Attachment 1- 636-810- Govt Response RFIs.pdf

RFQ/RFP: 363C77624R0104

Request for Information Project #: 636-810 – Replace Storage Building, Minor Construction Design Build

Iowa City, IA

RFP: 36C77624R0140

12/02/2024

ITEM

NO.

Date

Submitted

Responded

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

1. 11/12/24 11/20/24 There appears to be conflicting statements regarding whether this solicitation is LPTA or Two-Phase Best Value.

This project is a FAR Part 15 utilizing LPTA. The language can be confusing because many people will equate a trade-off evaluation as a “best value.” However, best value covers both LPTA and trade-off as it is part of a continuum of evaluation methods under FAR Part 15.

Said another way: FAR Part 14 is not used, but FAR Part 15, which is contracting by negotiation with an evaluation method that is within the best value continuum. Along the continuum, an LPTA has been selected.

2. 11/12/24 11/20/24 Phase 1 Instructions; B Volume 1 Technical and Past Performance; B Factor 2 - Qualifications asks for a resume for an MEP Engineer. We typically provide a resume for the Mechanical/Plumbing Engineer and a resume for the Electrical Engineer. Please confirm this is acceptable.

Yes, this is acceptable. The goal is to provide the Government your qualifications for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineers. This may be achieved by one or more people duplicating efforts. There are no restrictions on dual/triple-hatting these positions. No favorability is given to the number of people needed to fill the MEP positions.

3. 11/18/24 11/20/24 Will contractors that are selected for phase 2 have another opportunity to submit questions during that phase?

Yes. Questions during Phase 2 are encouraged.

4. 11/18/24 11/27/24 Could you please provide current dimensions and square footage of the existing Storage Building.

W=240" x L=338" or 20'x28'2" or 564 SF

5. 11/18/24 11/27/24 At the site walkthrough there was mention of tanks under the existing concrete slab of the Storage Building. Is there any documentation showing the depth and size of these tanks?

documentation provided

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

6. 11/18/24 11/27/24 You reference a pre-engineered metal building (PEMB) and the current structure is not PEMB, which wouldn't be the most economical structure for the site. Are you open to metal studs and metal trusses for the replacement structure?

Yes as long as it works with the other requirements

7. 11/18/24 11/27/24 Are there any CAD files or drawings of the existing buildings and/or site that will be made available prior to Phase 2 submission?

Just what is provided

8. 11/18/24 11/20/24 In the solicitation under Instructions, Conditions and Other Statements to Bidders/offerors in paragraph 2.7.2.B.a states that “If the offeror is a Joint Venture (JV) technical approach shall be submitted for projects performed by each individual entity, and by the Joint Venture itself, if available. Is the VA looking for technical approach of the projects submitted or is the VA looking for technical experience for the submitted projects?

The Government is requiring project experience. Section 2.7 – 2. B. contains a typo. Phase 1 Factor 1 is only requiring project experience, not technical approach. Offerors should submit prior project experience.

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

9. 11/18/24 11/20/24 As referenced in the above question, the solicitation is clear on how to submit information for a Joint Venture. In the past we have seen language that allows for a prime contractor and design firm who have entered into a binding “Teaming Agreement” to be treated essentially the same as a JV. With regard to the submission of past experience and past performance. The direction given in the past has been to submit for both parties in the teaming agreement in the same fashion as requested for JV firms that are submitting. Will executed teaming agreements be evaluated similarly to Joint Venture submissions?

Yes.

10. 11/18/24 11/20/24 In the instance of a Joint Venture or teaming agreement submission does the VA want to still see a maximum of 5 projects or does the VA want to see a maximum of 5 projects for each team member?

Max of 5 projects in the proposal submission. The Government caps the number of project experience for every offeror/sub/teaming/JV so that submissions are equitable upon review.

It’s important to focus on the sub-bullets (i., ii., and iii.). The combination of project experience examples by the prime/sub/teaming partners/JV partners is up to the offeror.

11. 11/18/24 11/27/24 Will the design for this project be subject to the requirements of the VA Physical Security and Resiliency Design Manual?

yes

12. 11/18/24 11/20/24 For past experience/past performance can projects be used that are substantially complete, but the contract is not closed out, for example a project that is over 90% complete that is a Federal Design-Build project with high relevance?

Yes. Some CO/CS teams require completed projects. We do not. We find value in similar projects even if the project is not complete. However, the amount of completion will be taken into consideration. A 90% completed project is a good choice; a 65% completed project would not be.

13. 11/18/24 11/20/24 Will there be another Q&A period when Phase 2 of the procurement begins in which we can ask design specific questions?

Yes. Questions during Phase 2 are encouraged.

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

14. 11/18/24 11/27/24 Will the VA be responsible for removing all of the racking and stored items that are currently in the existing storage building?

VA will remove the stored items contractor may remove the shelving to be reused

15. 11/18/24 11/20/24 In the case of a submission where there is a teaming agreement between a Prime Contractor and an Architect, is there a form you would like used in lieu of the Project Experience Questionnaire for design specific experience?

There is not an alternate form for design experience. The project experience form is meant to be a helpful tool so that pertinent information isn’t overlooked or omitted. The main goal is to represent similar size, scope, complexity, and magnitude to the subject project, even if that’s just in relationship to architecture or design portion for one or more of the project samples.

16. 11/18/24 11/27/24 Please clarity if client is intending the re-use of the building foundation?

If possible to meet requirements and new structure will allow for it

17. 11/18/24 11/27/24 Please provide details of what size building footprint the VA envisions for the project?

As big a footprint that is able to meet the requirements 2000SF if not hampering critical items nearby.

18. 11/19/24 11/27/24 Is vehicle drive-up access required for Building 8?

yes

19. 11/19/24 11/27/24 Are there clear space requirements around Building 8?

Not exactly clear because some of the restrictions are traffic and accessibility related

20. 11/19/24 11/27/24 Can the VA provide more information on the underground fuel tanks?

Provided drawing

21. 11/19/24 11/27/24 Is the 2000 sq foot building requirement a total of the main level and 2nd level of the new building?

Yes

22. 11/19/24 11/27/24 What is currently housed in the brown building adjacent to building 19?

EMS storage in building 8

23. 11/19/24 11/27/24 Can the VA provide a currently utility map of the site?

Provided drawing

24. 11/19/24 11/27/24 Can the VA provide any additional information on the underground fuel tanks?

Provided drawing

25. 11/19/24 11/27/24 Does the VA have any geotechnical borings the area they can share?

No

26. 11/20/24 11/27/24 Has the building been checked for asbestos, given its prior use and approximate construction date?

Not that we are aware of, contractor will verify

27. 11/20/24 11/27/24 What utility services will the building need to be connected to?

The the items to be climate controlled, building automation, security, fire sprinklers and what ever else provided in the SOW.

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

28. 11/20/24 11/27/24 An “upper level” in mentioned in Section A.2 in the Scope of Work document. Can you confirm this will be a single-story structure?

The intent of the building is to be 2 floors

29. 11/20/24 11/27/24 There are multiple references to removing the vestibule on Building 1 to expand the footprint of the proposed building. Are there existing construction drawings of that portion of Building 1, that would be helpful in determining the best approach to removing and repairing the building?

Ideally the vestibule is not removed but see provided drawings.

30. 11/20/24 11/27/24 Would landscaping be required on this project?

No

31. 11/20/24 11/27/24 Refers to an electrical room and IT closet. Are the loads sufficient to require additional cooling in this room?

The plan is to just have a panel or provide data ports from building 1. Contractor must assess the cooling that will be required.

32. 11/20/24 11/27/24 Refers to removal of photovoltaic arrays. Can you confirm the location of these arrays?

No photovoltaic arrays present in this project

33. 11/20/24 11/27/24 Are there interior walls/rooms in this building? Page 410 indicates Ceiling tiles to be Armstrong 584. Is there ACT in this building?

There is no current ceiling tiles in building 19 and tiles and walls will depend on project design.

34. 11/20/24 11/27/24 Page 410, it indicates modular furnishing and references Herman Miller Systems furniture - Is there modular furniture?

Probably no furniture will be used on this project unless if amplifies the efficiency of the storage

35. 11/20/24 11/27/24 Is there interior painting? Page 411 indicates a Sherwin Williams product.

Painting will depend on materials used and may or may not be required

36. 11/20/24 11/27/24 What is the interior floor finish? Currently concrete, it will depend on the design

37. 11/20/24 11/27/24 What is the desired size wall height? I am not sure what this is in reference to but the height should optimize the storage

38. 11/20/24 11/27/24 Is there an overhead door and if so, what is the desired height and width of this door?

Overhead door should be similar size to current door

39. 11/20/24 11/27/24 SOW contradicts who is supposed to carry the 3rd party commissioning subcontractor/agent? Please clarify.

Commissioning is to be contracted by the prime contractor however it must be a different company entirely

40. 11/20/24 11/27/24 What is the main purpose of this proposed space?

Logistics Climate control storage

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

41. 11/20/24 11/27/24 What ADA compliance needs to be met in regard to the upper level, and exits?

It will depend on design

42. 11/20/24 11/27/24 Who is responsible for determining foundation conditions and if replacement is needed?

The contractor will provide a recommendation to the VA. VA will have the final say.

ITEM