AMENDMENT TWO 33330225RF0010004..pdf

(x)

33330225RF0010004

x x

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 electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BE

RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY 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 letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

x

OCON

Washington DC 20013-7012 PO Box 37012

MRC 1200

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

01/21/20250002

13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS. IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) is not extended.is extended, Items 8 and 15, and returning

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: (a) By completing

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

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

FACILITY CODE CODE

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)

7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)CODE 6. ISSUED BY

PAGE OF PAGES

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.3. EFFECTIVE DATE2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

12/30/2024

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority) appropriation data, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not is required to sign this document and return __________________ copies to the issuing office.

ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

A. The Solicitation Number cited above, for professional design support for multi-disciplinary Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ)-Architectural and

Engineering (A-E) planning and design projects for Smithsonian Institution Facilities;

including museums, zoological park, research facilities, gardens, offices, retail, and food service facilities. Located: 80-90% of work is anticipated to be in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, including Maryland and Virginia. The remaining work is anticipated to be in other geographical locations where Smithsonian Institution facilities are located including Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Panama is hereby amended as follows:

Continued ...

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

15C. DATE SIGNED 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR 16C. DATE SIGNED

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

Virginia C. Chan

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 11/2016)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

Previous edition unusable

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

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

2 2

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

33330225RF0010004/0002

A.1. Attached hereto and made part of this

Amendment One are the SI Responses to RFI's for

Questions Number 21 to 52.

A.2. Offerors shall acknowledge receipt of all amendments to this solicitation signed and dated and submit with proposal.

B. THE BID DUE DATE IS February 05, 2025, AT

3:00PM EASTERN STANDARD TIME.

Except as provided herein, all other provisions, terms and conditions of the Solicitation remain unchanged.

END OF AMENDMENT TWO

NSN 7540-01-152-8067 OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

Sponsored by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

Smithsonian Institution Office of Planning Design & Construction

PROJECT:

Washington D.C.: A/E-IDIQ - Multi-disciplinary Architectural and Engineering (A-E) planning and design projects for Smithsonian facilities

LAST UPDATED: 01/21/2025

Solicitation number: 33330225RF0010004

Please see below the questions from 1100 Architect:

1. For the submission of a sample master plan report or similar, does this document need to be related to one of the example projects?

2. Does the term “sample” for the “master plan file or similar” request imply a template or an actual completed planning study?

3. In the case where a project has not yet been funded/built, will a prior master plan report or similar be acceptable to the evaluation board? 4. With contracts sought to be awarded to small businesses, is there currently any expectation that firms be tasked with more than 3 projects concurrently? 5. For government evaluation sources, will local and state government evaluations be considered? If so, should we notate on submission? 6. FAR 52.204-21 Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems is included in the base contract document. Is the proper handling and safeguarding of CUI material expected? Are there any additional specific NIST security requirements for the contract?

1. OPDC -- As indicated in section C, a past report should be associated with one of the Example Projects.

2. OPDC -- The sample should be a completed planning study.

3. Yes. Planning project examples will be evaluated and ranked based on their completeness as planning products. While some may not result in actual construction, A/Es should demonstrate how their project examples successfully provided valued solutions for their client. Superior project examples will demonstrate A/E 's ability to bring specialized knowledge and skills to assist their clients in solving complex planning tasks.

4. This is a Full and Open solicitation. Small and Large Business will be considered. Teams selected may be offered 3 or more concurrent task orders, however they may negotiate with SI to decline multiple task orders that would overload their capacity. Capacity is a consideration. 5) References with contact information are requested for each of the 10 key project examples.

Performance evaluations from relevant client source, public or private, may be considered to include federal, state or local government. 6.

No, both are not applicable.

1. If the content required per form within SF 330 Part I and II remains intact, is it possible to customize their layout and presentation (i.e. different font, additional images, etc.)?

2.Do self-certifications count toward the subcontracting percentages for the listed small business categories [7% Small Disadvantaged Businesses, including Historically Black Colleges or Institutions or Minority Institutions (SDBs), 7% Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs), 4% Hub-Zone Small Businesses (HSBs), 4% Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs), 4% Service-Disabled Veteran- Owned Small Businesses (SDVs)]? Or must certifications be SBA verified to count toward the previously listed subcontracting percentages?

1. The SF330 Format is preffered however it is allowable to adapt the format as long as each and every data element of the form and 10 point font size is maintained.

2. For Women-Owned, SDVOSB, VOSBs, and HUB-Zone small businesses, they must be certified. Small Disadvantaged businesses (SDBs) can self-certify. It depends on the category. A small business can only self-certify as a small business and as a small-disadvantaged business. Women-Owned Small Businesses, HUBZone Small Businesses, Veteran-Owned and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses must be certified by SBA or a 3rd party certifier like WBENC.

1.What is the anticipated timeline for Stage 2/shortlisted team interviews?

2. Is there a weighted criteria breakdown by which submissions will be evaluated based on the selection criteria?

3.Is there a contract size range for issued Task Orders that come out of this IDIQ that you can share?

1. Tentatively April/May

2. 2. Weighted criteria is not applicable. 3.

Varies. As indicated in Section 2, no individual order is to exceed $7.5 million.

24 1. Does the sample master plan referenced in Section C count towards the 125 page limit?

2. For projects we are not submitting with CPARS, is it acceptable to submit reference letters?

1. No, the sample report is a separate file.

Please find our question regarding the Smithsonian Institute IDIQ below. 1.Can you please confirm that 5 hard copies of the SF330 are required for submittal per section 5 on page 5 of the IDIQ?

1) No, hardcopies, are not required. Interested, qualified firms are invited to submit the required information as Dropbox link The deadline for submission is no later than Wednesday, February 05, 2025, 3:00 PM EST.

please find questions below regarding Smithsonian Institution Facilities IDIQ – AE Planning and Design (Solicitation number: 33330225RF0010004).

1.Can the Smithsonian please clarify the disciplines required for submission? Are respondents required to meet all disciplines to submit?

2.Can we submit solely as a subcontracted design consultant on our own?

3.Can the Smithsonian please clarify if the 40% small business concern is required for all respondents of this IDIQ?

4. What percentage of past contracts have been for new construction vs. retrofits, renovations, and feasibility studies?

5. How are fee rates determined for this IDIQ?

6. What percentage of Smithsonian projects occur outside of this IDIQ?

7.How are specific projects awarded after respondents are selected for the IDIQ (i.e., RFP, competition, RFQ, direct award, etc.)?

1. This is Full and Open solicitation. Small and Large Business can apply. Section 3B identifies key disciplines required for submission. Representation of Key disciplines is required. 2. No

3. For purposes of the subcontract, 40% is required for the Large Business Prime Contractor.

4. Not relevant for this IDIQ.

5. Labor (hourly) rates are nogotiated for each discipline across the entire prime and consultant team once a contract is offered for the first contract year. Those rates can be increases once a year for each of 9 renual years based on CPI. Task order Fees are negotiated based on effort projected (hours/disscipline) and those rates. Profit is nogotiated by task order based on project complexity, scale, and duration and ranges from 6-10 %.

6. Not relevant for this IDIQ.

7. Selection is at the discretion of OPDC COTR.

Please provide clarification to the following questions as they pertain to Smithsonian Solicitation

#33330225RF0010004

1. Is the 10-year project completion threshold, as mentioned in Section 3.A of the SAM announcement, an absolute maximum?

2.For project references, does “Projects submitted must have been completed within the last 10 years.” refer to completion of design services, or completion of construction?

3. Does Smithsonian procurement have a preference for the number of projects attributed to the prime in Section F of SF330 Part 1?

1. Yes, the 10 year threshold is considered to demonstrate reasonably current experience.

2. We are looking for completed master plans.

3. The majority of projects should be lead by the prime. Some project led by consultants can be included. Project examples should demonstrate how the prime and consultants have collaborated successfully.

The RFP identifies a goal of 40% small business participation. The breakdown is earmarked for:

7% Small Disadvantaged Businesses, including Historically Black Colleges or Institutions or Minority Institutions (SDBs) 7% Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs) 4% Hub-Zone Small Businesses (HSBs) 4% Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs) 4% Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVs).

Should the remaining 14% be a small business that is not specifically dedicated ?

I am unclear of how you calculate the 14%. Each percentage stands alone and should not be added together. The 40% includes all small businesses used, so some small businesses may calculated in several categories, like a company that is small, woman-owned, HUBZone and SDVOSB. In that case, her company would be captured in the 40% for small business participation, the 7% for being a woman-owned small business, the 4% for being a HUBZone small business and 4% for being a SDVOSB. If you satisfy the percentages, you can subcontract to any type of business whether large or small.

Please see the below RFIs:

1. RFP Page 5, No. 5 states “5 copies of the SF330 are required.” While just below, Section 5:

Submission Requirements states “interested, qualified firms are invited to submit the required information as a dropbox link below.” Does the Smithsonian require hard-copy submission or electronic submission?

2. RFP page 3, Section A on Project Types states “Projects submitted must have been completed within the last 10 years.” Does a project that is design 100% complete and accepted by the client/agency meet this criteria?

1.No, hardcopies, are not required.

2. We are looking for completed master plans.

We were reviewing the Smithsonian Institute IDIQ and had a couple of questions that we were hoping you could clarify:

1.Would you consider firms that apply only for specific services or are you looking for full teams to cover all the services?

2. Can you provide more details on the expected volume and types of task orders that might be issued annually?

1. We are looking for firms with teams to cover all the listed services

2. Volume of work is highly variable and based on yearly appropriations and funding levels

1. Pursuant to Request for Qualifications Section A Paragraph 2, may we assume the following sentence refers to design complete since some projects might be planning studies: “Projects submitted must have been completed within the last 10 years.”

2. Can Section F Projects include an IDIQ/Term Contract with multiple task orders to be submitted as one project?

3. Pursuant to the requirement in Section C paragraph 2 to provide a “past report … associated with one of the Example Projects provided in Section F” , given the sensitive nature of some of our clients and their projects and the resultant hesitancy to allow us to share a deliverable, may we include a redacted report from a non-Section F project?

4. How will the Smithsonian ensure the confidentiality of the submitted past report samples? Can Smithsonian ensure distribution will be limited to selection committee only?

5. To comply with Smithsonian Institution Small Business goals, may we use non federally certified small businesses, such as self-certified or local and state certified small, disadvantaged, woman owned, or minority businesses?

1. We are looking for completed master plans.

2. Yes,but please highlight the relevant task orders to address the evaluation criteria

3. Yes 4.

The Smithsonian strives to maintain confidentiality of the selection process. Submission materials will be distributed via internal SharePoint with limited access. Selection committee members are required to sign non-disclosure agreements.

5. Refer to anwers for question 22.

1. Please clarify submission requirements – digital and physical or digital only. Instructions for both physical and digital submissions are included in the RFP.

2.Regarding the small concerns requirement, do self-certified businesses count towards fulfilling the requirement?

3.Please confirm that this IDIQ solicitation includes planning, design, documentation, and construction phase services. Is the focus of the anticipated work over the next year to be primarily programming and planning assignments?

4.If awarded an IDIQ contract, will the team selection for each task order be bid competitively among several current IDIQ contract holders?

1. No Hard Copies, are not required. Please submit thru DropBox Link provided.

2. It depends on the category. A small business can only self-certify as a small business and as a small-disadvantaged business. Women-Owned Small Businesses, HUBZone Small Businesses, Veteran-Owned and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses must be certified by SBA or a 3rd party certifier like WBENC.

3.

The Smithsonian seeks through this solicitation to diversify its IDIQ pool and expand access to specialized Planning expertise but work will depend on needs at the time.

4. This is at the discression of the OPDC COTR.

We are keen on pursuing this RFQ and as we review the details, we would appreciate clarification on the following points to ensure alignment with the project requirements: 1.Are you seeking an architect of record for these projects, or will the selected firms also be responsible for the design and conceptualization of the projects themselves?

2.Could you provide more explicit examples of the names of projects previously awarded under a similar IDIQ contract, such as specific museum facilities, libraries, cultural facilities, etc.?

3.Will detailed site or building assessments be provided to shortlisted firms, or should we include assumptions for certain elements (e.g., historical preservation needs)?

4.For the IDIQ structure, could you clarify how task orders will be prioritized and distributed among selected firms?

5.Are there limits to the number of projects a single firm may handle concurrently?

6. For the Part II #5 questionnaire in SF300, do all consultants need to be registered with SAM.gov and possess a unique identifier number, or is this requirement only applicable to the prime contractor?

1. The focus of this IDIQ is on Master Planning services, however, the IDIQ does not preclude that the contract may also be used for design services resulting in the preparation of construction documents. Selection will be made on the releveant experience with Master Planning. 2. This is not a relevant question for the solicitation at hand. 3. No

4. This is at the discression of the OPDC COTR.

5. There is no limit to the number of concurrent task orders

6. Yes all consultants needs to be registered with SAM.gov

Q4 of Addendum #1 references “specialized planning expertise,” while the RFQ reads “Comprehensive Facility Planning and Design” and references design of new construction, building renovations, tenant fit outs etc.

Can you please confirm the types of projects that may be issued and/or provide examples of previous task orders performed through this contract?

The Smithsonian seeks through this solicitation to expand access to specialized planning expertise for comprehensive facilities planning, but follow-up projects coming out of plans, and a range of other studies, design and construction projects may be awarded.

1. Which discipline would be best positioned to act as prime for this RFQ?

2.Can you clarify what is meant by "stakeholder engagement" and if that includes community engagement?

1. Firms with experience in directing Master Planning.

2. Stakeholders may be internal, including Smithsonian central and unit senior leadership and technical experts, and external, including federal and local agencies, historic preservation consulting parties and community engagement.

can you confirm what firm (s) have held this contract previously? Firms are encouraged to visit www.SAM.gov for public information on past solicitations.

1. Will collections/storage facilities expertise be required for this IDIQ? 2.

Should we include subconsultants for interpretive planning and exhibit design, traffic/transportation, or materials handling? Or can these disciplines be added later as needed?

3. Does the solicitation form, cover letter, cover and dividers apply toward the 125 page count?

1. Expertise beyond the key required disciplines identified in the solicitation may be utilized.

2. Submit any sub consultants that are needed to address the listed services.

3. Cover letter and dividers do not count toward the page limit

Please see our questions below in regard to the Smithsonian Institution Facilities AE IDIQ

(33330225RF0010004).

1. Please clarify the types of Labs that the Smithsonian is anticipating under this RFQ other than Art Conservation Laboratories?

2. Does the Smithsonian require building commissioning under this IDIQ.

3. Please clarify the statement "5 copies of the SF330 are required." found on page 5. Is the expectation to submit the same PDF 5 times?

4. Please clarify the statement "Preface the submission with an attached original and loose copy of a brief letter on company letterhead" found on page 5. Is the expectation to upload the brief letter be a separate PDF file?

1. Labs may include scientific research and testing, animal care, education, as well as conservation.

2. The Smithsonian has a separate IDIQ for building commissioning.

3. No Hard Copies, are not required. Please submit thru DropBox Link provided.

4. Cover letter can be inlcuded in the pdf file of the proposal

39 If we do not have a CPARS account, can we submit PPQs for our projects? CPARS account is not required to submit for this IDIQ. PPQ are not required.

1. Page 4, Item 3C SAMPLE REPORT SUBMISSION: Is it permissible, for security reasons, to provide a separate link to a Dropbox (or other FTP) folder to transfer the sample report file to the contracting officer?

2. Page 5, Item 5 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: This item states that “successful firms will be expected to sign a standard, unmodified, Smithsonian A-E contract.” Is this contract to be included with our submission? If so, is that document available for review/signature?

3. Please confirm that a subcontracting plan is not required if the prime firm is a small business.

4. If a consultant is currently supporting a prime firm on an active Smithsonian contract, can that consultant be included on a team pursuing this planning IDIQ contract as a subconsultant under another prime firm?

5. Please confirm that this submission requires 5 hard copies and a PDF upload of the proposal to the provided Dropbox link.

6. Please confirm that the 125-page limit includes only SF330 Part 1 A-H and excludes the cover letter, front/back covers, and tab pages.

1. All Consultants please use the secured DropBox Link provided.

2. No

3. Correct

4. There are no restrictions from subconsultants being on muliple Smithsonian IDIQ contracts

5. No Hard Copies, are not required. Please submit thru DropBox Link provided.

6. Confirmed

For prime firms to be considered a small business in this IDIQ, do they need to be an officially certified SBE, or would self-certification in Sam.gov under the current NAICS 541310 $12.5M Annual Revenue Size Standard be acceptable?

Self-certification in Sam.gov under the current NAICS 541310 $12.5M Annual Revenue Size Standard is acceptable.

42 Requesting an extension to the due date from February 5, 2025 to February 26, 2025. Can the Smithsonian Institution (SI) provide an extension on the due date?

No extension is granted

43-A

1. The solicitation Item 5 notes that the Prime should submit Parts 1 and II of the SF-330 whereas Item 3. Primary Selection Criteria lists sub-items A through E (A - projects, B demonstration of experience and design competence of the prime and consultant staff etc.). It would be helpful if you could clarify whether these selection criteria sub-items 3.A through 3.E are to be submitted under Part I of the SF-330. So for example should we submit as follows?

A). Up to 10 projects for meeting the selection criteria for sub-item 3.A - submit under Section F of the SF-330 B). Resumes of sub-consultants for meeting the selection criteria for sub-item B - submit under Section E - Resumes of the SF-330 C). PPQs and CPARS for meeting the selection criteria for sub-item 3.C - submit under section H of the SF-330? etc. It would be most helpful if the Smithsonian could provide a TOC on how they want us to organize our proposal in terms of the selection criteria and its alignment with the SF-330 sections.

2. Do we have to stay with the SF-330 formats for the projects (SF-330 Section F) and resumes (SF- 330 Section E) or may we use our standard project pages and resume formats as long as the font is 10 point minimum?

3. Would the Simthonian consider allowing us to use a 6 point font size for image captions?

4. If we are required to stay with the SF-330 format, may we use the default font size inherently included in the SF-330 Forms in lieu of the min. size 10 font? This matters in order to fit on one page the five projects per resume that are submitted in the SF-330 Section E format.

5. Would the Smithsonian consider excluding the cover page, cover letter, back cover, section tabs and pages from the PPQ and CPARS from the 125 page limit? These items take up a lot of page counts and it would be helpful to retain the 125 pages for meeting the selection criteria content if possible.

B) All staff resume's for all team members will be submitted in SF 330 Section E C) Any past performance information to address the past performance evaluation factor shall appear in SF330 Section H. The evaluation factor sequence and titles are the table of contents

2. The SF330 Format is preffered however it is allowable to expand on the format as long as each and every data element of the form is maintained.

3. No

4. No

5. See above responses to similar question

43-B

6. Are we correct in assuming that PPQs and CPARS submitted under Selection Criteria Item 3.C may be for projects / studies that are not included in the 10 projects to be submitted under Selection Criteria 3.A (Section F of the SF-330)? 7. May be submit PPQs provided for other IDIQs or do we need to submit new PPQs?

8. Please confirm that the Master Plan report noted under the Selection Criteria - sub-item 3.C is to be shared as a separate file and not included in the overall page limit of 125 pages.

9. Is there a size limit to the digital files to be uploaded to the Drop Box Link?

10. May we use 11 x 17 pages and if so would each 11 x 17 page be considered as one (1) page or two

(2) pages?

6. Correct

7. Yes

8. Confirmed

9. No 10 No

1.Who are the current contract holders for this IDIQ?

2.Beyond the Smithsonian, what institutions/agencies/groups will be engaged by the design team for approvals?

1. This question is not relevent to the current solicitation

2. Commonly the Commission of Fine Arts, National Capital Planning Commission and the State Historical Preservatin Office are consulted during Smithsonian projects.

Follow-up question to Amendment One’s Question 17: Our firm holds an existing IDIQ contract from a previous Smithsonian solicitation, currently in its ninth option year. This contract has not exceeded the 10-year period and is set to expire in Q1 of 2025. Can you clarify if our firm may apply for this new solicitation even though our current IDIQ has not yet expired or been extended? Alternatively, can you clarify if through participation in this new solicitation, our company could obtain an extension of our existing IDIQ contract?

Current IDIQ holders with less than three years left in thier IDIQ may apply. Existing IDIQ contracts will not be extended.

Are the key disciplines listed in Section 3B of the solicitation (architecture, campus planning;

landscape architecture, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection communications and related systems engineering; land surveying, cost estimating and security system design) the only disciplines required at this time?

Yes

1. Is there a preferred format or template for the organizational chart in Section D?

2. Could you clarify whether the small business utilization requirement applies to individual task orders or the aggregate of all task orders combined over the contract term (two years)?

3. Is there a preference for including more recent projects in Section F, or should we balance projects across the 10-year period?

4. How will specialized experience in historic preservation and climate adaptation planning be weighted in comparison to general A/E design capabilities?

5. Is there a projected start date for the first task orders after the contract award?

6. Under Section 5 of the RFP, it is stated that 5 copies of the SF 330 are required. Since this is a digital submission, could you clarify whether the Smithsonian would like us to upload 5 digital copies of the SF 330 to the designated Dropbox or file-sharing platform? Alternatively, is this referencing physical copies despite the digital submission process?

1. No

2. No.

3. The more recent and the most complete projects represent the more highly valued experience.

4. They are an evaluation sub-element and will be evaluated as such

5. No

6. A sinle digital copy is sufficient

We are in the process of preparing our SF 330 submission and seek clarification regarding the layout requirements. We understand the importance of adhering to the SF 330 format and are committed to ensuring our submission meets all guidelines.

1. Could you please advise if we are permitted to include additional graphic layouts or design elements within our submission, beyond the standard SF 330 format?

2. Could you please specify if there is a designated page limit for Part 2, and if so, what it is? I understand Part 1 is limited to 125 pages.

1. Any graphics or design elements shall be included within the SF330 format which is allowed to be modified while remaining in the standard 8.5X11 inch format.

2. See previous responses to similar questions

49 If we do not have a CPARS account, is there another way to fulfill that requirement? Could you please advise as to how we can fulfill this.

Yes please address the listed elements and subelements in the evaluation factor and sub-elements. CPARS alone will not fullfill the evluation factor requirements.

Question/Inquiry #1: Paragraph Reference: "Part I of the SF 330 shall have a page limit of 125 pages.

A page is one side of a sheet." Question: Could you clarify whether the 125-page limit includes items such as the cover page, table of contents, and dividers, or are those excluded from the total page count? Question/Inquiry #2: Paragraph Reference: "This includes but is not limited to client references and federal government evaluation sources including CPARS, CCASS, and ACASS." Question: Should past performance questionnaires (PPQs) be included in the SF 330 submission, and if so, will they count toward the 125-page limit?

Question/Inquiry #3: Paragraph Reference: "Submit a secure PDF file for a sample master plan report or similar secure documents/shared protected folder demonstrating the prime firm’s capabilities."

Question: For the secure PDF sample report, is there a specific maximum file size, format, or naming convention that we should follow?

1 See answer to similar question above.

2. Past performance questinaires are not required and any and all information addressing this factor are included in the page limitation

3. No

Question/Inquiry #4: Paragraph Reference: "Submit the required information as specified below.

Firms must submit Parts I and II of the Standard Form 330 for the prime and joint venture(s)."

Question: Are we allowed to include additional supplemental material, such as resumes of key personnel, beyond the information in SF 330, and will this material count toward the 125-page limit?

Suplimental information beyond what is requested in the solicitation and allowed for in the SF330 will not be evaluated.

Question/Inquiry #5: Paragraph Reference: "Failure to submit the completed SF 330 and the secure PDF files/documents/shared protected folder containing the planning report example will render the submission unacceptable." Question: May we include appendices or additional project documentation beyond the sample report, and if so, would these appendices be excluded from the page limit?

Additional information not requested in the solicitation will not be evaluated

Question/Inquiry #6: Paragraph Reference: "An Organization Chart should be submitted as part of Section D that identifies firm and individual roles for Prime and Subconsultants." Question: Is the organization chart counted toward the 125-page limit? If presented on a single page, can it be in a larger format, such as 11” x 17”, folded to fit within the standard submission size? If so, would these count as one or two pages toward the total page count?

Yes, 11X17 is not acceptable

Question/Inquiry #7: Paragraph Reference: "Sustainability and climate adaptation planning including preparation of climate hazard risk assessments." Question: Are there specific sustainability frameworks or certifications, beyond LEED, that the Smithsonian expects firms to pursue for these projects (e.g., WELL, SITES, or other emerging standards)?

Yes the Institution will consider other sustainability frameworks beyond LEED.

Question/Inquiry #8: Paragraph Reference: "Projects submitted should demonstrate experience in addressing issues associated with campus planning, Living collections, buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places and/or on the historic building registers of states or other nations, facilities accommodating large numbers of public visitors, environmentally sensitive sites, phased projects, projects pursuing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification (and/or other recognized sustainable designation)..." Question: Are there specific net zero energy or net zero carbon goals for Smithsonian projects under this IDIQ contract, and if so, what standards or certifications will be prioritized (e.g., LEED, Living Building Challenge)? Additionally, are firms expected to incorporate strategies beyond LEED, such as renewable energy systems or advanced building technologies, into their designs?

This question is not relevant to the current solicitation. Address the published criteria.

Question/Inquiry #9: Paragraph Reference:

"Projects submitted should demonstrate experience in addressing issues associated with campus planning, Living collections, buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places and/or on the historic building registers of states or other nations, facilities accommodating large numbers of public visitors, environmentally sensitive sites..." Question: Given the unique requirements of zoological parks and animal habitats, does the Smithsonian expect or recommend that firms include a specialized zoo consultant as part of their project team to address animal welfare, habitat design, and operational needs for living collections?

As listed in the solicitation experience with living collections will be evaluated. It is upto the firm to determine what consultants and project examples are required to demonstrate it.

51 Can you confirm that firms awarded a 1-year IDIQ with 9 one-year extensions in February 2015 are eligible for this round?

Firms with less than three years remaining in thier current IDIQ may apply

I am writing in regards to the SAM announcement for the Smithsonian Institute. Our firm is a small minority owned architectural design firm. We have experience doing large scale international projects and would like to do more local institutional government work. We have done some work for NYC but not the federal government. We have submitted for other SAM postings but it seems like most awards go to the large primes with subcontractors. I just wanted to check with you if this listing would be open for a firm like ours to submit alone or do we need to partner with a larger company? Then a follow up to that is there a list of the prime companies interested in submitting or a way for us to find primes to partner with?

Any firm with experience aligned with the solicitation requirements is welcome to submit.

We cannot provide a list of submitting firms and the Smithsonian cannot assist with partnerships.