36C24226R0096_2.docx

Modification to a Previous Notice Modification to a Previous Notice

GENERAL INFORMATION

BASE NOTICE TYPE

Network Contracting Office (NCO) 2 3495 Bailey Avenue Building 3, 2nd floor Buffalo NY 14215

POINT OF CONTACT*

Spivack, Michael Michael.Spivack@va.gov

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

800 Irving Avenue

Syracuse NY

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

AGENCY’S URL

URL DESCRIPTION

DESCRIPTION

This amendment answers the following vendor questions:

1. We have performed a substantial amount of work in New York including Buffalo Parking Garage. Would you increase the geographical location from 400 miles to 700 miles or eliminate the requirement completely? We have never let New York VA Stations down.

A. This requirement is only an evaluation factor to be considered in the process of determining the most qualified firm and not a firm requirement to be awarded this contract.

1. If you do not change the mileage requirement and we submit, are we non-compliant if we don't have an office within 400 miles? The solicitation states that to be "acceptable" we have to meet the 400-mile limitation.

A. That is incorrect Criterion 5 – Geographical Location, states:

i. To be rated “ACCEPTABLE” for this evaluation factor, the A/E firm must be within 400 miles from the prime contractor’s main office or official satellite office to the Syracuse VA Medical Center, 800 Irving Ave, Syracuse, NY 13210.

Yes, you will be non-compliant for this factor, but it will not eliminate your firm from consideration. Evaluation Criteria are listed in order of importance; Geographical Location is ranked second lowest in terms of importance.

1. For projects what is your definition of substantially complete?

A. The term Substantially Complete is used in reference to design projects with a construction component. At a minimum the design portion is complete, and the project is in the process of being constructed. For projects with no construction component, the project must be completed to be considered.

1. NAICS Code change. Would you change the NAICS Code to 541330 -Engineering Services? For the referenced project, you listed the 541310 -Architecture Services NAICS code. The Scope of Work specifically talks about structural integrity and cost estimating of which we have both disciplines in-house. We have delivered a substantial number of Parking Garage (including Buffalo) and Master Planning projects who used the 541330 NAICS Code) similar in size and scope. Changing the NAICS Code to 541330-Engineering Services will allow firms who meet that size standard to compete and will give the government a highly competitive number of firms to source select from with a substantial amount of past performance providing Master Planning Services. We are one of many multi-disciplined SDVOSBs with the ability to self-perform engineering and architecture services enabling us to deliver Master Planning that encompasses complete coordination and communication in house with minimum subcontractor support. Apogee also provides cost estimating in house which allows us to provide cost estimates throughout and conduct full QAQC reviews. The size standard difference is significant between 541310 ($12.5M) and 541330 ($25.5M). Many firms like ours have outgrown the 541310 but are still small under 541330. You will get the most experienced firms by changing the NAICS code to 541330.

A. The references in the Sources Sought Notice to NAICs code 541310 are an error. The proper NAICs code for this procurement is 541330.

1. NAICS Code – Please confirm the applicable NAICS code for this procurement. The solicitation narrative/SAM instructions identify 541310, while the notice summary lists 541330.

A. See previous question.

1. Project Address – Please confirm the correct facility address to use for Criterion 5 mileage calculations and project location references. The solicitation references both 800 Irving Avenue and 900 Irving Avenue.

A. The correct address is 800 Irving Avenue.

1. 50-Page Limitation – Please confirm whether the stated 50-page limit includes CPARS/ACASS evaluations, Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs) and Part IIs.

A. 50 page limitation applies to the SF330 document itself, supporting documentation is not included in the page count.

1. Transmittal Letter – If included with the submission, please confirm whether a transmittal letter and/or cover page counts toward the 50-page limitation.

A. No, Cover page is not included in the count.

1. Section F projects - The submission requirements for Criterion 2, Specialized experience and technical competence, states Provide up to five (5) projects completed or substantially completed within the past five (5) years. Can we submit projects that are 100% design complete, or is this requirement referencing construction complete? Please advise.

A. See answer to question 3.

1. PPQ - According to criterion #4, Past Performance, "IF THERE IS NOT A COMPLETED CPARS/ACASS EVALUATION, the Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) included in this notice is provided for the offeror or its team members to submit to the client for each project the offeror includes under Criterion 2." The notice did not include the PPQ form. Please issue the Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ).

A. See attached documents

1. We did not see a PPQ form included with the solicitation. We have one we received as part of previous solicitations (attached) – is this appropriate to use for this response, or will you provide one?

A. See attached documents

1. We are uncomfortable in naming all of our active projects with a fee greater than $20K as some work is confidential. Is it acceptable to provide a count of current active projects, in lieu of naming, that have a fee exceeding $20K.

A. For confidential projects a generic title such as “Commercial Design Project” will be sufficient.

1. Are all pages associated with our response included in the 50 page limit? Example: Cover, section divider tabs, required copies of state registrations, etc.

A. See responses to questions 7 and 8. Note section dividers are not included in the count.

All other terms and conditions remain the same.

See attached document: EXHIBIT B-Sample Transmittal Letter for Past Performance Evaluation Questionnaire.

See attached document: EXHIBITC-Past Performance Questionnaire.

Modification to a Previous Notice