Amendment 001.pdf

Amendment 001 Department of the Treasury, Bureau of the Fiscal Service

Division of Procurement

DATE: May 9, 2025

FROM: Kaitlyn Eaton, Contract Specialist

SUBJECT: RFP: 20342325R00009 – AFRH-W Construction Services BPA

Amendment 001

The purpose of this amendment is:

1. To provide the Government’s answer to vendor questions.

2. To provide an updated Attachment C – Pricing Schedule.

3. To extend the proposal submission deadline to May 19, 2025 at 10:00am, ET.

Please find vendor submitted questions below with the Government’s response to the questions.

1. Can the Government confirm whether there are any anticipated task areas or project types (e.g., masonry repair, roofing, mechanical upgrades) that will be prioritized during the base year under the BPA?

The Government Response:

The plan is to award several task orders in the base year that will add up to several million dollars. The range of task orders do include masonry repair, roofing, mechanical upgrades and others indicated in PWS under section 3 "Scope."

2. Will individual firm-fixed price orders be issued via a task order process with defined

SOWs per call?

The Government Response:

Firm fixed price task orders will be issued per the process stated in the BPA. The task orders will NOT be based on Statements of Work (SOWs) but Task Order Performance Work Statements (PWSs) that will have scopes and deliverables. Some task orders scopes will have design drawings attached. Some scopes will be developed with the contractors' input based on discussions with the contractors. Means and methods to achieve deliverables will be at the contractors discretion.

(NOTE: AFRH does NOT follow the GSA P100 or DoD construction policies. We are an independent agency on exclusive federal property; meaning AFRH has its own Authority Having Jurisdiction or Building Code Official. Construction at AFRH is performed per the ICC Codes such as the IBC and IRC;

similar to the private sector. All work is inspected by a third party DC certified inspection firm hired by AFRH or the contractor per a requirement in the task order).

3. Are there any standard response or mobilization timelines the Government expects once a call order is issued?

The Government Response:

Before a task order is awarded, the construction time line will be developed in collaboration with the contractor.

(Note: It is the hope of AFRH that this BPA will allow a relationship between AFRH and the Contactors, which will allow for both parties to collaborate in order to develop task order scopes that achieves AFRH's needs and cost restraints but does not hamper or create difficult or impossible requirements for the contractor such as impossible deadlines. In short, AFRH will present the contractor with objects and/or drawings and work with the contractor to flush out specific scope details such as timelines, exclusions, assumptions, and scope limitations).

4. Are there any baseline security clearance requirements or training certifications necessary for workers before being granted access to AFRH-W facilities?

The Government Response:

Per section 17.2 of the PWS, All Contractor personnel are required to undergo background security investigations to ensure suitability for employment with a Federal entity. In short, contractor employees are required to go through a public background check equivalent to AFRH federal employees that hold a public trust position. To pass a public trust background check, a Contractor employees must be an American Citizens or lawfully reside in the U.S.

with authorization to work in the U.S. In addition, they cannot have a criminal record. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring a background check is completed on the contractor employee BEFORE working on the AFRH campus and if needed during an AFRH investigation, providing said background check to AFRH.

(Note: The integrity of contractors and contractor employees are important to AFRH. We have a community full of vulnerable individuals on this campus (i.e. elderly veterans who could be taken advantage of and children at the on-site charter school). Insuring that on-site contractor employees are employees of good character; helps to protect these individuals).

5. Will subcontracting portions of the work be allowed under the BPA? If so, are there specific limitations or small business participation requirements?

The Government Response:

Subcontracting is allowed with no restrictions except for the background check as stated in the above question.

6. Can the deadline for proposal due date be extended?

The Government Response:

Yes, the submission deadline for proposals has been extended to May 19, 2025 at 10:00am, ET.

7. What is the price range for individual projects within this BPA?

Typically for this requirement, Task Orders can range from $3,500.00 to $250,000.00. Multiple task orders can be awarded at once that are independent of each other but associated. For example, execute task order to replace underground water lines to a building. Execute task order to remodel public bathroom, which includes new pipes in the walls to new plumbing fixtures.

8. Are we allowed to use key subcontractors for past performance?

Past performance should be based on the individuals who will be managing projects on the AFRH Campus. The key is we want to know the qualifications of the company personnel we will be dealing with on every project and who will be responsible for solving any construction problem.

9. Are we allowed to use Teaming Members for past performance?

See question 8 answer.

10. Is there a limit on past performance?

The ideal scenario is to provide 5 past performances with a minimum of 2 from private sector work and 3 from federal work, but there is no limit.

11. Are past performance questionnaires required?

No. A past performance should include scope, timeline, and, if applicable, any unique details that demonstrate capabilities. Brevity is extremely important, but facts are key. We are looking for projects that demonstrate a range of experiences from industrial to residential;

from healthcare to site work; and everything in between. In essence, a company with vast experience that could handle any possible project regardless of how large or small.

12. If you’re providing subcontractor services through a prime contractor, does that count as “past performance supporting a federal agency”?

See question 8 answer.

13. Will submission requirements be provided (i.e. font size, page count, etc.)?

No, but the submission should convey (succinctly) capabilities and experience. Based on the solicitation requirements, we anticipate a good, strong, proposal will be plus or minus 10 pages (not including the QCP and labor rate worksheet). Brevity with facts are important.

Pages with empty verbiage may hide details we require to make an proper assessment.

14. The Go/No Go table disqualifies offerors that “do NOT provide proof of work completed by the offeror in DC in the last 5 years.” Please explain how District of Columbia specific experience is essential to the BPA’s construction scope and whether equivalent experience in adjacent jurisdictions could be deemed acceptable.

The Government Response:

AFRH Facility Manual stipulates that projects must be built per ICC codes OR DC Building Codes, whichever is stricter. In addition, AFRH is on the National Historic Registry. While we are a federal facility where local government has no authority, we must comply with federal law that states we must work with local jurisdictions to try and come to a consensus with historic preservation and archeology. It is essential that the contractor be familiar with DC Building Codes, preservation requirements, and archeology policies. With that said, we will reconsider and move that evaluation criteria from Go/No Go Past Performance to Technical Factor 2- bullet number 4. While a contractor will still get marked for a significant weakness on that element, it will not eliminate them from proposing.

15. Why must offerors show “a balance of work experience between the private and

Federal sector” to receive a Go rating? What percentage constitutes “balance,” and how does this requirement further the Government’s stated objectives? What statutory or regulatory authority supports this screen for an SDVOSB set-aside?

The Government Response:

Per Past Performance No Go bullet number 4, 40% of past performance listed must be private. This is not a statutory or regulatory requirement. This is based on what AFRH believes is in the best interest of the agency. AFRH is a Trust Fund agency similar to the Smithsonian;

meaning our funding comes from a federal Trust Fund that was setup in 1851 with revenue generally coming from soldier’s paychecks and resident veteran fees. As such, we run our agency and our projects as close to private sector business models as possible in order to ensure we have a balanced budget.

16. The evaluation table requires “qualified individual(s) with approval authority with a State General Contractor’s License.” Which state(s) satisfy this criterion, and will reciprocity be accepted for firms licensed outside DC?

The Government Response:

Yes, AFRH recognizes ANY state General Contractor’s License which is based on testing and past experience.

17. The Go/No Go test references “Two or more Significant Weaknesses” without defining the term. Please provide the quantitative or qualitative thresholds that constitute a Significant Weakness and how they will be consistently applied across offerors.

The Government Response:

A significant weakness is omitting something that is specifically required in the evaluation criteria; i.e. Under Technical Requirements, it is required to make a statement of understanding and compliance. If this was omitted, that is a significant weakness. Another example under Technical Requirements, it is required to submit the qualifications of project managers/superintendents. If this was omitted, that is a significant weakness.

18. The RFP states that “Technical Evaluations, when combined, are more important than price” but does not disclose the relative importance of Technical vs. Past Performance

vs. Price among the four volumes. Will the Government publish weighted percentages or an adjectival/point scale for each factor?

The Government Response:

Failure on Evaluation Factor 1 removes the proposal from consideration. Evaluation Factors 2 and 3 are not scored, they are rated “Outstanding”, “Acceptable”, and “Unacceptable”.

“Outstanding” is achieved by providing in the opinion of the evaluators all of the information requested under Factor 2 and 3 and information beyond what is requested that indicates in the opinion of the evaluator the contractor’s current personnel submitted has a high level of experience and capable of successfully complete most any project without serious complications. “Acceptable” is achieved by providing in the opinion of the evaluator all of the information requested under Factor 2 and 3. “Unacceptable” is obtained by demonstrating significant weaknesses in the manner and quantity per the evaluation criteria listed in the solicitation.

If all Factors are “Acceptable” or above, offeror’s proposal will be compared to all other offerors’ proposals for lowest price. The lowest prices of the acceptable offerors will be awarded the BPA contract. If pricing is equivalent between all offerors, the evaluating team will look to see if one of the offerors being compared achieved an “Outstanding”. The highest rated offeror(s) would be awarded a BPA contract.

19. Will price proposals be evaluated for realism (to ensure they are not unreasonably low) as well as reasonableness, and if so, what methodology (e.g., cost realism analysis, comparison to Independent Government Estimate) will be used?

Internal agency decision making information is not privy to the public.

20. Attachment C requires hourly labor rates, but the solicitation does not define labor categories, experience levels, or a standard basis year. Could the Government issue a labor category dictionary and state whether rates should be fully burdened? Which wage determinations will apply?

The Government Response:

Attachment D provides definitions for labor categories. Attachment C instructions allow for some alterations. Rates are fully burdened; meaning a labor rate that represents the total hourly cost of employees performing that labor, including their base salary and all associated indirect costs. Indirect costs include: payroll taxes (FICA, state unemployment, etc.); benefits (Health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, etc.), training and development costs (expenses related to employee education and growth), employee equipment and supplies (costs associated with providing the necessary tools for work and uniforms), Workers' Compensation insurance (Insurance that covers employee injuries on the job), Liability Insurance (protection against potential lawsuits), and other indirect costs (general and administrative expenses, overhead, etc.) The determination of wages is based on the Offeror’s actual labor expense and not an estimate by a third party source.

21. “Recent” is defined as contracts within three years of the solicitation issue date. Given the five year BPA term, will the Government consider expanding the recency window to five years to capture larger, complex projects of similar scope?

The Government Response:

Contracts that concluded (final releases executed) within the last 3 years, but started more than 3 years ago, may be included.

22. The QC Plan is a separate volume, yet deficiencies in QC can trigger a Technical “No

Go.” How will the QC Plan be evaluated—under Volume I Technical or Volume II—and what scoring rubric will be applied?

The Government Response:

It will be evaluated under both Volume I and II. Volume I evaluation determines whether the offeror provided a QC Plan. Volume II evaluation determines if the offeror provide an “acceptable” QC Plan per the evaluation criteria indicated, which includes the offeror's interpretation, approach to, and methodology of how quality is monitored and controlled to meet the requirements in the PWS along with identifying the Quality Manager.

23. The solicitation incorporates FAR 52.219 14, Limitations on Subcontracting, but does not specify how compliance will be measured at the BPA versus order level. Will subcontracting limits be tracked on each task order or in aggregate across the BPA base year?

The Government Response:

In accordance with the FAR, the contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting, in solicitations and contracts— (1)For supplies, services, and construction, if any portion of the requirement is to be set aside for small business and the contract amount is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, and in any solicitations and contracts that are set aside. This requirement is set aside to 100% Service- Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, therefore, there would not be a need to subcontract a specific percentage of the work to another small business.

24. The cover letter says a “multiple award BPA is being considered.” How many BPAs does the Government intend to award, and what is the business case rationale for that number given the estimated $20 million ceiling? What market research shows multiple awards are in the Government’s best interest?

Internal agency decision making information is not privy to the public.

25. Section 52.212 2 lists only Technical “Go/No Go” and Past Performance Acceptability without a best value trade off narrative. Will award be made on an LPTA (Lowest Price Technically Acceptable) basis or a best value trade off, and how will premium technical merit be credited?

The Government Response:

Because this contract is not based on a specific project, we are primarily looking at contractor’s qualifications. The Go/No Go, Past Performance Acceptability, and other listed technical factors filter the proposals in order to present AFRH with companies that have the qualifications, which AFRH is attempting to obtain. Once all acceptable proposals have been determined, lowest pricing will determine award. If multiple acceptable proposals are in the lowest price equivalent, Technical Factor 2 and 3 ratings will be reviewed to see if “Outstanding” was achieved by any acceptable proposal in order to decide award between offerors.

26. The PWS notes that contractors “may be required to meet compressed schedules to deal with emergency or urgent requirements.” Will the Government identify anticipated surge scenarios and describe how schedule risk will be considered in evaluations and subsequent task order pricing?

The Government Response:

Currently, there are no emergencies that are anticipated. In most cases, the facility maintenance contractor will address most emergencies. But, in rare cases where the facility contractor must be supplemented (i.e. earthquake damage) and structures must be restored or reinforced through construction means and methods, this contract would more than likely play a part. In such cases, the contractor would be expected to provide quotes and labor in a compressed schedule (days instead of weeks) to facilitate re-occupancy or use of such damaged structures. In such scenarios, we are looking for quicker responses and efforts by the contractor to provide all needed labor quickly. The construction work (ideally) would be performed under normal conditions; meaning work conditions and business hours would not vary from standard projects. Describing how the offeror could accomplish this successfully may add premium credit when comparing two offerors with the same pricing.

27. On page 37, Section 16.1 of the solicitation, it is stated that a Contract Manager and an Alternate Contract Manager are required. Additionally, on page 55, under Factor 2, the solicitation requests submission of qualifications for Project Managers and Superintendents. Could you please clarify and specify the exact number and types of personnel for whom we are expected to submit qualifications? For example, should we submit qualifications for one (1) Contract Manager, one (1) Alternate Contract Manager, one (1) Project Manager, and two (2) Superintendents?

The Government Response:

There is no requirement to have separate positions; only people who can perform the duties of each position. If one person can and/or is qualified to perform multiple duties, that will be sufficient to comply with the requirement. For instance, the Contract Manager (the administrative contact for the contract) can also be the project manager and superintendent if they have sufficient qualifications and/or experience. This may be the case on an extremely small construction project. As a scenario, a task order awarded to build a pergola. The company licensed general contractor who is the POC for the contract decides to manage and plan out the project along with running the day-to-day operations on-site.

The objective is not necessarily to have different personnel for each duty, but to have personnel qualified to carry out all the duties of a construction project. As another example of combining duties into one position, the Alternate Contract Manager can also be the Quality Control Manager.

28. In reference to Volume III – Past Performance, could you please specify the number of past performance examples you would like us to submit?

The Government Response:

Five would be ideal for AFRH, but the purpose is to demonstrate company personnel qualifications and experience in order to meet the evaluation criteria. The contractor should provide the number of Past Performance that accomplishes that goal.

29. Can the Government confirm Times New Roman, size 11 pt is acceptable for content and Times New Roman size 10 pt is acceptable for tables and graphics?

The Government Response:

Yes, but understand that bloviating may make it difficult to find the information required to ensure the proposal meets the requirements.

30. The requirement states: Offerors shall, in relation to providing clear and sufficient information that their personnel meet the minimum qualifications stated in the

PWS/SOW/SOO:

(a) NOT send by email a copy of an identification card with a photograph such as a driver's license, social security card, or passport, or prior government security clearance documents, etc., and

(b) NOT include their physical home and mailing address, social security number, etc.

in their supporting resumes and education attainments.

1) Redact or mark out with permanent black marker their physical or mailing address in their educational attainments, leaving the individual’s name on the document(s).

Does the Government expect offerors to submit unnamed resumes with the proposal submission or will candidate/resume bios be acceptable? Can the Government confirm the resumes/bios can be 2 pages?

The Government Response:

Personal identifying information must be redacted, but business identifying information such as name, credentials, past work history, etc. are fully acceptable and expected. Resumes/bios can be 2 pages.

31. Can the Government confirm the only Key Personnel to be proposed is the Contract Manager and 2 alternates?

The Government Response:

There are 5 key personnel positions stated: Project Manager, Superintendent, Quality Control Manager, Contract Manager, and Alternate Contract Manager. Reference Answer to Question

27. Some positions can be combined and may change per task order. The objective is to ensure the company has qualified individuals capable of fulfilling these standard construction management duties.

32. Can the Government identify the Labor Categories for the alternates to the Contract

Manager?

The Government Response:

The Contract Manager and Alternate are soft cost administrative duties related to administering the BPA. The cost for this management is included in the G&A added to a task order. If a Contract Manager or Alternate specifically works on the project as construction manager or supervisor, the labor category will be that for which role they are acting.

33. Can the Government confirm the offerors can submit a 7-page response to the Technical Requirements?

Yes, there is no limit to the pages to be submitted.

34. Can the Government confirm the offerors can submit a 5-page Quality Control Plan?

Yes, Quality Control Plans (QCP) may be any page length.

35. Can the Government confirm the offerors can submit 2 pages for each Past

Performance reference?

Yes, the offeror may submit 2 pages.

36. Can the Government confirm that CPARS are required for each Past Performance reference submitted?

CPARS are not required for projects performed for a private sector entity or individual.

37. Can the Government confirm that a pricing narrative is not required for submission with Attachment C - Pricing Schedule?

Yes, that is correct.

38. How can offerors submit large drawings without violating IT policy (ban on .zip files and secure portals, etc.)?

The Government Response:

AFRH does not have an IT policy that bans any form of file transmittal, but Personal Identification Information (PII) as described under HIPAA is restricted in any format whether electronically or physical transmission unless performed in a manner compliant with HIPAA.

Basically, a large file can be transmitted in any electronic format as long as it does not contain any PII.