Fort Benning

U.S. Army Fort Benning and The Maneuver Center of Excellence

Mission and Installation Contracting Command (MICC) Site

Mission and Installation Contracting Command (MICC)

Customer Service Guides

TO OUR SUPPLIERS/VENDORS/CONTRACTORS:

In order to provide you with the best customer service possible, this guide is published to answer your questions concerning Government procurement. If you think of any other questions you would like answered, we encourage you to mail them to Army Contracting Agency, Directorate of Contracting, ATTN: Small Business Advisor, Bldg 6, Suite 250, Fort Benning, GA 31905.

IN REFERENCE TO GOVERNMENT PURCHASE CARD:

 Further information is available on this website click on GPC.

CONTENTS:

  1. How do I get started as a contractor at Fort Benning?
  2. What is Central Contractor Registration?
  3. How do I apply for Central Contractor Registration?
  4. How will I know my registration was successful?
  5. How do I verify the status of my registration?
  6. How do I renew, change, or cancel an active registration?
  7. Once I have been registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR), will I automatically receive solicitations for my products/services?
  8. What is the best way to ensure that I receive solicitations for my products/services
  9. Does Fort Benning advertise their requirements with agencies other than GSA’s Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps)?
  10. What are SIC and NAICS?
  11. In what format does Fort Benning issue its solicitations?
  12. Do you maintain bidder’s mailing lists?
  13. How are amendments to an electronic solicitation issued?
  14. How can I get the drawings printed out to “full scale”?
  15. Can we mail our bid with all appropriate paperwork including signatures and bonds before bid day and then on bid day, before the time for opening, fax you an increase or decrease to our bid?
  16. Can bidders obtain results of the bid opening prior to award of the contract?
  17. How would a vendor know if a requested item is authorized for purchase by Fort Benning?
  18. What happens if I do honor an unauthorized purchase?
  19. I have been hearing a lot about Fort Benning using purchase (credit) cards to make its purchases. What is this program all about?
  20. I have heard that Fort Benning is an “Open” post. What does this mean?
  21. May I perform a demonstration of my product or service for potential customers at Fort Benning?
  22. May I conduct a “trade fair” at Fort Benning?
  23. If I receive a contract at Fort Benning, will I have to pay my employees “Federal” wage rates?
  24. I have heard that the Small Business Administration (SBA) has a database called “Pro-Net”. What is it and how do I access it?
  25. What is “Sub-Net”? How do I access it?
  26. What is the HUBZone Empowerment Contracting Program?
  27. What is the 8(a) Business Development Program? How can I get involved?
  28. What is the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Program?
  29. What is the Federal Contractor Program?
  30. What do I need to do to comply with the Federal contractor job-listing program?
  31. What happens when a job is listed with the State employment service?
  32. What are the advantages of listing my jobs with the Georgia State Department of Labor?
  33. Where can I get further information regarding the requirements of the Federal Contractor Program?
  34. How do get I get on a General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule or become a GSA vendor?
  35. How do I become a supplier to the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA)?
  36. How do I contact other agencies to sell them my products/services?
  37. I have heard about a “Job Order Contract” at Fort Benning. What is it and how can I become a contractor?
  38. Does Fort Benning offer any other subcontracting opportunities?
  39. Is the MICC Fort Benning Contracting Office the only procuring agency for construction or service contracts on Fort Benning?
  40. If I am a subcontractor or supplier for a contractor who is working on a Fort Benning project awarded by the Directorate of Contractor and the contractor fails to pay me for my supplies/services, what should I do to obtain payment?
  41. After I have delivered the supplies or performed the services under my contract, how soon may I expect payment?
  42. Is the Fort Benning Directorate of Contracting currently using its purchase (credit) card as a payment vehicle?
  43. How do I inquire about payments?
  44. What is “partnering”?
  45. What is the nonappropriated fund (NAF) procurement office? Where is it located? How do I contact them?
  46. How do I submit comments about the customer service that I received from your office?

    47. Government Purchase Card (GPC) Program
    Frequently Asked Questions


1. HOW DO I GET STARTED AS A CONTRACTOR AT Fort Benning?
ANSWER: If you have Internet access, we suggest you browse/click on How to do Business. It contains important customer service information such as a guide to DoD contracting opportunities, small business marketing tips, and procurement opportunity programs. If you do not have Internet access or if you have any questions that are not addressed in this Customer Service Guide, you are encouraged to call (706-545-4610) or fax (706-545-6528).

2. WHAT IS CENTRAL CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION?
ANSWER: The Department of Defense implemented a policy whereby all contractors/vendors who wish to do business with any Federal agency (including Fort Benning) must utilize the Central Contractor Registration (CCR). The CCR is a single repository for contractor data utilized by DoD Finance Offices to affect electronic funds transfers in lieu of checks for contract payments. If you do not register in CCR, you will not receive a contract award from any Department of Defense agency. ALSO, it is mandatory that you update the CCR information annually. If you do not, your company information will be removed from the CCR database.

3. HOW DO I APPLY FOR CENTRAL CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION?
ANSWER: You can register online at www.ccr.gov by clicking on "Register in CCR", then "New" if you already have a DUNS number. (If you need a DUNS number you can find instructions at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform . If you are having problems with your registration, you can view further information regarding registration in the CCR Policy and Background at https://www.bpn.gov/ccr/CCRPol.aspx or you can contact the CCR help desk at 888-227-2423 or 269-961-5757 internationally.

To register in the CCR, you may register directly with CCR through interactive World Wide Web application at www.ccr.gov. Questions may be addressed directly to CCR by calling 1-888-227-2423 or 269-961-5757 (the CCR Assistance Center). You must obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number in order to complete your CCR. The DUNS number is a unique 9-character identification number provided by Dun & Bradstreet. This can be obtained simply by calling 1-800-333-0505 or by direct application at http://www.dnb.com. In addition, you may download the CCR Handbook from the website https://www.bpn.gov/ccr/handbook.aspx .

4. HOW WILL I KNOW MY REGISTRATION WAS SUCCESSFUL?
ANSWER: You will be unable to submit your registration on-line unless all of the mandatory information is provided. You will be notified of missing information by a list of “errors” when you click on “Submit”. Once you have provided the information, click “Submit” again to verify that all necessary fields are filled. It is your responsibility to provide any missing data back to the CCR Assistance Center so that your registration can be completed. You will be emailed a confidential Trading Partner Identification Number (TPIN). The TPIN is sent separately for security reasons. Receipt of your TPIN not only confirms that you are successfully registered in CCR, it is required to make or request any changes or updates to your active registration. The TPIN is your confidential password to change your CCR information. The TPIN is not to be used on contracts or other Government paperwork.

5. HOW DO I VERIFY THE STATUS OF MY REGISTRATION?
ANSWER: You can perform a public search on CCR to find a vendor’s registration. Access the site at www.ccr.gov, click on "Search CCR," and you can search using DUNS number, CAGE code, or business name. Visit CCR’s homepage at www.ccr.gov and click on “Search the Database”. When prompted, enter your DUNS number and click “Search”. The registration status is located at the top of the page in RED. You may also confirm your registration by calling the CCR Assistance Center at 1-888-227-2423 or 616-961-4725. The Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System for CCR Status allows a calling party to check the status of their CCR status based on entry of a DUNS number.

6. HOW DO I RENEW, CHANGE, OR CANCEL AN ACTIVE REGISTRATION?
ANSWER: The Internet is the recommended option for making changes or renewing your registration. Changes can be made by going to CCR’s homepage at www.ccr.gov and clicking on “Update My Registration” or “Renew My Registration”. Enter your DUNS number and TPIN, click “Submit”. Make the necessary changes then click “Submit” button for an update to register in the system. To submit a renewal with no changes, follow the same steps listed above with the exception of making changes to your information. Reminder: you must click “Submit” to activate the renewal, even if none of your information has changed. There are two ways to cancel an active registration: (1) go to www.ccr.gov, click on “Update My Registration”, enter your DUNS number and TPIN and click “Submit”, then on the next screen click “delete” to cancel your registration; or (2) contact the CCR Assistance Center at 1-888-227-2423 or 616-961-4725; REMEMBER: You must renew your registration at least once a year. If you do not renew your registration, it will expire. An expired registration will affect your ability to conduct business with the Department of Defense. It will also affect any outstanding invoices being processed by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service. (That is, you will not receive payment until your registration is current.)

7. ONCE I HAVE BEEN REGISTERED IN THE CENTRAL CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION (CCR), WILL I AUTOMATICALLY RECEIVE SOLICITATIONS FOR MY PRODUCTS/SERVICES? ANSWER: Input of your company’s information into the vendor database through the CCR does NOT automatically insure that you will be sent a solicitation for your services/supplies. It is the vendor’s responsibility to search the various Internet sites (including MICC Fort Benning Contracting Office Homepage and http://www.fedbizopps.gov for upcoming Government procurements.

8. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO ENSURE THAT I RECEIVE SOLICITATIONS FOR MY PRODUCTS/SERVICES?
ANSWER: The Directorate of Contracting posts procurement advertisements above the simplified acquisition level on www.fedbizopps.gov and the Army Single Face to Industry website https://acquisition.army.mil/asfi/ . Any interested bidder is welcome to visit these websites or the Contracting office to inquire about publicized solicitations. Office hours are 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays.

9. DOES Fort Benning ADVERTISE THEIR REQUIREMENTS WITH AGENCIES OTHER THAN GSA’S FEDERAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES (FEDBIZOPPS) AND ARMY’S SINGLE FACE TO INDUSTRY (ASFI)?
ANSWER: We post our announcements on those two websites. The ASFI website contains information on procurement actions throughout the Army as well as links to many other valuable websites. Your local Builder’s Exchange may also have information regarding our construction procurement actions.

10. WHAT ARE SIC AND NAICS?
ANSWER: They are the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system and North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS). These are codes that classify types of products or services by industry type. Although not required, it will be helpful to you to know the appropriate NAICS codes for the products and services your company has available when accessing most of the websites referenced in this Guide. Procurement notices and solicitation documents normally always include a NAICS, and it may save you time in discerning what work may be of interest to your company. You can review the NAICS and obtain additional information about NAICS by accessing http://www.census.gov/epcd/www/naics.html.

11. IN WHAT FORMAT DOES FORT Benning ISSUE ITS SOLICITATIONS?
ANSWER: Generally, our solicitations are issued as a word document or a portable document format (pdf) file and posted on the ASFI at https://acquisition.army.mil/asfi/ and Federal Business Opportunities atwww.fedbizopps.gov.

12. DO YOU MAINTAIN BIDDER’S MAILING LISTS?
ANSWER: This office does not collect this information; however, information on prime contractors and subcontractors interested in a particular solicitation is collected on the Federal Business Opportunities website (www.fedbizopps.gov). Subcontractors can also search SUB-Net at http://web.sba.gov/subnet for subcontracting opportunities that prime contractors have posted.

13. HOW ARE AMENDMENTS TO AN ELECTRONIC SOLICITATION ISSUED?
ANSWER: Amendments are issued in the same manner as the solicitation. In the solicitation section list, the amendment will be listed by its number (e.g., Amend 0001, etc.). NOTE: IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF BIDDERS/OFFERORS TO CHECK FOR AMENDMENTS TO SOLICITATIONS. YOU WILL NOT BE NOTIFIED BY THIS OFFICE.

14. HOW CAN I GET THE DRAWINGS PRINTED OUT TO “FULL SCALE”?
ANSWER: Obviously, it is not possible to do this from your computer. It is your responsibility to have them enlarged. You can check with your local Builder’s Exchanges to see if they can/will print the drawings full scale or recommend someone who can.

15. CAN WE MAIL OUR BID IN WITH ALL APPROPRIATE PAPERWORK INCLUDING SIGNATURES AND BONDS BEFORE BID DAY AND THEN ON BID DAY, BEFORE THE TIME FOR OPENING, FAX IN AN INCREASE OR DECREASE TO OUR BID?
ANSWER: Information regarding facsimile modifications to bids differs with each agency. Check the instructions in each solicitation for applicable instructions for submitting changes to your bids/proposals.

16. CAN BIDDERS OBTAIN RESULTS OF THE BID OPENING PRIOR TO AWARD OF THE CONTRACT?
ANSWER: Yes. All Invitations for Bids (IFBs) are opened publicly at the Mission and Installation Contracting Command Installation Contracting Office – Fort Benning, 6600 Meloy Drive, Suite 250, Fort Benning, GA, and bidders are welcome to attend the bid opening. If they do not attend bid opening, they may request a copy of the “Abstract of Offers” through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Address request to: Directorate of Human Resource, ATTN: FOIA Officer, 7204, Kanopsky Ave., Fort Benning, GA 31905 Telephone: 706-545-5356 or Fax: 706-545-2719. NOTE: Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Requests for Quotations (RFQs) are not publicly opened; therefore, “abstracts” for these types of solicitations are not available to the public.

17. HOW WOULD A VENDOR KNOW IF A REQUESTED ITEM IS AUTHORIZED FOR PURCHASE BY FORT Benning?
ANSWER: The Directorate of Contracting uses several methods for simplified purchases (those under $150,000) and only certain individuals are authorized to purchase items for the Government. Whenever someone calls or writes to order an item, it is always your responsibility to ensure that the person has the authority to buy items for the Government. There are two things you can do to obtain verification that the purchase is authorized: (1) ask for a purchase order number (it will always begin with W911SF); or (2) ask for his/her Government VISA purchase (credit) card number. If the individual who contacted you cannot provide either one of the above, you MUST refuse to honor the order.

18. WHAT HAPPENS IF I DO HONOR AN UNAUTHORIZED PURCHASE?
ANSWER: Normally, it takes several months for an unauthorized commitment (purchase) to come to the attention of the Mission and Installation Contracting Command Installation Contracting Office – Fort Benning. Once this office is notified, we will initiate a “ratification” process whereby the Government takes steps to pay the vendor’s claim. You will be asked to provide proof of purchase, delivery, and information on why you accepted the order. Once the ratification process has begun, it can take 3 months or more to receive payment of your claim. Our best advice to every vendor is to verify the authority of the individual who is placing the order with your company (ask for a purchase order or purchase (credit) card number), thereby avoiding a lengthy ratification process.

19. I HAVE BEEN HEARING A LOT ABOUT FORT Benning USING PURCHASE (CREDIT) CARDS TO MAKE ITS PURCHASES. WHAT IS THIS PROGRAM ALL ABOUT?
ANSWER: The DOD requires the use of the Government Purchase Card Program for all “micropurchases”. Micropurchases include supplies (at or below $3,000), services (at or below $2,500) and construction projects (at or below $2,000). Individuals on the Fort Benning and in other areas supported by Fort Benning have been appointed as “buyers” for these purchases and have been issued VISA purchase cards. This means that if an activity has a requirement to make these types of purchases, he/she will either place a phone call to the vendor of his/her choice or visit the vendor’s place of business to order the item(s). The vendor will be asked if he accepts a VISA purchase card. If not, the buyer may go elsewhere to make his/her purchase. More information on this program can be obtained from the Mission and Installation Contracting Command Fort Benning Installation Contracting Office by calling 706-545-2277. (NOTE: See our link button “GPC” for a further overview of the program and answers to frequently asked questions from merchants.)

20. I HAVE HEARD THAT FORT Benning IS AN “OPEN” POST. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
ANSWER: Following events of 9/11/01, Fort Benning has installed Security Access Points at every open entry to Fort Benning. Any visitor must present a current driver’s license at the point of entry. Currently, commercial and non-commercial vehicles are not restricted as to which access road they use to enter Fort Benning.

21. MAY I PERFORM A DEMONSTRATION OF MY PRODUCT OR SERVICE FOR POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS AT FORT DRUM?
ANSWER: Yes. You may contact the unit you think most likely to use your product or service. If they are receptive to supporting a demonstration provided by you, they will recommend that a Vendor Demonstration Agreement be processed. This form can be found on the MICC Fort Benning Homepage under the "Forms" icon. Please be aware that a demonstration is not a guarantee to purchase your product or service, and the Government is not liable for loss or damage occurring during the demonstration.

22. MAY I CONDUCT A “TRADE FAIR” AT FORT Benning?
ANSWER: The Mission and Installation Contracting Command Fort Benning Installation Contracting Office does not sponsor trade fairs.

23. IF I RECEIVE A CONTRACT AT FORT Benning, DO I HAVE TO PAY MY EMPLOYEES “FEDERAL” WAGE RATES?
ANSWER: All contracts over $2,000 for construction and over $2,500 for services awarded by Federal government agencies contain wage rates. The contractor must pay the minimum hourly rate and fringe benefits specified in the contract for the locality in which the work will be performed.

24. I HAVE HEARD THAT THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA) HAS A DATABASE CALLED “PRO-NET”. WHAT IS IT AND HOW DO I ACCESS IT?
ANSWER: PRO-Net and CCR have merged, and all of PRO-Net's functionality is now contained in CCR. If you indicate that you are a small business when registering in CCR, a supplemental page with small business information will pop up when completing your initial CCR registration. This page allows you to enter the specifics of your small business status.

25. WHAT IS “SUB-NET”? HOW DO I ACCESS IT?
ANSWER: SUB-Net, an extension of PRO-Net (now CCR), is primarily for prime contractors to post subcontracting opportunities. These opportunities may or may not be reserved for small businesses. They may include solicitations or other notices, such as a search for "teaming" partners and/or subcontractors for future contracts. The SUB-Net site enables small businesses to use their limited resources to identify and bid on concrete, tangible opportunities. While the web site is designed primarily as a place for large businesses to post solicitations and notices, federal agencies, state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, and small businesses can also use it for the same purpose. You can access SUB-Net through the CCR home page by choosing the "Subcontracting Opportunities" button. Or, you can go directly to SUB-Net at http://web.sba.gov/subnet/.

26. WHAT IS THE HUBZONE EMPOWERMENT CONTRACTING PROGRAM?
ANSWER: It is an initiative designed to stimulate economic development by providing federal contracting opportunities to small businesses located in eligible areas. A HUBZone is a “historically” underutilized business zone. It is a “place-based” federal contracting program serving new market communities with low income or high unemployment. The program provides both prime contract and subcontract benefits. Companies must be certified by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to participate in the program. At the HUBZone website (http://sba.gov/hubzone), you can quickly determine whether your firm is located in a qualified HUBZone, and you can apply for participation in this program.

27. WHAT IS THE 8(a) BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM? HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?
ANSWER: Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act established a program that authorizes the Small Business Administration (SBA) to enter into all types of contracts with other agencies and to choose subcontractors eligible for program participation to perform the contracts. The SBA’s subcontractors are referred to as “8(a) contractors” (who are small disadvantaged businesses). Selecting businesses for the 8(a) Business Development Program is the responsibility of the SBA. In order for your business to participate in the 8(a) Business Development Program you must contact your regional SBA Office at http://www.sba.gov or go to the Section 8(a) Business Development Program website at http://www.sba.gov/8abd.

28. WHAT IS THE SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER (SBDC) PROGRAM?
ANSWER: The Small Business Administration administers the Small Business Development Center Program to provide management assistance to current and prospective small business owners. SBDCs offer one-stop assistance to small businesses by providing a wide variety of information and guidance in easily accessible branch locations. SBDC assistance is tailored to the local community and the needs of the individual clients. This program is designed to deliver up-to-date counseling, training, and technical assistance in all aspects of small business management. SBDC services include, but are not limited to, assisting small businesses with financial, marketing, production, organization, engineering, and technical problems and feasibility studies. To locate the Small Business Development Center in your area, go to http://www.sba.gov/sbdc. The nearest Center to Fort Benning is located at the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center, in the Cunningham Center for Leadership Development, 3100 Gentian Boulevard, Suite 119 Columbus, Georgia 31907 (Telephone: 706-569-2651, Fax: 706-569-2657, Web site: www.georgiasbdc.org).

29. WHAT IS THE FEDERAL CONTRACTOR PROGRAM?
ANSWER: Under Title 38 of the U.S. Code, any contractor or subcontractor with a contract of $25,000 or more with the Federal Government must take affirmative action to hire and promote qualified Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam-era and any other Veterans who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized.

30. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO COMPLY WITH THE FEDERAL CONTRACTOR JOB LISTING PROGRAM?
ANSWER: If you are a contractor or subcontractor with a contract of $25,000 or more and have openings for jobs other than top management positions, you must list them with the nearest State Employment Service office. For vacancies on Fort Benning, job openings may be listed with the Georgia State Department of Labor at 700 Veterans Parkway, Columbus, GA 31901, by calling 706-649-1141.

31. WHAT HAPPENS A JOB IS LISTED WITH THE STATE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE?
ANSWER: Department of Labor Veterans Representatives search for qualified veterans (including Special Disabled Veterans, Vietnam-era Veterans, and any other Veterans who service on active during a war or campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized) who have exactly the skills and experience the contractor specifies. These veterans are referred to the contractor per the contractor’s referral instructions. Contractors are not required to hire those who are referred but must have affirmative action plans.

32. WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF LISTING MY JOBS WITH THE GEORGIA STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR?
ANSWER: Listing jobs with the Georgia State Department of Labor can help you meet your affirmative action and equal employment opportunity obligations. You also have trained professionals at the Department of Labor working for you to find workers with exactly the skills you need. There is no charge for listing a job opening with the Department of Labor.

33. WHERE CAN I GET FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE FEDERAL CONTRACTOR PROGRAM?
ANSWER: For other requirements, including the VETS-100 Report, and for a complete description of the Federal Contractor Program, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website at http://www.dol.gov/vets/contractor, the Georgia DOL at www.dol.state.ga.us or call the Veterans Representative at the Georgia State Department of Labor in Atlanta, GA, at 404-656-3011 or Columbus, GA, at 706-649-1141.

34. HOW DO I GET ON THE GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (GSA) SCHEDULE OR BECOME A GSA VENDOR?
ANSWER: Go to the following website and follow directions contained in the guides: http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/197989 .

35. HOW DO I BECOME A SUPPLIER TO THE DEFENSE COMMISSARY AGENCY (DeCA)?
ANSWER: You may contact one of their small business specialists, a region buyer, your local commissary officer (at Fort Benning), or their small business office. Website is http://www.commissaries.com. Fort Benning Commissary Website is http://www.commissaries.com/stores/html/store.cfm?dodaac=HQCSJW. Fort Benning Commissary is located at Bldg 8150, Marne Road, Phone: 706-544-3965.

36. HOW DO I CONTACT OTHER AGENCIES TO SELL THEM MY ITEMS/SERVICES?
ANSWER: The Department of Defense has a booklet entitled “Selling to the Military” which contains addresses and phone numbers of various Government agencies who are ready to do business with competent firms that supply the products or services they need. This booklet can be obtained by contacting the U.S. Government Printing Office on the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov or call 1-866-512-1800 or you can download a copy (free of charge) by accessing the website http://www.acq.osd.mil/osbp/doing_business/index.htm . The booklet may also be available at a library near you. You may also access the FedBizOpps website at http://www.fedbizopps.gov or the Army Single Face to Industry (ASFI) website at http://acquisition.army.mil for additional information on procurement opportunities with other agencies.

37. I HAVE HEARD ABOUT AN “IDIQ” (INDEFINITE DELIVERY INDEFINITE QUANTITY) and a “BOA” (BASIC ORDERING AGREEMENT) CONTRACTS AT FORT Benning. WHAT IS IT AND HOW CAN I BECOME A CONTRACTOR?
ANSWER: These are types of contracts that permit issuance of delivery orders, for work, to contract holders instead of soliciting for a new contract each time. The difference in these two programs is that the IDIQ contractor is to price work as requested by the Contracting Officer and the contract provides a guaranteed minimum amount of annual orders dollar figure, whereas, the BOA contractors have agreed to price construction work, but there is no guaranteed minimum of annual work. For information on how to participate in these contracts, contact the Small Business Specialist at 706-545-2274.

38. DOES FORT Benning OFFER ANY OTHER SUBCONTRACTING OPPORTUNITIES?
ANSWER: Fort Benning awarded a major contract for its public works (Tiya Support Services) and logistics base operations (I.T.T.). Much of the work under these contracts can be performed by Subcontract. If interested, you should contact the Contracting Officer at 706-545-2430 to obtain the name and phone number for the contractor's project managers. The Contracting Officer may also provide information concerning any contracts awarded and the expiration of the existing contracts.

39. IS THE MICC FORT Benning CONTRACTING OFFICE THE ONLY PROCURING AGENCY FOR CONSTRUCTION OR SERVICE CONTRACTS ON FORT Benning?
ANSWER: No. Certain construction projects are approved and funded by Congress under Military Construction Appropriations Acts; these projects are procured by the Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah, GA. The Corps of Engineers has an office on Fort Benning located in Building 6, Room 207 and may be contacted at (706) 545-2100. Also, some service contracts may be procured by Fort Bragg utilizing regionalized solicitations. Some examples of regionalized procurements are the Business Solution Enterprise contracts under FIRST, OPTTARS, and CSBS. Procurement notices for these projects will be published on the FedBizOpps and/or the ASFI website.

40. IF I AM A SUBCONTRACTOR OR SUPPLIER FOR A CONTRACTOR WHO IS WORKING ON A FORT Benning PROJECT AWARDED BY THE DIRECTORATE OF CONTRACTING AND THE CONTRACTOR FAILS TO PAY ME FOR MY SUPPLIES/SERVICES, WHAT SHOULD I DO TO OBTAIN PAYMENT?
ANSWER: First, you should contact the contractor to request payment. If this fails, you may contact the MICC Fort Benning Installation Contracting Office at (706) 545-8747 for assistance in obtaining payment. You should have available the prime contractor’s name, address, telephone number, and Government contract number. NOTE: Contracts awarded by other contracting offices MAY NOT be administered by this office and assistance would need to be sought from the assigned Administrative Contracting Office.

41. AFTER I HAVE DELIVERED THE SUPPLIES OR PERFORMED THE SERVICES UNDER MY CONTRACT, HOW SOON MAY I EXPECT PAYMENT?
ANSWER: All contract payments are processed in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act within a specified number of days. Construction contract payments are due 14 days from the receipt of a proper invoice at the “invoice to” address on your contract. Service and supply contract payments and final payments for construction contracts are due 30 days from receipt of a proper invoice. A “proper invoice” is defined as one that contains the name and address of contractor, the contract line item that is being invoiced and a description of the supplies/services, an invoice number, the date the invoice is prepared, unit price, total price, contract number, and delivery order number if applicable. Payments processed through Defense Finance & Accounting Service (DFAS)-Indianapolis are paid on the exact day they are due or earlier. Late payments receive interest at the current treasury rate. All payments from the Federal Government will be made by electronic funds transfer (EFT). NOTE: These procedures do not apply to purchases made with the Government purchase (credit card.)

42. IS THE FORT Benning CONTRACTING OFFICE CURRENTLY USING ITS PURCHASE (CREDIT) CARD AS A PAYMENT VEHICLE?
ANSWER: Yes, payment by purchase card is authorized under a few select contracts. There is a bank fee for this service and contractors are encouraged to shop around for lower fees and insure this is included in their contract prices. After contract award you may request to receive payment by purchase card, at no additional cost to the contract. ADVANTAGE: It is a faster payment method whereby money is deposited in your account 2 to 3 days from the date the (credit card) charge is processed through the Government’s bank.

43. HOW DO I INQUIRE ABOUT PAYMENTS?
ANSWER: Defense Finance & Accounting Service maintains a Vendor Pay Inquiry System (VPIS) for the convenience of contractors doing business with the Department of Defense (DoD). It interactively provides information on invoices submitted against DoD contracts and any payments made within the last 30 days. You can query VPIS by contract number to research the status of a recently filed invoice and determine when payment will be issued or if something is lacking for payment processing. The web site address for VPIS is http://www.dfas.mil/contractorsvendors.html . If you have a question regarding a payment made more than 30 days ago, contact Defense Finance & Accounting Service at the office supporting the contract action: DFAS Indianapolis at 888-332-7366/ FAX: 877-701-5069, DFAS Rome at 800-553-0527/ FAX: 877-575-3332, or the Contracting Officer in this office who signed the contract.

44. WHAT IS “PARTNERING”?
ANSWER: Partnering is a unique method of Alternate Disputes Resolution (ADR) in that it is the only technique that focuses on dispute avoidance. It is strictly voluntary and is outside the contract terms and conditions. It works best on long-term construction and/or service contracts; however, partnering can be accomplished to some degree on most contracts. Partnering can be formal or informal and can begin in the solicitation phase or be initiated after the contract award. Ultimately, it establishes a relationship between the parties to work out their problems as they arise during contract performance and develops positive and mutually beneficial relationships by creating a climate characterized by trust and cooperation.

45. WHAT IS THE NONAPPROPRIATED FUND (NAF) PROCUREMENT OFFICE? WHERE IS IT LOCATED? HOW DO I CONTACT THEM?
ANSWER: The NAF Procurement Office is independent of the Directorate of Contracting and supports the following NAF activities: Installation Club System (food, equipment, entertainment, and vending and amusement machines); Community Recreation Division (supplies and equipment for bowling center, physical fitness center, outdoor recreation, arts and crafts, automotive shop, etc.); veterinary clinic (medical supplies and equipment); Army Community Services (supplies and equipment); and Billeting (uniforms, linens, small appliances, and furniture). The point of contact is Directorate of Community Activities, NAF Procurement Office, BLDG 2783, Fort Benning, GA 31905, telephone: (706) 687-8021/8239 or fax (706) 685-0883.

46. HOW DO I SUBMIT COMMENTS ABOUT THE CUSTOMER SERVICE THAT I RECEIVED FROM YOUR OFFICE?
ANSWER: Fort Benning just implemented an Interactive Customer Evaluation program that is a web-based customer feedback system addressing concerns in Installation service. Go to http://ice.disa.mil/index.cfm?fa=card&site_id=173&service_provider_id=14350. Fill out a comment card and send it to the MICC Fort Benning Contracting Office service manager.

CONTACTS:

Mission and Installation Contracting Command
Installation Contracting Office - Fort Benning
6600 Meloy Drive, Bldg 6, Suite 250
Fort Benning, GA 31905-1300

--Purchase Card Program Information: 706-545-2221
--Small Business Advisor: 706-545-2274

System for Award Management
Handbook: https://www.sam.gov/sam/

Dun and Bradstreet
Telephone: 800-333-0505

Fort Benning FOIA Officer:
Directorate of Human Resource,
ATTN: FOIA Officer
7204, Kanopsky Ave.
Fort Benning, GA 31905
Telephone: 706-545-5356 or Fax: 706-545-2719

Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA)
DeCA Headquarters, Fort Lee, VA
Telephone: 804-734-9947/9765

Fort Benning Commissary
Telephone: 706-544-3965

Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF) Customer Service Center
866-618-5988, or 801-777-3282 Option 8
Fax: 801-605-7453
Email: cscassig@ogden.disa.mil Reference “WAWF” in the subject line.

Army Corps of Engineers Fort Benning Resident Office
6600 Meloy Drive, Room 412, Fort Benning, GA 31905
Telephone: 706-545-3138

Defense Finance & Accounting Service (Indianapolis)
Telephone: 888-332-7366/ Fax: 877-701-5069

Defense Finance & Accounting Service (Rome)
Telephone: 800-553-0527/ Fax: 877-575-3332

Directorate of Community Activities, NAF Procurement Office
Bldg 2783, Fort Benning, GA 31905
Telephone: 706-687-8239/8021
Fax: 706-685-0883