Special Notice Q and A Responses - 1240BH25R0001.pdf

ID #: Q&A Responses to Special Notice: USDA Forest Service NW Zone AE Professional Services IDIQ 1240BH25R0001

1. I am not expecting separate SF-330’s per discipline area or zone, therefore, yes please submit a single SF-330 encompassing/addressing all.

As mentioned in the Submission Requirements document, a cover letter will be allowed where you can also identify which discipline(s) and geographic zone(s) you are wishing to be considered for.

2. Regarding your “exclusion to 50-page limit” question, this did make me rethink the number of pages based on vendors potentially submitting for more than 1 discipline, therefore to be equitable, I’ll provide a revised Submission Requirements document to SAM.gov tomorrow which will document the edits to the Phase 1 paragraph as follows:

PHASE 1 – SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

Submit a completed Architect-Engineer (AE) Qualifications Form (SF-330), including your firm’s UEI number. AE firm shall submit a complete SF- 330 electronically via email only (only one SF-330 is required which addresses all disciplines you have selected).

1. Submit Part I addressing the qualifications of the AE firm. Part I shall be limited to the following number of pages:

a. One discipline: 50 pages

b. Two disciplines: an additional 10 pages (i.e. 60 pages total)

c. Three disciplines: an additional 10 pages (i.e. 70 pages total)

d. Minimum font size of 11

2. Submit a Part II for the AE firm and any key subcontractors .

This AE IDIQ does not cover the actual on-the-ground cleanup/removal actions, however does cover the removal design portion, as well as involvement in working with cleanup/removal contractor during the life of the cleanup contract, i.e. removal action engineering support.

It looks like all you need is a Cover Letter and SF-330 Form, correct? Yes, and as noted in the Instructions Document, Part I will address the qualifications of the firm.

We can provide Environmental Engineering services based on the list provided and our environmental services fall into the Environmental discipline category (Section 1.4) but should we also check Facilities (Section 1.5) as these services, such as hazardous building materials surveys, radon studies, and drinking water quality evaluations are often related to facilities? Those surveys and studies are still Environmental in nature, therefore please include under the Environmental discipline.

5 We can also provide Geotech services, which Discipline should be checked for this service, Facilities and Transportation? Transportation

6 Is the contract funded? Please refer to the SOW document, Part 1.1 which explains the multiple award IDIQ contract.

7 What is the contract value? There is no funding attached to the parent IDIQ’s. When Task Orders are requested, they will be funded.

The aggregate ceiling threshold will be $50M. However, while there are three disciplines (transportation, facilities, environmental) that vendors can submit responses, there will be more than 3 awardees.

1. If a firm plans to choose multiple Discipline Areas, we understand the page count will be increased to 60 pages for two Discipline Areas and to 70 pages for three Discipline Areas per the updated submission requirements on 4/23. Is the intent of the increase to allow firms to submit ten projects per Discipline Area therefore allowing the potential of 20 or 30 projects in section F based on Discipline Area selection? If so, would the Government like firms to add additional section G pages if submitting on multiple Discipline Areas? The intent was to be more equitable to offeror’s submitting on more than one discipline as I didn’t want to limit their ability to paint a full picture in 50 pages, versus offeror’s who were only submitting on one discipline with the same 50 page limit. The additional 10 pages, per discipline, should be sufficient for you to use how you see fit.

2. Can the government clarify if firms need to provide personnel to meet 1.3 Required Services on the Statement of Work and the corresponding/referenced sections 1.4, 1.5, 1.6 (based on selected Discipline Areas) in addition to listed required expertise listed in 1.2? There is overlap but not complete overlap from these sections. You can note if there is overlap, the main purpose is to provide your expertise in the discipline area(s) you are responding too.

3. Can the government clarify the disciplines required from the base consulting team? Section 1.2 of the Statement of Work provides a list of 29 disciplines and this section (1.2) is referenced in section 2.1.B of the Statement of Work with the statement “The Base Consulting Team for this contract includes the personnel listed in 1.2 Required Expertise”. The Special Notice Instructions and Submission Requirements provides a list on page 2 of 4 under 1. Professional Qualifications; a. Base Consulting Team for this contract that differs from what is provided in the Statement of Work.

You can note if there is overlap, the main purpose is to provide your consulting team for the discipline area(s) you are responding too.

4. Page 2 of 4 Phase 1 – Submission Requirements on the Special Notice Instructions and Submission Requirements section 1 states a minimum font size of 11 is to be used for Part I of the SF-330 form. The SF-330 form uses a default font size of 10 with no ability to change it. May firms use the default font size of 10 in the form and on Part I materials such as the organizational chart? I didn’t realize that, yes, if that’s what the form defaults to, then 10 is fine. If you are submitting additional info, like a word document, please use size 11 as noted.

13 5. How many firms does the Government intend to award contracts to under 1240BH25R0001? We are estimating 20 – 30.

6. Are all Discipline Area services coded under NAICS Code 541330 - Engineering Service with the Small Business classification of this NAICS Code?

SAM.gov only allows us to choose one primary NAICS code.

15 The past performance timeline will not be extended, it will remain at three years.

I have a couple of questions regarding Section 1.2 Required Expertise items.

22. Cartography: Would this be someone experienced in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)? Yes, I believe this is the preferred mapping software, or the contractor could use another software that can produce file types that we could import and utilize in GIS.

29. Construction Engineer: Can you provide more information on what this would involve? My understanding is that would be for construction inspection - someone able to complete Service Item V under Section 1.3 in the SOW.

18 I don't see a Cost Estimator on your list. Would you like us to include a resume for this position in our SF330 response? Yes, that would be fine.

19 Could you clarify how many projects we are allowed to include? 10 projects total

You call out 10 projects twice in your instructions and submission requirements document. While this is called out twice, it is the same reference to 10 projects over the past three years. Yes, you can note in your cover letter the projects you have completed in the last 3 years, and identify the projects you currently have and note they are 75% complete.

Hello, the reference to Base Consulting Team was inclusive of all three disciplines. As stated un the Submission Requirements document: For each of the following criteria, i.e. 1 through 5, please address the submission requirements for those Discipline Area(s) you have selected.

Therefore, you’ll address only Environmental tasks. In conjunction, if you then refer to the SOW document, Section 1.4, you’ll see examples of Environmental AE Services to address.

1. Is the list of Required Expertise required for all three Discipline Areas of the contract? For example, if a firm is only interested in pursuing the environmental contract, does it still need to provide all of the services? No, as stated in the Submission Requirements document: “For each of the following criteria, i.e. 1 through 5, please address the submission requirements for those Discipline Area(s) you have selected.”

Therefore, you’ll address only Environmental tasks. In conjunction, if you then refer to the SOW document, Section 1.4, you’ll see examples of Environmental AE Services to address.

2. Can you provide a description of the work that would be needed by the Environmental Engineering expertise? We have seen that description used for a variety of work, and we are not clear what it is intended to include for this contract. For example, it might have one description for Environmental reclamation projects but a different description if it is intended to be used for enhancement or restoration projects. Please refer to SOW Section 1.4 for examples. You can also include any other examples you feel fall under this category for your firm.

3. Has the USFS decided how many contracts will be awarded for each of the 9 Discipline Areas/Geographic Location Zones? That is to be determined based on responses received, however, we estimate awarding a total of 20 – 30 Parent IDIQ’s.

4. If selected to receive the IDIQ contract, will a separate contract be issued for each Discipline Area/Geographic Location Zone, or will a single contract be issued for all of the Discipline Areas/Geographic Location Zones? If a vendor is selected for more than one Discipline/Geographic Area, they will receive a single contract award which references those awarded area(s).

5. Suppose a consultant submits a proposal to include all three Geographic areas. Will you consider awarding a contract for one or two of them if they aren't also selected for the third geographic area? Yes

1. In the document, “04232025+Revised+NWZ+AE+IDIQ+Submission+Requirements” on page 3, number 2 “SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE AND TECHNICAL COMPETENCE,” says “Detailed narrative of up to ten (10) projects, similar in nature, scope, and difficulty for the Discipline Area(s) you have selected, completed over the past three (3) years.” Can the AE firm submit 10 projects in Section F for each discipline area? That would be 10 for Environmental, 10 for Facilities, and/or 10 for Transportation. The intent of the revised submission requirements related to number of pages was to be more equitable to offeror’s submitting on more than one discipline as I didn’t want to limit their ability to paint a full picture in 50 pages, versus offeror’s who were only submitting on one discipline with the same 50 page limit. The additional 10 pages, per discipline, should be sufficient for you to use how you see fit.

2. In the document, “04232025+Revised+NWZ+AE+IDIQ+Submission+Requirements” on page 3, number 2 “SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE AND TECHNICAL COMPETENCE,” says “Detailed narrative of up to ten (10) projects, similar in nature, scope, and difficulty for the Discipline Area(s) you have selected, completed over the past three (3) years.” Can the project be ongoing? This would allow more relevant projects to be considered for evaluation.

Yes, you can note the projects you have completed in the last 3 years. If you are listing projects in progress, I would expect them to be at least 75% complete with the completion percentage identified.

3. In the document, “04232025+Revised+NWZ+AE+IDIQ+Submission+Requirements” on page 3, number 2 “SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE AND TECHNICAL COMPETENCE,” says “Detailed narrative of up to ten (10) projects, similar in nature, scope, and difficulty for the Discipline Area(s) you have selected, completed over the past three (3) years.” Will the Govt. accept projects completed in the last 10 years? This would allow more relevant projects to be considered for evaluation. You can note in your Cover Letter that your are submitting reference projects that were completed within the last 10 years, and note the completion dates. We will note that these projects are beyond the 3 year period.

Submission Requirements:

(ii) Detailed narrative of up to ten (10) projects, similar in nature, scope, and difficulty for the Discipline Area(s) you have selected, completed over the past three (3) years

Does this mean that firms can submit up to ten projects total, regardless of the number of discipline areas selected, or up to ten projects per each discipline area selected (total of up to 30 projects in all three discipline areas are selected)?

Per the 04/23/2025 revised submission requirements, the number of pages was edited to be more equitable to offeror’s submitting on more than one discipline as I didn’t want to limit their ability to paint a full picture in 50 pages, versus offeror’s who were only submitting on one discipline with the same 50 page limit. The additional 10 pages, per discipline, should be sufficient for you to use how you see fit.

We do have a few questions on the submission requirements.

1. Section 2.ii of the Phase 1 - Submission requirements (revised 4/23/2025) states that a detailed narrative of up to 10 projects should be included.

Would this be 10 projects per discipline area? For example, we are planning to propose on all 3 disciplines so could we include up to 30 projects? or should we stick with just the 10? Per the 04/23/2025 revised submission requirements, the number of pages was edited to be more equitable to offeror’s submitting on more than one discipline as I didn’t want to limit their ability to paint a full picture in 50 pages, versus offeror’s who were only submitting on one discipline with the same 50 page limit. The additional 10 pages, per discipline, should be sufficient for you to use how you see fit.

2. Are we allowed to edit the SF-330 form to provide more space for detailed descriptions. For example, the other professional qualifications section is only 3 lines long. Can we expand on this section as needed, realizing it will take away from page limits? Yes

3. If we propose on a disciple, say facilities, can we include in our section H explanation the portions of that discipline we would like to be considered for? For example, we and our partners do not provide vertical building capabilities so no building renovations, electrical engineering, HVAC work but we do provide great trail, pedestrian bridges and campground designs, so we would like to be included in the facilities discipline. Yes, please include that explanation in your Section H. If you are ultimately included in the Facilities discipline, when individual project Task Orders are solicited, you can choose not to provide an offer on those areas you outline above.

We have three questions relating to 1240BH25R0001, Northwest Zone Architecture & Engineering Professional Services IDIQ; they are:

Would the Government accept projects that are 75% completed in lieu of being 100% completed? You can note the projects you have completed in the last 3 years. If you are listing projects in progress, I would expect them to be at least 75% complete with the completion percentage identified.

Would the Government (in regard to Section 4.A (iii)) accept Past Performance Evaluations (PPQs) for projects without CPARS and if so, can the PPQs be excluded from the page count? Yes, all PPQ’s will be accepted.

Would the Government (in regard to Section 2.A (ii)) accept projects completed within the past 5 years in lieu of 3 years as specified? You can note in your Cover Letter that you are submitting reference projects that were completed within the last 5 years, and note the completion dates. We will note that these projects are beyond the 3 year period.

1. Most of our projects that we will present have CPARS for them that the government can access to evaluate past performance. We have a couple of our projects that are still in progress and we have received interim PPQs from the government PMs. If we include PPQs for past performance can these be added as an appendix after Section H and I and not count towards the 50 page limit for Part I? Yes

2. Within the submission requirements document, both Section 2 Specialized Experience... and Section 4 Past Performance request "(i) Detailed narrative of up to ten (10) projects, similar in nature, scope, and difficulty as this requirement, completed over the past three (3) years;" Can this requirement in both criteria sections be satisfied with the SF 330 Section F 10 projects that we present? Or, does the government require 20 projects to be described within Section H within the criteria headings? While this is called out twice, it is the same reference to 10 projects over the past three years.

3. The solicitation indicates that contracts will be awarded. Do you know how many contracts the government anticipates for this solicitation assuming you receive the requisite number of qualified submissions? That is to be determined based on responses received, however, we estimate awarding a total of 20 – 30 Parent IDIQ’s.

4. Will this contract function similar to the USFS Region 8 and Region 10 Shortlist and task order acquisition would use FAR 36.602-5 Short selection process for contracts not to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold? I cannot speak to the R8 and R10 contract functions. However, the short selection process will be followed for Task Orders under the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT), and the formal process will be followed for Task Orders above the SAT.

1. Revised - Instructions and Submission Requirements; PHASE 1 – SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS (Revised 04/23/2025): The additional page allotment allowed for more than one “Discipline” – does this also apply if an Offeror is proposing on more than one geographic location? The intent of the revised submission requirements related to number of pages was to be more equitable to offeror’s submitting on more than one discipline/geographic location as I didn’t want to limit their ability to paint a full picture in 50 pages, versus offeror’s who were only submitting on one discipline/geographic location with the same 50 page limit. The additional 10 pages, per discipline, should be sufficient for you to use how you see fit.

2. Revised - Instructions and Submission Requirements: 1. PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: b. Submission Requirements (iii): Are proposers to only include the “Base Consulting Team's technical and management expertise in fields identified above in Part (a)” for the staff applicable to the “Discipline Area” they are proposing? Yes

3. Revised - Instructions and Submission Requirements; 2. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE AND TECHNICAL COMPETENCE: a.(ii):

43 a. Can the requirement be revised to allow projects completed within 5 years? See response to 3(b)

b. If not, can the requirement be adjusted to projects 75% complete within the last 3 years? You can note the projects you have completed in the last 3 years. If you are listing projects in progress, I would expect them to be at least 75% complete with the completion percentage identified.

c. Would USFS consider increasing the number of past performance project descriptions that are allowed for those firms picking more than one geographical location? Only ten projects are currently allowed. If a firm chooses only one state, all ten projects could be in that state, providing them with an advantage, whereas a firm that chooses more than one state would have to divide the 10 projects across the states. As referenced in #1 above, additional pages have been approved if you are submitting on more than one discipline/geographic area. The additional pages should be sufficient for you to use how you see fit.

4. Statement of Work - 1.2 REQUIRED EXPERTISE & 1.3 REQUIRED SERVICES: Are proposers only to apply those Required Expertise Areas that apply to the respective discipline they are proposing on within their response to the SF330 section responses? Yes

1. Can each person only perform one role on the contract or can one person cover multiple disciplines (i.e. Mechanical Engineer can also be listed as the Electrical Engineer)? There are no issues with multiple disciplines as long as the individual(s) are licensed in the State they intend to perform.

2. In Statement of Work (SOW) Item 1.7.A, will US Forest Service require Professional Engineer/Surveyor/Geologist licensing in each state (i.e. will the SF330 resume for Civil Engineer have to be licensed in Alaska, Oregon and Washington)? Or is a valid-professional AE license in any state acceptable?

Typically, Federal Projects/Contracts do not require state-specific licensure. Individuals must be licensed in the State they intend to perform (see FAR 36.601-4(a)(1), FAR 16.505(a)(9) and FAR 52.236-25).

3. Are only specific disciplines required licensing in each state (i.e. structural, survey) or are all engineering disciplines required to be PE-licensed?

Licensing requirements apply to each discipline. See SOW Sections 1.1 and 1.7.

4. In SOW Item 1.2.A.26, is the required primary discipline for Tower Engineering structural, electrical, or communications? Electrical, mechanical, or communications may be needed when the SOW specifies electrical, mechanical, or communications design. The key take-away here is that working on towers, such as performing a condition assessment, may require additional uncommon training or qualifications, such as being trained to climb or work while hanging from rope & harness. Therefore, the AE should indicate if they have the capability to work on towers, for any discipline.

5. In SOW Item 1.5.J, what is the required primary discipline (ie mechanical, electrical, etc) for the Industrial Process Control Engineer? What are the anticipated industrial processes projects for this role? Typical work would be design/inspecting/troubleshooting controls such as for: tree coolers, water & wastewater systems, HVAC systems, and building automation systems. The control system could be electromechanical, electrical, or computer-based system. See 1.5.I and 1.5.J. This is a specific discipline, separate and different than general electrical or mechanical engineers. The PE might be an electrical engineer, but Process Control Engineering is a specialty, therefore need to address training and experience in this area.

6. In SOW Item 1.3.V, does the Construction Management Services and Engineering Support require a Professional Engineer or other type of license in all 3 states? Or is no licensure required? SOW 1.1 and 1.7 describes the requirements. There are different situations which might need any combination of what you are asking. When a PE is required, that PE would need to be licensed in the state in which the work is being done, typically not all 3 states for the same project.

53 7. In SOW Item 1.3.U, does the Value Engineering Services require a Certified Value Specialist (CVP) certification? Yes

8. In SOW Item 1.3.S, is a PE-license required for Environmental Engineer or other certifications required? Special certifications may be required (e.g., Hazwoper, AERA, etc.); a PE stamp would also be specified, in specific complex technical documents (e.g., Site Investigations). For CERCLA related documents, most technical documents require a PE stamp. This could be done by most certified engineers (e.g., Geotechnical Engineer, Civil Engineering, or Environmental Engineer).