12__Amendment_0001_-_Questions_and_Answers_0001.pdf

RFQ: 140R2021Q0105

Questions and Answers

Question 1: As we are working to prepare a fee proposal and formal response for the subject scope of work, we recognize that having a review copy of the Water Control Manual (WCM), as listed in the solicitation, would be very helpful. Is it possible for you to direct me to where we can download or at least review that report?

Additionally, as we prepare our fee proposal, it would also be helpful to gain access to the 1-D hydraulic model that is currently being reviewed by FEMA. Is it possible to gain access to or review that data?

Answer: We cannot share the WCM until a contractor is under contract. It is a Corps of Engineers document and not released to the public. The contractor is not responsible for updating the WCM, just performing the tasks in the PWS. The following references are available and can be found online:

(3) Engineer Manual 1110-2-1415 Hydrologic Frequency Analysis (1993)

- https://www.publications.usace.army.mil/Portals/76/Publications/EngineerManuals/EM_1110- 2-1415.pdf

(4) Guidelines for Determining Flood Flow Frequency Bulletin 17C (2019)

- https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/tm4B5

As for the 1-D model, this is not a model that we developed. Truckee River Flood Management Authority had developed that model through their contractor. It is preferred not to share this information until we have a contractor on board.

Question 2: Section 2.0 References & Materials (page 11 of 72) lists the following models that shall be provided to the contractor:

(1) Truckee Meadows area 2D HEC-RAS model

(2) Vista gage to Wadsworth gage reach 1D HEC-RAS model

Please see the screen capture below showing the approximate locations of the Truckee Meadows area (green ellipse) and the Vista gage to Wadsworth gage reach (red ellipse).

Our question is that since Truckee River flows from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake, does the LBAO Truckee Basin WMOP H&H Support (Notice Number 140R2021Q0105) will be limited to the boundaries/extents of the two hydraulic models (Truckee Meadows area 2D HEC-RAS model and Vista gage to Wadsworth gage reach 1D HEC-RAS model) that will be provided? Or should the contractor include field survey activities to extend these hydraulic models for the entire length of Truckee River (from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake)?

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.publications.usace.army.mil%2FPortals%2F76%2FPublications%2FEngineerManuals%2FEM_1110-2-1415.pdf&data=04%7C01%7Cskibathi%40usbr.gov%7Ca70c4cad7a694c01242908d9680dc37f%7C0693b5ba4b184d7b9341f32f400a5494%7C0%7C0%7C637655230610710100%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0&sdata=wt48GHEK%2Fa%2FYePUrqFr7hcoq9TtmXkbHdLkFzgGi4L0%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.publications.usace.army.mil%2FPortals%2F76%2FPublications%2FEngineerManuals%2FEM_1110-2-1415.pdf&data=04%7C01%7Cskibathi%40usbr.gov%7Ca70c4cad7a694c01242908d9680dc37f%7C0693b5ba4b184d7b9341f32f400a5494%7C0%7C0%7C637655230610710100%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0&sdata=wt48GHEK%2Fa%2FYePUrqFr7hcoq9TtmXkbHdLkFzgGi4L0%3D&reserved=0 https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/tm4B5

Answer: The boundaries/extents will be limited to the two hydraulic models specifically referenced in the PWS and no, we are not asking the contractor to conduct field survey activities to extend the hydraulic models.

Question 3: Concerning the project management requirement, do our staff need to be certified in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) methodology or just experienced with the application?

Answer: No, you don’t need to be PMI certified. What was stated in the PWS is that the contractor needs to be experienced. The quote from the PWS is, “The Project Manager shall have documented experience in using the Project Management Body of Knowledge Guide for managing projects.” Not that you asked, but it also doesn’t matter which edition of the PMBOK you have experience applying. We just want to make sure you have experience managing projects.

Question 4: Should we use Past Performance Forms? Or will a description of our experience along with contract details and references suffice?

Answer: Past Performance Questionnaires are not necessary. A description of experience along with contract details and references suffice.

Question 5: We have a large firm that is interested in teaming with us, but with the 100% small business set-aside is this allowed?

Answer: Per FAR 52.219-14(c)(1), Services (except construction) - At least 50 percent of the cost of contract performance incurred for personnel shall be expended for employees of the concern. So as long as small business(es) are performing at least 50% of the labor and your firm will be the prime contractor, you are fine to subcontract some of the work to a large business.

Question 6: In reference to this statement on page 6:

NOTE: The offeror shall complete only paragraphs (b) of this provision if the Offeror has completed the annually via System for Award Management (SAM).

We are up-to-date with our annual representations and certification on SAM. Can you point me to the page where I can find “paragraphs (b)” to be completed?

Answer: Paragraph b is on page 52. If the fill-in isn't applicable because everything is up to date, you can just put "N/A" and reference in the quote that representations and certifications are in Sam.gov.

Question 7: For our submittal items 1.ii Key Personnel and 1.iii Experience – does Reclamation have a specific preferred form or format to present this information or is it up to the offeror how to present it?

Answer: It is up to the offeror.