QA_19C02026Q0024_Design Compound Warehouse and Recycling Center.pdf

SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED

Q&A 19C02026Q0024

Compound Warehouse&Recycling Center Structural Assess

1. With reference to Section B.4.3, please confirm whether the geotechnical information that may be provided as an attachment corresponds to a geotechnical investigation performed specifically for the existing warehouse under assessment. If so, please provide the year in which the study was performed and indicate its original purpose and scope.

RTA1: No specific geotechnical information about the warehouse is available.

This warehouse was intendent to be temporary facility and was constructed approximately in 2004

2. Please confirm whether the Embassy has available any original or subsequent structural documentation for the warehouse, including structural drawings, structural calculations, technical specifications, as-built documentation, records of modifications, additions, repairs, or previous structural interventions.

RTA2: No information available

3. Please confirm the original year of construction of the warehouse and provide, if available, information regarding the structural system, construction methodology, and structural materials originally used. Additionally, please confirm whether the structure was designed in accordance with any specific seismic or structural code applicable at the time of construction.

RTA3: Please refer to Responses 1 and 2. The warehouse was constructed approximately in 2004. No reliable information is available regarding the original structural system, construction methodology, structural materials, or the specific structural/seismic code used for the original design.

4. Please confirm whether the Embassy will provide a general site layout, BIM model, AutoCAD files, or other existing digital documentation with verified geographic coordinates or survey control points, in order to facilitate the integration and coordination of the required topographic and existing-condition surveys.

RTA4: Please refer to answer 1 and 2 https://ilmsariba.state.sbu/Buyer/Main/aw?awh=r&awssk=92ml&dard=1

5. Please clarify whether the Embassy has established a minimum number and/or type of destructive and non-destructive tests required under the scope of work.

Given that the final testing program should be determined by the structural engineer based on the findings of the field investigation and the characteristics of the existing structure, please confirm whether the testing scope and quantities may be adjusted following the initial site investigation.

RTA: The Embassy has not established a minimum number or specific types of destructive or non-destructive tests. The A/E shall determine the testing program based on the field investigation, existing conditions, applicable codes, and professional judgment. Professional hours required for these activities shall be included under the corresponding phases in the bidding chart. The type and quantity of tests may be adjusted after the initial site investigation as technically necessary; however, all testing required to complete the base scope shall be included in the proposal.

6. Considering that the type, quantity, and location of destructive, non-destructive, and geotechnical testing may only be reliably determined after the initial field investigation, please clarify whether such testing services may be performed by specialized testing subcontractors directly engaged and paid by the Government, or whether the A/E Contractor is expected to include all such testing within its Firm Fixed Price. If the latter applies, please clarify the basis upon which the required quantities should be estimated for pricing purposes.

RTA: The A/E Contractor is responsible for providing and paying for all testing and sampling necessary to complete the required structural and seismic evaluations. Specialized testing laboratories may be subcontracted by the A/E.

The required testing shall be included in the base proposal, and the associated professional hours shall be included under the applicable phases in the bidding chart. Quantities shall be estimated based on the site visit, available information, applicable codes, and the Offeror’s professional judgment..

7. Please confirm whether there are any operational, security, access, or other site restrictions that may limit or affect intrusive investigations, material sampling, destructive or non-destructive testing, roof access, or other field activities required under the scope of work.

RTA: Yes. All field activities will be subject to Embassy security, access, and operational requirements. Personnel must complete the required Name Check and VAR processes in advance, and any testing, sampling, roof access, or intrusive investigation must be coordinated with the COR to minimize impacts to ongoing operations.

8. Please clarify whether there are any restrictions or prior authorization requirements for bringing specialized equipment onto the Embassy premises, including testing equipment, laser scanners, cameras, drones, survey equipment, or other investigation-related instruments. Please also indicate the anticipated approval process and lead time for such equipment.

RTA: Yes. The entry of specialized equipment must be coordinated in advance with the COR and will be subject to Embassy security and access requirements. The SOW does not establish a specific approval process or lead time for this type of equipment; any additional requirements must be confirmed during coordination prior to entry.

Cameras and drones are not permitted.

The Name Check and VAR procedures established in the SOW apply to personnel and vehicles.

9. Please clarify the specific hierarchy and combination of codes and standards to be applied for the structural and seismic assessment of the existing warehouse. In particular, please confirm the intended application of NSR-10, ASCE 7, ASCE 41, the International Existing Building Code (IEBC), the International Building Code (IBC), OBO requirements, and any other applicable U.S. or Colombian standards.

RTA: The applicable U.S., OBO, and Colombian codes and standards shall be applied in combination, including at a minimum NSR-10, ASCE 7, IEBC, IBC, and applicable OBO standards. Where requirements differ, the most stringent applicable requirement shall govern unless otherwise directed by the COR. ASCE 41 is not specifically required under this solicitation.

10. Please clarify the required seismic evaluation methodology and level of analysis for the existing structure. Specifically, please confirm whether the assessment is expected to include linear static analysis, modal response spectrum analysis, nonlinear static analysis (pushover), performance-based assessment, or any other specific methodology.

RTA: The SOW does not prescribe a specific seismic analysis methodology (e.g., linear static analysis, modal response spectrum analysis, pushover analysis, or performance-based assessment). The methodology shall be determined by the A/E based on the characteristics of the existing structure and the applicable codes and standards, and shall be properly documented and supported in the required deliverables.

The required objective is to adequately evaluate the building’s seismic performance, identify vulnerabilities, and determine any necessary mitigation or strengthening measures.

11. Please clarify the primary objective of the structural and seismic assessment.

Is the A/E Contractor expected to: (a) certify the existing structural condition and suitability for continued occupancy; (b) assess the seismic vulnerability of the existing facility; (c) develop structural retrofit measures; or (d) perform all of the above? If seismic performance-based criteria are required, please specify the applicable performance objective, such as Immediate Occupancy, Life Safety, Collapse Prevention, or another criterion established by the Department of State/OBO.

RTA: The answer is (d) all of the above. The A/E shall certify the existing structural condition and suitability for continued occupancy, assess the seismic vulnerability/performance of the facility, and identify and recommend any necessary strengthening or retrofit measures.

The SOW does not establish a specific seismic performance objective such as Immediate Occupancy, Life Safety, or Collapse Prevention. Any applicable performance criteria shall be determined by the A/E in accordance with the applicable codes, standards, and OBO requirements.

12. Please confirm whether the Embassy will provide information regarding the actual operational loads of the warehouse, including stored materials, equipment, shelving/racking systems, concentrated loads, and occupancy loads. Please also confirm whether existing mechanical equipment, storage systems, shelving/racking layouts, or other permanent or semi-permanent equipment drawings are available.

RTA: No existing structural, mechanical, equipment, racking, or storage-system drawings are currently available. The A/E shall verify the actual field conditions, including equipment, storage configurations, material-handling activities, occupancy, and applicable operational loads, and shall determine the appropriate design loads in accordance with the governing codes.

13. Please confirm whether any future changes in occupancy, operational use, storage configuration, equipment, shelving/racking systems, or anticipated increases in dead or live loads are currently planned or should be considered as part of the structural and seismic assessment.

RTA: The SOW does not identify any specific future changes in occupancy, operational use, storage configuration, equipment, or racking systems that must be considered. The assessment shall be based on the current and intended use of the facility and the applicable code-required loads. The only specifically identified future installation is the permanent fall-protection anchorage system on the roof.

14. Please clarify the specific criteria and standards applicable to the evaluation and design of permanent fall-protection anchorage systems. In particular, please confirm whether OSHA, ANSI/ASSP Z359, U.S. Department of State/OBO standards, Colombian regulations, or a combination thereof shall govern the design. Please also indicate whether the Embassy has a predetermined number, type, or layout of required anchorage points.

RTA: The design shall comply with applicable OSHA, ANSI/ASSP Z359, OBO, and Colombian work-at-heights requirements, applying the most stringent applicable requirement. Anchorage points shall be designed/evaluated for a minimum static load of 5,000 lb (22.2 kN) per attached worker, or as otherwise permitted as part of a complete engineered fall-protection system. The Embassy has not established a fixed number, type, or layout of anchorage points; the A/E shall determine the appropriate system based on structural capacity, access, maintenance, and operational needs.

15. The solicitation requires the development and evaluation of three pre-feasibility options. Please clarify the minimum technical, structural, architectural, drawing, specification, and cost-estimating level required for each option. Please also confirm whether the three options are expected to represent different structural retrofit strategies, or whether they may include alternatives such as structural strengthening, partial or complete demolition and reconstruction, change of use, or other mitigation strategies.

RTA: Each option shall be developed at a pre-feasibility level, including CAPEX/OPEX, schedule and operational impacts, and life-safety/seismic compliance. Full drawings, calculations, and detailed design are required only for the Government-selected option.

The three options may represent different engineering solutions; the SOW does not require all three to be structural retrofit alternatives.

16. Please clarify the required level of development for the selected option. Is the

A/E Contractor expected to prepare complete construction documents, including structural, architectural, electrical, drainage, fire protection, and other applicable disciplines, or will the detailed design be limited primarily to structural engineering and the disciplines directly affected by the selected retrofit strategy?

RTA: The selected option shall be developed as a complete detailed, permit-ready design, including drawings and calculations for all applicable disciplines affected by the selected solution. Disciplines not impacted by the selected remedial work are not automatically required.

Please also refer to the response to Question 15 regarding the distinction between pre-feasibility options and the detailed design of the Government-selected option.

17. Please clarify the specific permits, licenses, authorizations, notifications, or regulatory approvals expected to be obtained or supported under the base scope for both the structural assessment and any subsequent retrofit works.

Please also identify which party will be responsible for formally obtaining each required permit or authorization and whether the associated governmental fees are included in the A/E Contractor's scope.

RTA: The A/E shall develop the selected solution and prepare all technical documentation required for the OBO/FAC approval process. FAC will be responsible for submitting and processing the permit request with OBO using the documents prepared by the A/E. The A/E shall address comments and make all required technical revisions until approval is obtained. The A/E is not responsible for directly obtaining the permit. The SOW does not identify separate governmental permit fees; any such fees, if applicable, shall be coordinated with the COR before being incurred.

18. Please clarify the contractual relationship between the overall 150-calendar-day performance period and the milestone schedule identified in Section E.3.0, particularly the activities scheduled to occur following the Government's Option Selection.

RTA: The 150-calendar-day period represents the A/E performance period.

The milestone schedule shall govern the sequence of activities. Post-Option Selection milestones shall be measured from the actual date of Government Option Selection. Government review periods identified in the SOW are not counted against the A/E’s performance period. The Contractor shall reflect these requirements in its detailed project schedule.

19. Please confirm whether the 150-calendar-day performance period will be adjusted or extended if the Government's review and Option Selection occur after the time periods assumed in the proposed milestone schedule.

RTA: Please refer to the response to Question 18 regarding the relationship between the 150-calendar-day performance period and the milestone schedule. If Government review and Option Selection extend beyond the scheduled review period, the subsequent A/E milestone periods will be measured from the actual date of Option Selection and adjusted accordingly.

20. Please clarify whether the time required by the Government to review, comment on, and formally accept each deliverable is included within the

Contractor's 150-calendar-day contractual performance period or is considered a period outside the Contractor's control and therefore excluded from the contractual performance period.

RTA: Please refer to the responses to Questions 18 and 19. Government review time is not counted against the A/E’s performance period, as established in the SOW.

21. Please provide clarification regarding the categories of costs that may be treated as reimbursable expenses under the contract. Specifically, please confirm whether specialized testing and laboratory services, geotechnical investigations, laser scanning, specialized equipment, permits, and other third-party technical services may be treated as reimbursable costs when they cannot be reasonably quantified prior to field investigation.

RTA: Please also refer to Responses 5, 6, 58, and 59. The solicitation does not establish a separate reimbursable-expense category. Testing, sampling, laboratory services, specialized equipment, and third-party technical services necessary to complete the required base scope shall be included in the proposal, with applicable professional hours included in the corresponding phases of the bidding chart. Work that is demonstrably outside the contracted scope must be authorized in advance by the Contracting Officer before being performed.

22. Please clarify the scope and expected deliverables associated with the Senior

Electrical Engineer identified in Phases 6 through 8. Please indicate whether electrical engineering services are required as part of the selected structural retrofit option and, if so, identify the specific systems and deliverables expected.

RTA: Please also refer to Response 16. The Senior Electrical Design Engineer is specifically identified in the bidding chart for Phases 6, 7, and 8, and the applicable professional hours shall be included in the proposal. Electrical services are required only for electrical components applicable to the selected design, including the electrical scope associated with the gate/fence design.

This does not establish a general standalone electrical or MEP assessment of the existing facility.

23. Could the Embassy please confirm whether Phases 7 and 8 are included in the firm-fixed-price scope for Phases 1–6, or whether they constitute optional/additional services? If optional, please clarify the mechanism by which such services will be authorized and priced.

RTA: Phases 7 and 8 are part of the required base scope and are not optional or additional services. The applicable professional hours for these phases shall be included in the bidding chart and the base proposal. No separate authorization is required to perform these phases.

24. Could the Embassy please clarify the relationship between the 150-calendar-day period of performance and the durations/milestones established for each phase? Are Government review and approval periods included within the 150-calendar-day period?

RTA: Please refer to the responses to Questions 18, 19, and 20. The milestones established for each phase will govern project execution. Government review and approval periods will not be counted against the A/E’s performance period, as established in the SOW.

25. Which disciplines are specifically required for the design of the new gates and fences, including architectural, structural, electrical, plumbing, security, fire protection, or other specialty disciplines? Are specialized subconsultants required to be included as part of the Contractor's team?

RTA: The gate and barrier design shall include structural, architectural, hydraulic, electrical, and CCTV disciplines, as clarified in Response 60. The applicable professional hours shall be included in the bidding chart. A general MEP design of the existing facility is not required. Specialized subconsultants are not mandatory; however, qualified professionals shall be provided for each required discipline.

26. What are the licensing and professional qualification requirements for the Engineer of Record responsible for the required certification? May a duly licensed professional engineer in Colombia serve as the EOR? Is a U.S.

professional license and/or professional liability insurance required?

RTA26: US engineering license for professional is not required. Local engineering license is required.

27. Does the scope include only the assessment of existing anchorage points, or does it also require the design of new permanent fall-protection anchorage systems, including structural calculations, connections, and any required structural reinforcement? Please confirm whether the furnishing and installation of such systems are excluded from the current scope.

RTA27: the detailed design for fall protection system along with complete structural reinforcement after the assesment is required as part of this solicitation. The installation of the proposed solution is not part of the scope.

28. Could the Embassy please confirm the applicable BIM/CAD standards, the maximum required Revit version, the templates and reference files to be provided by the Government, and the specific requirements for native models and editable deliverables?

RTA28: 2024 Version. No reference files Will be given by the USG. Only the template for drawing presentation.

29. In the event of discrepancies or conflicts among Colombian codes and regulations, the IBC, ASCE, IEBC, OSHA, ANSI/ASSP standards, and OBO requirements, what hierarchy of codes and standards shall govern the Contractor's design and engineering work?

RTA29: highest standard governs

30. Is the development of the three alternatives limited to the conceptual/preliminary design level, with only the Government-selected alternative being developed into detailed design? Please confirm whether the detailed design of the selected alternative is included within the firm-fixed-price scope.

RTA30: the detail design of the selected alternative shall be included in the cost as part of this solicitation.

31. How many review, comment-resolution, and resubmittal cycles by OBO/FAC are included within the scope and firm-fixed price? How will additional review cycles resulting from changes to Government requirements be addressed?

RTA31: Four OBO comment-resolution cycles shall be included after submission of the permit package to OBO, and two FAC review/comment-resolution cycles shall be included prior to the OBO permit submission.

Additional review cycles resulting from A/E errors, omissions, or failure to adequately address comments shall remain the A/E’s responsibility.

Additional cycles resulting solely from new or changed Government requirements outside the contracted scope shall be addressed through the applicable contractual authorization process.

32. Are construction-related services performed on a Time-and-Materials (T&M) basis included in the base scope, or do they constitute optional services to be separately authorized by the Government? Please confirm whether the proposed labor rates will remain fixed throughout the entire contract period.

RTA32: Construction execution services are not included in the base scope of this solicitation. The proposed hourly rates in the bidding chart apply to all A/E professional activities required under the solicitation. Any services outside the awarded scope must be separately authorized by the Contracting Officer before performance.

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

RTA33: Please refer to Figure 3 of the SOW. The approximate areas shown are approximately 222 m² for the State Warehouse Area and 76 m² for the Recycling Area. These dimensions and areas are approximate and shall be field verified by the A/E. No separate verified roof area is provided.

34. Does the Embassy have existing structural, architectural, electrical, mechanical, and MEP drawings available?

RTA34: information not available

35. Are there any existing structural, seismic, or geotechnical studies, or previous inspection reports available?

RTA35: Not available.

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

RTA36: destructive testing and nondestructive testing is required.

37. 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?

RTA37: Any concrete, steel, weld, foundation, or soil testing determined by the A/E to be necessary to complete the required structural/seismic evaluation and deliverables shall be included in the base scope and proposal.

38. What specific codes and standards must be used for the structural and seismic assessment?

RTA38: The structural and seismic assessment shall comply with the applicable U.S., OBO, and Colombian requirements identified in the SOW, including NSR-10, ASCE 7, IEBC, IBC, and applicable OBO standards.

Where requirements differ, the most stringent applicable requirement shall govern.

39. What acceptance criteria will be used to determine whether the existing structure is safe?

RTA39: Structural acceptance shall be based on compliance with the applicable governing U.S., OBO, and Colombian codes and standards, engineering analysis of the existing structure, and the licensed EOR’s determination regarding structural adequacy and suitability for continued occupancy and operational use.

40. What code and design loads should be used for the fall-protection anchorage points?

RTA40: Applicable OSHA, ANSI/ASSP Z359, OBO, and Colombian work-at-heights requirements shall apply, using the most stringent applicable requirement. Anchorage points shall be designed/evaluated for a minimum static load of 5,000 lb (22.2 kN) per attached worker, or as otherwise permitted as part of a complete engineered fall-protection system.

41. 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?

RTA41: shall be included in the base contract as part of this solicitation.

42. Do the three alternatives need to be developed conceptually, or do they require detailed drawings, calculations, and cost estimates?

RTA42: conceptually, the chosen alternative shall be developed in detail.

43. To what level must the design of the selected alternative be developed:

conceptual, preliminary/basic design, or complete construction drawings?

RTA43: Complete construction drawings with all details.

44. How exactly are the Government review periods accounted for within the overall 150day contract period?

RTA44: Please refer to Responses 18, 19, and 20. The Contractor shall submit a detailed project schedule covering all phases and milestones. Government review periods identified in the SOW are not counted against the A/E’s performance period, and subsequent milestones shall be measured from the applicable Government decision or approval date.

45. Does the contract period begin upon contract signature or upon formal issuance of the Notice to Proceed (NTP)?

RTA45: After NTP

46. Must the key personnel be direct employees of the bidding firm, or may they be consultants/subcontractors?

RTA46: Subcontractors are allowed.

47. 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?

RTA47: The Structural Engineer/EOR shall have a minimum of ten (10) years of relevant structural engineering experience. The proposal shall include the individual’s CV, proof of education, valid Colombian professional engineering license, and applicable professional certifications.

48. Can you provide the existing drawings in PDF format?

RTA48: No information available.

49. 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 – Ref. Section J - page 44.

RTA49: No guarantees or bonds are required for the design services under this project. The required assurance for this project is the Contractor’s full and satisfactory delivery of all services, documents, designs, and deliverables specified in the SOW.

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

RTA50: Please refer to Responses 15 and 42. Three distinct engineering alternatives shall be developed at the pre-feasibility level to address the identified deficiencies and project requirements. The solicitation does not require three separate structural-reinforcement alternatives for each individual structure. The Government-selected alternative shall be developed in complete detail.

51. Based on AISC 41-17, please inform us if is required an Usual Data Collection or a Comprehensive Data Collection for this project

RTA51: not required.

52. There is an construction estimate, that lead to chose the final alternative for construction?

RTA55: No Government-developed construction estimate will be provided for selection of the preferred alternative. The A/E shall prepare comparative CAPEX/OPEX estimates for each of the three alternatives, and those estimates will form part of the Government’s evaluation and selection of the preferred solution.

53. Please clarify if a BEP is required for this project

RTA53: not required.

54. Buildings will remain unoccupied during design phase?

RTA54: The buildings will remain occupied.

55. Please clarify if MEP specialties shall be included in this proposal

RTA55: A general MEP assessment or design of the existing warehouse is not required. However, the A/E shall provide the electrical, hydraulic, CCTV, and other applicable specialty design required for the new gate/barrier scope identified in Response 60 and for any discipline directly affected by the Government-selected design.

56. Due to previous responses may affect our cost estimate, please reschedule the date line for this proposal

RTA56: This proposal has been reschedule for September 04, 2026 at 04:00

PM GMT-5

57. What existing structural/architectural drawings, reports, calculations, and modification records are available for the facility, and will they be provided to all offerors?

RTA 57: no information available

58. What minimum structural testing and sampling should be included in the firm-fixed price?

RTA: there is no known information about the structure and the soil of the warehouse. The contractor is responsible for including all the required test to be able to provide all the deliverables in the phases of the solicitation.

59. If additional testing is required due to concealed or unforeseen conditions, will that work be handled as an additional service or by contract modification?

RTA59: All testing required to complete the base scope and required deliverables shall be included in the Contractor’s proposal. Professional labor associated with testing and evaluation shall be priced using the applicable hourly rates in the bidding chart. Additional compensation will not automatically be granted solely because the final quantity or type of testing is determined after field investigation.

60. Please clarify the scope of any new gates and fences, including approximate quantities, dimensions, locations, access-control/security requirements, and associated electrical or other discipline work.

RTA 60: Please refer to picture below. The green line represents the location of the gate barrier required. The design includes, structural, architectonic, hydraulic, electrical and CCTV design. The hours shall be included in the bidding chart for proposal.

61. Will the Government provide all offerors the site information, observations, photographs, drawings, questions, or clarifications generated from or distributed at the August 20 site visit?

RTA 61: This document generates additional information for the solicitation.

US EMBASSY BOGOTA Unit Quantity Item COP

Phase 1: Project Initiation Ls 1 Principal Hr Senior Geotechnical Engineer Hr Senior Structural Engineer Hr Phase 2: Field Investigation Ls 1 Senior Structural Engineer Hr Senior Architect Hr Senior Geotechnical Engineer Hr Phase 3: Technical Evaluation Ls 1 Senior Architect Hr Senior Structural Engineer Hr Principal Hr CADD / BIM Operator Hr

Phase 4: Safety & Certification Ls 1 Senior Structural Engineer Hr CADD / BIM Operator Hr Principal Hr Phase 5: Decision Point Ls 1 Senior Structural Engineer Hr Senior Architect Hr Principal Hr Phase 6: Detailed Design Ls 1 Senior Structural Engineer Hr Senior Architect Hr Principal Hr CADD / BIM Operator Hr Senior Electrical Engineer Engineer Hr Phase 7: Reporting Ls 1 Senior Structural Engineer Hr Senior Architect Hr CADD / BIM Operator Hr Senior Electrical Engineer Engineer Hr

Phase 8: Permit & Closeout Ls 1

Senior Structural Engineer Hr Senior Architect Hr Principal Hr CADD / BIM Operator Hr Senior Electrical Engineer Engineer Hr Total Direct costs

VAT 19%

Grand Total COP

QUANTITY CHART COMPOUND WAREHOUSE & RECYCLE CENTER

United States Department of State U.S. Embassy Bogota, Colombia

Facility Management