RFP 306-09-0533 Amendment No 03 .pdf

5. PROJECT NO.

CODE

7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO.

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

10B. DATED

BPA NO. 1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE CODE

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

X The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers X

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning _one (1)____ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR AC- KNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 10-83)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office. is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER

BY

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30 STANDARD FORM 30

(Type or print) (Type or print)

(Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)

(If other than Item 6)

(Specify type of modification and authority)

(such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(If applicable)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

(X)

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

1 50

Three (03) April 15, 2010 N/A

Office of Acquisition & Assistance USAID/Afghanistan American Embassy, Great Massoud Road Kabul, Afghanistan

All Offerors

306-09-0533

N/A

The purposes of this amendment are to:

1. provide answers to offeror’s questions (See Attachment A);

2. revised RFP Attachment J.5, Construction Contractor Performance Report and attached as part of the amendment;

3. provide Drawing M2.01B6 as part of the Attachments (See attachment B); and

4. extend the close date for the receipt of proposals to April 30, 2010.

THE CLOSING DATE IS HEREBY EXTENDED TO APRIL 30, 2010 THE CLOSING TIME SHALL REMAIN THE SAME.

N/A Deborah Simms-Brown Contracting Officer

Vertical Structures Indefinite Quantity Contract

RFP # 306-09-0533

Amendment No. 03

The Solicitation is hereby modified as follows:

1. Cover Letter, Closing Date, is changed from “ April 17, 2010” to “April 30, 2010”

2. Cover Letter, second page, second paragraph is replaced with the following;

“Proposals in response to this RFP are due not later than 3:00 PM Kabul Time on Friday, April 30, 2010.”

3. Schedule, Section C, Statement of Work, Subsection Section C.4(i)(v) is changed as follows (change(s) in bold italics):

(v) Provisions for medical services and first aid, including emergency procedures.

In addition, the Contractor shall provide specific instructions to each employee regarding hazards unique to his or her job assignment, to the extent that such information was not already covered in other training. The Contractor shall establish written safe work practices covering all phases of the Work. Safety, Quality and all other project programs and requirements that are placed upon the Prime Contractor shall all be required of all subcontractors.

4. Schedule, Section C, Statement of Work, Subsection C.5 is changed as follows (change(s) in bold italics):

The Contractor shall perform the demining assessments for each project site requiring demining as per the task order, determine the exact area to be demined in consultation with USAID, conduct the demining as required, and certify the area is clear of mines. Certification is typically through UN Mine Action Center for Afghanistan (UNMACA), or similar entity in the other countries. Despite official designation and notification that an area or community is free of unexploded ordinance (UXO), the possibility still exists that some UXO remains undiscovered.

The Contractor assumes all such risks. This requirement is applicable to task orders that are performed in Afghanistan.

5. Schedule, Section C, Statement of Work, add Subsection C.5 (k), Increasing Afghan Participation

(Afghanistan Only) as detailed below:

“C.5(k) Increasing Afghan Participation (Afghanistan Only)

The Contractor shall identify in all task orders the positions to be filled by Afghanis. In addition, for multi-year projects, an Afghan Program Manager can be trained to assume the Program Manager role in succeeding years of the project.

The Contractor shall also identify Afghan Organizations to provide subcontract services.

The Contractor shall also include in their reporting requirements to document the number of

Afghanis employed directly and as subcontractors and the monetary value of direct payments to Afghani personnel. In addition, reporting is required for the total amount spent by specific area in Afghanistan.”

6. Schedule, Section F, Reports and Deliverables, Subsection F.7(c)(9) is changed as follows

“(9) The Contractor must be able to provide a performance bond equal to 100% of the project cost from an acceptable surety.”

7. Schedule, Section H, Special Contract Requirements, Subsection H.5(a)(2) is changed as follows

“(2) In addition, there is a ceiling on the reimbursable base salary or wage paid to personnel under the contract equivalent to the maximum annual salary rate specified in Section H.4 above unless an advance written waiver is granted by the USAID Procurement Executive.”

8. Schedule, Subsection H.5(d) is changed as follows (change(s) in bold italics):

“(d) Annual Salary Increases: Annual salary increase (of any kind -- cost of living, merit, promotion increase, or any other type) of not more than (To be inserted by the offeror)% cumulatively may be granted after the employee's completion of each twelve month period of satisfactory services under the contract. Annual salary increases of any kind exceeding these limitations or exceeding the maximum salary in Section H.4 may be granted only with the advance written approval of the Contracting Officer.”

9. Schedule, Section H, Special Contract Requirements, Subsection H.9 is changed as follows

“The authorized geographic code for the procurement of goods and services under this contract is 935. The Geographic code may be further clarified in the individual task orders, if the appropriate code for the specific task order is different than 935.”

10. Schedule, Section I, Contract Clauses, Subsection I.9 is changed as follows:

“52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000)

(a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within 60-days provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 60 days before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.

(b) If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option clause.

(c) The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed 60 months.”

11. Schedule, Section J, List of Attachments, Attachment J.9, Illustrative Task Order, is revised and attached to this amendment.

12. Schedule, Section J, List of Attachments, add Attachment J.10, Registration and Tax exemption in Afghanistan and is attached to this amendment.

13. Schedule, Section L, Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Offerors, replace Sections L.8 through L.9 and are detailed on Attachment C.

14 Schedule, Section, M. Evaluation Factors for Award, is hereby replaced in its entirely and is detailed in Attachment D.

15. Schedule, Section J, List of Attachments, Section J.11 , Afghan First Compliance Policy is hereby attached for additional information only.

ATTACHMENT A

QUESTIONS TO ANSWERS

1. Question: In Section M, Evaluation Factors For Award, item M.3 (b) - Personnel, does not provide the evaluation criteria for L.8(f).3. Personnel, item (A) Staffing Plan / Organizational Structure.

Answer: As noted in the RFP, the organization chart will be evaluated under M.3 (d).

2. Question: It is difficult for Afghan firms to comply with performance and payment bond requirements of the IQC. Will USAID waive this requirement for Afghan Firms?

Answer: USAID will not waive performance bond requirements for Afghan firms.

3. Question: Section F.7, item (c) 9 specifies 10% performance bond while Section I.14, FAR 52.228-15, requires 100% please clarify.

Answer: The Contractor will be expected to provide 100% performance bond.

4. Question: Section C.8 includes staff qualification for some labor categories that may preclude some capable Afghans. Will USAID change these requirements?

Answer: USAID will not change the qualifications but points out that the concluding paragraph of this section allows for case-by-case consideration of candidates. USAID also notes that the listed positions are not included as part of the evaluation criteria for key personnel.

5. Question: Do the RFP requirements related to Small Business Concerns apply to Afghan offerors?

Does an Afghan Small Business meet the requirements for Small Business?

Answer: Refer to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 19, and more specifically Part 19.7 for applicability of the U. S. Small Business Act. Generally, the Act does not apply to foreign firms that do not pay U.S. income tax and perform work entirely outside of the U.S.

6. Questions: In Section L.8(c), the allowed type face is specified as 10 characters per inch in Times

New Roman font. May we use Times New Roman 10 point? Will a smaller type size be acceptable for tables and graphics?

Answer: Times New Roman 12 point font shall be used. Smaller type size is acceptable and may be appropriate to some tables and graphics. Offerors shall assure that said tables and graphics are sufficiently legible to allow for reproduction and evaluation.

7. Question: In Section L.6, please confirm that the Subcontracting Plan should only be included in the Cost/Business Proposal?

Answer: USAID confirms that the Subcontracting Plan should only be included in the Cost/Business Proposal.

8. Question: For Section L.9(c)(2), please clarify the requirement for three resumes and biodata sheets is for each labor category the offeror proposes to use to accomplish the illustrative task order.

Answer: USAID clarifies that the one resume and biographical data sheets are required for the position identified in section L.9(c) (2) (B) and each of the six key personnel positions listed in Attachment J.9, Section C.5.

9. Question: For Section L.10 (a), please clarify where our response to the requirement to identify government-owned subcontractors should go.

Answer: Offerors should include a statement addressing this requirement as part of offeror’s response at L.9 (k), Information to Support Consent to Major Subcontractors, of the

10. Question: A Work Breakdown Structure for the Basis IQC is required at L.8 (e)(5) (page 124) but Section.3(d) requires a Work Breakdown Structure for the illustrative task order. Please clarify whether the WBS is for the Basic IQC or the Illustrative Task.

Answer: A proposed WBS is required for the illustrative task order and not for the basic IQC.

(The requirement for a WBS will be deleted from Section L.8 (e) (5) and added to Section L.8 (f) (5).)

11. Question: Please confirm the geographic code for this RFP.

Answer: The authorized geographic code for both Afghanistan and Pakistan is 935. Section H.9, (Authorized Geographic Code is revised accordingly in this amendment.)

12. Question: L.8 (e)(1)(A) of the RFP states that the offeror /subcontractor shall complete Part I

Blocks 1-9 of the Contractors Performance Report-Short Form (Attachment J.5). Attachment J.5 Part 1 instructions state that the contract information (Blocks 1-9) is to be completed by the Contracting Officer. Please clarify if the offeror/subcontractor must complete blocks 1-9.

Answer: Section L.8 (e)(1)(A) of the RFP is revised to replace Attachment J.5 with the Construction Contractor’s Performance Report.

13. Question: Will USAID please clarify whether the contractor must send Attachment J.5 to our clients, and whether that form should be submitted directly to USAID or provided back to us and submitted with the proposal?

Answer: The completed form shall be submitted directly to USAID with the proposal. USAID will not return any forms.

14. Question: Will USAID please confirm that the only person required to have a commitment letter for submittal in this proposal is the IQM manager?

Answer: USAID confirms that the only person required to have a commitment letter for submittal in this proposal is the IQC Manager.

15. Question: Section C.8 Staff Qualification lists minimum requirements for 53 labor categories.

Does USAID intend for the offeror to submit one resume per labor category??

Answer: No. Resumes are required only for the IQC Manager as required in Section F.10, Key Personnel of the Basic IQC and illustrative task order Key Personnel.

16. Question: We did not see a 12 foot perimeter fence around the Illustrative Sample Task. Is the contractor to provide this type of protective fence, or will the facility being built behind an already existing fence? This will be a big difference in security requirements to build this hospital, and also to potentially protect the materials that are shipped in and warehoused.

Answer: The Offerors should not propose a fence, there is an adequate security wall already in place.

17. Question: Will we have sufficient lay down area for this hospital to put our equipment, man camps, places for materials, etc. It is unclear from the RFP?

Answer: The location has sufficient lay down area for all your needs.

18. Question: Is the preference that the IQC Manager be placed in Kabul Afghanistan next to the US Embassy, or can this person be placed in Washington DC next to USAID Headquarters. Do you have a preference?

Answer: This person is not required to be placed in Kabul or DC.

19. Question: It is unclear what role the Chief of Party and Deputy Chief of Party will have versus the

IQC Manager. Please clarify the specific duties that each of positions will have on this contract.

Answer: The IQC Manager is responsible for overall management of the IQC and all of the task orders. The Chief of Party and Deputy Chief of Party are responsible for management of individual task orders.

20. Question: We did not see a page limit on the Illustrative Sample Task, is this correct?

Answer: Section L.8 (c), Format of Technical Proposal, is revised to increase the 25 page limit to 40 pages, to include the Technical Proposal for the Basic IQC and the illustrative Task Order.

21. Question: The SOW requires an Environmental Assessment be performed. Is that assessment required to be completed prior to construction start? If so, what is the typical timeframe required for EA approval so we can assume that timeframe in our illustrative task order schedule development? Also, who is the regulatory entity responsible for reviewing the submittal?

Answer: The task order is illustrative, so no Environmental Assessment (EA) will actually be performed at this time, but for schedule, you can assume 1 month for the EA. USAID takes the lead on Environmental Assessments.

22. Question: Will USAID or another entity provide “clearance” that de-mining activities are complete similar to what the Department of Justice does for UXO and de-mining sites in the US?

Answer: No, the Offeror will conduct UXO and demining activities.

23. Question: POP is 30 months see Attachment J.9 - C.3 (b)(1) - "Design review shall to start within 10 days of task order award and construction shall be complete within 30 months of the TOCO's Notice to proceed with construction." L.9(c) (5) requires pricing to be submitted in accordance with CLIN structure identified in the BOM issued via amendment. CLIN does not recognize FF&E and there are omissions of elements of construction work. Please advice on how we are to handle the discrepancies in BOM to 100% design document.

Answer: The Medical Equipment and FF&E will be provided and installed by USAID via other means.

24. Question: Section C.2 indicates we are to price "fully outfitted and ready to operate". Surgical equipment is not included on FF&E requirements in the design. Please verify FF&E requirements.

Answer: The answer is same as No. 23.

25. Question: Section C.3 (a) Design and Pre-construction of the RFP states that the documents for the hospital (the sample task order) are 100% design documents. Our electrical engineer disagrees and estimates the electrical drawings to be at the 35% design stage. Please clarify whether the design drawings are correctly identified as at the 100% stage.

Answer: USAID acknowledges that the design documents are not at 100% complete, therefore, Section C.3 (a) is amended to describe that the illustrative task order has 100% design development documents.

26. Question: Is the successful offeror required to perform a geotechnical investigation to verify any existing soil data for the hospital site at Ghazni? It is not clear from the drawings if a topographic survey has been performed at the hospital site at Ghazni. Is the topographic survey data for the site available?

Answer: The offeror shall include geotechnical cost and schedule requirements.

27. Question: Please clarify the location of drawing M2.01B6 as it is shown on the title page G01.01 but does not appear in the Mechanical Drawings.

Answer: M2.01B6 is located on page 136 of 228 of the “Final Design Development Drawings Ghazni.pdf” design package.

28. Question: Do you accept performance bond from AIB or entities in Afghanistan providing similar commitment to USAID?

Answer: Yes, provided it complies with FAR Part 38, Bonds and Insurance.

29. Question: What are the technical specifications for the seed project?

Answer: The term seed project is not an RFP term. For technical specifications of the illustrative task order, refer to item (c) of the notes to RFP Attachment J.9, The illustrative Task Order.

30. Question: Do you consider the bonding capacity in the evaluation of offers for the IQC award?

Answer: Bonding capacity will be an element of consideration when making an affirmative determination of responsibility pursuant to FAR Subpart 9.1—Responsible Prospective Contractors.

31. Question: Will there be a pre-proposal conference?

Answer: No, there will be no pre-proposal conference.

32. Question: Is there any specific countries that using their products are prohibited under this contract?

Answer: See Attachment J.1 of this RFP.

33. Question: Instruction for cost proposal requires “Part 10 - Evidence of Responsibility” which its requirements as instructed will be discussed throughout out the technical proposal, do you consider amending this requirement?

Answer: No, USAID is not amending the requirement.

34. Question: RFP Section C.7 states that “a Professional Engineer’s License or equivalent” is a requirement for the IQC Manager. Please clarify what USAID will accept as the equivalent of a Professional Engineer’s License.

Answer: Section C.7 is sufficiently clear in its requirement.

35. Question: Is it acceptable to USAID to propose the IQC Manager as a Project Manager for a specific Task Order under this contract?

Answer: The IQC Manager for the basic IQC and Project Manager for the illustrative task order are Key positions and cannot be the same person.

36. Question: The BOQ provided under Amendment 1 does not appear to be complete and does not include the full scope of work contained within the RFP design documents such as the medical equipment and furnishings. Please clarify if the contractors pricing proposal should only be based on the quantities and scope of work as outlined in the BOQ.

means. For the Offeror’s pricing proposal, the offeror must determine if the quantities and scope are adequate. The offerors must revise if deemed necessary. As required in Section L.5, the Proposal must present clearly and completely the Offeror’s pricing structure as it relates to performance of the illustrative task order. It shall include whatever schedules are necessary to present cost and pricing data in a complete and accurate manner.

37. Question: Please provide the BOQ in Excel format, Answer: Offerors must develop the BOQ in a format that sufficiently represents their requirements and assures that their pricing is complete, accurate and current.

38. Question: Please identify the DBA rates.

Answer: Contact information for USAID’s current DBA carrier is provided at Section H.7 of the RFP. Offerors are responsible for obtaining rate information to develop their pricing.

39. Question: Please identify which construction materials are excluded from the Buy American Act requirements as allowed under 52.225-9. Please confirm the following items at a minimum will be exclusions to the Buy American requirements; Soil and aggregates, cement, concrete masonry units, structural and reinforcing steel, terrazzo flooring and fuel. Please confirm non-US materials specified in the RFP design documents will be exclusions to the Buy American requirements such as the following; Kingspan fuel tanks, WPL blackwater treatment plant, various medical equipment, etc.

Answers: The same as Answer to No. 11.

40. Question: Reference illustrative task order design drawings. Please confirm the site existing grades are as per drawing C1.01 Earthworks Formation Plan. If not, please provide existing conditions plan.

Answer: The existing site condition is a level surface.

41. Question: Reference illustrative task order design drawings and Amendment 01 BOQ. The illustrative task order design drawings do not identify any work associated with the existing site boundary wall. However the BOQ includes demolition of retaining wall (582 m2) and construction of new retaining wall – Perimeter of Property (316 m2). Please clarify the scope of work associated with the perimeter wall.

Answer: The same as answer to No. 16.

42. Question: Reference illustrative task order design drawings. Drawing M2.01B6 listed on the drawing index is missing in the drawing pdf document. Please provide drawing M2.01B6.

Answer: The same as answer to No. 27

43. Question: Reference HVAC system. Please identify the HVAC system control requirements.

Additionally, will a controls sequencing drawing be provided?

Answer: The Offerors must provide a complete Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) system for all Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) equipment shown on the plans and listed in the equipment schedules; systems shall include all labor and material for a complete electronic ATC system, including a control panel (equal to Siemens or Carrier), equipment control relays and zone valves, control wiring, room sensors and thermostats for each Fan Coil unit, Air Handling unit; perimeter heating system control valves, circuit setters and thermostats for each building wing and exposure. The Offeror must provide a statement of work with their proposal that lists the quantity of thermostats and control points/devices included for the complete wired and installed system, including a “point-to-point” checkout and report.

44. Question: Reference page 172 - qualifications for Safety and Health Manager. Is it acceptable to substitute safety certifications and training in lieu of a bachelor’s degree?

Answer: Section C.7 is sufficient and clear on the requirements.

45. Question: As USAID is part of the U.S. State Department, would the Percy Amendment apply to this solicitation?

Answer; No.

46. Question: Could USAID please confirm that RFP Section H.5(a)(2) should refer to Section H.4, Personnel Compensation, and not Section H.3, Emergency Locator Information when discussing the ceiling on reimbursable base salary?

Answer: Yes, USAID confirms that RFP Section H.5 (a) (2) should refer to Section H.4, the ceiling on reimbursable base salary. (Section H.5 (a) (2) is revised accordingly.)

47. Question: The requirement for unburdened daily rate ceilings in Section L.9(c) presents three concerns, which can be resolved with a simple change. First, it appears to be inconsistent with AIDAR 752.7007, as incorporated in Section H.4 of the RFP, which establishes the Contractor Salary Threshold as the ceiling on reimbursable salaries.

Answer: The requirement will remain as stated in the RFP.

48. Question: Section L.9(c)(5) requests a FFP budget for the illustrative task order. However, the inclusion of labor rates is therefore inappropriate other than as an input to the FFP total. The use of average rates supported by illustrative biodatas, is a way to demonstrate reasonableness of estimated labor to arrive at the total FFP proposed. Please clarify that this is a FFP TO, and whether biodatas are required, since under a FFP TO, the government is buying an output (building), and labor costs are not part of the TO contract.?

Answer: Yes, this is a Firm Fixed Price task order. USAID also confirms that biographical data sheets are required as noted in the RFP. The RFP sufficiently explains the reasons for requiring inclusion of labor rates and other pricing elements in the offerors proposed pricing structure.

49. Question: Reference (e) Part 5 – Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Offerors on page 131. The requirement for subcontractors to complete Section K:

(a)Our understanding is that you expect to receive multiple Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Offerors (in addition to the Prime Offeror). Please confirm.

Answer: Yes, we expect to receive multiple Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Offerors (in addition to the Prime Offeror).

(b) Does this apply to local Afghan and other foreign (non U.S.) subcontractors?

Answer: Yes, it does apply to local Afghan and other foreign (non U.S.) subcontractors.

50. Question: How many sets of final design drawings and Ready for Construction (RFC) documents must we provide for review and approvals?

Answer: Drawings are not required as detailed in Section L & M. .

51. Question: Quantity survey data from the drawings provided does not align with the Bill of Materials (BOM) issued in addendum #? Differences are significant enough that a bid based on the BOM would not represent the facility plans and specifications provided.

Answer: As required in Section L.5, the Proposal must present clearly and completely the Offeror’s pricing structure as it relates to performance of the illustrative task order. It shall include whatever schedules are necessary to present cost and pricing data in a complete and accurate manner.

52. Question: The BOM/CLIN structure does not provide for security costs, FF&E or Medical Equipment. The RFP states level of detail required for security to what level should the FF&E & medical Equipment be broken down to??

Answer: The answer is same as No. 23 and No. 51.

53. Question: Can USAID provide contractors electronic file of the medical equipment inventory?

There are 269 pages of Medical equipment that each contractor needs to summarize and develop into procurement packages this is a significant duplicative effort by each contractor.

54. Question: Where is the location of projects?

Answer: Location is described in Attachment J.9.

55. Question: RFP cites need to design the facility in accordance with various US criteria, i.e. IBC 2006, EM 385-1-1, NFPA 101, AIA Healthcare Guidance. It is obvious from the plan set that these criteria are not being met in many instances. How do we reconcile these differences in time to respond to the RFP?

Answer: The drawings and specifications provided in the Attachment J9, Illustrative Task Order are 100% Design Development plans. If the Illustrative Task Order is awarded, then the Contractor will become the Designer of Record and produce final designs for USAID approval as described in Section J.9.

56. Question: Cut sheets show majority of equipment, including medical equipment as 60 hertz, 120v, while generator and local power is stated to be 50 hertz, 380 volts. Will all equipment need to be reselected once contract is awarded?

Answer: The medical equipment will use local power. The Medical Equipment will be provided and installed by USAID via other means

57. RFP cites need to translate all documents into Pashto/Dari. This will increase the number and layout of all drawings sheets and the specifications requiring almost a complete redraw of the drawing files. Is this the intent of the RFP? Only text documents (specification, BoQ, calculations, the maintenance plan/manual …) to be translated into Dari and Pahstoo, these are the two formal language in the country.

Answer: No translations are required to be submitted with the proposal.

58. Will the CADD files be provided? What format will be required for the final product?

Answer: No, Auto Cad files will not be provided.

59. The present drawings show a “box” around the proposed developments. Is this a fence or some other boundary?

Answer: The same answer as No. 16.

60. Is information on the water supply wells available?

Answer: There is adequate local water supply available. Offerors shall include an allowance for the cost to excavate and install 100 meters of underground water service piping from the well or utility connection point into the building and backfill.

61. There appears to be a mixture of US/European equipment included within the info on hand. Are we to assume US equipment will be used?

Answer: The same answer as No. 23.

62. Are we to design per National Electrical Code, Article 517?

Answer: Yes, per NEC code requirements (not only Article 517).

63. Are we to design per NFPA 99?

Answer: See Attachment J.9, The Illustrative Task Order, section C.4 General Requirements (a) Construction shall follow International Building Code 2006, US Army Corps of Engineers Safety and Health Requirements Manual (EM 385-1-1) and the NFPA 101.

64. Are there any lighting calculations available to support the present lighting layouts?

Answer: There is no lighting calculations available.

65. Are there any electrical distribution calculations available to support the switchgear and generator sizing?

Answer: No, the gear and generator sizes are adequate.

66. Has there been a lightning risk assessment performed?

Answer: There is no lightning risk assessment performed.

67. Are there any room data or equipment sheets that show the various pieces of equipment, number of required receptacles, communication systems outlets, etc. required in each space?

Answer: No. FF&E equipment will be provided by USAID separately. The Offerors must refer to the Technology plans for typical data/telecom outlets.

68. If there are lighting and power calculations, are we to assume they are valid and go with them?

Answer: There are no lightning and power calculations.

69. The electrical drawings presently show US type lighting and power symbology. Are we to use these types of symbols or European symbols?

Answer: Yes, offerors shall use US symbols.

70. Does design need to reflect metric dimensions, wire sizes, etc.?

Answer: Yes. Offerors shall use Metric dimensions and sizes throughout the proposal.

71. Since the drawings have not been circuited, how was the quantity of panel boards, presently shown, determined?

Answer: Offerors shall use the quantity of panel boards as shown on the plans and schedules.

72. Does design need to reflect metric dimensions, wire sizes, etc.?

Answer: The answer is same as no 70.

73. Could you please give some explanations about the items in the illustrative BOQ such as

Projection screen ( dimensions?), drawings for caseworks, cabinets…etc.

Answer: Offerors shall refer to the Design Development Architectural drawings for casework details. On the AV system, this will be provided by USAID separately.

74. In the drawings and specs of illustrative task, if there are some parts that are not included in the BOQ, what the contractors must do? Are they to be ignored as written on page 165 of the RFP part

(d) – (2).

Answer: The Offerors are required to prepare the BOQ with sufficient details to “present cost and pricing data in a complete and accurate manner”.

75. In the drawings and specs of illustrative task, there are different types of doors ( 20 min fire resistant, 45 min…etc) but in the BOQ there are not such types ( only difference is dimesions) please advice how offerors place the correct prices to correct places?

Answer: The door schedules are provided in the Design Development Architectural plans.

76. In Page 133 reference to the L.9 (m) Part 13 there is saying that ; “The surety must be acceptable to the Government and must appear on the Department of Treasury Circular 570 “Companies Holding Certificates of Authority as Acceptable Sureties on Federal Bonds and Acceptable Reinsuring Companies.” Is this a mandatory requirement or a surety from a third country ( e.g.

Turkey) is acceptable also.

Answer: The surety is acceptable provided it complies with FAR Part 28, Bonds and Insurance.

77. As the project is very detailed and confusing we insist on a one week extension. We think that it would be very helpful for all offerors.

Answer: The receipt of offers is extended to April 30, 2010. The RFP is amended accordingly.

78. Please clarify the location of drawing M2.01B6 as it is shown on the title page G01.01 but does not appear in the Mechanical Drawings.

Answer: The same as answer No. 27.

79. Reference RFP Proposal due date of April 17, 2010. A significant number of contractor questions have not been answered by the Government. Since answers to the questions may impact contractor proposals, please consider an extension to the RFP due date.

Answer: The answer is same as No. 77.

80. Reference C.5 Key Personnel required qualifications for Construction Manager on page 171: The paragraph beginning Work Experience: The PM…. appears to be in error, as it is a duplicate of the Project Manager Work Experience paragraph above. Please clarify the work experience requirement for the Construction Manager.

Answer: The qualifications are revised and Section C.5 is amended accordingly.

POSITION TITLE: PROJECT MANAGER

Education: The PM shall, at a minimum, have a Master’s degree and a license or professional designation to practice in the area of specialization (such as civil engineering), with 15 years’ experience in design, construction and quality assurance of infrastructure projects.

Work Experience: The PM is required to have: at least 15 years experience in senior positions of project administration, contracting, or in the management and implementation of donor-funded projects. Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills. Direct experience working on projects in developing countries and experience working in conflict and/or post-conflict countries is highly desirable. The qualified candidate must have at least 10 years experience in developing countries.

POSITION TITLE: CONSTRUCTION MANAGER

Education: The CM shall, at a minimum, have a bachelor’s degree in field of specialization (such as civil engineering), with 10 years’ experience in design, construction and quality assurance of infrastructure projects.

Work Experience: The CM is required to have: at least 10 years experience in senior positions of construction project administration, contracting, or in the management and implementation of donor-funded projects. Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills. Direct experience working on projects in developing countries and experience working in conflict and/or post-conflict countries is highly desirable. The qualified candidate must have at least 10years experience in developing countries.

81. Will this facility need to meet ADA requirements?

Answer: Section H.16, USAID Disability Policy addresses ADA requirements.

82. Will this facility be required to meet any U.S. anti-terrorism or force protection requirements?

Answer: No, however, the Offeror’s proposal must meet the security requirements identified in the RFP.

83. The documents provided to us do not indicate that the building is to have a sprinkler system. Is a sprinkler system required?

Answer: No, the Offerors shall exclude an automatic sprinkler system in their cost proposal. The Offerors must refer to the Fire Protection plans for Fire Hose Cabinets, Standpipe and Future Fire Pump details.

84. What fire protection compensatory measures were included in the design to offset the absence of a sprinkler system? The narrative states that the building will be equipped with fire hoses;

however, this is not equivalent to an automatic sprinkler system.

Answer: The fire hose cabinets and smoke detection systems show are the compensatory measures.

85. Are the seismic coefficients, SDS and SD1, shown on sheet S0.01 correct?

Answer: Yes. Offereror should refer to the seismic coefficients listed on the drawings (SDS= 1.2g, SD1= 1.6g).

86. Will design and analysis structural calculations be provided to support the building structural design?

Answer: No. Structural calculations will not be provided with the RFP.

87. Please confirm that Chapter 17, Special Inspections of IBC 2006, applies to this contract? If so, it is noted that the Special Inspection will be done by USAID or its designated representative

Answer: See Section C. Statement of Work, C.4 (h) Quality Control/Quality Assurance; also see Section E.8 52.246.12 Inspection of Work (AUG 1996)

88. Detail 14 on sheet G2.01 shows medical vacuum inlets at patient beds, but the medical gas plans do not indicate vacuum system and narrative states that vacuum and WAGD will be supplied by portable units. Please clarify whether the detail is incorrect and verify that a central vacuum system is not required.

Answer: Offerors shall exclude the Central Vacuum System from the cost proposal. It is not part of scope of work. Please disregard the plan detail.

89. The narrative indicates that each fixture will be individually vented. This is not shown on the plans and is not required by code. Are fixtures required to be individually vented?

Answer: No. Offerors note that venting of fixtures may be “ganged”, provided that the method meets code.

90. The National Electrical Code requires three different branches for the Essential (aka “emergency”)

System. An exception was taken on this project to this requirement. Only two branches (Life Safety Branch and Critical Branch) are being provided. Why was this exception taken?

Answer: Offerors shall include (2) two branches in their cost proposal.

91. The electrical one-line drawings indicate that both the normal and emergency system generators are “prime” rated. The narrative says the normal power generator is “continuous” rated and the emergency generator is “standby” rated. Prime, continuous, and standby are all valid ratings.

Please clarify the ratings?

Answer: Offerors shall use “prime rating” for the generators in their cost proposals.

92. In the electrical calculations, there is a calculation for the normal power generator but not for the emergency power generator. How was the emergency power generator sized?

Answer: Offerors shall use the generator sizes shown on the plans in their cost proposals.

93. In the MEP Systems Narrative, paragraph V.A.1 says that the facility will include storage for a 30-day supply of fuel oil for mechanical and electrical equipment. Paragraph V.A.3.c says that the emergency generator will have fuel supply capable of maintaining operation for a minimum of 24 hours of full load capacity. While these two statements are not contradictory, they do imply a different supply for the emergency generator. Does the emergency generator have a completely separate supply? If so, why is the capacity (24 hours) so much less than the normal generator fuel supply (30 days)?

Answer: Offerors shall include storage for a 30-day supply of fuel oil. The emergency Generator does not have a separate fuel supply.

94. In the MEP Systems Narrative, paragraph V.C.9.a says that GRS conduit will be plastic coated when installed underground or in duct banks. Paragraph V.C.10.a makes no mention of plastic coating of GRS conduit in underground duct banks. Please clarify what is required.

Answer: Offerors shall include the cost in the proposal of plastic coated conduit per Paragraph V.C.9.

95. In the MEP Systems Narrative, paragraphs VI.B.1.b and c say that the voice backbone cable will be Category 3 and the data backbone will be fiber optic. The type of cable required for the horizontal voice and data cabling is not indicated. What type of cable is required?

Answer: Offerors shall include the cost in their proposal for Category 6 cabling for both voice and data horizontal cabling.

96. In the MEP Systems Narrative, paragraph VI.C has many references to Category 6 cabling. Is

Category cabling required for voice and data horizontal cabling?

Answer: The answer is same as No. 95.

97. The US Government and the Islamic Transitional Government of Afghanistan signed a treaty

(Diplomatic Note No. 202), effective May 28, 2003, that provided tax exemption for US civilian contractors and contractor personnel working in Afghanistan in connection with cooperative efforts in response to terrorism, humanitarian and civic assistance, military training and exercises, and other activities. "The Government of the United States of America, its military and civilian personnel contractors and contractor personnel shall not be liable to pay any tax or similar charge assessed within Afghanistan."

a) Will a US contractor awarded this contract be protected from the liability for any tax or similar charge assessed within Afghanistan by virtue of the treaty referred to above?

Answer: See Attachment D to this amendment, “Registration and Tax Exemptions in

Afghanistan”

b) Will subcontractors be protected from the liability for any tax or similar charge assessed within Afghanistan by virtue of the treaty referred to above?

Answer: See above

c) Will all imported materials be customs duty free?

98. Reference illustrative task order. Please provide exact site location for 100 bed hospital illustrative task order in city of Ghazni.

Answer: The site location in Ghazni.

99. Reference illustrative task order C.4 General Requirements item (j). Unexploded Ordinance/

Demining (UXO): The contractor shall be responsible for assuring the site is free of UXO prior to the execution of any work. Please identify the likelihood of UXO within the site area.

Answer: The Answer is same as No. 22.

100. Reference Illustrative Task Order. Please confirm the contractor will be allowed to establish a Life Support Area either within the project site or on land adjacent to the site.

Answer: There is sufficient space available within the boundary walls of the site for a life support area.

101. Reference Section B.6 paragraph (d) (2) Salaries for locally-hired personnel other than non-U.S.

labor. Please identify if there is any specific labor rates or labor rate restrictions for the illustrative sample task.

Answer: Refer to Section B of the RFP.

102. Reference illustrative task order design drawings. Drawings PS.01 and TS.01 listed on the drawing index are missing in the drawing pdf document. Please provide drawing these drawings.

Answer: Offerors shall disregard Drawings PS.01 and TS.01. These sheets are not part of drawing set.

103. Reference illustrative task order design documents. Is a medical vacuum system required for any of the medical areas of the facility as no information is provided in the design documents?

Answer: Offerors shall exclude the Medical Vacuum system. It is not part of Scope of Work.

104. Reference illustrative task order Electrical specification section 26 05 19 paragraph 3.10 Wiring

Methods. Please confirm Medical Grade MC Cable is an acceptable wiring method for normal power branch circuits.

Answer; Offerors shall refer to specifications Section 26 05 19, Paragraph 3.10. MC Cable wiring method shall NOT be used.

105. Thank you for the latest amendment from USAID, Amendment 2 on March 22, which extended the due date for the submission of questions regarding the RFP. However, there remains a significant amount of unanswered questions submitted by March 16 (per the original draft of the RFP) and additional questions will be submitted by the question close date of 3 Apr 10 that have a direct bearing on the technical and price portions of the proposal. USAID will have a very limited time to respond to those questions and offerors will not have enough time to incorporate responses into proposals. We have also found numerous discrepancies between the Bill of Materials (BOM) and drawings included with the government's RFP. All offerors should be bidding from a consistent BOM and design product. No site visit was planned for the Illustrative Task Order. Actual project site boundaries and conditions, compared with assumptions made about the site, could result in significant cost variations. Respectfully request USAID grant an additional 30 day extension to the due date for the proposal to allow adequate time for Q&A.

This would allow all bidders to adequately prepare an accurate proposal that will result in a fair contract award and successful execution of the illustrative task order.

Answer: The answer is same as No. 78.

106. In order allow offerors to effectively address the proposal requirements stated in the RFP, will

USAID consider increasing the required page limitation to 50 pages?

Answer: The answer is same as No. 20.

107. The RFP states that medical equipment will be both Owner furnished/Owner installed and Owner furnished/Contractor installed. Please clarify whether USAID is responsible for purchasing, delivery and installation of this equipment or if the Offeror is responsible for purchasing, delivery and installation of this equipment.

Answer: The answer is the same as No. 23.

108. Would you please confirm that the medical equipments are owner furnished/contractor installed as stated in specifications section 11 70 01? If all the medical/kitchen equipments are contractor furnished, we kindly request a time extension on proposal due date.

109. Would you please provide the exact location of the Ghazni hospital with the global coordinates?

Answer: No. This information is unavailable at this time.

110. As written in the design developments, the project site is surrounded with perimeter wall and two guard shacks, will the U.S. Military be responsible for the site perimeter security during the construction?

Answer: No.

111. Would you please provide the layout plan for paging system?

Answer: Offerors shall specify an allowance for a complete paging system throughout the facility and provide details and associated cost in the proposal.

112. Would you please provide the below drawings which are listed in index of drawings but not

a. M2.01B6 Partial Ground Floor Mechanical Piping Plan – Area B6

b. PS.01 Plumbing Site Plan GHAZNI (Gardez Site Plan is in the file)

c. TS.01 Site Technology Plan

Ghazni.pdf” design package. Disregard items b. and c.

113. Regarding H.9, Geo Code: IQC geo code is 000: On May 27, 2003, the Agency for International

Development issued a written waiver [Acquisition and Assistance Policy Director (AAPD) 03- 06] of USAID's source, origin, and nationality requirements in 22 CFR 228, for Afghanistan, to include Geographic Code 935, with a preference for procurement of U.S. source, origin, and nationality to the extent practicable. The Action Memorandum recognizes that "the preference for U.S. procurement would be subject to the terms and conditions of any promulgated, published policy of USAID effective at the time of the procurement."Since the foregoing AAPD 03-06 is currently still active on USAID's website as of March 12, 2010, we believe that the waiver is considered to be in effect. Please confirm that the citation in the RFP on page 53 that states that the authorized geographic code for the procurement of goods and services is 000, can be informed by the policy issuance AAPD 03-06, and thus, offerors may consider subcontractors and suppliers from the countries included in Code 935, with a particular focus on Afghan sources.

Answer: AADP 03-06 is no longer valid. However, the geographic code for this procurement is 935.

114. The requirement for unburdened daily rate ceilings in Section L.9(c) presents three concerns, which can be resolved with a simple change. First, it appears to be inconsistent with AIDAR 752.7007, as incorporated in Section H.4 of the RFP, which establishes the Contractor Salary Threshold as the ceiling on reimbursable salaries.