Tech Questions - Boise Minor - 10-31-23.pdf

Responses to Technical Questions

Boise Minor Design - Construct Primary Care & Dental Building 531-326

Question 1:

This is regarding the presolicitaiotn notice for “Construct Primary Care and Dental Building Minor Design - Boise, ID 531-326”. We are asking if the due date can be pushed back a week as the SAME Small Business Conference (Nov 1-3) is just prior to the due date (Nov 6), and many of the reponding companies will likely be attending attending the conference.

VA Response:

The VA is extending the due date for SF 330s to November 13, 2023, at 1:00 PM ET to accommodate firms attending the small business conference.

Question 2:

Can you please confirm the NAICS code 541310 - Architecture Services for the subject opportunity? Can the NAICS code be changed to 541330 - Engineering Services, as the project SOW includes all engineering services? Changing the NAICS Code to 541330 - Engineering Services will increase competition among a greater pool of small businesses.

VA Response:

The VA has carefully considered this request and determined that 541310 Architectural Services is the appropriate NAICS code for this procurement. The design project must react to multiple adjacent buildings on our existing campus as well as a complex design program that is required by the VA. An Architectural Firm should be the “Lead,” as all early presentations should be handled by an Architectural Firm. Then they should lead a multi-discipline group of consulting engineers to reach our final goal of having fully coordinated construction drawings.

This approach would be more efficient than working through an Engineering Firm that is subcontracting an Architectural Firm to do all the early work. All this early work will establish the basis for the project going forward. Therefore, it is our decision that the NAICS code for this procurement will not be changed.