in Cayey, PR, Bayamon, PR, and Ponce, PR; and other facilities as operations change.

• Contractor Responsibilities:

  • Obtain all required licenses, permits, and bonds.
  • Provide official bonds and insurance.
  • Utilize Department of Labor (DOL) category 27102 Guard II security personnel.
  • Obtain all licenses and permits for PSOs, supervisors, and employees.
  • Provide management, supervision, manpower, training, equipment, supplies, licenses, permits, certificates, insurance, and pre-employment screenings.
  • Maintain PSO profiles with required documentation (e.g., Non-Disclosure Agreement, Driver's License, Weapons Permit, Security Officer Certification, Local Permits).
  • Provide a spreadsheet of PSO compliance with licenses, permits, and certifications.
  • Ensure PSOs receive orientation on duties, responsibilities, regulations, and FEMA points of contact.
  • Ensure PSOs carry firearm licenses and permits while on duty.
  • Provide a Use of Force Policy.
  • Plan, schedule, and coordinate security services.
  • Obtain and maintain business and corporate licenses.
  • Provide written certification for PSO/Supervisor orientation.
  • Assign a 24/7 Point of Contact (POC).
  • Ensure PSOs are in good general health without impairments affecting their duties.
  • Provide a "Contingency/Surge Plan".
  • Ensure PSOs can perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

• PSO Duties:

  • Perform services as prescribed by the contract, including Post Orders and security processes.
  • Duties take precedence over other documents in case of conflict.
  • Do not leave post until properly relieved.
  • Perform security-related duties as assigned.
  • Be knowledgeable of emergency equipment and locations.
  • Keep logs and write incident reports.
  • Control access/egress, screen personnel/packages/vehicles, process visitors, and conduct patrols.
  • Direct traffic, control parking, and monitor for suspicious activity.
  • Monitor building rules and regulations compliance.
  • Act in accordance with procedures during emergencies.
  • Report hazardous conditions and security vulnerabilities.
  • Summon professional assistance for injuries or illnesses.
  • Prepare and maintain reports on security-related issues.
  • Verbally report threatening circumstances.
  • Perform other functions as necessary during civil disturbances or criminal acts.

• Qualifications:

  • U.S. Citizenship.
  • Proficiency in English.
  • Current or prior security experience.
  • Active Federal, State, and Local Firearms permit(s).
  • All state/local licenses, permits, registrations, or certifications required for the position.
  • At least 21 years of age.
  • Favorable suitability adjudication from FEMA.
  • Successful completion of local/state firearms training and possession of a current weapons permit.
  • At least two years of security/police experience, or two years of military experience.

• Conduct:

  • PSOs shall behave and perform professionally.
  • Refrain from disallowed activities, non-official fraternization, violating regulations, eating/using tobacco, reading non-official materials, using non-official audio/video devices, sleeping, dozing, napping, playing cards or other games.

• Background Investigations:

  • All contractor personnel requiring access to DHS/FEMA systems or facilities must undergo a background investigation commensurate with the risk level.
  • Designations include Low Risk (without/with Information System Access), Moderate Risk, and High Risk.
  • Investigations must be supported by a credit check and favorable adjudication from FEMA PSD.
  • Reciprocity for investigations is valid for 5 years.
  • Contractor personnel must be U.S. Citizens and at least 18 years of age.
  • Specific forms and documentation are required for the investigation process.
  • Unfavorable adjudications result in ineligibility to perform work.

• Facility Access:

  • Compliance with FEMA Directives for Personal Identity Verification and Facility Access is required.
  • Facility Access Cards (FACs) are issued for access up to 180 days; PIV cards are required for longer access.
  • FACs require SF 87, OF306, and FEMA PSD approval.
  • FEMA may deny facility access based on security threat determination.

• Separation from Contract:

  • Contractor must notify FEMA COR of all terminations/resignations within five calendar days.
  • Government-provided identification must be returned upon separation or contract completion.
  • Failure to return identification may result in civil and criminal liability.
  • Personnel requiring access to sensitive information must have a favorably adjudicated public trust suitability.

• Unauthorized Disclosure:

  • Contractors must receive Unauthorized Disclosure training.

• Training Requirements:

  • OPSEC Awareness Brief.
  • Insider Threat Training.
  • Annual Information Technology Security Awareness Training.
  • Privacy Training.
  • DHS Rules of Behavior.

• Records Management:

  • Compliance with Federal records management laws and NARA policies.
  • Records created for Government use are Federal records.
  • Prevention of alienation or unauthorized destruction of records.
  • Immediate notification of any inadvertent or unauthorized disclosures.
  • Use of Government IT equipment only for contract-specific purposes.
  • No creation or maintenance of records not tied to the contract.
  • No retention, use, sale, or dissemination of copies of deliverables containing Privacy Act-protected information.
  • FEMA owns the rights to all data and records produced.

• Federal Management Regulations (41 C.F.R. PART 102-74)

• American with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990

• FEMA Directive 121-1, FEMA Personal Identity Verification Guidelines

• FEMA Directive 121-3, Facility Access

• FEMA Manual 121-3-1, FEMA Credentialing Access Manual

• Homeland Security Presidential Directive – 12

• DHS Management Directive 11042.1