Questions and Answers_13 to 31 Jan.pdf

Questions & Answers Request for Qualifications – AE Services

USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Regions 1 – 11 Questions Submitted: January 13-31, 2023

Q45. When referring to certifications/registrations since this information is readily available online, would a screenshot from the state’s database of registered engineers and surveyors be sufficient to include as proof?

A45. Yes, that would be sufficient

Q46. I’m wondering if I can attach resumes (no more than 2 pages each) for key project personnel in lieu of filling out the information in Part I, Section E. If so, should I clarify that in Part I, Section H?

A46. You must provide the information required in Section E or you will not be in compliance with submitting a complete SF330; however, you may place resumes in this section rather than utilizing the form in the SF330 template. Please make sure to designate that as Section E and ensure all information requested in the form is included in the resume.

Resumes from key personnel must be included, you may include resumes for other personnel that you think demonstrate the qualifications of your firm and subconsultants, within the overall page limitation.

Q47. (Reference Answer 46) Is it acceptable to follow this same process for other sections as well? For example, Part II? I ask because I’m having some issues inputting text into the fields on the SF 330 template (the text box for 6c. isn’t large enough to enter in the appropriate email address).

A47. Yes that’s fine as long as all information is represented as asked for

Q48. 1) Within the “6. SUBMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS” section the solicitation has a paragraph that begins with: “If the prime contractor proposed subcontractors as “team members,” the “team members” shall be identified by business name and size. In addition to the information provided in the SF330, provide the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) for each member of the proposal team. Joint Ventures (JV), Limited Liability Companies (LLC), and Limited Partnership (LTD) shall submit the following additional documentation regarding their business entities:” followed by a number of requirements a. through c.

The submittal requirements within this paragraph appear to only apply if the Prime is a joint venture or partnership – is that correct? (i.e., if the Prime is a single, small business entity (e.g., an LLC) having its own Unique Identifier Number in SAM.gov, then items a. through c. in this paragraph would not apply and this information would not be required for the Prime or the subcontractors). Please confirm.

If the understanding above is not correct and the information in this paragraph is required (even if the Prime is not a joint venture or partnership), is it required for the Prime only, or for the Prime and all subcontractors?

A48. Please note this states that if you are providing subcontractors as team members, those are considered key subcontractors and will be named in any resulting contract. We are asking that the Prime and all key subcontractors/team members be identified by business name, size of business, and UEI. If you are proposing as a prime contractor/AE and are a JV, the same information would need to be provided for the JV.

Q49. The project management plans required under “D. Capacity to Accomplish the Work” could require a number of pages, especially when considering including three plans. Would it be acceptable to count the one page summary for each plan in the 150 page limit, but exclude the project management plan itself from the page limit since the plans already exists and, I assume, should not be altered?

A49. Examples of specific project management should be submitted for no more than 3 relevant past performance projects and attached under Part I, Section H.

Each Plan Example submitted may also include a one-page summary outlining areas where the Plan effectively fostered goals for good project management, including schedule management, responsiveness, resource management, reporting methods, etc

The full project management plan is not required, only examples of project management from 3 past performance projects.

Q50. The Notice/Presolicitation provides, in Section 6:

“6. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

A-E Firms that have the capability to perform this work are invited to submit one electronic copy of Standard Form 330 Parts I and II for their proposed team, including the prime firm and all joint venture partners, subcontractors, consultants and free-lance associates, to the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist listed below.”

Our reading of this requirement indicates the submission should be only one SF330 submitted for the entire team, which would include a single Part I for the team as a group and a Part II completed by each team member (including the prime, joint venture partners, subcontractors, consultants and free-lance associates), all included in the single submission (as opposed to each team member submitting Part I and II). Is this correct?

A50. One SF330 submission should represent the prime and their proposed subconsultant team.

Q51. Do you have some kind of bidders list where we can actually try to partner with other small business as we have not had the expertise for all the services needed for qualifying. If you can provide that information, it will be helpful and well appreciated.

A51. We do not have any kind of list of AE firms who will be submitting or are interested in this opportunity. You can try checking with your local PTAC and SBA to find out if they have any information on firms that are interested. You may also want to try contacting AE firms in your area to see about teaming.

Q52. The RFQ states that firms must have as minimum qualifications, “at least one Professional Engineer and one Professional Land Surveyor registered/licensed in each state of Region 5.” Do companies need to have P.E.’s in all states for all job classifications and are professional licenses also required for the territories listed?

A52. The only professionally licensed engineers required are a PE and PLS for each state or territory of the region you are submitting an SF330 for, the licensed PE and PLS for each state/territory may be from the Prime AE or a named subconsultant.

Q53. Is there a limitation to the teaming agreements we are able to form for this project?

A53. Your team may consist of any subconsultants you deem appropriate to accomplish the work required in the Scope of Work.

Q54. Will you consider extending the response deadline by two weeks?

A54. As the Request for Qualifications will have been out for 7 weeks at the time that SF330s are due on February 13, 2023, we are not contemplating extending beyond that.