36C24421R0001.docx

36C24421R0001

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER

2. TYPE OF SOLICITATION

3. DATE ISSUED

PAGE OF PAGES

4. CONTRACT NUMBER

5. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUEST NUMBER

6. PROJECT NUMBER

7. ISSUED BY

CODE

8. ADDRESS OFFER TO

a. NAME

b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (Include area code) (NO COLLECT CALLS)

10. THE GOVERNMENT REQUIRES PERFORMANCE OF THE WORK DESCRIBED IN THESE DOCUMENTS (Title, identifying number, date) 12a. THE CONTRACTOR MUST FURNISH ANY REQUIRED PERFORMANCE AND PAYMENT BONDS?

(If "YES," indicate within how many calendar days after award in Item 12B.)

12b. CALENDAR DAYS

13. ADDITIONAL SOLICITATION REQUIREMENTS:

STANDARD FORM 1442 (REV. 8/2014)

STANDARD FORM 1442

Prescribed by GSA-FAR (48 CFR) 52.236-1(d)

SOLICITATION, OFFER,

AND AWARD

(Construction, Alteration, or Repair)

SOLICITATION

SOLICITATION

IMPORTANT - The "offer" section on the reverse must be fully completed by offeror.

9. FOR INFORMATION

CALL:

NOTE: In sealed bid solicitations "offer" and "offeror" mean "bid" and "bidder".

SEALED BID (IFB)

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

11. The Contractor shall begin performance within ____________ calendar days and complete it within calendar days after receiving award, notice to proceed. This performance period is mandatory negotiable. (See _____________________________).

YES

NO

a.

Sealed offers in original and ___________________copies to perform the work required are due at the place specified in Item 8 by _____________ (hour) local time _____________________ (date). If this is a sealed bid solicitation, offers must be publicly opened at that time. Sealed envelopes containing offers shall be marked to show the offeror's name and address, the solicitation number, the date and time offers are due.

b.

An offer guarantee is, is not required.

c.

All offers are subject to the (1) work requirements, and (2) other provisions and clauses incorporated in the solicitation in full text or by reference.

d.

Offers providing less than _______________________ calendar days for Government acceptance after the date offers are due will not be considered and will be rejected.

36C24421R0001 X 07-06-2020 595-15-201 00244 Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Procurement Office East Network Contracting Office 4 1700 South Lincoln Ave Lebanon

PA

17042 See attached Instructions to Offerors

Melvin Moore 717-270-3926 This solicitation is for a contractor to provide all demolition, general construction, and alterations necessary for the Renovate Building #22 Project as indicated in the drawings and specifications.

Wage Determination PA 20200093 dated 04/17/2020 applies to this solicitation. The Contractor shall be responsible for the correct title of classification of workers and compliance with applicable wage and hour laws.

This project is being solicited as a 100% Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business set-aside. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 236220 and the Small Business Size is $39.5 Million.

The following paragraphs from Appendix C to 6500.6 will apply to any resultant contract award.

Paragraph 3.a, 6.a, 7.a, 7.d, all of paragrpgh 9, Appendix.See S02 Appendix C attached to this solicitation.

ALL PROPOSALS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN 3:00 P.M. ON August 31, 2020 AT THE LEBANON VA MEDICAL CENTER, LEBANON, PA.

ANY PROPOSALS RECEIVED AFTER THE TIME SPECIFIED WILL BE CONSIDERED NONCOMPLIANT AND INVALID.

REFERENCE: Instructions to Offerors and Evaluation Criteria, for Specific Proposal Submission Procedures.

And, Additional Instructions and Requirements to Bidders/Offerors.

A formal site visit is scheduled for this solicitation on July 15, 2020 at 10:00 AM EST.

X X 52.211-10 X 3:00 P.M.

08-31-2020 X

14. NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

15. TELEPHONE NUMBER

16. REMITTANCE ADDRESS

CODE

FACILITY CODE

17. The offeror agrees to perform the work required at the prices specified below in strict accordance with the terms of the solicitation, if this offer is accepted by the Government in writing within __________ calendar days after the date offers are due.

AMOUNTS

18. The offeror agrees to furnish any required performance and payment bonds.

19. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS

AMENDMENT

NUMBER

DATE.

20a. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN OFFER 20b. SIGNATURE 20c. OFFER DATE

21. ITEMS ACCEPTED:

22. AMOUNT

23. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

24. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN

ITEM

25. OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION PURSUANT TO

10 U.S.C. 2304(c)( 41 U.S.C. 3304(a) (

26. ADMINISTERED BY

27. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

PHONE:

FAX:

28. NEGOTIATED AGREEMENT

29. AWARD

Your Contractor agrees offer on this solicitation is hereby accepted as to the items listed. This to furnish and deliver all items or perform all work requirements identified award consummates the contract, which consists of (a) the Government on this form and any continuation sheets for the consideration stated in solicitation and your offer, and (b) this contract award. No further cont-this contract. The rights and obligations of the parties to this contract ractual document is necessary.

shall be governed by (a) this contract award, (b) the solicitation, and (c) the clauses, representations, certifications, and specifications incorporated by reference in or attached to this contract.

30a. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTOR OR PERSON AUTHORIZED 31a. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

TO SIGN

30b. SIGNATURE 30c. DATE 31b. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 31c. AWARD DATE

BY

OFFER

AWARD

STANDARD FORM 1442 (REV. 8/2014) BACK

(Include ZIP Code) (Include area code) (Include only if different than Item 14.)

(Insert any number equal to or greater than the minimum requirement stated in Item 13d. Failure to insert any number means the offeror accepts the minimum in Item 13d.)

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the solicitation -- give number and date of each) (Type or print) (4 copies unless otherwise specified) (Type or print) (Type or print) (Contractor is required to sign this document and return _______ copies to issuing office.)

(Contractor is not required to sign this document.)

(Must be fully completed by offeror) (To be completed by Government)

CONTRACTING OFFICER WILL COMPLETE ITEM 28 OR 29 AS APPLICABLE

Offeror shall complete a Proposal Schedule 00244 Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Procurement Office East Network Contracting Office 4 1700 South Lincoln Ave Lebanon

PA

17042 Austin Payment Center Department of Veterans Affairs PO Box 149971 Austin

TX

78714-9971

(877) 353-9791

(512) 460-5429 Contracting Officer

Table of Contents

SCHEDULE

PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

DELIVERY SCHEDULE

Contractor is required to state proposed contract completion time in # of days.

Page 1 of Page 1 of

INFORMATION REGARDING BIDDING MATERIAL, BID GUARANTEE AND BONDS

(a) Bidding materials consisting of drawings, specifications and contract forms may be obtained by general (prime) contractors interested in submitting bids direct to the Department of Veterans Affairs and by suppliers and subcontractors for their use in preparing sub-bids for general (prime) contractors from the Contract Opportunities (FBO) website at https://beta.sam.gov/ under solicitation number 36C24421R0001. By registering at Contract Opportunities (FBO), prime contractors, suppliers and subcontractors will have access to download plans, specifications and amendments.

(b) A Bid Guarantee is required for this solicitation. A bid guarantee is required in an amount not less than 20 percent of the bid price but shall not exceed $3,000,000.00 Bid Bond is to be executed on a SF 24. Failure to furnish the required bid guarantee on the proper form and amount, by the time set for the opening of bids, will require rejection of the bid in all cases except those listed in FAR 28.101-4, and may be cause for rejection even then.

(c) The bidder to whom award is made will be required to furnish two (2) bonds, a Payment Bond to be executed on the SF 25A and a Performance Bond to be executed on the proper SF 25, each in the penal sum as noted in the General Conditions of the Specification. Copies of the SF 25 and SF 25A can be obtained upon application to the issuing office

(d) Disclosure of the magnitude of construction: Between $2,000,000 and $5,000,000

(e) Bidders are notified that the documents contain Brand Name or Equal products. Bidders are instructed that if they are proposing to furnish “Or Equal” products other than those referenced in the table under FAR Clause 52.211-6 they must provide an attached sheet(s) to their bid listing the requested information. SEE FAR Clause 52.211-6 below.

INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS TO BIDDERS/OFFERORS

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

PROCEDURES FOR SUBMITTAL OF OFFERS

AND PROPOSAL EVALUATION CRITERIA

1. Overview.

1.1 The intent of this solicitation is to select one contractor to provide professional construction services in accordance with the Statement of Work (SOW), drawings, and specifications for the Renovate Building # 22 Construction Project, # 36C24421R0001.

1.2 The Government intends to use the “Best Value” tradeoff process source selection approach in accordance with FAR 15.101-1. Award will be made to the responsive responsible offeror whose offer in conformance with this solicitation, results in the best value to the Government, price plus other factors considered. The Contracting Officer will award a firm fixed price contract to the responsive responsible offeror whom the Source Selection Authority determines conforms to the solicitation, is fair and reasonable and offers the best overall value to the Government, all factors considered. The Government reserves the right to accept other than the lowest priced offer or to reject all offers. Setting aside for an SDVOSB firm is in compliance with regulations to meet our goals and fulfill the VA’s mission to meet socioeconomic goals.

2. Submittal of offers.

2.1 Offerors submitting proposals for this project should limit submissions to data essential for evaluation of proposals, so that a minimum of time and monies will have been expended in preparing information required herein. However, in order to be effectively and equitably evaluated, the proposals must include information sufficiently detailed to clearly describe the offeror's experience, technical approach, and management capabilities to successfully complete the project. Proposals should follow in the order of sequence set forth in the Request For Proposal (RFP). Information provided out of sequence may not be evaluated and may result in the offeror's disqualification from award. Requirements stated in this RFP are minimums. Innovative, creative or cost-saving proposals that meet or exceed the requirements should be clearly noted and justified in the proposal.

2.2 Offerors must comply with the detailed instructions for the format and content of the proposal; proposals that do not comply with the detailed instructions for the format and content of the proposal may be considered non-responsive and may render the Offeror ineligible for award.

2.3 All proposal materials shall be submitted in binders with a table of contents and tabbed section dividers. The sections should parallel the submission requirements identified below.

Volume I: Sections 1 – 2 Volume I: Sections 1-2 shall be submitted in original and two (2) copies. Also, a compact disk (CD) containing all the information for Volume I shall also be submitted to the Contracting Officer. Must be typed using 11- point Times New Roman font. Packages that are handwritten will not be evaluated. Failure to place the required submission information under the appropriate tab (factor or sub factor) and format may result in a lower rating if the evaluators cannot readily find the appropriate information.

Volume II: Section 3 Volume II: Section 3 shall be submitted as an original only, and shall be placed in a separate envelope, included in the proposal package.

2.4 All proposals (two hard copies and one CD) shall be submitted to:

Lebanon VA Medical Center 1700 South Lincoln Avenue Contracting Office, Building 99 Attn: Melvin Moore Lebanon, PA 17042

3. Proposal Evaluation Process.

3.1 A Source Selection Evaluation Board (SSEB) comprised of representatives of the Department of Veterans Affairs will evaluate the proposals. SSEB may also include Architect and Engineering firm non-voting members. The identities of the SSEB personnel are confidential, and any attempt by the offerors to contact these individuals is prohibited. The evaluation will be based on the content of the proposal and any subsequent discussions, if necessary, as well as information obtained from other sources, e.g. past performance information. Offerors are advised that the technical evaluation and rating of proposals will be conducted in strict confidence in that technical and past performance proposals are reviewed and rated without knowledge of the price offered. During deliberation, the number and identities of offerors are not revealed to anyone who is not involved in the evaluation and award process or to other offerors. Proposals will be evaluated based on the factors described herein, and award will be made to the responsive responsible offeror whose offer in conformance with this solicitation, results in the best value to the Government, price and other factors considered.

3.2 The evaluation process essentially consists of three parts: Technical, Past Performance and Price Evaluation.

3.2.1 Technical and Past Performance Evaluation: Proposals will be evaluated against the Evaluation Factors and Criteria as identified in paragraphs below.

3.2.2 Price Evaluation: After the SSEB completes the Technical and Past Performance evaluation the CO will evaluate Volume II price proposals, and later, provide pricing for the SSEB to perform the Best Value evaluation recommendation.

NOTE: Price/Technical Trade-off Analysis: After all above evaluations are complete, the SSA will compare the relative advantages and disadvantages of technical proposals and weigh against the prices. Statement of Work (SOW) identifies project scope. The Source Selection Authority (SSA) will then consider all factors to select the proposal offering the best value to the Government.

4.1 Evaluation Factors

4.1.1 Proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the Evaluation Factors identified below. Technical Capability and Past Performance are equal and when combined are significantly more important than Price.

Evaluation Factor 1 – Technical Capability Evaluation Factor 2 – Past Performance Evaluation Factor 3 – Price

4.1.2. As demonstrated in their proposals, Offerors shall be evaluated in terms of the Offeror’s ability to meet or exceed the project’s requirements as identified in the SOW, and those proposals demonstrating an ability to exceed specified requirements may be rated higher in those areas than proposals demonstrating only the ability to meet requirements. Offerors are reminded to include their best technical and price terms in their initial offer and not automatically assume that they will have an opportunity to participate in discussions or be asked to submit a revised offer. The Government intends to make award to a responsible Offeror submitting a conforming proposal without discussions, if deemed to be in the best interest of the Government.

4.2 Volume I - Technical Proposal (Three-Ring Binder)

4.3 Volume II - Price Proposal

Section 3 Standard Form 1442, Proposal Pricing Page, and any additional submissions such as Certs and Reps and Bonding

5.1 Evaluation Guidance: Technical Approach and Past Performance are equal and, when combined, are significantly more important than Price.

5.1.1 Evaluation Factor 1 – Technical Capability: Provide a clear and concise narrative not to exceed 25 pages (front and back side use of a single page will count as 2 pages). This page limit excludes the Organizational Chart (with brief relevant details of individuals’ experiences/qualifications), Tentative Schedule, Quality Control Plan synopsis, Safety Plan synopsis, and Infection Control Plan synopsis. Company advertising literature shall not be included. The narrative shall address the following three (3) sub-factors. The sub-factors, listed under Evaluation Factor 1, are of equal importance. An overall rating will be assigned at the Factor Level only based on all reviewers’ ratings. The Government will evaluate the offeror’s answers for information and completeness, and offerors not submitting required information may not be considered for evaluation or award.

Experience Capability Quality Control

a) Experience:

Using the information on the projects/contracts discussed and listed in Exhibit A, Past Performance Relevancy Questionnaire, the Government will evaluate the quality and extent of related experience to determine if the offeror has the experience to manage construction projects, which are comparable to the work requirements of this solicitation. Offeror needs to detail experience in managing construction projects of similar size and scope, to detail the quality and extent of related experience, to show the offeror has the experience to manage construction projects comparable to the work requirements of this solicitation.

b) Capability:

The Government will evaluate the offeror’s information concerning overall organization, organizational chart with brief relevant details of individual experiences/qualifications, as well as number of personnel and the duties of proposed technical staff to determine if offeror has the ability to manage multi-discipline projects within the areas of consideration chosen without significant difficulty. Offeror shall provide, as an attachment, an Organizational Chart listing company personnel and their roles. Provide names, duties and levels of responsibility of key personnel to include the Project Manager, Site Superintendent(s), Quality Control Manager, Safety Manager and Infection Control Manager. Indicate to whom the Quality Control, Safety and Infection Control Managers report. In addition, contractor shall provide a list of the in-house trades that contractor employs. Provide the number (not names) of these employees and if they are full-time, part-time etc. Offeror should detail its capability in managing projects for the similar size and scope and disciplines needed to accomplish this project. The specific criteria proposed (skill levels and background) for personnel, if adequate, is an indicator of an acceptable organization. Offeror needs to detail how it plans to respond to potentially short notice site visits/proposal meetings (normally within two calendar days but potentially as short as two hours). How will contractor ensure compliance with these requirements?

The proposed subcontractors, applicable for multi-discipline consideration, are verifiable, and information provided indicates a good professional relationship Iron Workers, electricians, HVAC, carpenters, plumbing, concrete, etc. Indicate any past experience your firm has working with these subcontractors demonstrating the size and scope of the projects. Subcontractors shall have completed Exhibit B– Subcontractor Information and Consent form. In addition, Exhibit C, calculations of self-performed work, must be completed and submitted, in accordance with FAR 52.219-14, limitations on subcontracting.

The offeror shall submit information concerning scheduling methodology, to determine if they have scheduling processes that ensure completion and control of the project from beginning to the end of the project. Adequate scheduling processes are necessary to ensure completion and control of the project from beginning to the end. Offeror must provide an organizational chart and tentative schedule, based on the capabilities of your firm and your proposed sub-contractors. Include a critical path, all major milestones, start and completion dates. Identify what actions you will take if you fall behind your schedule. In addition, please identify the person responsible for ensuring the schedule is met (ex. Project Manager). Also note any improvements exceeding the RFP requirements or betterments provided, including an explanation of proposed systems, as outlined in SOW. A detailed Statement of Work is provided within the Specification and Drawing package.

c) Quality Control:

The Government will evaluate the offeror’s answers to technical capability information submitted concerning proposed quality control activities and proposed safety program, including, but not limited to, training and documentation for compliance with the solicitation requirements. Offeror must provide a quality control plan synopsis, safety plan synopsis, and infection control plan synopsis.

Discuss how quality issues will be dealt with on this construction project. Provide the names of testing laboratories to be used and the procedures for test data reporting. Discuss your procedures for contract closeout.

Discuss your Safety Program in general, and provide, as a minimum, details on training, documentation, and your plan to ensure adherence to OSHA Standards. Discuss the steps you took to promote safety during construction during the past five (5) years. Provide a certification that the offeror has no more than three (3) serious, or one (1) repeat or one (1) willful OSHA or any EPA violation(s) in the past three years. If the number exceeds the criteria listed, explain why? Offerors shall submit their current EMR rating. EMR rating should be less than or equal to 1.0. If the number exceeds the criteria listed, explain why?

Discuss your ability to comply with the requirements of The Infection Control Manual of the Medical Center.

Evaluation Criteria The Narrative will be evaluated for completeness, thoroughness, and functionality. Pages beyond the limited specified in paragraph 5.1.1 will not be read or evaluated.

5.1.2 Evaluation Factor 2 – Contractor’s Past Performance

Submission Requirements: Contractor Past Performance – Project Recency and Relevancy

· The VA requests three (3) construction projects that best illustrate the contractor’s prime and subcontractor’s team’s qualifications completed within the past five (5) years. This documentation shall be submitted in accordance with Exhibit A, Past Performance Relevancy Questionnaire. The document should be written to show the team’s construction performance and qualifications with respect to projects of similar size, scope and dollar value. The past performance section shall not exceed four (4) pages and shall be rated based on recent and relevant project submittals.

Please provide:

1) Project description, at a minimum, the description should include scope, size and dollar value of the project and can include photographs, to determine recent and relevant past performance.

2) Show the participation of key personnel (identified previously with resume) in the listed projects. The offeror can also include the subcontractors by company name. Including subcontractors may be beneficial to show the experience of the company in addition to the key personnel.

3) The Government may also use other tools including but not limited to CPARS, Vet Biz, Dunn & Bradstreet, Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS), and Source Selection Evaluator personal knowledge of the contractor to gather documentation on past performance.

4) Include customer’s point of contact (name, title, phone number, and email).

In accordance with FAR 15.306(a)(2), if award will be made without conducting discussions, offerors may be given the opportunity to clarify certain aspects of their proposals, e.g., the relevance of an offeror's Past Performance information and adverse Past Performance information to which the offeror has not previously had an opportunity to respond, or to resolve minor clerical errors.

Evaluation Criteria Contractor Past Performance - Project Recency and Relevancy

The SSEB will evaluate the Project Recency and Relevancy based on the information provided by the contractor from Exhibit A and Exhibit B. The SSEB will use the ratings below to determine the relevancy rating of each of the submitted projects.

Evaluation Criteria Contractor Past Performance - Confidence

The SSEB will evaluate the degree of successful completion of the recent and relevant past performance identified in the proposal in response to Volume I, Section 2, Past Performance, for the prime contractor past performance along with the designated team of subcontractors. Documentation of satisfactory performance of projects similar in size, scope, and dollar value will be considered to have met the minimum requirements of the RFP. Projects that are not determined similar in size, scope and dollar value may not be considered. The Government reserves the right to check any or all cited references to verify supplied information and to assess owner satisfaction as to quality, schedule, cost and management. The Government may also use other tools such as CPARS, Vet Biz, Dunn & Bradstreet, Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS), and Source Selection Evaluator personal knowledge of offeror to gather documentation on past performance. Past performance will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 15.305(a)(2). Evaluations may include past performance information regarding predecessor companies, key personnel who have relevant experience or subcontractors that will perform major or critical aspects of the requirement. Offerors without a record of relevant past performance or for whom information on past performance is not available may not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably on past performance and shall receive a neutral rating for Past Performance. Offerors may provide information on problems encountered on the identified contracts and the corrective action taken, if desired. This shall be rated based on the confidence portrayed for each of the projects submitted. This information shall be submitted for this procurement using Exhibit E, Past Performance Questionnaire, transmitted via Exhibit D, Sample Transmittal Letter and past Performance Evaluation Questionnaire.

A neutral rating is given when no current and/or relevant performance record is identifiable upon which to base a meaningful performance risk prediction. Government Personnel were unable to identify any relevant Past Performance information for the offeror or key team members/subcontractors or their key personnel. This is neither a negative or positive assessment and represents and unknown risk.

5.1.3 Volume II - Price Information

5.1.3.1 The offeror shall complete and submit Standard Form 1442. The offeror shall submit a price based on the line items. Note; If discussions or negotiations occur, the Government may require additional cost information.

a. Discounts: Prompt payment discounts will not be considered in the evaluation of offers

b. In the event a minor clerical error has occurred, then the offeror may be given an opportunity to correct the minor error within the constraints of the “clarifications” process or the Contracting Officer determines discussions are required.

5.1.3.2 Evaluation Criteria

The price will be evaluated by the Contracting Officer and may also include and Architect and Engineer firm representative review for reasonableness by using price analysis.

5.1.3.3.Discussions Government intends to make award to a responsible Offeror submitting a conforming proposal without discussions if deemed to be in the best interest of the Government.

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS TO BIDDERS/OFFERORS

1. PROPOSAL DUE DATE AND PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE:

(f) Proposal Due Date:

Proposal Volumes are due by the date and time set for the receipt of proposals shown in Blocks 10 - 17 of the SF 1442.

Note: The due date for receipt of Past Performance Questionnaires from your references is the same as the date and time set for the receipt of proposals shown in Blocks 10 - 17 of the SF 1442.

(g) A formal site visit is scheduled for this solicitation on July 15, 2020 at 10:00 AM EST. See Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause 52.236-27 for information.

Lebanon VA Medical Center 1700 South Lincoln Avenue Lebanon, PA 17042 Building 19 Conference Room 19-106E Interested Contractors are highly encouraged to attend the pre-proposal conference.

(h) Proposals are to be mailed as follows:

Lebanon VA Medical Center Attn: Melvin Moore Contracting – Building # 99 1700 South Lincoln Ave Lebanon, PA 17042

(i) Contractors are alerted that there are several Brand Name Only items as part of this solicitation - See Clause Veterans Administration Acquisition Regulation VAAR Subpart 852.236-90 Restrictions on Submission and Use of Equal Products. Bids containing items other that those specified in this clause will be considered non-responsive and will be cause for rejection.

2. FORMAL COMMUNICATION, OFFEROR EXPLANATIONS:

a. Any explanation desired by an offeror regarding the meaning or interpretation of the solicitation, proposals, drawings, specifications, etc. must be requested in writing and with sufficient time allowed for a reply to reach offerors before the submission of their offer.

b. Technical Questions: Questions of a technical nature must be provided in writing and shall be submitted by prospective Offerors to attention: Melvin Moore. Questions shall be submitted only via e-mail to: melvin.moore2@va.gov . The subject line must read: Solicitation 36C24421R0001 - Technical Questions. Oral questions of a technical nature are not acceptable due to the possibility of misunderstanding or misinterpretation. Furthermore, only questions received from Prime/General contractors will be replied to. All questions must be received no later than 3:00 P.M. EST, July 22, 2020. No telephone request will be honored. Any questions received after this time will NOT be considered and a response will NOT be given. All technical questions and Government responses will be posted on Contract Opportunities (FBO) in an amendment to the solicitation.

c. Any interpretations made will be in the form of an amendment of the solicitation, drawings, specifications, etc., and will be furnished to all prospective offerors via posting to the Contract Opportunities (FBO) website at https://beta.sam.gov/.

d. All potential offerors are required to register in the System for Award Management (SAM) system, www.sam.gov.

e. Receipt of amendments by the offeror must be acknowledged in the space provided on the SF 1442 or by returning a signed copy of the amendment by the time set for receipt of proposals. Explanations or instructions given in a form other than an amendment to the solicitation shall not be binding.

f. Requests for clarifications and information concerning this solicitation will be accepted from General/Prime contractors only and must be submitted in writing by email to the contracting officer at the email addresses shown below.

Reference No. 36C24421R0001 Email: melvin.moore2@va.gov

g. All information relating to this RFP, including pertinent changes/amendments and information will be posted on the following Contract Opportunities (FBO) website at: https://beta.sam.gov/.

3. HAND CARRIED PROPOSALS:

a. Hand carried proposals must be delivered to the Lebanon Veterans Administration Medical Center, 1700 South Lincoln Avenue, Building # 99, Room 49, Lebanon, PA, 17042. Hand carried proposals MUST be delivered prior to the time established for receipt of proposals as shown in Block 10 of the SF 1442. Late receipt of proposals due to entry delays may not be deemed excusable and the Contracting Officer may declare the proposal late and remove it from consideration.

4. WAGE DETERMINATION:

Wage Rates are applicable to this project. Prevailing wage determination information, current at time of issuance of solicitation, General Decision Number PA20200093 – dated, 04/17/2020, Construction Type: Building. In the event the current prevailing Wage Determination is changed by the Department of labor prior to the closing date of this solicitation it is the offeror’s responsibility to ensure the most recent determination is utilized in preparation of their proposal. Applicable wage rates are located at the following website https://beta.sam.gov/ and shall be based on the location of work, e.g. PA, Lebanon County. The Contractor shall be responsible for the correct title classification of workers and compliance with all applicable wage and hour laws. An updated determination will be provided by the Contracting Officer through an amendment if changed by the D.O.L.

5. PROPOSAL EXPENSES AND PRE-CONTRACT COSTS. This RFP does not commit the Government to pay costs incurred in preparation and submission of initial and subsequent proposals or for other costs incurred prior to award of a formal contract.

6. EXCEPTIONS: If the offeror takes exception to any of the requirements specified in this solicitation, the offeror shall clearly identify each exception and include a complete explanation of why the exception was taken and what benefit accrues to the Government. All exceptions to the solicitation requirements and supporting rationale shall be included in an addendum to the proposal and clearly labeled "Exceptions". An addendum is only required if the offeror takes exception to any requirement in the solicitation. (The Addendum does not have a page limitation but shall only include information relevant to exceptions taken to the solicitation requirements.) The Government will assume an offeror takes no exceptions to any solicitation requirement if the offeror does not submit an Addendum identifying exceptions. Offerors are advised that solicitation requirements are not necessarily negotiable and such exceptions may render an offeror's proposal unacceptable and ineligible for award.

7. PROPOSAL ACCEPTABILITY: Offerors are cautioned to strictly comply with all instructions within this solicitation to ensure submission of a complete proposal. Failure to furnish a complete proposal, at the time of proposal submission, may result in the proposal being unacceptable to the Government and eliminated from consideration for award. The offeror is hereby advised that its proposal is presumed to represent its best and final offer in response to this solicitation.

8. CLARIFICATIONS: Offeror may, at the discretion of the Government, be asked to provide information for clarification purposes regarding their proposal. Request for such clarification information DOES NOT constitute discussions.

9. ENFORCEABILITY OF PROPOSAL:

a. The proposal must set forth full, accurate and complete information as required by this solicitation. The Government will rely on such information in the award of a contract. By submission of the offer, the Offeror agrees that all items proposed (if applicable e.g., key personnel, subcontractors, plans, etc.) will be utilized for the duration of the contract and any substitutions will require prior Contracting Officer's approval.

b. The offeror shall be held responsible for the validity of all information supplied in his/her proposal, including that provided by potential subcontractors. Should subsequent investigation disclose that the fact and conditions were not as stated, the proposal may be rejected.

c. The Government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals at any time prior to award if such action is in the Government's best interest.

d. Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses (SDVOSB) will be checked for eligibility through the applicable VIP and SAM databases. To qualify as a Joint Venture under the SDVOSB program, each party to the joint venture must be a small business and one of the parties, the managing participant, must be an SDVOSB. Joint Ventures must be registered in VIP databases. Further determination of whether or not the joint venture, as an entity, qualifies as a small business depends on the dollar value of the proposed contract.

52.211-6 -- Brand Name or Equal (Aug 1999)

(a) If an item in this solicitation is identified as “brand name or equal,” the purchase description reflects the characteristics and level of quality that will satisfy the Government’s needs. The salient physical, functional, or performance characteristics that “equal” products must meet are specified in the solicitation.

(b) To be considered for award, offers of “equal” products, including “equal” products of the brand name manufacturer, must—

(1) Meet the salient physical, functional, or performance characteristic specified in this solicitation;

(2) Clearly identify the item by—

(i) Brand name, if any; and

(ii) Make or model number;

(3) Include descriptive literature such as illustrations, drawings, or a clear reference to previously furnished descriptive data or information available to the Contracting Officer; and

(4) Clearly describe any modification the offeror plans to make in a product to make it conform to the solicitation requirements. Mark any descriptive material to clearly show the modification.

(c) The Contracting Officer will evaluate “equal” products on the basis of information furnished by the offeror or identified in the offer and reasonably available to the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer is not responsible for locating or obtaining any information not identified in the offer.

(d) Unless the offeror clearly indicates in its offer that the product being offered is an “equal” product, the offeror shall provide the brand name product referenced in the solicitation.

(End of provision)

In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.211-6 Brand Name or Equal (AUG 1999), offerors proposing to furnish an “equal'' product other than referenced in the table below , shall provide an attached sheet(s) to their proposal with the following description for each equal product they are proposing (See also FAR 52.211-6 (b) along with any descriptive material. Any “or Equal” product proposed after the proposal opening will not be considered.

Bidding on:

Brand Name Mfg. Name: ________________________________________ Product Type: _________________________________________________ Product: _____________________________________________________ Specification Section Number: ____________________________________ “Or Equal” Manufacturer's Name: ________________________________ “ Or Equal” Product Number: ______________________________________

2.1 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

The Government contemplates award of a Firm-Fixed-Price contract resulting from this solicitation.

(End of Provision)

2.2 52.222-5 CONSTRUCTION WAGE RATE REQUIREMENTS—SECONDARY SITE OF THE WORK (MAY 2014) (a)(1) The offeror shall notify the Government if the offeror intends to perform work at any secondary site of the work, as defined in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of the FAR clause at 52.222-6, Construction Wage Rate Requirements, of this solicitation.

(2) If the offeror is unsure if a planned work site satisfies the criteria for a secondary site of the work, the offeror shall request a determination from the Contracting Officer.

(b)(1) If the wage determination provided by the Government for work at the primary site of the work is not applicable to the secondary site of the work, the offeror shall request a wage determination from the Contracting Officer.

(2) The due date for receipt of offers will not be extended as a result of an offeror's request for a wage determination for a secondary site of the work.

(End of Provision)

2.3 52.222-23 NOTICE OF REQUIREMENT FOR AFFIRMATIVE ACTION TO ENSURE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR CONSTRUCTION (FEB 1999)

(a) The offeror's attention is called to the Equal Opportunity clause and the Affirmative Action Compliance Requirements for Construction clause of this solicitation.

(b) The goals for minority and female participation, expressed in percentage terms for the Contractor's aggregate workforce in each trade on all construction work in the covered area, are as follows:

These goals are applicable to all the Contractor's construction work performed in the covered area. If the Contractor performs construction work in a geographical area located outside of the covered area, the Contractor shall apply the goals established for the geographical area where the work is actually performed. Goals are published periodically in the Federal Register in notice form, and these notices may be obtained from any Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs office.

(c) The Contractor's compliance with Executive Order 11246, as amended, and the regulations in 41 CFR 60-4 shall be based on (1) its implementation of the Equal Opportunity clause, (2) specific affirmative action obligations required by the clause entitled "Affirmative Action Compliance Requirements for Construction," and (3) its efforts to meet the goals. The hours of minority and female employment and training must be substantially uniform throughout the length of the contract, and in each trade. The Contractor shall make a good faith effort to employ minorities and women evenly on each of its projects. The transfer of minority or female employees or trainees from Contractor to Contractor, or from project to project, for the sole purpose of meeting the Contractor's goals shall be a violation of the contract, Executive Order 11246, as amended, and the regulations in 41 CFR 60-4. Compliance with the goals will be measured against the total work hours performed.

(d) The Contractor shall provide written notification to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Federal Contract Compliance, U.S. Department of Labor, within 10 working days following award of any construction subcontract in excess of $10,000 at any tier for construction work under the contract resulting from this solicitation. The notification shall list the—

(1) Name, address, and telephone number of the subcontractor;

(2) Employer's identification number of the subcontractor;

(3) Estimated dollar amount of the subcontract;

(4) Estimated starting and completion dates of the subcontract; and

(5) Geographical area in which the subcontract is to be performed.

(e) As used in this Notice, and in any contract resulting from this solicitation, the "covered area" is Lebanon, PA

(End of Provision)

2.4 52.225-10 NOTICE OF BUY AMERICAN REQUIREMENT—CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS (MAY 2014)

(a) Definitions. "Commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) item," "construction material," "domestic construction material," and "foreign construction material," as used in this provision, are defined in the clause of this solicitation entitled "Buy American—Construction Materials" (Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clause 52.225-9).

(b) Requests for determinations of inapplicability. An offeror requesting a determination regarding the inapplicability of the Buy American statute should submit the request to the Contracting Officer in time to allow a determination before submission of offers. The offeror shall include the information and applicable supporting data required by paragraphs (c) and (d) of the clause at FAR 52.225-9 in the request. If an offeror has not requested a determination regarding the inapplicability of the Buy American statute before submitting its offer, or has not received a response to a previous request, the offeror shall include the information and supporting data in the offer.

(c) Evaluation of offers.

(1) The Government will evaluate an offer requesting exception to the requirements of the Buy American statute, based on claimed unreasonable cost of domestic construction material, by adding to the offered price the appropriate percentage of the cost of such foreign construction material, as specified in paragraph (b)(3)(i) of the clause at FAR 52.225-9.

(2) If evaluation results in a tie between an offeror that requested the substitution of foreign construction material based on unreasonable cost and an offeror that did not request an exception, the Contracting Officer will award to the offeror that did not request an exception based on unreasonable cost.

(d) Alternate offers.

(1) When an offer includes foreign solicitation in paragraph (b)(2) of the clause at FAR 52.225-9, the offeror also may submit an alternate offer based on use of equivalent domestic construction material.

(2) If an alternate offer is submitted, the offeror shall submit a separate Standard Form 1442 for the alternate offer, and a separate price comparison table prepared in accordance with paragraphs (c) and (d) of the clause at FAR 52.225-9 for the offer that is based on the use of any foreign construction material for which the Government has not yet determined an exception applies.

(3) If the Government determines that a particular exception requested in accordance with paragraph (c) of the clause at FAR 52.225-9 does not apply, the Government will evaluate only those offers based on use of the equivalent domestic construction material, and the offeror shall be required to furnish such domestic construction material. An offer based on use of the foreign construction material for which an exception was requested—

(i) Will be rejected as nonresponsive if this acquisition is conducted by sealed bidding; or

(ii) May be accepted if revised during negotiations.

(End of Provision)

2.5 52.228-1 BID GUARANTEE (SEP 1996)

(a) Failure to furnish a bid guarantee in the proper form and amount, by the time set for opening of bids, may be cause for rejection of the bid.

(b) The bidder shall furnish a bid guarantee in the…