Questions and Answers_9 to 13 Jan.pdf

Questions & Answers Request for Qualifications – AE Services

USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Regions 1 – 11 Questions Submitted: January 9-13, 2023

Q32. In question 11 asked previously, the answer indicated no preference on how the files are split up. Would it be permissible to combine all sections into a single PDF if the resulting file size is within email limitations? Or are there any portions that you require be saved as a separate

PDF?

A32. As long as files can meet the size requirements for sending via email and labeled in accordance with the instructions, they can be grouped in a single PDF. Please make sure you get a delivery notice to ensure that the file has been received. Please provide any JV information as a separate file.

Q33. In “Section B. Professional Qualifications,” it is requested to include a minimum of one professional engineer and one professional land surveyor licensed in each state of Region 1. Can you provide further guidance as to what type of engineer (i.e., civil engineer, water resources engineer, geotechnical engineer, electrical engineer, etc.) you would like to be seen as the licensed member of the team for each state or can it be a mix of engineering specializations?

A33. See first sentence of first paragraph of Section B: Firm must possess professional qualifications necessary for satisfactory performance of the required services similar in nature to those required as part of this requirement.

Q34. In “Section D. Capacity to Accomplish Work,” it’s stated that the Organization Chart may be 11x17. Would one (1) 11x17 Organization Chart count as 1 or 2 pages?

A34. 1 Page

Q35. In “Section D. Capacity to Accomplish Work,” it is stated that submittal requirements include “examples of specific project management for no more than three relevant past performance projects and attached under Part 1, Section H. Each plan may also include one-page summary outlining areas where the plan effectively fostered goals, including schedule management, responsiveness, resource management, reporting methods, etc.” Can you elaborate on how this would be different from the project examples included in Section F? Also, does this have to match with the past performance PPQ/CPARS project selections? This section is a bit unclear and we are requesting clarification on the intent.

A35. The intent is to be able to evaluate project management on relevant past performance projects. The place to further elaborate for those projects shown in Section F, since what you are limited to in Section F would be demonstrating the relevancy, and while it does not have to match PPQ/CPARS, we are looking for PPQ/CPARs on relevant work so that certainly would be desirable. But it is up to the AE on how to best portray your firm/team.

Q36. In “Section E. Knowledge of the Locality”, under 6(a). It states to “include if previously worked with subcontractor within the last 5 years, and estimated percentage of involvement in this requirement.” For the latter part of the statement, “estimated percentage of involvement in this requirement,” is this referring to % worked together previously on projects or % estimated for this contract as a sub? It will be hard to estimate % of work together previously, as it varies by project. For estimated % on the SATOC tasks, it will also vary depending on the scope of work in a given task order. Please clarify this intent.

A36. This comment is referring to Submission Requirement (it is not under Knowledge of Locality) and we want to be able to ascertain for our requirement (SOW as presented – focus on primary tasks) how much you will rely on a subcontractor. It states the SF330 must include:

a. Part I, C. Proposed Team, block (11): include if previously worked with subcontractor within the last 5 years, and estimated percentage involvement in this requirement;

So in block 11 we want you to show the role and their estimated involvement

Q37. In “Section E. Knowledge of the Locality”, under 6(b), there is a list of criteria to be included for each member of the team. What section should this information be included in and does it count toward the 150-page limit?

A37. As stated for this criteria, “Submittal requirements include fully completing Part 1, Section C to include complete addresses of proposed team, and review of Part 1, Section F Example Projects. There are no specific additional submittal requirements for this factor” and “Evaluation will be based on the location of offices and example projects within Region 1.

Offerors with one or more offices within the geographic area and/or with example projects within the geographic area with of Region 1 will receive a higher rating.”

Yes, this counts in the page limit.

Q38. Do you anticipate archaeology as a key service and therefore a resume should be included in Section E? Archaeologist is listed as an applicable discipline for 5 of the services listed within the Scope of Services.

A38. An archaeologist must be represented in your team. Resumes are only required for the named disciplines.

Q39. May offerors include additional information in Section H that is not requested? We would like to include additional information we feel will assist the Government in selection.

A39. Please see Paragraph 6 Submission Requirements:

c. Part I, H. Additional Information, block (30): shall be used to document response and information for criterion D. Capacity to Accomplish the Work, as outlined above.

Additional information can be provided in Part I, H but will be counted in the 150 page limit.

Q40. Can non-Key Personnel be included on the Organizational Chart without including resumes, or are resumes required to be shown for everyone who appears on the org chart?

A40. Non-Key Personnel can be represented on the Organizational Chart without including a resume for that person.

Q41. Is anything other than our response to “Criterion D. Capacity to Accomplish the Work” required for Section H?

A41. No

Q42. Would NRCS prefer consultants to offer additional information regarding Specialized Experience and Technical Competence in additional service areas and additional evidence of Knowledge of the Locality and Geographic Location or Past Performance in Section H?

A42. Required Specialized experience that will be met by subconsultants/team members should be listed there.

Knowledge of Locality Submittal requirements states: “Submittal requirements involve fully completing Part 1, Section C to include complete addresses of proposed team, and review of Part 1, Section F Example Projects. There are no specific additional submittal requirements for this factor.”

If subconsultants are providing required licensed PE or PLS, past performance for that firm may be included in accordance with the submittal requirements for the Past Performance Criteria.

Q43. What type of project do you anticipate under this contract?

A43. Task Orders will be issued in accordance with the Scope of Work provided in the Request for Qualifications.

Q44. What are the capital projects that are being funded by Biden administration grants in region 9?

A44. That information is not available, specific task orders issued will be in line with the Scope of Work provided with the Request for Qualifications.