SF30_AND_Q&A_Amendment_0001_12SAD119R0003.pdf

(x)

12SAD119R0003

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1 copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted ; or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT

THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted , such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

x

RD-31ME

WASHINGTON DC 20250

1400 INDEPENDENCE AVE, SW

PROCUREMENT MANAGEMENT OFFICE

USDA, RURAL DEVELOPMENT

05/15/20190001

13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS. IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) is not extended.is extended, Items 8 and 15, and returning

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended , by one of the following methods: (a) By completing

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

FACILITY CODE CODE

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)

7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)CODE 6. ISSUED BY

PAGE OF PAGES

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.3. EFFECTIVE DATE2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

04/27/2019

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority) appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return __________________ copies to the issuing office.

ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

Property Preservation and Inspection Service

Amendment transmits Questions and Answers received for the above referenced solicitation.

Note: If follow-up questions are received only at email address: RD.Acquisitions.usda.gov, on or before the solicitation close date, the Government, at its discretion, may or may not respond to them. Vendors are to monitor www.fbo.gov for information on this solicitation.

Note: Amendment 2 to the Solicitation will be issued within the week regarding updates relating to questions that are highlighted in Yellow in the attached Answers.

All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.

Period of Performance: 08/01/2019 to 01/31/2021

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

15C. DATE SIGNED 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR 16C. DATE SIGNED

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

BRIAN JOHNSON

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 10-83)

Prescribed by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

NSN 7540-01-152-8070

Previous edition unusable

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9 A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect .

SOLICITATION USDA, RD 12SAD119R0003 –

PROPERTY PRESERVATION AND INSPECTION SERVICES

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

AMENDMENT 001, SOLICITATION 12SAD119R0003

QUESTIONS RECEIVED MAY 6 ,2019, 4:30PM EST

ANSWERS POSTED to fbo.gov MAY 15, 2019 --

Note: If follow-up questions are received “only” at email address: RD.Acquisitions.usda.gov, on or before the solicitation close date, the Government, at its discretion, may or may not respond. Vendors are to monitor www.fbo.gov for information on this solicitation.

Note: Amendment 2 to the Solicitation will be issued within the week for updates relating to questions that are highlighted in “Yellow” in the Answers below.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Q: I wanted to confirm if the requirement mentioned above considered as new requirement or are there incumbent contracts? If there is an incumbent vendor, would you be able to provide the contract details (such as: Vendor Name, Contract Number, Award Date, Value)? Lastly, is an estimated maximum contract value available?

A: Mortgage Contracting Services, LLC, Lewisville, Texas; 1231ME18F0081; Sept 1, 2018 to July 31, 2019; Value: $26,787,455.00

1. Q: Will USDA furnish lockboxes” A: No

2. Q: Who is the incumbent contractor:

A: See 1 above.

3. Q: Will USDA provide end of month billing information (as HUD does for FSM) A:` Not sure what is being asked.

4. Q: In the PWS, pages 2,3, are missing:

A: Pages are not missing, however, miss-numbered. Amendment 2 will be issued to correct the page numbering.

5. Q: How will property assignments be made?”

A: Monthly Inspections will be submitted to contractor. Based on property conditions, other work will be completed as needed http://www.fbo.gov/

6. Q: If you win the contract as a HUBZone company, will you still be required to fullfil all other small businesses subcontracting goals (Women owned, SDVO, VO, ect.)

A: No.

7. Q. General - Are there required standard operating hours for the contractor? If, what time zone applies?

8. Q: General - Within the solicitation documents provided, the pricing sheets (tabs 1 & 2) are labeled as Attachment C4, however, upon opening what is designated as Attachment C, Instruction to Offerors, Evaluations and Basis for Award, it is also labeled Attachment C4. Would it not be easier to designate the pricing sheets as Attachment B, since this is what the SF1449 refers to them as and on Page 26 of the RFP it designates them as Attachment B also.

A: The information in the Instructions are clear. But to make clearer will update in Amendment 2 the Attachment B Pricing Schedule. Note: The information from the C4 Pricing Worksheet must be incorporated into Attachment B Pricing Schedule for both the IDIQ and Task Order 1 will be incorporated into the contract award,

9. Q: General: Are HB-1-3550 Chapter 15 and HB-1-3555 Chapter 19, applicable to this contract as guidelines for managing USDA-RD properties? Are there any other chapters within these 2 Handbooks that should be used as guidelines to perform property preservation and inspection services?

A: 3550 is applicable.

10. Q: General - Does USDA-RD require quotes/bids for only repairs that are more than $2,000? If so, how many bids are required?

11. Q: General - Attachment C (but labeled C4) Section 3.1, Volume 1 Technical Capability Proposal, last paragraph, 3rd line should state “(Attachment A to Solicitation)” instead of Attachment B A: Typo – should indicate “Attachment A, PWS to the solicitation”.

12. Q: General - Is there an incumbent contractor currently providing these services? If so, please identify the contractor and provide the total contract value including option/extension periods that were exercised.

A: See Answer #1 above.

13. Q: General - Do the amounts shown on the pricing spread reflect actual services provided? If so, for what period of time? Or are they projected amounts based on historical information?

A: They are projected amounts based on historical information.

14. Q: General: What is the averaging hold time once a property becomes REO?

A: Average hold time Nationwide is 457 days.

15. Q: General: Who is responsible for researching and paying HOA fees (including delinquencies?

A: USDA would be, not included in contract language.

16. Q: General: Who pay the real estate taxes on the properties in inventory?

A: USDA.

17. Q: General: IS property hazard insurance in place? If so, who is responsible for policy payment? Or is USDA self-insured?

A: USDA is self-insured.

18. Q: General - Is there a geographical requirement for the location of the contractor’s office?

19. Q: SF 1449 1.3b - ….. thresholds established in 4.1703(a)(2), however, 4.1703 is not a section within the RFP solicitation documents. Please provide location of 4.1703.

A: Go to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 4.1703 – www.acquisition.gov

20. Q: SF1449 RFP & Attachment A PWS - CLIN005 / 2.5 (Objective 5 Other Direct Cost – Travel NTE – Is this line for vendor’s employees to travel to mandatory meetings required by USDA-RD, for vendor or subcontractor travel to a property, or both?

A: See PWS 2.5 Objective Other Direct Costs.

http://www.acquisition.gov/

21. Q: SF1449, RFP, Continuation Sheet, pg 1

Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, with Hybrid contact line items (CLINS) to include Time and Material (T&M), Fixed Price and Cost”. Please identify which CLINs/line items are Fixed Price, T&M or Cost type CLINs A: The Schedule B reflects the CLIN Structure as: CLIN 001, FFP; CLIN 2, T&M;

CLIN 3, NSP; CLIN 4, T&M, CLIN 5, T&M, and CLIN 6 T&M.

22. Q: General, QASP/QAP Please confirm that a QASP/QAP is not to be provided with the solicitation response, but within 10 days after contract award.

*A: Changed in Amendment 2 to indicate that a draft QASP is required with the solicitation response, with a finalized version 10 days after contract award.

23. Q: SF1449, Due Date Due to the Memorial Day holiday on Monday, 5/27/2019, is it possible to extend the due date to Monday, 6/3/2019?

A: At this time, there is no change to the due date.

ATTACHMENT A, PWS QUESTIONS

24. Q: Attachment A, PWS` - Section 2.2.3 Boarding Are there any pre-approved window boarding markets or will all damaged/broken windows have to be repaired.

A: Follow local ordinances. Board where allowed.

25. Q: Attachment A, PWS, Section 2.2.4 Task 4 Debris Removal The contractor provides a pricing for debris removal per cubic yard. Under what circumstances will a contractor be expected to bid debris removal?

A:No cap is necessary however evidence must be produced to confirm how much debris was removed.

26. Q: Attachment A, PWS, Section 2.2.6 Task 6 Other Task

Does USDA have $ limits on other task? As an example, the contractor determines that the pool or hot tub needs to be cleaned and/or repaired, are there established $ amounts or does the contract submit bids for these other task A: Yes-That would fall under the over and above CLIN 4, Contingency Preservation.

27. Q: Attachment A, PWS, Section 2.2.10 and 2.2.10.1 Task 10 Code Violations This section states that the contractor shall clear all code violations. Is prior approval from USDA required prior to clearing all code violations?

A: Yes if the code violation falls outside of Clin 2 then it will be charged to Clin 4

28. Q: Attachment A, PWS, Section 9 Invoice Submittal Page 18, 5th bullet point Travel Receipts, in accordance with the _________” This statement does not appear to be complete. Please advise.

A: Amendment 2 to be issued to reflect the change to read “in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulations (see www.gsa.gov/federaltravelregulations .

29. Q: Attachment A, PWS, Section 2.2.12 Task 12 Snow/Ice Removal When it is determined that a property requires snow/ice removal, does the USDA have an expected time frame for snow or ice to be removed?

A: Must follow jurisdictional/local ordinances.

30. Q: Regarding PWS, Paragraph 5, Contract Deliverables CLINs 001, 002, 004

Are any templates available of the recurring reports needed?

http://www.gsa.gov/federaltravelregulations

31. Q: Attachment A, PWS, pgs 5,6,7, 8, 9 – Please advise what USDA P&P regulation is to be utilized by the contractor to govern this contract? (Ex. HUD P&P guidelines are all found in HUD Handbook 4000.1 and Mortgagee Letter 2016-02). Is HB-1-3555 Chapter 19 applicable to this contract, if so, CHP 19 states the agency mirrors HUD/FHA’s maximum allowable costs for P&P and maintenance costs and refers to ML2010-18, ML2010-18 has been superseded by ML2016-02 and HUD HB 4000.1. Therefore, are the allowable costs established in the ML2016-02 and HUD HB 4000.1 applicable to this contract?

A: Not sure what is being asked in this question. Pricing must be provided IAW/ Attachment B Pricing Schedule.

32. Q: Attachment A, PWS, 2.2.10, 8 – If there isn’t an established allowable for a particular preservation activity that is determined to be necessary by the contractor or AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction), will an itemized estimate generated using cost estimate software (i.e. Repair base, Bluebook, Xactimate) sufficient to support an expense?

A: Yes, thru a workorder (email format), and additional funding drawn down from CLIN 004, Contingency Preservation. Also see the Column E in the B Attachment Schedule (Amendment 2) and C4 Price Schedule Worksheet referencing unit price variances, wherein contractor may give an estimated range of pricing for an item.

33. Q: Attachment A, PWS, 2.3.2, 2.3.3, 2.3.6, 2.3.7, 2.3.10, 2.3.11, 2.3.15, 2.3.17 2.3.18 &

2.3.20 In CLIN 003 Damaged Property Reports are required Daily, Weekly, and Monthly.

Outstanding Bid Report is required Daily and Weekly, Violation Report is required Daily and Monthly, the Vacant Land and No Access Reports are required Weekly and Monthly.

Please provide clarification on what is expected each report.

A: Not sure how to clarify. PWS is Self explanatory.

34. Q: Attachment A, PWS, 2.4, pg 11 In cases where the P&P action requires USDA RD approval, does the 14 day timeframe to complete begin when approval is granted by the COR?

A: When the approval is granted by the COR, CO and/or AOO as applicable.

35. Q: Attachment A. PWS, 1.5, pg 4

Does USDA-RD have a requirement for minimum size of a photo (i.e., 1280 x 960 or smaller than 400 kilobytes (KB)? The size of photos affects upload times and record storage

36. Q: Attachment A, PWS, 2.2.1 (Task1) Bullet #7 States, If emergency repairs are needed, the vendor will contact the CSC for approval to use emergency up to the allowable amount for the service in the contract. Referring to HB-1-3555, 19.2, A. Vacant or Abandoned Properties - States that emergency repairs exceeding $2,000 require Agency concurrence, but is not necessary prior to completing the repair and B. Managing REO Property states necessary repairs in excess of $2,000 require USDA-RD concurrence. Is it acceptable for continuity purposes that vendor obtain USDA-RD concurrence for any emergency or necessary repairs over $2,000, so there is no confusion in the field?

A: 3555 Does not apply

37. Q. Attachment A, PWS, 2.2.12 (Task 12) Snow/Ice Removal – states “snow will be removed from one car length of an existing driveway, an 18” path to the entrance of the house…” however, HB-1-3555, 19.2, B., Bullet for Snow Removal states “snow should be removed from the entry, walkway, porch, and driveway following a minimum 3” accumulation”. Please clarify that we are only to plow one car length into the driveway and not the entire driveway A: 3555 does not apply

38. Q: Attachment A, PWS, 2.2.12 (Task 12), pg9 Snow/Ice Removal – states “snow will be removed from one car length of an existing driveway, an 18” path to the entrance of the house…” however, HB-1-3555, 19.2, B., Bullet for Snow Removal states “snow should be removed from the entry, walkway, porch, and driveway following a minimum 3” accumulation”. Please clarify that we are only to plow one car length into the driveway and not the entire driveway.

A: 3555 does not apply

39. Q: Attachment A, PWS, 2.1 & 2.2, pgs 4,5,6 Does USDA-RD provide existing forms to be used for pre-and post-foreclosure inspections or is vendor to create and supply forms?

A: Vendor supplies and creates forms as necessary.

40. Q: Attachment A, PWS, 2.1 & 2.2, pg 4,5,6 HB-1-3550, if applicable to this contract – is Attachment B Single Family Housing Site Checklist to be used to address any environmental issues for new properties into the portfolio?

A: Not at this time however, this could change.

41. Q: Attachment A, PWS & Attachment C4 First bullet refers to “rekey” of deadbolts and knoblocks on all entrances,…. however, Attachment C4, CLIN002 states “Securing (change locks)”. Is vendor to rekey existing locks or change all locks?

A. Rekey if appropriate. Only change when necessary

42. Q: Attachment A, PWS, 2.2.1 (Task 1), bullet 5, pg 5 With regards to winterizing, is there coverage for specialty systems such as Geothermic or radiant systems?

A: No, the type of system is not specified/dictated.

43. Q: Attachment A, PWS, 2.2.6.19, pg 7 Sales Cleaning – are we to follow HUD guidelines for these since specs could not be located in HB-1-3550 or 3555? If not, please provide the specs for what constitutes a sales clean for pricing purposes.

A: Please follow industry standards.

44. Q. Attachment A, PWS, 2.2.5 (Task 5), pg 6 Does animal removal only refer to live or dead carcass removal or does it also include trap and release which requires multiple visits?

A: Trap and Release as well.

45. Q: Attachment A, PWS & Pricing C4, 2.2.2 (Task 2), pg 6.

If following state and local requirements pertaining to personal property, should this line item include possible storage fees?

A: Yes

46. Q: Attachment A, PWS, 2.6.2, pg 12 Does the Transition Out (60 days) start after the 18-month period of performance?

A: Depends – Can start anytime after contract award. Note, however, the transition in/out not is not anticipated to start within the first 12 Task Order 1 period of performance.

47. Q: Attachment A, PWS, 2.6.1, pg 12 The transition in period of 90 days begins after contract award, but when does the 18-month period of contract performance begin? After the transition in period or is it during the first 3 months of the 18 months?

A: The date of the base IDIQ contract, which will run for 18 month, is anticipated to start August 1, 2019. The Task Order 1 will be awarded simultaneously, August 1, 2019, and anticipated to run for 12 months. The Transition CLIN 6, is anticipated to be funded anytime during the 13 to 18 month period of performance.

48. Q: Attachment A, PWS, 2.2.1: Initial Services:

Bullet Point 7: A). The “allowable amount” will be the amounts agreed to on the contract, correct? B). Please confirm that CSC approval will needed for all emergency repairs even though the expense is at or below the “allowable amount”. .

A: Nothing needed for at or below allowable.

49. Q: Attachment A, PWS, 2.2.6.14: Eviction Assistance:

Please identify the services that may be needed for this item. Who is responsible for initiating the actual eviction and overseeing the legal action needed to vacate the property?

A: The Preservation vendor will be expected to coordinate with local law enforcement in providing labor to remove property per State Law. No legal action is required.

50. Q: Attachment A, PWS, 2.2.6.17: Utilities: (Three questions below)

A.)Please confirm that the power should remain on only for those properties that have a sump pump, dehumidifier or are located in an extreme cold weather areas (ex.: Alaska).

What other property characteristic would require the power to remain?

A: Yes

B). How many properties in the current inventory have the electric services on?

A: This number cannot be identified at this time.

C). Is the contractor also responsible for researching and paying any past due utility charges that were incurred by the borrower, former borrower or by the current incumbent contractor?

51. Q: Attachment A , PWS, General: What are the bidding thresholds for the items that could be excessive (debris, tree removal, vehicle removal, etc.)?

A: None

52. Q: Attachment A , PWS, General: What are the software integration requirements (if any) associated with this contract?

A: No software integration is associated with this requirement at this time.

53. Q: Attachment A, PWS – 2.2.3 (Task 3) Boarding (Page 6): Will USDA adhere to the Fannie Mae standard prohibiting the use of plywood boarding and requiring reglazing or clearboarding using a clear polycarbonate material?

A: No, Local Ordinances take precedence.

54. Q: Attachment A, PWS – 2.2.7 (Task 7) Automobile Removal (Page 8):

What is the maximum number of vehicles expected to be removed before requesting additional payment? How are farm implements/vehicles, RVs, semi-trucks, stock trailers, etc. to be handled?

A: Pricing should be quoted at a per vehicle rate regardless of number or type.

55. Q: Attachment A , PWS 2.2.10 (Task 10) Code Violations (Page 8):

In clearing code violations, how is the Vendor to proceed to clear a penalty levied prior to the Vendor taking responsibility for the property? Is there a pass-through mechanism that allows the Vendor to be reimbursed for resolving prior existing penalties?

A: Those will be paid directly by USDA

56. Q: Attachment A , PWS, 2.2.12 (Task 12) Snow/Ice Removal (Page 9):

What are USDA-RD’s expectations for rural properties with driveways longer than 100 yards? How is the Vendor to handle snow removal from roofs to protect the asset?

A:Driveways over 100 Yards are handled based on Local Ordinances Roof Snow removal will be handled based on recommendations from the on sight contractor as it relates to potential property damage.

57. Q: Attachment A – 2.3.14 (Objective 3) Reports (Page 10):

What specifically will be the Vendor’s responsibilities with respect to scorecard reports?

Will the Vendor be generating their own self-assessments? Will Vendor respond to a scorecard created by USDA-RD?

A: Generated by the Vendor

58. Q: Attachment A, PWS – 11.1 Bio-based Products (Page 19):

59. The link provided in the RFP generates a “HTTP Status 404 – Not Found” error message.

What is a valid URL to review USDA designated product categories?

A: See https://www.biopreferred.gov under the “Catalog” heading.

60. Q: Attachment A , PWS – 9 Invoicing (Page 18):

For high-cost pass-through items, can the Vendor submit individual invoices throughout the month; or will they be required to be bundled into the monthly invoice?

A: Bundles into the Monthly invoice

61. Q: Attachment A, PWS, - 3 Constraints (Page 12):

What are the bonding and insurance requirements associated with this contract?

A: Vendor should tell us what their requirements of the contractors are in their proposal.

https://www.biopreferred.gov/

ATTACHMENT 2 AND ATTACHMENT C4 - PRICING QUESTIONS

1. Q: Attachment 2 – Pricing Sheet Property Inspections The USDA did attach heat map but did not provide estimated volumes for each state. Will the USDA provide estimated volumes for Property inspections per state?

A:No as this number varies greatly on a monthly basis.

2. Q: Attachment 2-Att C4 – Pricing Sheet-Trash Removal Debris-Animal Removal-LPB Inspections/Meth/Remediation/Abatement/Vehicle Removal/Eviction Assistance The pricing sheet provides estimated volumes but does not provide where volume concentration. Will the USDA provide estimated volumes per state for the above services?

A:No, this information is not available at this time.

3. Q: What is the total number of properties (separated by state) currently managed under the contract that is being replaced through this solicitation?

A: The question is too broad, please clarify.

4. Q: Will estimated property quantities (separated by state) be provided prior to the submission deadline?

A: Same as 3

5. Q: Are the quantities provided in the pricing sheet exact or estimated values?

A: Estimated

6. Q: What services are included in CLIN 006?; How is a contractor reimbursed from CLIN 006?

A: The contractor is reimbursed for all services performed during the month of transition.

7. Q: In Tab 1 of the pricing sheet, the value for CLIN 006 is $3,000,000.00. In Tab 2, the value is $0.00. Is the offeror to edit any of this information in the pricing sheet?

A: No. Tab 2 is for the 12 month Task Order 1. It is anticipated that there will be no Transition in the initial 12 month period of performance.

8. Q: Why is the CLIN 006 value in Tab 2 $0.00?

A: Pricing is not to be provided for CLIN 006 Task Order 1 at this time.

9. Q: Regarding Attachment 2, Pricing Sheet – Schedule of Services, CLIN 002 CEILING/NTE – Is this ceiling/NTE per property, a max for the entire contract, or a max for that line item?

A: Max for the CLIN 002, with is a T&M, NTE amount.

10. Q: This question related to line items such as “Roof/Repair or Replace/Tarp/Cap Chimney”, “Tree Trimming”, “Tree/Sapling Removal”, and many other non-standard items such as this. Are you looking for a per linear foot, per square foot type pricing, or is this each? Then is it NTE a max quantity/price?

A: Please propose as you see best fit. Also there is a “Variance” Column in the price sheet that can be used and provide the appropriate rationale.

11. Q: The line items “Personal Property – Debris”, “Trash Removal – Debris” and Storm Damage/Debris” all have $00.00/CYD listed. Is this just indicating that the bid must be in CYD pricing? Then, Storm Damage/Debris is listed at $60/CYD in the line item name, is this a standard pre-set price?

A: All should be per cubic yard. The 60 is not a standard preset price.

12. Q: The line item “Eviction Assistance” mentions “($20 Hour Up To)”, does this mean the price on this line item cannot exceed $20/hr? Is this for on-site move out labor?

A:It is for onsite labor move out, however the Government is not stipulating a not to exceed price of $20 on this item, please price as you deem appropriate.

13. Q: This question is relating to utility transfer/utility payment processing/research line items. Can you provide some more detail on how the utility process works? Is this to activate utilities into contractor or USDA name when necessary to keep things like sump pumps operational? Would past due balances being paid be covered under one of these line items?

A: Yes, Past due balances can be submitted directly to USDA for payment.

14. Q: Regarding Attachment 2, Pricing Sheet – Schedule of Services, CLIN 004 Does this line also include any bid-related items at properties? For example, if work needs performed outside of the standard pricing in CLIN 002, does the remaining bid-related work fall under the NTE on CLIN 004?

A:Yes

15. Q: How does USDA prefer to have bids submitted to them? Is there a preferred cost estimator?

16. Q: Attachment C1, Heatmap

The solicitation requires services in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the U.S.

Virgin Islands, and the Pacific Trust Territories. The heatmap provided does not list any property in American Samoa of the Pacific Trust Territories, does this mean that at this time, USDA-RD has no properties in these areas, but could possibly in the future?

17. Q: Attachment C4 (Tabs 1 &A, Storm Damage/Debris $60/CYD

You are requesting a price per cubic yard (CYD) in the Unit price column, but the CLIN states $60/CYD. Does the $60/CYD need to be removed from the CLIN line or is this the price we must quote A: Amendment 2 will remove the $60/CYD.

18. Q: Attachment C4(Tab 1 & 2) Eviction Assistance You are requesting a price per hour in the Unit price column for 47 hours, but the CLIN states $20/hour. Does the $20/hour need to be removed from the CLIN line or is this the price we must quote?

A: Amendment 2 will remove the $20 hours

19. Q: Attachment C4 (Tabs 1 & 2) Demolition

How do you provide a fixed price for demolition? Demolishing a home with water/gas/electric hookup is completely different than demoing a dilapidated storage shed. Please clarify “demolition”.

A: Offeror need to provide one standard industry price for the item in the “Standard” column of the Pricing Sheeting for all possibilities. Any variance ranges can be indicated in the column entitled “Variances, if applicable, to Unit Pricing”.

20. Q: Attachment C4 (Tabs 1 & 2) LBP and Mold Mildew Inspections.

Someone may order a Lead Based Paint inspection, but it may not require remediation or abatement, same with mold/mildew. In addition, clearance for LBP must be provided by a different vendor than who performed the abatement/remediation. Please clarify that you are requesting 1 price for possibly 3 separate reports/actions A: No, the Government is requesting one(1) price per report/action.

Q: Attachment C4, Tabs 1 & 2, General

21. States “Standard price and Variance to Standard price are included for CLINS 001 & 002, but not to CLIN 004”. However, the footnote on Tab 1 indicates the standard pricing in column D is used for CLIN 004. Please clarify.

A: Amendment 2 will be issued indicated that “Variance to Unit pricing” if required, may be used from CLINS 001, 002 for costing out CLIN 004, when required.

22. Q: Attachment C4, Tabs 1 & 2, Utility Service – Passthrough/Reimbursable

Since this is a passthrough expense, where does vendor allocate the indirect costs of processing payments, accounting personnel, utility management, etc.?

A: These costs are associated with CLIN 002 under the utility payment/processing/research line item.

23. Q: Attachment C4, Tabs 1 & 2, General

Please clarify how vendor is to present information in Columns D & E?

A: Column B (Quantity) X Column C (Unit Price) = Column D. Column E is the provided estimated Variance of the Column C, Unit Price – anticipated to be used for pricing CLIN 004, Contingency Preservation, when required..

24. Q: Attachment C4, Tabs 1 & 2, Wint (Dry), Wint (Wet), and Wint (Refrigerant)

Please provide an explanation for Wint (Refrigerant). Vendor is aware of dry (forced heat systems) and wet (radiators, boilers, etc.), but what is Wint (Refrigerant)?

A: Antifreeze.

25. Q: Attachment C4, Tabs 1 & 2, Snow/Ice Removal

So vendor is to be paid one price for snow removal regardless of 3” or 2ft. of snow on the drive and walkways? Please clarify, because a different price is usually required for 3”- 6”, 7”-10”, and 11”.

A: One fixed price is requested.

26. Q: Attachment C4, Tabs 1 & 2 Post Sign/Posters

The type and number of signs is not mentioned in the PWS. Please provide a list of types of signs to be posted? Trespassing, sign-in sheet?

A: The signs used are generally for contact information in regards to comments or issues with the property.

27. Q: Attachment C-4 -- Two C4 pricing attachments were provided. The two lists show different quantities. Please confirm both pricing lists are to be completed and submitted with the proposal response. ? If both are required, please explain why the quantity amounts are different.

A: Both are required. Tab 1 is for the overall IDIQ Contract for a 18 month period. The overall pricing will establish the NTE ceiling amount for the IDIQ contract, which will be inserted in the award. Tab 2 is for the Task Order 1, which is for a one-year period of performance. Task Order 1 will be evaluated and awarded simultaneously with the base

IDIQ award. Note, Task Order 1, as mentioned above, does not include the CLIN 006, Transition In/Out. It is anticipated that this CLIN may be awarded as a separate task order or a separate funded CLIN, as required.

28. Q: Attachment C4 – FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Items (Page 1):

Will all prospective vendors be given copies of all questions submitted by other Vendors in association with this RFP, as well as the associated answers?

A: Yes.

29. Q: Attachment C3 Past Performance Questionnaire (Page 1):

Where Vendor’s largest clients are government/GSE entities that, as a policy, do not provide specific performance feedback on their vendors, what is an acceptable alternative to provide USDA-RD with relevant performance information?

A: Indicate appropriate information in your proposal. However, if Federal Government, it is the FAR policy that contracts over the Simplified Acquisition Threshhold “SAT” have performance evaluations prepared and entered into the Government ‘s Contractor’s Performance Assessment System, with feeds into Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS).

30. Q: Property Preservation (REO & Foreclosure Custodial. The government indicates volume by each respective service in CLIN 002. Can the government provide a ratio of those service orders that are expected to be REO versus pre-foreclosures service orders?

A: No ratio info provided due to fluctuations in volume from month to month

31. Q: Attachment B was not provided in the package. Can USDA provide Attachment B or clarify that Attachment A is the reference for Performance Work Statement (PWS) that should be addressed?

A: See response above.

32. Q: Are code violations with a financial impact expected to be cleared at Vendor's expense?

33. Q: Can USDA provide a business definition (with any conditions) or purpose of the reports identified in this section? Our system reports may already align but are under a different name.

A: Standard reports covering items listed in PWS par. 2.3

34. Q: Pricing sheet indicates that the vast majority of inspections are "Property Inspections" which is a vague term. Can we get more information on the breakdown of inspections (interior vs exterior)? How should we price this: based on the most expensive type of inspection or as some type of blended fee?

A: Use standard vacancy inspection as guide.

35.Q: Does USDA have a standard or preferred format for inspection template for consistency by field representatives?

A: No. Vendor preference.

36. Q: How is inspection data transmitted back to the client: 1) as a pdf, 2) as data element and/or 3) something else?

A: Contractor shall provide initial and ongoing management inspection reports via their secure online system.

37. Q: Internal Question - How will we handle utilities? Will VRM do all utility functions or will some of these functions be performed by the preservation vendor? Will utilities be put in VRM's name or USDA A: Internal

38. Q: Internal Question - How will we handle violations? Assume that preservation vendor will notify VRM which will handle review and payment - is this correct A: Internal

39. Q: There are some preservation items in the pricing sheet would be difficult to provide a single unit price (e.g. general maintenance, demolition, etc.). Can we indicate that items in the price sheet should be biddable? Can we define in-scope/out of scope for these items?

A: No. Vendor should provide best single composite unit price.

40. Q: Does USDA have a definition of what is in scope for each preservation item?

41. Q: Does USDA have investor allowables?

42. Q: Is there an estimate of the number of violations received?

43. Q: Does USDA require the use of a cost estimator for repairs and other biddable work?

A: No

44. Q: Are there lifetime caps on preservation spending for a property?

45. Q: Does utility management apply to REO only since the deed wont be in the USDA's name until post sale?

46. Q: Can the government provide the USDA guidelines for debris removal?

A: Amendment 2 will be issued to PWS section 2.2.4 updating to state "Contractor shall remove and/or bid debris removal according to State or jurisdictional/ordinance laws."

47. Q: Does USDA require a particular key code?

A. Single key code required.

48. Q: Does USDA require background checks/screening (Aspen Grove) on the actual vendor performing the service?

A: USDA does not require background checks/screening on the actual vendor performing the work. However, since prime contractors are liable for violations committed by their covered subs/secondary contractors, the government would anticipate that the prime contractor would conduct the appropriate screening level on subs/secondary contractors performing services.

49. Q: For scheduling, how does vendor know to remove from on-going services?

A: Monthly ordering will detail which services are required.

50. Q:Are inspections considered on-going until further notice or does USDA order on a monthly basis?

A: Monthly ordering will detail which services are required.

51. Q: Can the USDA explain the delineation of emergency repairs between CLIN 0002 and CLIN 0004?

A: Any required work needed to be performed outside of the standard unit pricing in CLIN 002, will fall under the NTE on CLIN 004.

52. Q: In general, if the service is needed at a multi-unit property and would need to be performed more than once would the fee be paid per service performed or per loan/REO?

A: Services are not required on multi-unit property.

53. Q: Post Signs/ Post Sign/Posters - Describe the scope of this service. Describe the sign/posters that would need to be posted. Where would the contractor obtain these?

A: The signs used are generally for contact information in regards to comments or issues with the property.

54. Q: Grass Cut on lots 1 acre and greater (initial) - Describe the scope of this service. What is the USDA policy on the mowed area on large lots?

A: Cut entire lawn.

55. Q: Grass Cut on lots 1 acre and greater (Re-cut) -- Describe the scope of this service. What is the USDA policy on the mowed area on large lots?

A: Cut entire lawn.

56. Q: Utillity Transfer - Describe the specifics of what this fee covers. Does the fee include all of the utilities for a single loan/REO (elec, water, gas?) What if a property is a multi-unit? Please confirm this does not include HOA or tax A: These costs are associated the utility payment/processing/research under single property. Services for multi not required. Does not cover HOA or Taxes.

57. Q: Utility Payment Processing/Research - Describe the specifics of what this fee covers. Does the fee include all of the utilities for a single loan/REO (elec, water, gas?) What if a property is a multi-unit? What duration does this cover?

Please confirm this does not include HOA or tax.

A: These costs are associated the utility payment/processing/research under single property. Services for multi not required. Does not cover HOA or Taxes

58. Q: Utility Service-Passthrough/Reimbursable. - Is this line item intended to only include the actual utility charges? Do you anticipate the contractor to charge an individual processing fee with each utility billing or should the processing fee be charged on the line - utility processing payment/research? Should there be an estimate here for the RFP response?

A: These costs are associated the utility payment/processing/research under single property.

59. Q: LBP Inspections/Meth/Remediation/Abatement - Describe the scope of this service. There would be a wide variation in cost between an inspection and remediation/abatement.

A: One price per report/action.

60. Q: Secure Pool/Hot Tub - Describe the scope of this service. Is this for any size pool or hot tub?

A: Any size

61. Q: Eviction Assistance: Describe the scope of this services. Is there a limit on number of personnel?

A: Follow local ordinance.

62. Q: Mold/Mildew/Inspection/Remediation/Abatement – Describe the scope of this services. There would be a wide variation in cost between an inspection and remediation/abatement.

A: One price per report/action

63. Q: Demolition - Describe the scope of this service.

A: Perform to industry standards

64. Q: Roof/Repair or Replace/Tarp/Cap Chimney – Describe the scope of this service.

A: Perform to industry standards.

65. Q: General Maintenance: Describe the scope of this service A: Perform to Industry standards.

66. Q: Animal removal (0-35 ) lbs and Animal removal over 36 lbs. -- Describe the scope of this service. If there are multiple animals A: Per animal.

67. Q: Extermination – Describe the scope of this services. What types of extermination.

A: Perform to industry standards

68. Q: Gutter – Describe the scope of this service. Is the pricing to clean gutters or gutter repair?

A: Gutter repair

69. Q: Fence Repair or Damage - -Describe the scope of this service. Is this for a section of fence?

A: Depends on damage.

-End of Questions and Answers to Solicitation 12SAD119R0003-