Questions_and_Answers_11_11_21_0002.pdf

Questions and Answers: Solicitation 140F0321R0004 FWS Interpretive/Media Services IDIQ

NOTICE: Offerors shall carefully review information detailed herein and all solicitation documents.

Failure to submit any attachment required by the solicitation or the information herein may result in the offeror’s proposal being excluded from further consideration.

1. The RFP document says a total of 5-8 contracts will be awarded. Can we bid on just one section or how are those 5-8 being divided from what is provided in the contract? We would like to bid on the Design and Production of Audio and/or Visual Services.

a. FWS is looking for contractors who can perform all of the services that are listed in the Performance Work Statement. We will not be awarding for different sections/types of work. All contractors are expected to perform all services (subcontractors may be utilize-See solicitation documents).

2. Can we submit a Bid for a specific location only? For example, in Hawaiian Islands?

a. It is possible to complete the Geographical Exclusion sheet to exclude all areas except the Hawaiian Islands, however per Attachment 8, FWS Reserves the right to consider geographical exceptions when making final award decisions to ensure adequate coverage. FWS is in search of firms that can provide coverage to all areas listed in the

RFP.

3. Does the proposal need to be on letter sized paper? Perhaps I missed that in the documents.

Some of the work shows better on tabloid size.

a. Tabloid sized paper is acceptable for sample work. Text shall be on letter sized paper to the maximum extent practicable.

4. The sample project write up is vague and open to interpretation. My approach would be to tell what my interpretation is and price that.

a. The Government is looking to evaluate the offerors understanding of the sample project as well as the approach to a typical project. Ensure that the proposal submitted includes a brief description of management plan, approach to the project, project schedule, and key personnel. The aforementioned is in addition to the requirements to submit a completed proposal schedule (attachment 9) and cost proposal (attachment 12). See details in Factor 4 on Attachment 8.

5. Does the attachment 9 need to be filled out as is? There is a redundancy when asking for exhibits on one line item and then fabrication of the exhibits on another. They seem to be referring to the same items.

a. Agreed, please see revised document.

6. Is there a cut off day and time that questions may be submitted to a lot enough time for responses prior to final due date?

a. Yes, the due date for questions is 11/05/2021

7. Due to the scope of work outlined in the revised Performance Work Statement provided in Amendment 1, it may be necessary for our team to have multiple firms to be able to cover the different types of projects. Such as website designer would be a different designer than overall designer for the specific interpretive exhibits at the various field station and visitor center locations. And for the various items listed: kiosks and, exterior signage, and full interior exhibits, depending on size of scope of work for the task order may require different designers. May we include multiple designers on our team, or are we limited to one firm?

a. Please see “Additional Evaluation Information” on Attachment 8: Experience, past performance, and key personnel of subcontractors will be considered. If subcontractors will be utilized to fulfill the requirements of these evaluation factors, there shall be no deviation of subcontractors submitted at the time of proposal submission and subcontractors awarded subcontracts after Contract Award without the approval of the IDIQ Contracting Officer.

b. Subcontractors may be utilized to fulfill any of the requirements in Attachment 1:

Performance Work Statement. Rates (if different) for each firm must be included in the submission for Attachment 5 Rate Schedule. Major subcontractors must be listed on Attachment 7.

8. In the RFP document I did not see a section L with Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Offerors to include the Proposal response instructions typically found in government RFPs.

Please confirm that the item marked Attachment 8 Evaluation Factors and Submission Requirements for Award is the only document to refer to in preparing the required response.

a. This RFP follows the format set forth in FAR 12.303 to the maximum extent practicable.

Please see the “Instructions to Offeror” section of the solicitation which follows the SF- 1449 form (Sol_140F0321R0004.pdf). Attachment 8 details the evaluation factor requirements, but other items are required to be returned per the list.

9. I cannot find a form or reference to one for: Provisions 52.204-24 and 52.204-26. I’m unclear what I’m supposed to do here for the RFP response.

a. To clarify, if FAR 52.204-26 is completed in SAM, there is no need to remit a completed copy of either clause unless the representation at FAR 52.204-26(c) is marked “does”

10. For attachment 12, there are at least 2 ways to look at the pricing sheet. One is where Task titles are the major elements. Is this broken down enough? Another way is to break this down so that each Task that I’ve broken out is further broken into 10/35/65/95% sections.

a. The Task Title should be the major elements. Following the major elements are major sub-tasks such as but not limited to, the 10/35/65/95% sections

11. Attachment 8 requests interpretive writer certification or interpretive writing samples. Please confirm that if the writer has certification, no writing samples are required.

a. That is correct, if the writer has a certification, no samples are required. Samples are used to demonstrate equivalency.

12. NAI certification is listed as an acceptable example for the interpretive writer. Are there other certifications that qualify?

a. An accredited University program for interpretation/environmental education is also acceptable such as University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Environmental Education and Interpretation program, Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands-Indiana University.

13. For “Factor 1 Past Experience/Quality,” are you looking for sample graphics/drawings from key documents (exhibit detail drawings, graphic layouts, etc.) from each of the 6 projects or full packages representing various phases? Please advise as this impacts the page limits.

a. Sample graphics/drawings are sufficient. Chosen samples should demonstrate experience and quality.

14. For “Factor 1 Past Experience/Quality,” are you requesting six unique projects, or can one project represent more than one of the three categories? For example, can one project demonstrate experience with 3D exhibits and visitor centers (resulting in fewer than six total projects)?

a. Yes, but examples must be clearly labeled to show which of the categories each project is demonstrating.

15. Do key personnel resumes count against the 10-page limit for Factor 3 Key Personnel/Management Plan?

a. No, resumes are not counted as part of the page limit for Factor 3.

16. Since past experience is a top evaluation factor, would you consider expanding the 15-page limit for that section?

a. Please note that evaluation factors are not listed in any specific order of weight or precedence. The 15-page limit is firm.

17. Can you report on the current and future status of WIFI both inside the new visitor center and in other locations throughout the refuge?

a. For the purpose of the sample project, Crab Orchard, the design shall not be dependent upon WIFI or existing Service infrastructure. Media must be stand-alone.

b. For other projects under this IDIQ, connectivity will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

18. Do you currently support media beyond the Refuge’s visitor center?

a. Yes, design and interpretive opportunities may be available throughout the entire site, but this is not relevant to the Sample Project.

19. Describe the USFW refuges’ typical and/or current level of ADA compliant solutions for your disabled visitors.

a. Please see standards as detailed in the Statement of Work.

20. Does each evaluation factor carry equal weight? If not, what are the percentages?

a. Technical (non-cost) evaluation factors when combined are significantly more important than price.

21. Will the response to the sample task order project for Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge become the first scope of work for one of the companies who is awarded the IDIQ contract?

a. The sample task order project is in the planning stages, it will likely be awarded under this IDIQ, but may not be the first order placed.

22. Please describe in detail the asset sources the Crab Orchard maintains and the format and approximate quantity of each format. Video (Masters? what size?) Audio, Photos, Documents, Maps, Drawings. Etc.

a. For the purposes of the sample project, offeror is to assume no Government Furnished material/information.

23. What facilities, (ATV, boats) would be available to the AV producer?

a. For the purposes of the sample project, offeror is to assume no Government Furnished

Property.

24. Is drone shooting allowed?

a. Drones are not currently permitted for any project.

25. What hours is the Visitor Center to be open?

a. For the purposes of the sample project, assume 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, seven days per week.

26. Factor 1: should separate project examples be provided for proposed subcontractors in this section? If so, do they count toward the 15-page limit for this section?

a. Separate project examples need not be provided for subcontractors if the prime is able to satisfy all of the past experience samples requested. The 15-page limit is firm and includes all documentation required to satisfy the requirements of that factor.

27. Factor 3: given the 10-page limit for this section, is there a preference for more detailed resume information about certain team members over others?

a. See above questions regarding resumes.

28. Are responses to the IDIQ solicitation to follow the order that is listed in Attachment 8:

Evaluation Factors and Submission Requirements for Award? If so, are the additional attachments included within the solicitation that are not referenced in Attachment 8 that require a signature or information to be included in an Appendix?

a. The proposal should follow the order of the factors as listed. The additional attachments required in the “Instructions to Offeror” section may be included as an appendix.

29. Attachment 8: Evaluation Factors and Submission Requirements for Award, Factor 2 Past Performance references the “technical proposal.” Is the “technical proposal” the responses required as write-ups and identified with page limitations and not the completed forms?

a. The “technical proposal” is the responses to Attachment 8 and everything the attachment requires therein.

30. Attachment 5, Billing Rate Schedule, only lists one line item for “Illustrator.” We typically identify illustrators based on project needs. Their rates would vary. Can we identify this resource at a later date once scope is determined?

a. No, the entire Attachment 5 must be completed for the proposal to be considered complete. However, if a specific project requires a different illustrator, substitutions may be made with approval of the Contracting Officer.

31. For the Sample Project, is there a target schedule for completion of the project?

a. The schedule is to be determined by the offeror; the schedule is part of the evaluation of approach.

32. For the Sample Project, is there a target budget for the project?

a. Budget information will not be disclosed. The purpose of the Sample project evaluation factor is to assess the reasonable and realistic application of labor hours to tasks.

33. What roles are considered "Key Personnel?

a. Key personnel may vary from firm to firm, there is not a template for which roles are considered key personnel.

34. Can you please clarify what is meant by website content services?

a. Designing interpretation for web-based delivery. This could be anything from a web post to 3-D animation.

35. Is there a plan view of the entire site? With parking and pathways to the visitor center?

a. A plan view is not available for the sample project.

36. Please describe in detail the visual asset resources that will be available from the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge as well as applicable visual asset holdings in USFW national or regional offices. Please describe the content and detail the format and approximate quantity of each format. Video (Masters? what size?) Audio, Photos, Documents, Maps, Drawings. Etc.

a. For the purposes of the sample project, offeror is to assume no Government Furnished material/information.

37. Please provide the square footage of the lobby and the exhibit hall at the Crab Orchard.

a. For the purposes of the sample project, assume 500 square feet for the lobby, 1500 square feet for the exhibit hall, 600 square feet for the multipurpose room, and 300 square feet for the terrace.

38. Please provide elevations of both the lobby and the exhibit hall.

a. See attached elevations.

39. What information are you looking for from the subcontractors? Do you want us to include all of the same information from the offerer and subcontractor? If so, can the page limits be increased? Please list materials needed for subcontractors.

a. The information included for subcontractors is dependent upon reliance on subcontractors to meet the requirements of the evaluation factors. The amount of information included will vary firm to firm.

40. Under "Instructions to Offeror" the RFP lists several documents not included in the page limits given in Attachment 8. Should those be included as a 6th Factor?

a. No, these are not part of the technical evaluation. Failure to return any of the items listed may result in the package not being further considered for award.

41. Can you provide the Square Footage of each space in Attachment 10, Sample Task Order - Statement of Work? (ie. Lobby, Exhibit Hall, Multipurpose Room, Terrace)

a. Please see above answer.

42. Attachment 12 under "Sub Contractors" is says "(Reference Separate Excel Sheet)" what excel sheet is this? We assume it isn't Attachment 7 since that does not have pricing and isn't related to the Sample Task Order, is that correct?

a. This is not Attachment 7. Attachment 12 is a template, the reference to the separate excel sheet is for the subcontractors cost breakdown. The same level of detail should be provided for subcontractors as the prime.

43. Are we only supposed to include the key personnel listed in Attachment 12 or are we supposed to include all roles listed on Attachment 5?

a. Attachment 12 is simply a template; the labor categories included on Attachment 12 may vary from firm to firm. You may add or remove columns as necessary to include the appropriate personnel.

b. The rates for attachment 5 will be included in the final IDIQ and all roles should be completed.

44. On Attachment 12, the bottom section asks for materials with their quantity and unit price.

Without creating designs, we wouldn't have this information. Is it more appropriate to estimate the materials' costs under "Expenses"?

a. Materials costs must be listed and itemized with backup detail.

SHEET_____OF_____

VISITOR CENTER

BYDESCRIPTIONDATEREVISION

DESIGNED:

CADD:

CHECKED:

DRAWINGNO:

DRAWN: DATE:

WILLIAMSON COUNTY

CRABORCHARDNATIONALWILDLIFEREFUGE

ILLINOIS

DJR06/21

21-RF-004PROJECT NUMBER:A4.1

SCALE 3/16"=1'-0"22

1 BUILDING SECTION

BUILDING SECTIONS

SCALE 3/16"=1'-0"22

3 BUILDING SECTION

HANCOCK SJH

3R-IL-415-1274CRO274A2.DWG 22

T.O. SLAB

100'-0"

B.O. DECK @ RIDGE

125'-5 1/4"

2-A 1-1

2-F 2-H 2-M 2-P

30'-4 3/4" 16'-6 3/4" 16'-6 3/4" 16'-6 3/4" 8 3/4"

2-Q

EXHIBIT

MULTI-PURPOSE

1,2

2-R

2-1 2-2 2-4 2-62-7 2-82-3

2-5

14'-11 7/8" 13'-8 5/8" 13'-8 5/8" 12'-10 7/8" 2'-1"1'-6" 3'-2 3/8"

EXHIBIT

T.O. SLAB

100'-0"

B.O. DECK

125'-5 1/4"

B.O. DECK

118'-7"

B.O. DECK

118'-7"

B.O. DECK

111'-1"

B.O. DECK

111'-1"

B.O. DECK

108'-8 7/8"

STORAGE

SCALE 3/16"=1'-0"22

2 BUILDING SECTION

2-12-22-42-62-72-82-9 2-32-5

14'-11 7/8"13'-8 5/8"13'-8 5/8"12'-10 7/8"2'-1"1'-6"3'-2 3/8"19'-6 5/8"

VESTIBULE

EXHIBIT

140 MECH.

B.O. DECK

125'-5 1/4"

B.O. DECK

118'-7"

B.O. DECK

114'-10"

B.O. DECK

114'-7 9/16"

B.O. DECK

108'-11 5/16"

B.O. DECK

118'-7"

B.O. DECK

111'-1"

T.O. SLAB

100'-0"

1 0 4 8

SCALE: 3/16" = 1'-0"