Questions and Responses April 28.pdf

Questions and Government Responses Southern Region Facilities Architect-Engineer Multiple Award Contracts

April 28, 2020

Question 1: The requirements specify 64 single sided letter pages. Hard copies are to be printed double sided. Does this allow for 128 pages total? If not, will the PPQs (4 pages each) be excluded from the page count as they potentially will require 40 pages?

The total page count allowed is 64, printed on 32 sheets of paper when printed double sided. Blank pages count towards the page count. The offerors need to submit information that best demonstrates its ability to meet the evaluation criteria in a concise and efficient manner.

Question 2: The RFQ specifies: "Use a 12 point type size for body text and a 10 point type size for tables and charts." Other than Section H, is the SF 330 Form considered to be a table for font purposes? Specifically, are Section E (Resumes) and Section F (Projects) considered tables?

You may use a 10 point font to complete the information in the form if necessary.

Question 3: In addition to Part II of SF 330, Offerors are to include a tab for each firm listed in Part I, Section C and submit data that the firm feels adequately demonstrates experience and qualifications to perform the required work.

Are there any guidelines or limitations on what we may submit? Are the Part II forms and the additional data included in the page count?

The bolded statement refers to filling out the form. Part II of the SF330 is only the one page per firm/branch, there is no “additional data” to be provided under this part. It is recommended the data provided relates to the general scope of the requirement detailed in sections 1 and 2 of the RFQ. Part II forms are included in the page count.

Question 4: For SF 330 Section I, is a digital signature acceptable in light of the current social distancing requirements?

Yes, a digital signature is acceptable.

Question 5: Can you please expand upon and clarify what you mean by “site investigation” under Scope, Section 2.1, first paragraph on page 4 of 10? Do you mean Environmental Site Assessments - Phase I, Phase II, etc., or something else?

Site investigation in this scope does not include Environmental Site Assessments. The site investigation noted is to determine the functional and technical adequacy of a site to meet the agency’s mission need.

Question 6: Can you also please clarify what is meant by “vertical transportation” in the same paragraph as above? Do you mean elevators, handicap lifts, fire look-out towers and associated pullies? Please clarify.

Vertical transportation includes building systems such as elevators, lifts, dumbwaiters, and escalators. It does not include fire towers or ski lifts.

Question 7: The cover is to contain the DUNS+4 Number, which refers to the DUNS number assigned by D&B plus a 4-character suffix that may be assigned by a business concern. If we do not have the +4 portion, is a DUNS number sufficient or should we list as 0000?

A DUNS is sufficient.

Question 8: The RFQ allows for up to four (4) 11”x17” sheets z-folded to letter size may be included in the package. Are these pages counted as one or two pages?

They are counted as one page.

Question 9: Is it possible to submit this RFQ electronically only (1243ZP20R0001)?

We are discussing the possibility of electronic only. If the submission instructions are revised, an updated RFQ will be posted to beta.sam.gov.

April 20, 2020

Question 1: Are the table of contents, cover sheet, requirements matrix, cover letter (“one single sided page letter of interest”) , front matter, etc included in the 64 page response limit?

Everything should be part of the 64 page limit.

Question 2: In section 4.2, the government states that no tabs or dividers shall be included in the printed response “Do not use tabs or other dividers” In Section 4.3 you ask for tabs to delineate Part II firms. Can the government elaborate on these two seemingly conflicting requirements? If tabs are added, will they be included in the 64 page count limit?

This was a typo. Do not use tabs.

Question 3: Does the government agree that a properly formatted SF330 will include the completed GSA provided form data, followed by labeled and referenced attachments (Not to exceed 64 pages in total)?

Everything needs to be within the SF-330. Section H is for Additional Information relevant to providing a complete Statement of Qualifications.

Question 4: Is one form of past performance data required for each of the 10 projects submitted under SF330 Section F? (Evaluation Criteria 4)

Past Performance information is being requested for each project submitted under Criteria 1.

Question 5: If no ACASS/CPARS/PPQ data is available, any credible supplemental data can be provided. Could this include Letters of Recommendation or the GSA OASIS Past Performance Forms?

The reference to “Any credible, documented information on past performance may be submitted,” is not intended to replace a CPARS or PPQ. It is the offeror’s choice to provide supplemental data.

Question 6: How will be possible to get more information about the services to be provide in order to complete the qualification statement (ie relevant projects, roles)?

The Request for Qualifications, sections 1 and 2, provides information on the types of architect-engineer services the Forest Service may need to construct, repair, and alter its facilities. Specific requirements are not yet defined. As stated in the RFQ, the description and location or specific requirements will be issued as task order proposals.

Question 7: We are a Engineering, Surveying, Landscape Architecture Firm with 3 year average Total Gross Revenue slightly above the individual Small Business Size Standard of $16.5M. Surveying represents only about 10% of that revenue. Can we therefore submit as a Small Business on the Contract?

Our requirement is for full service architect-engineer support for Forest Service facilities. Our procurement is being conducted under NAICS code 541330, Engineering Services. As stated in the Request for Qualifications, to be considered, the prime contractor must certify as a small business with NAICS code 541330, Engineering Services, under 52.219-1, Small Business Program Representations. The Representations and Certifications are completed within sam.gov.

If you need assistance determining your small business status, please contact your Small Business Administration office. Here is the website:

https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance

Question 8: Each day for the past 3 I have been getting updates like the one below. They reportedly add a firms name to what is shown in beta.sam as a presolicitation for a multiple award $6m IDIQ. Please advise the reason for this and confirm if this is an actual pending solicitation.

Based on the information contained in the email you forwarded, it appears that you registered with beta.sam.gov and requested notifications be sent to you for certain announcements. Please contact beta.sam.gov help desk for assistance.

This is an active announcement requesting firms to submit qualifications as the first step of the two step source selection process required by Public Law 92-582 (The Brooks Act) and FAR Part 36.

Question 9: In the submission instructions, it lists three (3) hard copies and three (3) CD's will need to be submitted. Are we able to send three thumb drive USB’s with the PDF documents on them in place of CD's?

Thumb drives will also be accepted.

Question 10: As I read through the solicitation, I cannot find where the submittals should be sent. Would you please also send me the information on where to send the package to. We will be using Fedex as a freight carrier.

Please send the qualifications to the contracting office address located on beta.sam.gov. SOUTHERN REGION, 1720 PEACHTREE ROAD NW, SUITE

876 S, ATLANTA , GA 30309

https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance

Question 11: Under 4.0 Submission Instruction, 4.1. General: “submit three hard copies and three CD’s of Standard Form 330…” Please clarify if three jump drives with required submission documents are acceptable in lieu of three CDs.

USB flash drives will be acceptable in lieu of CDs

Question 12: Under 2.0 Scope of Services, 2.1 IDIQ Contract Scope: “…consistent with the GSA’s Design Excellence program for a variety of project types.” Please clarify if any anticipated projects will require GSA Design Excellence selection process beyond this IDIQ process.

Forest Service projects are not bound to the GSA Design Excellence program, but we intend to follow the principles of providing good design in consistent with the Forest Service’s Image and Identity and local architectural character. No additional Design Excellence specific selection process is intended.

Question 13: Under 2.0 Scope of Services, 2.1 IDIQ Contract Scope: “Primary disciplines and expertise that may be required…include…sustainability. Please clarify if any anticipated projects will require LEED certification or other sustainability certification, or if LEED or other sustainability credentialing is including in scoring of submissions, or if a history of working knowledge and green building/sustainability practice will satisfy requirements.

All Forest Service building projects greater than 10,000 square feet are required to pursue a third party green building certification. Buildings greater than 5,000 but less than 10,000 square feet are required to comply with sustainability requirements, but are not required to pursue third party certification.

Firms may choose how they demonstrate their ability to meet the sustainability requirements.

Question 14: Under 2.0 Scope of Services, 2.1 IDIQ Contract Scope: “Secondary expertise that may be required includes…LEED…” Please clarify if any anticipated projects will require LEED certification or if LEED credentialing is included in scoring of submissions.

All Forest Service building projects greater than 10,000 square feet are required to pursue a third party green building certification. Buildings greater than 5,000 but less than 10,000 square feet are required to comply with sustainability requirements, but are not required to pursue third party certification.

Question 15: Under 2.0 Scope of Services, 2.1 IDIQ Contract Scope: “Design and other engineering-related services must be performed…under the direct supervision of licensed professional engineers.” Please clarify that design work may be performed by licensed architects, with engineers as subconsultants, and prime contract may be with qualified teams led by architecture firms.

This sentence should read “under the direct supervision of licensed design professionals in each discipline.”

Question 16: Under Section 3.2 Evaluation Criteria: Item 4. Past Performance, PPQ. On some projects completed within past 5 years, our owner’s contact has retired, changed jobs, or is no longer representing the entity we completed work for; can you provide guidance on how should provide a PPQ contact in these cases? Is it acceptable to submit with an alternate contact who did not work with us on project?

Providing an alternate contact within the owner’s organization that can speak for the elements of the past performance evaluation will be sufficient. However, as in most cases, if the record is sparse and/or the information is not meaningful enough so that a rating can be reasonably assigned, the offeror will be assigned a rating of neutral and shall not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably.

Question 17: Due to COVID-19 situation, would you consider allowing electronic submissions of all documents rather than hard copies? And not require CDs? We may still be on lockdown by the time the packages are due and it may be difficult to get this done and mailed.

We are considering such a change to the submission process. If we change the submission process a separate notice will be posted to beta.sam.gov.

Question 18: Regarding statement. "Past performance data for projects presented under Part I, Section F of the SF330 will be considered." Is past performance data required for each project submitted on section F? Or just a minimum amount is required?

Past performance should be limited to the projects submitted under Section F.

There is not a minimum amount required.

Question 19: Regarding this statement from RFQ. "Professional services for task orders shall be overseen or performed by contractor individuals licensed in the relevant discipline with a current registration in the state in which the project's construction will occur as required." If professional key personnel proposed does not have current registration in all of the states included in Region 8, but could get licensed through reciprocity or other, would that be an acceptable approach for RFQ submission purposes?

This statement is at 2.2 Task Order Scope and will be applied task order by task order based on overall project scope. In general, the Forest Service only requires registration of designers in the project’s state where Federal law has delegated enforcement authority to the states, such as the Clean Water Act.

Question 20: For SF 330 Section F, other than the two projects required from Prime firm, is there an overall minimum number of projects required?

No, there is not an overall minimum number of projects required.

Question 21: For SF 330 Section F, can you confirm if projects with no construction phase, like feasibility studies or planning/programming projects can be included as long as services have been substantially completed within last 5 years?

These projects may be included in the Statement of Qualifications.