B09_Questions_and_Answers_2_17_22_5.docx

Questions and Answers Pre-Solicitation Notice 140P5122R0006 - Cultural Resources Management A/E IDIQ 2/17/2022

1. I am working with a firm on Solicitation #140P5122R0006 for Cultural Resources Management A&E IDIQ and we are having a hard time understanding the purpose of the document. The provided material says that it’s not a solicitation for proposal, but yet indicates that an award will be made only from applicants submitting qualifications by 2/25/2022. Further on, it references a two-phase solicitation process. Is the current document in fact Phase I of this solicitation, thereby indicating that it is indeed a solicitation? Or is this document a sources sought?

Furthermore, is NPS considering that the requirements of the solicitation are too restrictive and do not invite fair and open competition by requiring small businesses to have licenses historic architects in the IDIQ area of responsibility?

Answer: This requirement is for Architect and Engineering services which falls under the Brooks Act so the processes are slightly different than a commercial solicitation process. In accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulations set forth in FAR Part 36, SF330s are requested initially for qualifications of the A&E firms. From those best qualified, a solicitation will be offered to the best qualified from the firms that submitted SF330s.

This is not too restrictive since this requirement is for A&E firms that have the disciplines and appropriate licenses to perform the work that is needed under this IDIQ. There are over 760 small business firms that can provide these services according to SBA small business dynamics so competition will be fair and reasonable.

2. Can we use an IDIQ as one project?

Answer: I was not very clear on this question however, I am assuming for the portion of the qualification package where the firm is asked to list past projects, would it be possible for them to list their performance under a prior IDIQ contract? Yes this would be fine.

3. Please expand on the Acoustics discipline. Is this the same as a noise analysis? What specifically are you looking for, for this discipline.

Answer: The Acoustics discipline is concerned with the design, analysis and control of sound within a building, and between the building interior and exterior environment.

4. Please expand on the Botany discipline required. Is this the same as a biologist? What specifically are you looking for, for this discipline?

Answer: the Botanist discipline is concerned with plant identification, replacement plant material selection and plant health; for purposes of the subject contract the context would be cultural landscapes.

5. For the Past Performance Questionnaires, is it possible for clients to submit nearer to the Proposal deadline?

Answer: Yes, I will accept past performance questionnaires until 2/25/2022 at 1700 EST.

6. Can a CPARS be substituted for the Past Performance Questionnaires?

Answer: CPARS along with other tools will be utilized for all offerors that submit proposals and will be used if no Past performance questionnaires are received.

7. If a client will not complete a Past Performance Questionnaire, is there an acceptable substitute that can be submitted?

Answer: Yes, if the client can answer the questions that are in the questionnaire in a different format or via email, that would be accepted as well.

8. Given the Presidents Day holiday, is it possible to extend the submittal deadline?

Answer: No, the Presidents day holiday was already considered when selecting a response date. This requirement has been posted over 30 days. However, when SF330s are received, if not enough competition is received, we will extend the requirement to allow for more proposals.

9. I actually had one more question, based on your responses to the previous questions regarding Pre-Solicitation Notice 140P5122R0006: the PPQ sent out has as a deadline of February 18th, but your response to Question 2 makes it seem like we would have more time to submit the PPQs, or something in similar format. Is that right, can we if needs be, submit the PPQ or similar only with the proposal in case our client is delaying responding?

Answer: Yes, you can submit the Past performance questionnaires with your proposal. The deadline for the PPQ is the day of proposal due date not 18 Feb.

10. Would the National Park Service consider utilizing a different NAICS for procurement? 541330 – Engineering Services is listed, perhaps 541990 – All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services would allow small businesses and teaming to offer value-added solutions, whereas the Prime would be able to perform 51% of the work but can’t utilize 541330 as their Principal NAICS?

Answer: 541330 is more appropriate for these types of services since this requirement has architect and engineering aspects in the requirement. Also, a firm can add a NAICS code to their SAM.gov account at any time.