Request for Qualifications Amendment 001.pdf

Synopsis Indefinite Delivery Award Task Order Contract for

Architect-Engineer (A-E): El Yunque NF Land Surveying IDIQ FY 24 - FY28 12445224R0001

Date: May 24, 2024

Proposed Solicitation Number: 12445224R0001

Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service

Location: El Yunque National Forest & International Institute of Tropical Forestry Lands

Synopsis Notice Closing Date: June 24, 2024

1. CONTRACT INFORMATION.

a. General The USDA Forest Service, El Yunque National Forests has a requirement for Professional Land Survey Services. These services are to be provided for lands within, but not limited to, the administrative boundaries of El Yunque National Forest and International Institute of Tropical Forestry lands. The work under this contract is primarily land surveying (property boundary surveys and engineering surveys) and can include, but not limited to, any or all the following:

• Legal Boundary Surveys

• Topographic Surveys

• Control Surveys

• Miscellaneous Surveys

b. Type of Contract

The Forest Service anticipates award of one to four Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity contracts with an ordering period of five (5) years from the effective date of the award or when the aggregate ceiling of $2 million is reached, whichever comes first. Individual task orders will be issued against a contract as program needs arise. Estimated time of performance will vary by task order. The IDIQ contract(s) will have an aggregate ceiling of $2 million. All task orders and subsequent modifications will not exceed $2 million over the term of the contracts. The Government is not obligated to award any task orders beyond the guaranteed minimum of $2,500. The majority of task orders will be valued under $25,000. However, individual task orders may be valued up to $300,000.

Estimated contract award date is September 2024.

The actual number of IDIQ contracts awarded will be dependent on the qualifications submitted and the overall benefit to the Government.

Only firms with licensed Professional Surveyors (PS) in Puerto Rico will be considered. A Puerto Rico licensed PS must be in charge and responsible for work associated with each task order for property boundary surveying and corner establishment.

Task orders issued against awarded contract(s) will include a specific statement of work and will be negotiated as individual projects using Brooks Act procedures. The Government makes no representation as to the number of task orders or the actual amount of work to be ordered. Contractors are not guaranteed work in excess of the minimum guarantee.

Award of contract(s) will not restrict the Government from having cadastral/land surveying services performed by Government employees or others during the contract period.

If contracts are awarded to more than one firm the Forest Service may administratively elect to consider the volume of work previously awarded to an A&E firm and the proximity to the site when determining which firm should be awarded a new task order.

Work will include, but is not limited to:

• Locating, measuring, and marking Forest Service property boundary lines.

• Rehabilitation of previously marked Forest Service property boundary lines.

• Identification and verification, restoration, location and monumentation of property corners.

• Survey of lines to connect, prove, or establish property corners.

• Rights-of-way and easement surveys.

• Topographic Surveys & Engineering Surveys

• Preparation of surveyor’s reports, control diagrams, and survey plats.

• Preparation of Form 7100-52, Corner Record, for each Forest Service property corner.

• Preparation of tract descriptions.

• Other miscellaneous work incidental to the survey profession

c. Competition The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 541370, Surveying and Mapping (except Geophysical), with a size standard of $16.5 million dollars. The PSC Code is Z2AA.

This acquisition is a 100% set aside for Small Businesses Only. As required by FAR 52.219-14 (Deviation 2020-O0008), the prime contractor shall not pay more than 50 percent of the amount paid by the Government for contract performance to subcontractors that are not similarly situated entities.

Any work that a similarly situated entity further subcontracts will count towards the prime contractor’s 50 percent subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded.

d. System for Award Management

To be eligible for contract award, a firm must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM). Register via the SAM website at https://www.sam.gov or by contacting the Service Desk at 1-866-606-8220. Firms must register prior to the due date for responses to this synopsis in order to enable the Contracting Officer’s review of SAM Exclusions. Note: SAM registration is free, there is no fee to contractors to register in SAM.

e. Service Contract Act

Firms are advised that the resulting contract(s) will require that the wages and benefits of listed (non-professional) services employees (see FAR 22.10) performing under this contract must be at least equal to those determined by the Department of Labor under the Service Contract Act, current at time award, as determined relative to the employee’s office location, not the location of the work. See http://www.beta.SAM.gov for additional information.

2. PROJECT INFORMATION

A. This is primarily a land surveying contract. The intention is to provide real property boundary, topographic and engineering surveying services. These services generally fall into the following broad categories:

a. Boundary Surveys involves determine property or management lines and define true property corners of a parcel of land described in a deed legal description. It also indicates the extent of any easements (or Right-of-Ways) or encroachments and may show the limitations imposed on the property by state or local regulations.

b. Topographic Surveys involves locating surface features of a property and depicts all natural features and elevations. In essence it is a 3-dimensional map of a 3-dimensional property showing all natural and man-made features and improvements.

Specifically, it shows their location, size, height and any changes in elevation.

c. Control Surveys provide horizontal and vertical positions of points to which supplementary surveys are adjusted. Control surveys provide the standard of accuracy for subsequent and subordinate surveys to attain.

d. Miscellaneous Surveys: Surveys not specifically mentioned above which use the same type of measuring equipment. Examples could include but not be limited to the following surveys: American Land Title Association (ALTA) Surveys, Construction Surveys (stakeouts, volume calculation, etc.), Resource/Geographic Information System (GIS) data surveys, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Surveys, or National Geodetic Survey (NGS) user submitted project surveys (Blue Book) or OPUS shared surveys.

e. See the attached Statement of Work and the Specifications for additional information.

B. Project Location:

All work will be located within or nearby the El Yunque National Forest boundaries and International Institute of Tropical Forestry facilities and isolated parcels located in Puerto Rico.

Each Task Order will identify the specific project location. A vicinity and project location map will be provided to the contractor with each Task Order RFP.

Work locations may also be at remote Forest Service sites in rural/mountain locations. Locations may be in steep, narrow, and brushy areas. Access roads and trails (averaging 2-feet or more in width) may be paved, gravel, or unsurfaced.

Cell phone coverage may not be available or limited. Potable water, electricity, and sanitary facilities may not be available at majority of the sites.

C. Period of Performance: The ordering period of the IDIQ contracts will be 1 base year and 4 optional years from the effective date of the award or when the shared ceiling of $2 Million is reached, whichever comes first.

3. SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for Award Negotiation

In accordance with 40 U.S.C. Chapter 11 (Selection of Architects and Engineers), the applicable provisions of the Competition in Contracting Act (PUB. L. 98-369, 98 Stat. 1175), the applicable provisions of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act (Pub. L. 103-355, 108 Stat. 3243), and FAR 16.500(d), the Forest Service will select up to four firms for negotiation using the procedures set forth in FAR Subpart 36.6.

• In accordance with FAR 36.602-3(a), the Forest Service will review the Standard Form (SF) 330s submitted in response to the synopsis.

• In accordance with FAR 36.602-3(b), the Forest Service will evaluate those SF 330s in accordance with the criteria listed herein.

• In accordance with FAR 36.602-3(c), the Forest Service will hold discussions with at least four of the most highly qualified firms regarding concepts and the relative utility of alternative methods of furnishing the required services described in this synopsis.

• On the basis of the above, in accordance with FAR 36.602-3(d), the Forest Service will determine the firms most highly qualified to perform the required services described in this synopsis.

• The Source Selection Authority will review the recommendations in accordance with FAR 36.602-3(d) and make the final selection of the most highly qualified firm.

4. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

A. General Instructions

Professional Land Survey firms which meet the requirements described in this announcement are invited to submit the below documents and must follow the instructions set forth in that form except as supplemented below. Do not submit any additional information not required by the SF 330’s instructions as supplemented by the supplemental instructions set forth below. The Forest Service will not consider any such additional information in its evaluation of firms’ SF 330s.:

1. SF-330 Part II, General Qualifications (Submit one SF330 Part II for each firm listed in Part I, Section C),

2. SF-330 Part I, Contract Specific Qualifications, and

3. All requested data listed in the below supplemental instructions (1-3), below.

Except as otherwise permitted below, firms must use the fillable version of SF 330 available on the U.S.

General Services Administration website at https://www.gsa.gov/forms-library/architect-engineer-qualifications, using the space available and font settings embedded in that document.

Responses must be submitted via email to the contracting officer below no later than 2:00 PM (EST) on 24 June 2024. No hard copy responses will be accepted.

Contracting Officer: Keisha Robinson, keisha.robinson@usda.gov

B. Supplemental Instructions

1. Provide a cover with the following information:

i. Firm name

ii. Firm primary and secondary point of contact

iii. Firm contact information (physical address, mailing address, voice and fax numbers, e-mail

iv. address, web address)

v. The solicitation number, including any and all amendments

vi. Unique Entity ID (UEI) Number

2. Use a 12-point type size for body text and a 10-point type size for tables and charts.

3. The Government will exclude PPQs and CPARS from the page limit. On each blank page, include the following language: “This page is intentionally left blank.”

5. SELECTION CRITERIA.

The Forest Service will evaluate firms’ qualifications under the selection criteria set forth below.

The selection of firms for negotiation shall be made through an order of preference using Brooks Act procedures, based on demonstrated competence and qualifications for the work, that include the following evaluation criteria in descending order of importance:

1. Professional qualifications

a. The Forest Service (FS) will evaluate if the firm demonstrates a thorough and professional understanding of proper survey methods, laws, and procedures to meet State and/or Federal survey requirements.

i. The contract will require that a firm have a Professional Land Surveyor licensed in Puerto Rico to be in charge and responsible for each project.

Key personnel identified as the “Project Surveyor(s)” shall possess a current Puerto Rico Land Surveyor license. Failure to provide proof of an active survey license in Puerto Rico and in good standing is a deficiency in the proposal which renders the proposal as unacceptable. A proposal that fails to demonstrate that the firm has a Professional Land Surveyor licensed in Puerto Rico, will not be further evaluated.

ii. The Professional Land Surveyors designated as being in charge and responsible must demonstrate property boundary survey and engineering survey experience with a professional, complete, and thorough understanding of the technical and legal approaches to the proposed work, as defined by the applicable state standards.

b. SF 330 requirement: Submit one Part I, Section E for up to three (3) Registered

Professional Land Surveyors who will be assigned to work task orders issued under this contract. Use a separate Section E for each individual.

Factor 1 will be rated acceptable or unacceptable.

mailto:keisha.robinson@usda.gov

2. Location

a. The FS will evaluate the location of the headquarters office and/or branch office(s).

i. Greater consideration will be given to firms located within 50-miles of the El Yunque National Forest.

ii. If your firm’s office is not located within a 50-mile radius of the relevant National Forest, indicate how you plan to provide services cost-effectively.

b. The FS will evaluate the extent to which prior survey experience indicates specific knowledge of previous surveys in or around the El Yunque National Forest (EYNF) and International Institute of Tropical Forestry (IITF)

c. The FS will evaluate the extent to which firms can demonstrate professional knowledge of the EYNF and IITF (rural, isolated and environment), the ability to successfully perform survey projects on the EYNF and IITF lands being proposed, and logistically handle projects within the geographic areas of these forests. This includes knowledge of the survey history (local and government), local survey records access, and where geographic regions of where these records are maintained (recorded and non‐recorded).

d. SF 330 Requirement: Submit one Part I, Section H demonstrating knowledge and experience with the geographical location. Limit the discussion to three pages for this criterion.

Factor 2 will be rated according to the Subjective Rating Table. Firms located withing the 50-mile radius will be given an Exceptional rating. Firms located between a 50-mile and 100-mile radius will be given a Good rating. Firms located outside the 100-mile radius will be given a Marginal rating. (See attachment 6)

3. Specialized experience and technical competence.

a) The FS will evaluate the extent of the firm’s demonstrated specialized experience and technical competence, as evidenced by successfully completing at least three (3) and no more than five (5) projects in Puerto Rico.

i) Proficiency in locating, posting, and marking Forest Service boundaries in Puerto Rico or similar land management agencies.

ii) Proficiency in historical retracement for metes and bounds boundary surveys and a variety of engineering survey projects (reference general specifications-scope of contract).

iii) Highlight projects involving rural boundary surveys that required property line marking; and include any projects that were complex, involving conflicting title data and/or corner evidence requiring considerable research and evaluation with the proper application of state and Federal laws. Emphasize projects of complexity and historical retracement for metes and bounds boundary surveys and a variety of engineering projects. (As listed in the General Specifications - Scope of Contract.)

iv) Specific knowledge and familiarity with Forest Service boundary posting standards of EYNF and IITF.

v) Greater consideration may be given to those firms who have experience with boundary surveys similar to those in EYNF and IITF.

vi) Greater consideration may be given to offerors, primes, and sub-consultants (joint ventures) that have demonstrated previous work experience together, on the same projects.

vii) Relevant projects that demonstrate boundary survey experience may be considered more favorably than those that do not demonstrate boundary survey experience.

b) Demonstrate an understanding of proper technical procedures, standards, and quality control procedures as shown by knowledge of the following:

i) Quality control processes or plans used by the firm and the project management approach to perform survey services, including corner search, overcoming logistical challenges, and ensuring compliance with contract specifications.

ii) Description of how a control survey will be accomplished, including field procedures using GNSS or conventional survey methods as measuring tools. If possible, sample submissions should highlight projects utilizing GNSS on large boundary projects in rural, forested terrain.

c) SF 330 Requirement: SF 330 Part I, Section F examples of at least three (3) and no more than five (5) projects that demonstrate your team’s experience performing work similar to that described in this synopsis. To be considered, each project must have been performed within five (5) years of the date that responses to this synopsis are due. Submit one Part I, Section F for each project. At least three of the examples must be directly attributable to the firm submitting the offer (prime).

d) Provide documentation of examples of project deliverables for each project submitted. (1 single pdf per project)

e) Demonstrate professional knowledge of the geographical area of concern, the ability to successfully perform survey and logistically handle projects within El Yunque National Forest.

f) Demonstrated knowledge of the survey history (local and government), knowledge of local survey records access and where they are maintained (recorded and non-recorded) in Puerto Rico.

Please note: An indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or other similar ordering vehicle is not considered a “project”. A single task order issued under an IDIQ or other similar ordering vehicle may be considered a “project”.

Do not modify the form by providing more than six proposed team members in Section C. Prioritize team members, providing those that are most important to creating a well-rounded team demonstrating the concentrated areas of expertise.

Factor 3 will be rated according to the Subjective Rating Table. (See attachment 6)

4. Capacity

a. The FS will evaluate the extent to which the firm is able to demonstrate adequate capacity to accomplish work on the EYNF and IITF lands with the identified personnel and equipment. Firms should demonstrate the ability to provide sufficient capital, personnel, and survey equipment, including survey grade GPS equipment, UTVs, and other specialized equipment, to successfully complete various sized projects in the required time.

i. Provide a personnel list demonstrating the availability and number/ size of survey crews and equipment list as necessary. (Include sub-contractors)

ii. Describe how you will meet capacity if the maximum amount of work is awarded in one or more calendar years.

b. If greater capacity would be required, describe your process for securing additional personnel and equipment. For example, if using subcontractors, partners, or other associates for part of the project work, specify how they would be secured and what duties they would perform. More consideration will be given to offerors, primes, and sub-consultants (joint ventures) that have demonstrated previous work experience together on the same projects. Identify number of Party Chiefs at the project office that could be assigned to this contract.

c. SF 330 Requirement: Submit one Part I, Section H demonstrating the capacity to accomplish the work detailed herein. Limit the discussion to four pages for this criterion.

Factor 4 will be rated according to the Subjective Rating Table. (See attachment 6)

5. Past performance

a. The evaluation will consider the extent the offeror demonstrates successful past performance on similar projects from the point of view of the client and professional peers. Firms will be evaluated on past performance for quality of products or services, cost control, compliance to project schedules, effectiveness of management/business relations, and regulatory compliance.

Performance evaluations for any sub-consultants may also be considered.

Demonstrated success of collaborative teaming relationships will be positively considered. Please submit at least three (3) and no more than five (5) projects.

The most recent (past 5 years) and relevancy of past performance information will be considered. The more relevant the information, the more weight it carries. Firms that demonstrate past experience with the Forest Service will be given greater consideration.

NOTE: If no relevant past performance information is available to evaluate or if the record is so sparse such that no meaningful rating can be reasonably assigned, the offeror will be assigned a rating of Neutral and shall not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably.

b. SF 330 Requirement: Submit information regarding past performance as an attachment to the SF 330. For each project submitted in Part I, Section F, submit one of the following:

• A completed Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) evaluation, if available.

• If a completed CPARS evaluation is not available, submit a completed Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) for the project.

The PPQ is provided as Attachment 5 to this synopsis. Firms are advised to ensure correct phone numbers and email addresses are provided for the client point of contact. Do not submit a PPQ when a completed CPARS evaluation is available.

If the firm is unable to obtain a completed PPQ from a client for a project(s) before the submission closing date, the offeror should complete and submit the first page of the PPQ, which will provide contract and client information for the respective project(s).

Firms should follow up with clients/ references to ensure timely submittal of questionnaires. If the client requests, questionnaires may be submitted directly to the Government's point of contact, Keisha Robinson via email at keisha.robinson@usda.gov, prior to the submission closing date. Firms shall instruct the clients to refer to the synopsis number in the subject line.

PPQs are source selection materials. All successfully submitted PPQs will receive an email confirmation upon receipt. If the firm does not receive the confirmation, it is the firm’s responsibility to follow up to ensure the Government has received the information.

In addition to the above, the Government may review other sources of information for evaluating past performance. Other sources may include, but are not limited to, past performance information retrieved through the PPIRS (Past Performance Information Retrieval System) including CPARS, using all CAGE/ DUNS (Commercial and Government Entity/Data Universal Numbering System) numbers of team members (partnership, joint venture, teaming arrangement, or parent company/ subsidiary/ affiliate) identified in the firm’s SF 330, inquiries of owner representative(s), FAPIIS (Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System), or other databases; telephone interviews with organizations familiar with the firm’s performance, Government personnel with personal knowledge of the firm’s performance capability, and any other known sources not provided by the firm.

While the Government may elect to consider data from other sources, the burden of providing detailed, current, accurate, and complete past performance information rests with the firm. In reviewing past performance information, the Government will consider the relevancy of the past performed work in addition to how well the firm performed.

Factor 5 will be rated according to the Performance Confidence Assessment Ratings. (See attachment 6)

6) QUESTIONS AND INQUIRIES ABOUT SYNOPSIS

All inquiries regarding this solicitation are to be submitted via email to Keisha Robinson at keisha.robinson@usda.gov.

Questions are due by June 14, 2024 at 5:00 PM EST.

No response will be posted to inquiries after 5:00 PM EST, 17 June 2024. All bidders will be held to have reviewed the questions and responses posted to https://sam.gov/content/home prior to bid submission. When an answer is posted to a question, the question and answer is then available for all other bidders to review.

7) PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE

A virtual pre-proposal conference will be held May 31, 2024, at 10:00 AM EST via Microsoft Teams.

Attendance is not mandatory but is recommended. If you wish to attend the conference, please send an email to Keisha.robinson@usda.gov by May 29, 2024, at 5:00 PM EST and the meeting link will be sent to you.

mailto:Keisha.robinson@usda.gov