36C26318R0063-0004001.pdf

Responses to Questions/Clarifications as submitted verbatim between 1/26/19-2/5/19:

Q: RE: Canteen Entry Seed Project:

Drawing S-001 General Construction Notes states the following:

FOOTINGS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED FOR A MAXIMUM SOIL BEARING PRESSURE OF 1500 PSF. THE

CONTRACTOR IS TO EMPLOY A GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER REGISTERED IN THE STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA

TO VERIFY THIS DESIGN ASSUMPTION. NO FOUNDATION WORK SHALL PROCEED UNTIL THE

GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER'S REPORT HAS BEEN REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY THE CONTRACTING

OFFICER. IF THE SOIL AT THE FOOTING ELEVATIONS SHOWN IS OF QUESTIONABLE BEARING VALUE, NOTIFY THE CONTRACTING OFFICER AT ONCE FOR RESOLUTION.

THE FOLLOWING WORK ITEMS REQUIRE SPECIAL INSPECTION PER IBC SECTION 1701 AND 1704. THE SPECIAL INSPECTION AND THE COST ASSOCIATED THEREWITH WILL BE PAID BY THE OWNER. THE ITEMS

THAT REQUIRE SPECIAL INSPECTIONS ARE:

A. 1705.2 STEEL CONSTRUCTION - REF AISC 360 FOR REQUIRED VERIFICATION AND INSPECTION OF

STEEL CONSTRUCTION

B. 1705.3 CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION - REF TABLE 1705.3 FOR REQUIRED VERIFICATION AND

INSPECTION OF CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION

E. 1705.6 SOILS – REF SECTION 1705.6 AND TABLE 1705.6 FOR REQUIRED VERIFICATION AND

INSPECTION OF SOILS.

Will the VA be responsible for the special inspections required for the project?

A: The contractor will be responsible for all inspections and testing.

Q: RE: Section 084113 (Aluminum Entrances and Storefronts):

1.3.D and 1.4.F reference Calculations and Engineering for the vestibule area storefront. The cost associated for Calculations and Engineering most likely will exceed the cost of the actual storefronts shown on A-001 as well as increasing the time for these items by upwards of two months. Are these required for this project?

A: No, we will waive these requirements.

Q: RE: Section 084113 (Aluminum Entrances and Storefronts):

2.5.A refers to dimensions for the stile and rail aluminum door system; 3-1/2” with 10” bottom rail (Medium Stile); however, A-001 Door Type FG differs. Please confirm dimensions for stile and rails.

A: The dimension will be 3-1/2” with 10” bottom rail.

Q: RE: 087100 (Hardware), 087113 (Automatic Door Operators) and Plan Sheet A-001:

Door Schedule references HDWR 1 for aluminum opening 101. Section 087100-17 refers to set HW-E1 (Exterior Single Doors). Please verify this is the correct set required for this opening as it does not incorporate an Automatic Door Operator (087113) or egress type hardware (Rim Panic).

A: For clarification the hardware schedule will be:

1 EA Continuous Hinge CFM83HD1 PE 1 EA Mortise Deadlock MS1850S 628 AD 2 EA Best 6 Pin Cylinder NCS 1 EA Push Pull RM251 US32D RO 1 EA Threshold 171A PE 1 EA Sweep 315CN PE 1 EA Door Switch 531 NO

An automatic door operator will be provided and installed per specification section 08 71 13.

Q: In reference to Solicitation Number: 36C26318R0063 is there an consideration for a company to be considered if its still in the verification process prior to award, but verified at time of award? We have been going through the verification process in vetbiz with our JV since the shutdown of the old system to the current system, which we had to start over (plus the recent government shutdown) these things have delayed our verification to be completed in a timely manner.

A: In accordance with VAAR 819.7003(b), at the time of submission of offers/quotes, and prior to award of any contracts, the offeror must represent to the contracting officer that it is SDVOSB eligible and listed as verified in the VIP database. Offers are only being solicited from verified SDVOSB concerns and any offers received from concerns that are not SDVOSB verified shall not be considered.

Q: Are Contractors allowed to do Teaming Agreements or are they required to have formal Joint Venture?

A: Per FAR 9.601, “Contractor team arrangement” means an arrangement in which (1) Two or more companies form a partnership or joint venture to act as a potential prime contractor; or (2) a potential prime contractor agrees with one or more other companies to have them act as its subcontractors under a specified Government contract or acquisition program. The federal Government will recognize the validity of either arrangement provided the arrangements are identified and company relationships are fully disclosed in an offer.

Q: What is required if a Contractor uses Teaming Agreements?

A: If by “teaming agreement”, you are referring to an agreement in which a potential prime contractor agrees with one or more other companies to have them act as its subcontractors under a specified Government contract, the proposed arrangements must be identified and company relationships shall be fully disclosed and included within the proposal. In addition, see IDIQ MATOC RFP PROPOSAL PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS, Section 5.3.10 for additional teaming requirements. Please note that the use of a team arrangement does not relieve the prime contractor of the requirement to comply with all terms of the contract, including limitations on subcontracting. See also FAR 9.604, which gives additional information on the use of contractor team arrangements.

Q: Is a Contractor allowed to team with two companies within one Teaming Agreement?

A: Yes, see FAR 9.601 prong (2) of the definition of “contractor team arrangement”.

Q: Is a Contractor allowed to use a Mentor-Protégé agreement for bonding and capacity?

A: See Section 4.26 of the RFP (VAAR 852.228-72).

Q: Can you clarify in what circumstance we would need to send out Attachment 1 – Subcontractor Information and Consent Form.

A: Attachment 1—Subcontractor Information and Consent Form is required if you are proposing a teaming partner/arrangement with a major subcontractor for the overall MATOC. The Government must have subcontractor/teaming partner consent to obtain performance information and contact references of the subcontractor and or teaming partner if you are proposing this type of an arrangement.

Q: RE: SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Do you we need to provide: 1 CD + 1 original and 3 hardcopies for each volume (VOLUME 1 AND VOLUME 2); Please clarify – respectfully.

A: One electronic copy of all Sections of the proposal (Past Performance, Technical, Responsibility and Price) shall be submitted to the Contract Specialist via CD or email by the due date. In addition to the electronic submission, one (1) original and three (3) hard copies are to be provided on or before the due date. One (1) electronic (CD or email), one (1) original, and three (3) hard copies of each Volume.

Q: RE: Time Extension If possible, we are requesting to two week extension to get out all of our PPOs out, and follow-thru.

A: A time extension has been set forth per Block 11 and Block 14 on the SF30.

Q: Do the PPQ's and Sub-Contractor Information Consent Forms count towards the Volume 1, Part 2 page limit?

A: Neither Attachment 6--Past Performance Client Questionnaires or Attachment 1—Sub-contractor Information and Consent Form submitted will count towards the page limit as listed in the solicitation.

Q: Is TB Screening a requirement of this solicitation?

A: The need for a TB screening will be included in the specific task order RFP, if applicable. For the seed project, 568-15-225 Canteen Entry Updates, a TB screening is not required.

Q: Please confirm that any warranty referenced in the specifications, even if it modifies FAR clause 52.246-21, beyond one year is intended to be a manufacturer's warranty for the product as referenced in the specification section.

A: Each individual task order/project will specify any modifications (manufacturer or workmanship) to the FAR Clause 52.246.21. Any extended warranties for the seed project, 568-15-225 Canteen Entry Updates, is a manufacturer warranty.

Q: Please confirm that all temporary utilities, required for completion of the project, will be furnished to the contractor at no cost.

A: Each individual task order/project will specify specific information regarding temporary use of utilities. For the seed project, 568-15-225 Canteen Entry Updates, temporary use of utilities will be furnished to the contractor at no costs.

Q: RE: Veterans Affairs relevant project be expanded to 6 years. We have two specific VA medical projects we would like to include in our proposal, but they closed out in 2013, with a one-year warranty period. I am specifically requesting paragraph 5.3.7 be changed to 6 years.

A: In accordance with Basis of Award, paragraph 2.6 Factor 4—Past Performance, the VA is looking for recent (within the last three years) and relevant information for past performance. References from inside or outside the federal government will be considered.

Q: Seed Project - The specifications require AISC certification. If the steel suppliers QA program mirrors AISC, can this be waived with additional inspection?

A: No

Q: Seed Project - F8/S-101, what are the dimensions of the grade beam? L x W x H A: 10’ X 1’-4” X 2’

Q: Seed Project - F5/S-101, what size is the rebar and how many in the footing? What is the length of the footing and wall?

A: (2) #5 continuous rebar in the footing

Q: Seed Project - F1 Foundation Plan, can dimensions be provided for the portions of concrete slab required to be removed? Or is it acceptable to remove the existing slab only as necessary to place the new foundations?

A: Remove existing slab as necessary to place new foundation.

Q: Seed Project - Are we able to come out of an electrical panel that is closer than Panel 5-NAB-2?

There is a panel in the hallway that leads to the Arcade and a panel in the Canteen area behind the serving area that are a lot more accessible than Panel 5-NAB-2.

A: Yes panel 5-NB-1 in the Canteen can be utilized.

Q: Seed Project - Please confirm finish requirements for exposed structural steel and metal surfaces.

A: Structural steel and metal surfaces shall be painted to match existing surfaces.

Q: Is a superintendent required to be on site 100% of the time while work is being performed for the seed project and all future task orders?

A: In accordance with FAR 52.236-6, at all times during performance and until the work is complete and accepted, the Contractor shall directly superintend the work or assign and have on the worksite a competent superintendent.

Q: Is a SSHO required to be on site 100% of the time while work is being performed for the seed project and all future task orders?

A: A SSHO is not required to be on site 100% of the time if the SSHO is a separate person from the equally-qualified designated representative/alternate who will meet the requirements of FAR 52.236-6 Superintendence by the Contractor and who will meet the OSHA 30 certification.

Q: Page 118 of solicitation (11) Bond premium adjustment, consequent upon changes ordered, will be made as elsewhere specified at the time of final settlement under the contract and will not be included in the individual change. When does the bond premium get adjusted and paid for?

A: In most cases, the bond adjustment will be applied at each change. A SF1415 Consent of Surety and Increase of Penalty will be required to be submitted with any approved bond adjustments.

Q: Page 119 of Solicitation - (10) Overhead and contractor's fee percentages shall be considered to include insurance other than mentioned herein, field and office supervisors and assistants, security police, use of small tools, incidental job burdens, and general home office expenses and no separate allowance will be made therefore. Assistants to office supervisors include all clerical, stenographic and general office help. Incidental job burdens include, but are not necessarily limited to, office equipment and supplies, temporary toilets, telephone and conformance to OSHA requirements. Items such as, but not necessarily limited to, review and coordination, estimating and expediting relative to contract changes are associated with field and office supervision and are considered to be included in the contractor's overhead and/or fee percentage. If the project is modified and extends the period of performance can the contractor charge for the additional supervision and/or general requirements that will be required to the complete the project?

A: If period of performance is extended due to changes, then additional general requirement costs could be added; however, depending on what is included in the general requirements costs, additional overhead may not be allowed on those costs.

Q: Can a team member be submitted for EMR as well as Prime if Prime cannot go back three years?

A: The offeror shall submit current information regarding their Experience Modification Rate (EMR). The offeror must provide 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; however, an explanation can be submitted if certification cannot be made. See Attachment 3—Contractor Safety and EMR for more information.

Q: Can CPARS be used in lieu of Past Performance Questionnaires?

A: Offerors shall submit Past Performance Questionnaires for relevant projects within the last three years, if available. The Government has access to the CPAR records; therefore, no need to submit as part of your proposal submission; however, CPAR evaluations may be used by the Government as other sources in evaluating Past Performance per IDIQ MATOC RFP Proposal Preparation Instructions, Section 5.3.6.

Q: Proposal Preparation – If we have multiple PM’s, Superintendents, QC, and Safety personnel in the different areas VISN 23 should we submit individual resumes for these individuals or for proposal purposes are looking for just one individual for each position?

A: Evaluations will be based on the contractor’s ability to provide qualified project management personnel to support projects at all contract sites within the region. The decision of whether that can be accomplished with single or multiple individuals for each position is a company decision.

Q: Are there any bonding requirements/limits or do we just need to be able to bond the seed project?

A: Bonds are not required for the overall MATOC; however, bonds are required for the seed project and any other future task orders (RFP or award) in accordance with the information regarding bidding material, bid guarantee, and bond and all applicable clauses.

Q: RE: Volume 1, Part 3 – PAST PERFORMANC, Paragraph 5.2.10 -Attachment 1 Do we need to provide Attachment 1 for Subcontractors we want to use, we are not relying on their past performance to quality.

A: Attachment 1—Subcontractor Information and Consent Form is required if you are proposing a teaming partner/arrangement with a major subcontractor for the overall MATOC. The Government must have subcontractor/teaming partner consent to obtain performance information and contact references of the subcontractor and or teaming partner if you are proposing this type of an arrangement.

Q: What is your definition of a Teaming partner? – an official agreement or just a subcontractor we plan to use for future task orders.

A: Per FAR 9.601, a Contractor team arrangement is defined as:

(1) Two or more companies form a partnership or joint venture to act as a potential prime contractor; or

(2) A potential prime contractor agrees with one or more other companies to have them act as its subcontractors under a specified Government contract or acquisition program.

In accordance with FAR 52.207-6-- Solicitation of Offers From Small Business Concerns and Small Business Teaming Arrangements or Joint Ventures (Multiple-Award Contracts), a Small Business Teaming Arrangement is defined as:

(1) Two or more small business concerns have formed a joint venture; or

(2) A small business offeror agrees with one or more other small business concerns to have them act as its subcontractors under a specified Government contract. A Small Business Teaming Arrangement between the offeror and its small business subcontractor(s) exists through a written agreement between the parties that--

(A) Is specifically referred to as a “Small Business Teaming Arrangement”; and

(B) Sets forth the different responsibilities, roles, and percentages (or other allocations) of work as it relates to the acquisition;

So, as used in this solicitation, “a teaming partner” would be the company(s) that the potential prime has agreed to have act as its subcontractor(s) as it pertains to this MATOC.

If a teaming partner is proposed, the arrangement shall be identified and relationships fully disclosed as part of an agreement throughout the lifecycle of the entire MATOC.

Please note that all other terms and conditions set forth within the RFP, must be met by the Prime Contractor, including but not limited to SDVOSB eligibility, verification, and performance of work requirements for construction.

Q: For the required detailed schedule in the Technical Approach tab 5.2.4, should there be mock up dates for the duration of the “seed” project? For there isn’t any specification on a precise start date or if dates are required at all.

A: A detailed schedule relevant to the seed project is required; however, no specific dates are required as this is unknown at this time.

Q: Is Solicitation Attachment 1 required within the Past Performance Index, even if the offeror has relevant past performance history referenced in Attachment 6 Questionnaires and are not teaming or joint venturing this “seed” project?

A: No, Attachment 1 is not required if not forming a teaming agreement. However, Attachment 1— Subcontractor Information and Consent Form is required if you are proposing a teaming partner/arrangement with a major subcontractor on the overall MATOC. The Government must have subcontractor/teaming partner consent to obtain performance information and contact references of the subcontractor and or teaming partner if you are proposing this type of an arrangement.

Q: Can you please provide the current underground utility plans in the vicinity of the canteen entry upgrades project?

A: The VA will mark existing utilities prior to construction.

Q: Can you please provide the underground sprinkler layout in the vicinity of the canteen entry upgrades project?

A: No impact to underground sprinkler system is anticipated. If necessary VA will locate the underground sprinkler system.

Q: Is the contractor responsible for alternate entry signage for the canteen entry upgrades project during the course of construction?

A: All requirements for signage are removed from the contract.

Q: Can the VA verify that the Class I and Class II procedures in section 01 01 00 section 2.0 subsection H and I are not required on this project since it is outdoors?

A: – Infection Control Class II procedures are required per specification section 01 35 26.

Q: Section 01 35 26-17 of the canteen entry upgrades specification manual references intake vents, or building openings that may need to have HEPA filtration. Can the VA provide an existing HVAC blueprint that shows exterior venting that may need to have HEPA Filtration?

A: There are no intake vents near the project location.

Q: Section 25.2 of the solicitation states that “It is anticipated that within the life of this contract other electronic processes will be enacted. These include, but are not limited to, electronic offers, and electronic invoicing. When implemented by the Contracting Officer, contractors shall participate fully in any of these new requirements at no additional cost to the government” Can you verify that the costs of electronic processing software shall be paid for by the VA?

A: Under most circumstances, any new electronic systems or software mandated will be provided by the VA. It is expected that there shall be no additional costs to the Government to enact the method to fully participate in the new process(es).

Q: In regards to Section 71.3 of the solicitation, has the Infection Control Nurse reviewed the Canteen Entry Upgrades seed project and established a risk classification for infection control measures?

A: Yes. This is a Class II. See specification 01 35 26 for additional information.

Q: In regards to Section 75.5 of the solicitation, can the VA clarify that this language is only for surfaces of the building where work under this contract was completed and as a result of contractor operations under this contract?

A: Confirmed, this only applies to areas of worksite within this contract.

Q: In regards to section 89.5 of the solicitation, can the VA provide the concrete flushing truck location that is pre-approved by the contracting officer’s representative for the canteen entry upgrades?

A: Concrete flushing will not be allowed on site for the seed project 568-15-225 Canteen Entry Upgrades; however, each task order will provide more specific details on this location.

Q: Page 116 of 134 of the solicitation references additional requirements for Bar Chart Schedule. This requirement does not reference a FAR, or VAAR and seems overreaching for every project under the MATOC. Can the VA omit this requirement for every project under this MATOC?

A: Additional Requirements for Bar Chart Schedule is addendum to VAAR 852.23-84 Schedule of Work Progress and will be required unless noted in the specific task order RFP.

Q: In an effort to provide adequate time for the VA to respond to these questions and our team to provide fair and reasonable pricing after receipt of answers to these and other questions for this project can the VA extend the bid due date to February 22nd?

A: A time extension has been set forth per Block 11 and Block 14 on the SF30.

Q: The delivery date is schedule for 2/15/19. If using a delivery service to deliver and there is delays due to the weather will the proposal still be accepted?

A: Any late proposals will be handled in accordance with FAR 15.208.

Q: Technical Volume 1 Part 1 – 5.2.4 – Safety Plan and also Evaluation Factor 2.3 for the Safety Plan limits our plan to 30 pages. Our current Safety Plan is roughly 300 pages and is adjusted to be site specific. In order for us to reduce this plan to the request 30 pages there is a potential to miss what may be deemed critical information. If the information provided is not deemed completed enough due to the reduction of size of our overall safety plan, will it be assumable that we could provide the entire Safety Plan for review? Or can the required 30 pages be increased to allow for more detailed safety information.

A: This a proposed/draft Safety Plan only and needs to address the essential features of the plan but does not require in-depth detail on every element; however, it must address those areas as listed in Basis for Award and Evaluation Factors 2.3 Technical Factor1 – Technical Approach.

Q: Technical Volume 1 Part 1 - 5.2.5– Company Experience. This is similar to factor 5.3.1 for past performance. For factor 5.2.5 is the VA looking for a narrative only?

A: These are two different volumes parts and evaluation factors. Volume 1, Part 1 – Technical Section should include necessary information regarding the offeror’s ability to perform complete requirements outlined in the solicitation. This can be in any format (narrative or other) as long as it does not exceed any limitations put forth in the IDIQ MATOC RFP Proposal Preparation Instructions, Section 4. Volume 1, Part 2 – Past Performance Section, specifically, 5.3.1 are instructions for Client Questionnaires on Past Performance of the offeror. See Basis for Award and Evaluation Factors 2 Evaluation Factors for more information on how the proposals will be evaluated for each factor, including both Company Experience and Past Performance.

Q: Technical Volume 1 Part 1 - 5.2.6 - Quality Control Manager – Safety Officer. Is the VA looking for information on the overall company QCM and Safety Officer or site specific QCM and Site Safety Health Officer(SSHO)? We understand per amendment 3 that each task order can decipher these roles separately but for the MATOC proposal is it acceptable to use our overall company QCM and Safety Officer who in turn can be the same person overall for the company?

A: This will be dictated by the specifications of each task order and will typically be based on the size, complexity, and risk level of the project. Role sharing may be allowed in some cases if the contractor can show that they have the capability to perform all duties simultaneously without impact. For the seed project 568-15-225 Canteen Entry Upgrades, role sharing is allowed; however, there will likely be task orders that explicitly require all roles to be handled separately. Because of this, we expect the response to this technical evaluation factor to describe the contractor’s ability to support projects when dedicated Quality Control Manger and Safety Officers are required.

Q: Technical Volume 1 Part 2 - 5.3.1 Past Performance Client Questionnaire – Amendment 3 addressed there is no minimum or maximum number of PPQ’s that need to be submitted. However it states for relevant contracts awarded or completed. Is the VA speaking in terms or relevant to the SEED project or relevant to the MATOC which may be more beneficial to the offeror to provide in regards to the dollar amount of projects?

A: All of Volume 1 will be based on the overall MATOC. The MATOC has a minimum and maximum task order value of $2,000 and $10 Million; therefore, the offeror shall provide past performance of relevant contracts awarded or completed within that range.

Q: Technical Volume 1 Part 2 - 5.3.4/5.3.5 – Regarding key personnel who have performed on other contracts or predecessor companies. Do those key personnel need to be employed by the offeror during the time of the proposal due date or can they be assumed they may become key personnel if awarded on to the MATOC? Also similar to Past performance do these key personnel need to have health care construction experience within the last 3 years?

A: Key personnel should reflect current employment within the company of the offeror; however, past performance of said key personnel can be from a predecessor company if lacking performance history within the company of the offeror. Key personnel used for past performance shall demonstrate how well they performed on relevant projects/contracts that are similar in scope and size.

Q: Technical Volume 1 Part 2 - 5.3.10/5.3.11 – Sub-Contractor Consent Forms. Is the VA looking for subcontractor consent forms for just the SEED project or is multiple sub-contractor consent forms for differing sites more favorable?

A: Attachment 1 Sub-contractor Information and Consent Form must be completed if a teaming partner or arrangement is being utilized for the overall MATOC. If listing major subcontractors as part of a team, the attachment must be submitted.

Q: Is this project sales tax exempt? If the project is sales tax exempt can the government provide a sales tax exemption certificate?

A: This project is not tax exempt under South Dakota’s tax laws. In accordance with FAR 52.229-3, all applicable Federal, State, and local taxes and duties that the taxing authority is imposing and collecting on the transactions or property shall be included and covered by this contract and any task orders.

Q: Will the Government provide comprehensive written badging requirements for the project if badging is required?

A: Each task order will specify its specific requirements for Contractor ID tags/badges. For the seed project 568-15-225 Canteen Entry Upgrades, see Specification Section 01 01 00 2.0 A. 3. After award of a task order, complete instructions on the request for ID tags will be provided to the General Contractor.

Q: Where will the designated parking area be for workers accessing the construction site?

A: Parking will be coordinated with COR for seed project 568-15-225 Canteen Entry Upgrades. Each task order will provide more specific details on this location.

Q: Will the government accept the use of the industry leading Procore Project Management software as the primary submittal and data tracking tool for this project? The software is compatible with the VA’s networks and is currently in use at many VA locations.

A: The seed project will use Submittal Exchange provided by VISN 23. Each individual task order RFP will state either the use of an owner provided system or the need of a contractor provided web-based system, at which point, the VA will consider and approve of the Contractor’s recommended system/software.

Q: During construction in an area where the ceilings or fire suppression system will be disrupted, will NFPA 241 apply? Will the government require additional security measures beyond NFPA code such as fire watch, temporary fire alarms, adjustments to sprinkler heads, etc.

A: No impact to the fire suppression system is anticipated.

Q: Does the Government have a fire alarm servicer that they currently work with? What is the name and contact information of the person or persons that will need to be coordinated with for security and fire alarm and suppression systems work and/or disruptions?

A: No impact to the fire alarm system is anticipated; however, future projects that require this information can be provided to the Awardee of the task order.

Q: Has the work area been checked for asbestos?

A: Yes, no asbestos is anticipated to be encountered.

Q: What is the Governments’ policy if asbestos products are encountered during construction?

A: If asbestos is encountered, work will be stopped and asbestos will be abated prior to work resuming.

It is not anticipated that any asbestos will be encountered during this project.

Q: Does the Government currently have a 3rd party testing service for those items requiring testing or is the contractor free to locate and hire applicable testing firms?

A: The Government does not have preferences regarding testing firms.

Q: Who is responsible for the utility locations?

A: For the seed project 568-15-225 Canteen Entry Upgrades, the VA is responsible. Future projects under this MATOC will dictate the responsibility of utility locates—VA or Contractor.

Q: Due to current potentially significant tariffs being placed on the importation of building materials such as wood or steel by the current Presidential Executive Branch, if a tariff is placed after bid time and before award will the government consider a price escalation on a contract value for products such as steel or wood should the executive branch levee tariffs effecting such materials? Most of these materials would still have been Buy American compliant as the tariffs would increase pricing on all steel or wood materials, regardless of origin.

A: In accordance with FAR 52.216-1, any tasks order under the MATOC will be firm fixed priced, meaning it is not subject to any adjustment on the basis of the contractor’s cost experience in performing the contract; however, FAR 52.229-3 allows for adjustments for any after-imposed Federal tax.

Q: Describe any and all tasks that may be required for this project as it relates to infectious control?

A: This is detailed in specifications section 01 35 26.

Q: What is the level of infectious disease control rating for this site?

A: Class II as indicated in specification section 01 35 26.

Q: Can the SSHO also act as the onsite PM or super?

A: This will be dictated by the specifications of each task order and will typically be based on the size, complexity, and risk level of the project. Role sharing may be allowed in some cases if the contractor can show that they have the capability to perform all duties simultaneously without impact. For the seed project 568-15-225 Canteen Entry Upgrades, role sharing is allowed; however, there will likely be task orders that explicitly require all roles to be handled separately. Because of this, we expect the response to this technical evaluation factor to describe the contractor’s ability to support projects when dedicated Program Manager, Superintendent, and SSHO are required, in addition to describing their typical staffing of the Program Manager, Superintendent and SSHO roles when the requirements for their staffing structure aren’t specifically dictated by the task order.

Q: Does this entrance have to remain open at all times during construction, or will and alternate means of egress be used during the construction of this work at the entrance?

A: The entrance will be closed and an alternate means of egress will be utilized.

Q: How close will the contractor’s laydown area be to the jobsite?

A: This will be coordinated with COR for seed project 568-15-225 Canteen Entry Upgrades.

Q: The solicitation states that the proposal shall be emailed to you as well as hard copies be mailed. As we are out of state is it possible to change the wording so that we can email a copy and follow with the hard copies next day to allow for any day of pricing that may come in?

A: In accordance with IDIQ MATOC RFP Proposal Preparation Instructions 2.1 and 2.2, one (1) electronic, one (1) original and three (3) hard copies are to be provided on or before the due date.