RFP 47PF0024R0079 Metcalfe Janitorial RFI Response.pdf

Solicitation: 47PF0024R0079 Title: Custodial and Related Services at Metcalfe Federal Builiding

Subject: Requests for Information (RFI) and Answers

Per Article XXXI of the CBA, the union and the contractor must meet 90 days before the annual renewal of the contract to negotiate wages and fringe benefits. Does this mean that the union will negotiate new wages and fringe benefits with the new contractor in November 2024? If so, will GSA provide escalated wages/benefits if they increase in the new agreement?

The CBA makes no mention of subcontracted work.

2a. How does the CBA apply to subcontracted workers?

2b. Is the Contractor permitted to utilize subcontractors longer-term? If so, would they fall under any parts of the CBA? For example, if a portion of the janitorial work was subcontracted, is the subcontractor required to honor the CBA?

If an employee already has health benefits and pension plan (i. e. a retired veteran with tricare for life), is that employee required to join the union? If so, may that employee be paid his/her fringe benefit cash equivalent since he/she does not require additional fringe benefits?

Would the Laborers' International Union of North America further explain Article II "Union Recognition and Scope of Agreement". It states that managers, supervisors, and guards are exempt from this agreement. I ask because Blueline's managers and supervisors are salaried with benefits.

They will assist in supervising this contract. I want to confirm that there is no expectation for them to become members of the union.

5 Could the government clarify if the REPS and Certs are part of the proposal and should be submitted?

6 Could the government clarify if acknowledgement of any amendments is part of the proposal/ required and should be submitted?

Could the government Clarify the Badging Requirement for Sub-Contractors that perform exterior work only?

Will they require badging credentials?

8 Pest Control has 2 scheduled services a month per the RFP, does the government intend to establish a CLIN for unscheduled services?

9 Could the government advise/clarify if there is a transition/ phase in period?

10 Could the government advise if the proposed Project Manager resume should be submitted with the proposal?

We noticed that the CBA has changed the payment format for H&W from monthly to hourly. Could you please confirm if this change has been implemented?

12 Could you provide the average monthly pricing after accounting for vacant space deductions?

13 How much vacant space does the building currently have?

14 Does the current monthly price of $130,056.88 solely reflect standard services, or does it include above standard services?

Should the total price of subcontracted, above standard work that does not require organic janitors or laborers, such as exterior window washing or graffiti removal, be entered into Section B as is?

Is exterior window washing a standard service or above standard service?

Additional Information: Window washing is listed in standard and above standard services on section B. In addition, sections C.3.2.2 details the conduct of the cleaning & C.15.3 defines it as an above standard service, however I would like to confirm.

Is the annual interior of exterior window washing an above standard service expense?

Additional information: I'm tracking that interior lobby windows are clean quarterly and are a standard service expense, but I am unsure if the annual interior of exterior window cleaning is standard or above standard.

18 Is there any requirement for standard services to be performed on weekends, outside of snow removal?

19 What are the current custodial staffing levels by shift?

20 Which subcontractors are currently being utilized for the following: Pest control; Grounds maintenance; Snow/ice removal; and Refuse?

Are "optional cleaning areas" on-call areas for service, and is there already an established frequency for cleaning these areas? If there is an established frequency, what is that frequency for each line item in this section?

22 Does this facility use a porter?

23 Who is the incumbent and the annual contract amount?

Answer:

GSA was informed by the Union they were negotiating with the incumbent for the 02/01/25 service period. Once GSA receives the 02/01/25 Addendum A per the CBA we will issue an amendment, or modification to the contract.

Answer: The CBA is also a Wage Determination Rate (WDR) and will cover the Janitorial workers who work on site. Please also refer to FAR 52.222-41.

Answer: You would need to consult with the Union on this issue, and your HR policies as to how you will pay fringe benefits accordingly to the Service Labor Contracts Act

Answer: You may consult with the Union on this issue. Please refer to FAR 52.222-41.

Answer:

All contractors must be active in the System for Award Management (SAM), https://beta.sam.gov/ prior to submission of offers to be considered for award. Your account will have your REPS & CERTS. So no do not send in your REPS & CERTS.

Answer: At this time the government has not issued any amendments, but if so you would be required to sign and return them upon issuance.

Answer: Please refer to Section H.5.1

Answer:

Per Section C.6.7 the contractor will design their Pest Management Plan with Frequency of Contract visits and it shall depend on the specific pest control needs of each premise. The RFP does not state 2 scheduled visits as month. The scheduled services may vary depending on the pest issue. The government will NOT be adding a CLIN for unscheduled services

Answer: Please refer to Section C.1.1 , Section H.1.6 and there is no transition / phase in period.

Answer: Please refer to C.14, Exhibit J.11,, and Section L.1

Answer: Please refer to the CBA Addendum B, otherwise contact the Union

Answer: No, please note vacant space can vary from month to month. The current monthly price is on page 3 of the RFP

Answer: Please note vacant space can vary from month ot month, so please see Exhibit J.1 Net Cleanable Data

Answer: The monthly price is for Standard Services only

Answer: Please note, Standard Services pricing will go into Section B.1 and Above Standard Services pricing will go into Aove Standard Servcies Section B 1.

Answer:

Per Section C.3.2.2 Window Washing (exteroir) will be cleaned Once (1) a year in the monthly price. Section C.15.3 Window Washing is Above Standard Services and should not be included in the monthly price, but please provide a price for such in case GSA would like to oder an additional Window Washing (exterior) cleaining.

Answer: Please refer to Section 3.1.11 Interior Window Washing, also refer to Section 3.2.2. Window Washing (exterior).

Answer: Please refer to Section C.1.2 Cleaning Hours

Answer: GSA will not provide

Answer: GSA will not provide

Answer: All areas would be as needed.

Answer: Please refer to Section C.10 Service Calls

SAM.GOV

Answer: Please refer to the RFP page 3 under Current Contractor and Current Contract Price

Answer: Please base your bid on the RFP

Answer: Please refer to Exhibit J.8 Wage Determination Rate (CBA)

Answer: None known

Answer: Please see Section C.1.2 Cleaning Hours

Answer: Please see Exhibit J.8 Wage Determination Rate (CBA) Addendum A & B

Answer: Please see Exhibit J.8 Wage Determination Rate (CBA) Addendum A & B

Answer: Please see Exhibit J.8 Wage Determination Rate (CBA) Addendum A & B

Answer: Please see Exhibit J.8 Wage Determination Rate (CBA) Addendum A & B

Answer: Please see Exhibit J.8 Wage Determination Rate (CBA)

Answer: Please see Exhibit J.8 Wage Determination Rate (CBA) Addendum A & B

Answer: A list of employees anniversay dates will be issues with Amendment 0001

Answer: Please refer to Exhibit J.8 Wage Determination Rate (CBA)

The Award is anticipated to be on time for a 02/01/2025 start date.

To GSA knowledge there is not 28 people on the incumbent staff on site. Not sure where you acquired this information.

Please refer to Section I and Section K

Please refer to Section H.2 Strike Contingency Plan

Please refer to Section C.10 Service Calls

Please see Note in Section C.1.3 under Turning Off Equipment when not in use

Please refer to Section 3.1.4 for who is responsible for dispensers, supplies and who fills dispensers. Count: Unknown

Please note, Section C.3.12 is under Standard Services and the frequency will be when needed.

Please note Section C.3.1.13 is under Standard Services. Please read Section C.3.1.13 as it refers to artwork.

GSA will not provide method or means for interoir Windown Washing.

Please refer to Section 3.1.11 Interior Window Washing, also refer to Section 3.2.2. Window Washing (exterior).

Please see amendment 0001 as section C.3.2.3 will now be reserved.

Please see Exhibit J.1 Building Information Sheet. Please note Section 3.2.4 is under Standard Services and the frequency will be when needed. The Government does some storage space.

Please refer to Section 3.2.4

GSA had not had any feedback of such.

Please note Section C.3.2.8 is under Standard Services, and the frequency is when necessary.

24 Are there any additions to this contract that were not included on the last contract?

25 Are there any Living Wage requirements for this contract?

26 Is there any air quality?

27 What are the cleaning hours?

28 Are the employer contributions for Health and Welfare deducted from the employee's from the Health and Welfare employer contributions?

29 Are the employer contributions per hour for Pension deducted from the employee's wages or from the Pension employer contributions?

30 Are the employer contributions per hour for Training Fund deducted from the employee's wages or are the Training Fund employer contributions?

31 What is the employer contribution rate as of 8/1/24 for Health and Welfare?

32 What are the responsibilities of a crew leader in accordance with?

33 Are supervisors and or project managers required to be covered under the union agreement?

Can you provide the number of employees that qualify for 2 weeks vacation, 3 weeks vacation, 4 weeks vacation, respectively under the current agreement?

35 Are employees allowed to act in multiple roles and be paid according to the role they are serving in?

36 If the project starts after the base month, will the Option Year 1 prices be used without using a base year; Or will the price sheet be updated?

Answer:

Is the contractor required to maintain the current 28-person staff from the incumbent if awarded?

Answer:

Will the contract be insulated from supply costs associated with upcoming regulations like the Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act) or the Green New Deal?

Answer:

What is the acceptable turnover time in the event of a union strike, given the current tensions between Local 681 and LIUNA?

Answer:

NCMMS System is referenced (pg 19). Is there an existing system in place? Is the contractor expected to provide their own system? If we will be using an existing system, is there a limit as to how many contractor personnel can access? Any restrictions in terms of hardware or location that the system may be accessed from?

Answer:

C.1.3 (pg 20) references, “turning off equipment not in use.” But goes on to say, “never turn off or unplug government equipment…” Please define this expectation.

Answer:

[C.3.1.4 Dispensers (pg 24)] Is the contractor responsible for hand sanitizer dispensers? If so. How many?

Answer:

[C.3.1.12] What is the frequency of dusting blinds and window coverings?

Answer:

[C.3.1.13] Will the Fine Arts Collection fall under Above Standard Services? If not, approximately how many pieces of fine art fall under this contract?

What is the average SF of the area that would need cleaning for each piece?

Answer:

Are all interior windows accessible with no more than an 8ft A-frame ladder? If not, what type of equipment has been used by the current and/or past vendors? Extension ladders, extension poles, scissor lifts, boom lifts, etc…?

Answer:

Exterior window washing is listed as both recurring and above standard services. Please clarify.

Answer:

What is the frequency of cleaning required for the canopies? What are the quantities and sizes of canopies?

Answer:

C.3.2.4 requires cleaning of exterior hard surfaces (parking lot, sidewalks, etc).

a. What is the frequency of these cleanings?

b. What is the SF of the areas requiring this service?

c. Is a streetsweeper required and if so, will the government provide a storage area for this type of equipment?

Answer:

Are the granite plaza deep-cleanings priced as a standard service?

Answer:

Please verify the two Prosoco products to be used in granite cleaning. The two products listed in Exhibit J-14 are not mixable according to Product Data Sheets and SDSs. Please Clarify.

Answer:

[C.3.2.8] How frequently is excrement removal required?

Answer:

[C.3.3; C.15.7] Who makes the determination as to whether or not “heavy equipment” is required for snow removal and is there a standard for making this determination? If required, will there be storage space provided for snow removal equipment?

Answer:

[C.5.1.3] Is the Contractor responsible for dumpster service (trash removal from premises)? If so, how many dumpsters are on-site, what are their sizes, and what is the frequency of services for each dumpster?

Answer:

[C.6.2] Is the Initial Pest Assessment to be paid for by the contractor?

Answer:

Please provide a copy of the current IPMP. What is the current frequency of pest control spraying? What pesticides are used?

Answer:

What are the hours of operation for the Child Care Center?

Answer:

Please provide historical service call data including the number of after-hours service calls.

Answer:

Are there areas within the facility where cellular signals don’t work? Does the government have a preferred communication technology medium?

Answer:

H.4 references a Supervisor’s office. Where is this space located? Does it include phone and/or internet connections?

Answer:

Please provide the total number of restrooms and their associated fixtures.

Answer:

What phase-in period will be provided?

Answer:

What is the frequency of cleaning necessary for the “Optional cleaning areas” listed in Exhibit J-1?

Answer:

What are the cleaning frequencies for the areas listed in section 3 of Exhibit J-1 “Areas/Items not included in CSF”? (Stairs, Elevators, Etc.)

Answer:

Contractor Cost Proposal Worksheet – where is the offeror to include direct labor project management costs (PM, APM, QCM)? These are exempt positions, not CBA, with different pay rates and different H&W rates than direct supervisory labor, and therefore cannot be included with the direct supervisory labor costs.

Answer:

Page 1; That is a Saturday. Can the Government confirm the date and time this proposal is due?

Answer:

Page 4; Does the Government have a specific location / order in the proposal to put these documents? • Is the JV Teaming Agreement also placed in a specific location?

Answer:

L.3 Instructions for Submitting Proposals; Can the Government confirm: A. Which of these are to be submitted as stand-alone documents?

Answer:

L-3 Past Performance; Will the Government clarify that only the top part of the Attachment requires completion? Or…Do the statements/questions (1-4) need to be responded to on the document?

Answer:

C-12 Quality Control Plan; Can the Government confirm that for the purposes of this solicitation, the CEP can be included within the pages of the Quality Control Plan?

Answer:

C-14 Staffing Plan; Can the Government confirm this only includes both the Contract Manager and the Project Manager?

Answer:

C.15.3; Will the tie off point on the roof be available for exterior window cleaning?

Answer:

C.15.4; Will the government allow our company to store our pressure washer in the parking garage?

Answer:

C.15.12; Will this service be ordered by the Government, or will this be on a schedule basis? Will this order be reimbursed by the government?

Answer:

Exhibit J3 Contractor Submittals/Deliverables Chart; Please confirm that in the proposal package a sample/initial, not final Cleaning Schedule, Staffing Plan, Quality Control Plan and Snow/Ice removal Plan with chemical list is required? Or are these deliverables due at time of award?

Answer:

Pest Management plan; Will the government please provide the contact for the current pest control company providing services?

Answer:

Exhibit J1 Building Information Sheet Section 3; Are elevators included in the cleanable SF for this contract? In section 3 of Exhibit J1 section it says the 17 elevators are not included in the contract.

Answer:

Exhibit J1 Building Information Sheet Section 3; What is the official building occupancy?

Answer:

Have there been any changes from the current SOW compared to the previous or last SOW procured?

Answer:

a. Please provide a breakage of square foot of different floor type by space (for eg: carpet, hard floor, vinyl, wood, ceramic, cement etc). b. Also, provide quantity of restroom fixtures (toilet, urinal, washbasin, mirror etc)

Answer:

Please provide quantity for the below listed: 1. Drinking fountain. 2. Trash 3. Window qty or sq ft

Answer:

In Price Schedule B, please confirm for below listed CLIN Item for "Additional Services" if we need to provide price as the Quantity is mentioned as "NA" and also in the Scope of work it is "NA": 1. Postal Lock Boxes and Mail Cases 2. Tree Thinning 3. Planting Government Furnished Trees and Plants 4. Holding Cell Interiors (beyond outine) 5. Cleaning/Polishing of Exterior Brass

Answer:

The contractor will work with the COR, since this is an Above Standard line item and will be ordered as necessary. GSA does provide some storage areas.

Please refer to Section J Exhibit J.1

Per Section C.6.Pest Control is part of the Standard Services.

GSA will not provide.

Please refer to Section J Exhibit J.1

Please refer to Secton C.10

Please refer to Section C.11.1

The contractor office is located on the 11th floor & does not include phone or internet.

All information GSA can provide is in Section J Exhibit J.1

Please refer to Section C.1.1 & Section H.1.6 and there is no transition / phase in period.

The frequency will be when needed.

The frequency will be when needed.

You may add any exempt position in your G&A (Direct Costs), if you so desired, or any other area you so desire.

Amendment 0001 is issued to extend the proposal due date.

Please refer to bottom of page 3 of the RFP, and refer to Section M.4 for information on Joint Ventures

Per Section L3. all documents are required. You may submitt each required document as a stand alone attachment in your proposal email submittal.

The top part of the Past Performance Attachment must be completed. The 4 statements on the attachment are the criteria for Past Performance.

Per Section C.12 the CEP is part of the Quality Control Plan.

Per Section C.14 Staffing Plan should address all staff.

The anchors are not certified, and there are no tie off points on the roof.

GSA will proivde storage areas in the building on the 27th floor caged area, 11th floor (office area), and 3rd floor (closet).

Section 15 is Above Standard Services and will be ordered when needed.

Per Exhibit J.3 stated deliverables above will be required with your proposal, but a final Not Later Than 15 days prior to start of work.

GSA will not provide its the incumbents subcontract.

A revised Net Cleaning sheet will be issued in Amendment 0001 that includes the elevators

Please see Exhibit J.1 under Item #1

Please bid on the current RFP requirements

Please see Exhibit J.1 under item #6

Please see Exhibit J.1 under item #6 for drinking fountains and trash. There are approximately 3200 windows.

Per Schedule B - NA means Not Applicable

Please contact the Union for clarification. GSA can only refer you to Addendum A.

Please see Exhibit J.8 Wage Determination Rate (CBA) Addendum A & B. Please note, Addedum A states the Wage to be paid.

Please refer to Section C.2.1, C 2.2, and C.2.4.1

Please bid on the building being fully occupied.

Please refer to Section C.15.20 and a Revised Schedule B Line Item will be issued in Amendment 0001

No

Please just submit a cost proposal worksheet for the Base year only.

Please just submit for the Base year only.

A revised Net Cleaning sheet will be issued in Amendment 0001

In CBA document Article XX Training, it says rate set forth in Addendum A, however no rate mentioned for Training in Addendum A. Please confirm if this rate is applicable or not.

Answer:

In Exhibit 16 Price Schedule Instruction and notes #2 states "Renewal options shall be priced using the wage determination contained in this solicitation". Please confirm the rate we need to use is on CBA Addedum A as $23.81 or $17.20.

Answer:

The List of Supplies and Equipment is a requirment under the Price Proposal. Do we need to submit it along with the price proposal or is there a provision of submitting the list with our technical proposal?

Answer:

During the site tour, the building was empty. Would GSA consider accepting alternate proposals based on building occupancy or is it recommended to submit proposals assuming 100% occupancy?

Answer:

Can you estimate the quantities you anticipate requesting honing or restoration of the granite flooring?

Answer:

Will space be provided on the loading dock or parking garage for year round snow equipment storage? If so, please advise on the square footage of the space.

Answer:

In reference to the cost proposal worksheet, should we submit for the base year only or also include separate sheets for the options years?

Answer:

Please confirm if we need to provide Cost Worksheet for only a Base year or for all the Option years.

Answer:

As per the EXHIBIT J1: BUILDING INFORMATION SHEET and as per the site visit Agenda, the net cleaning square feet is 615,099; although when we add all the square foot for cleanable areas space it comes to 671,363. Please confirm the net cleaning square footage.

Answer: