QA_19C02026Q0019.pdf

PDF 192 KB Posted

Attached to
Seismic design annex building at CMR
Solicitation number
19C02026Q0019
Issued by

About this file

This is a Questions and Answers document for a federal contract solicitation issued by the Embassy of the United States of America in Bogotá, Colombia (GSO/Contracting Unit). The solicitation number is PR16146161 / 19C02026Q0019 for A&E Seismic Design of Annex Building at CMR, with a proposal submission deadline extended to September 2, 2026. The contract covers a seismic vulnerability study and structural reinforcement design for an annex building (approximately 180 square meters) and generator room (approximately 11 square meters) at the Embassy. The scope includes a complete structural and seismic assessment, three conceptual alternatives for structural reinforcement from which the Contracting Officer will select one for detailed development, complete construction drawings, slope analysis, and construction cost estimates for the selected alternative. The overall contract period is 150 days from issuance of the Notice to Proceed. The project requires compliance with applicable Colombian codes and standards referenced in Section 2.2.1 of the Statement of Work, and the annex structure and roofing are classified as cultural heritage requiring specialized consideration.

Key administrative requirements include submission of comparative financial statements from at least the last three Colombian fiscal years, proof of professional licensure and résumé for the Structural Engineer/Engineer of Record, and use of qualified and certified personnel and laboratory testing centers for any subcontracted services. SAM registration is highly recommended but not mandatory, though it increases selection likelihood. No Performance Bonds, Structural Stability Bonds, Third-Party Liability Insurance, or DBA insurance requirements apply to this project. A letter of declaration that errors and omissions liability insurance will be issued upon contract award is acceptable at proposal submission. The Government does not possess existing structural, architectural, electrical, mechanical, or geotechnical drawings or studies; all information must be developed from initial assessment. Key personnel may be consultants or subcontractors, and the contract includes all required testing and investigation activities within the base scope. The Embassy cannot provide budget or reference construction cost information.

View the file

Other files

File Type Posted
SF-30 19C02026Q0019_CO Seismic design.pdf PDF
Solicitation 19C02026Q0019.pdf PDF
Cover Letter.pdf PDF
SF330-21.pdf PDF

On GovTribe

Work with this file

  • Download the original file
  • Contacts named in this file
  • Similar government files
  • Ask GovTribe AI about this file

Text version

Embassy of the United States of America Bogotá D.C., Colombia GSO/ Contracting Unit

Item Questions & Answers

Q1

SAM Registration. The Cover Letter lists “Proof of SAM Registration” as optional; however, it also states that offerors shall be registered in SAM prior to submission and that failure to be registered may result in the proposal being considered non-responsible. Additionally, Section J states that the offeror shall provide proof of SAM registration including the SAM UEI number. Could you please confirm whether an active SAM registration and proof thereof, including the UEI number, are mandatory at the time of quotation submission?

A1 Although SAM registration was listed as optional, it is highly recommended that your company initiate the registration process at www.sam.gov. the likelihood of being selected is higher. However, feel free to present your offer since this will be considered for evaluation.

Q2 Performance and Payment Bonds / Structural Stability Bond. Item 12A of SF-1442 expressly indicates “NO” in response to the question, “The Contractor must furnish any required Performance and Payment Bonds?” However, Section 10.4 of the SOW requires a formal letter confirming the offeror’s ability to secure the required Performance Bonds, Structural Stability Bonds, and Third-Party Liability Insurance.

A2 In this type of project, the SF-1442, in milestone 12A, waive offerors from Performance Bonds, Structural Stability Bonds, and Third-Party Liability Insurance. Unless physical work is required to be performed on-site.

Q3 Errors and Omissions / Professional Liability Insurance. Section J requires a copy of a liability insurance policy covering errors and omissions. Could you please confirm if a liability insurance policy covering errors and omissions is required?

A3 Please refer to A2.

Q4

Financial Statements – Submission Timing. Section J lists a copy of the firm's financial statement among the information to be included in the quotation. However, Section J.4.0 states: “If asked by the Contracting Officer, the offeror shall provide a current statement of its financial condition...”

Please confirm whether the financial statements described in Section J.4.0 must be submitted with the initial quotation or only upon request by the Contracting Officer. If they must be submitted with the quotation, please confirm the required reporting periods/cut-off dates for the Comparative Income (Profit-Loss) Statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Statement.

A4 Please submit comparative financial statements from at least the last 3 colombian fiscal years.

Q5 What exactly are the gross floor area and roof area included within the scope of work?

A5 The approximate area for the current generator room is 11m2 and the approximate area for the Annex building is 180m2 Q6 Does the Embassy have existing structural, architectural, electrical, mechanical, and MEP drawings available?

A6 No, the intention of the contract among other requirements is to obtain this information Q7 Are there any existing structural, seismic, or geotechnical studies, or previous inspection reports available?

A7 No, the intention of the contract among other requirements is to obtain this information

Q8 Will the assessment be performed solely through visual inspection and modeling, or are destructive and/or non-destructive testing methods contemplated?

A8 Please refer to section 4.1.2 of the SOW. The stated amount are the minimum. The contract shall confirm in include additional testings as required into the hour number

Q9 If concrete, steel, weld, foundation, or soil testing is required, is it included in the base scope or would it be considered an additional service?

A9 Shall be included as part of this solicitation Q10 What specific codes and standards must be used for the structural and seismic assessment?

A10 Refer to section 2.2.1 of the SOW Q11 What acceptance criteria will be used to determine whether the existing structure is safe?

A11 Applicable Codes as stated in section 2.2.1 of the SOW Q12 What code and design loads should be used for the fall-protection anchorage points?

A12 This solicitation does not require fall protection anchorage points design

Q13 If significant deficiencies are identified, is the design of the structural strengthening included in the base contract, or would it be performed through a contract modification?

A13 The structural desing shall be included in the main contract Q14 Do the three alternatives need to be developed conceptually, or do they require detailed drawings, calculations, and cost estimates?

A14 3 conceptual alternatives from which the COR will choose 1 for the deailed information

Q15 To what level must the design of the selected alternative be developed: conceptual, preliminary/basic design, or complete construction drawings?

A15 Complete construction drawings

19C02026Q0019 A&E Seismic design annex building at CMR

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

PR16146161

8/27/2026 1

Item Questions & Answers Q16 How exactly are the Government review periods accounted for within the overall 150 day contract period?

A16 According to the phases of the quantity chart of section 11 of the SOW Q17 Does the contract period begin upon contract signature or upon formal issuance of the Notice to Proceed (NTP)?

A17 Upon formal issuance of the NTP Q18 Must the key personnel be direct employees of the bidding firm, or may they be consultants/subcontractors?

A18 consultants/ subcontractors are allowed as part of this solicitation

Q19 What minimum experience must the Structural Engineer/EOR demonstrate, and how should it be documented: contracts, certifications, completion/acceptance certificates, references, résumés, or other documentation?

A19 Resume and Professional license Q20 Can you provide the existing drawings in PDF format?

A20 There is no information available

Q21

During the technical site visit conducted on November 19, our professional, Eng. Walter Rojas, was informed that the scope of the proposal should focus on the vulnerability assessment and seismic performance evaluation of the property. However, after reviewing the Requisition/Purchase Request No. PR16146161 / 19C02026Q0019, we identified that the solicitation documents contemplate a broader scope, including the design of a "New Annex Building" and an "Irrigation System."

In order to ensure the accuracy of our technical and financial proposal, we kindly request confirmation as to whether the scope to be quoted should be limited to the seismic assessment or should include all of the design phases indicated in the official document.

2.0 B.6.1.1.

Site Plan / General Location Plan

• Statement of Problems and Design Considerations: Include a description of the building, the technical program, the site, and the general constraints identified.

• General Location Plan: Indicate the disposal sites for fill/excavated material and the vehicular access routes to the property/properties. Identify any local permits that must be obtained.

• Project Site Plan: Submit at a scale no smaller than 1:200, showing all required improvements, as well as typical sections and elevations of the perimeter enclosure and site grading sections.

• Site Utilities Plan: Submit at a scale of 1:200, showing all existing utility networks and their locations: water supply, electrical power, gas, sewer systems (both sanitary and stormwater), and telephone. Show all connections to existing utilities and the location of the proposed service connection point for all utilities serving the buildings. Show all exterior utility structures, including water storage (fire protection), lift stations, wastewater treatment facilities, among others.

With regard to the requirements of Section B.6.1.1 (Site Plan and Site Utilities Plan), we would like to request the following technical clarification:

Given that the primary purpose stated for this phase is the vulnerability and seismic performance evaluation of the existing building, we kindly request confirmation of the exact scope of the plans required under this section. Specifically, we would like to confirm whether these plans are intended to document the existing conditions (As-Built) for the analysis of the surroundings and utilities of the building being assessed, or whether the design of new utility networks and site infrastructure is required.

What is included in APPENDIX A – STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)?

A21 The scope of this solicitation includes the siesmic vulnerability study for the annex building, including the generator room and the complete construction information for a structural reinforcement based on the outcome of the vulnerability. The selected detailed solution will be chosen based on 3 conceptual options the contractor shall submit for COR approval.

Q22 The RFP mentions the following requirement for the bidding phase: “A copy of a liability insurance policy covering errors and omissions.” However, we would like to note that this policy will be submitted once the contract is awarded; therefore, at this stage, we will attach a letter of declaration but not the policy itself. Please confirm. Section J - page 32

A22 A letter of declaration that the policiy will be issued at the moment of the award is acceptable.

Q23 Annexes buildings of roof structure are classify as a Historic heritage buildings?

A23 yes, the annex structure and roofing is considered cultural herritage Q24 Do design activities shall includes an slope analysis?

A24 Yes, please include it as part of this solicitation Q25 There are two adjacent buildings in this area; do both require seismic analysis and reinforcement based on that analysis?

A25 The entire annex building which includes the generator room, trash area and gardening back area shall be included as part of this solicitation

Q26 Is it mandatory three alternatives of structural reinforcement for both structures?

A26 yes, 3 conceptual alternatives are required.

Q27 Based on AISC 41-17, please inform us if is required an Usual Data Collection or a Comprehensive Data Collection for this project A27 The USG does not count with any existing data. All the information shall be developed from 0 Q28 There is an construction estimate, that addressed to chosen alternative?

A28 The construction estimate will be given to the awared contractor based on the conceptual options presented upon award Q29 Please clarify if a BEP is required for this project

8/27/2026 2

Item Questions & Answers A29 Not required Q30 Buildings will remain unoccpied during design phase?

A30 the buildings are occupied. They will remain occupied Q31 Due to previous responses may affect our cost estimate, please reschedule the date line for this proposal A31 The due date for submission of proposals will be extended until September 2, 2026 by COB Q32 What is the available budget/IGCE for the A&E services contract?

A32 We cannot provide this information Q33 What is the reference construction budget for the design?

A33 We cannot provide this information Q34 What exact quantities of drilling, testing, and geotechnical investigations does the agency expect?

A34 Please refer to answer of question No. 8 Q35 What existing building information will be provided to the contractor?

A35 No information is currently available Q36 What additional services or disciplines may be required during the project development?

A36 Please quote based on the quantity chart of section 11 of the SOW Q37 How will additional activities that become necessary after the investigation be handled?

A37 The contractor is required to quote based on the SOW. Any change order activity shall be informed to the COR and the CO prior the execution

Q38 What insurance and bonding requirements are actually mandatory for this specific contract?

A38 No DBA insurance or bond requirements are necessary for this project Q39 What access, scheduling, and security restrictions should be considered when planning the investigation?

A39 Please refer to section 12 fo the SOW

Q40 Are there any special conditions or requirements for subcontracting laboratory testing, geotechnical services, surveying, or specialized consultants?

A40 Qualified and Certified personnel and laboratory testing centers is requied. Professionals shall have proof of professional license

8/27/2026 3

Sheet1

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .