Questions and Answers.pdf

Questions and Answers

Q1: In reference to the solicitation Go No Go Subfactor 1a, Offeror’s experience, page 36 of 41.

We understand the project requires highly technical, specialized refrigeration work. To provide the best value to the Government, would a small business general contractor who has constructed federal projects over $10M and partners with a subcontractor who does not perform as a prime contractor that manufactures cold storage projects be considered relevant experience for the offeror?

A1: The Go/No Go Factor pertains only to the submission of a small business subcontracting plan for other than small business offerors. All other non-price factors, including Subfactor 1a, will be rated in accordance with Section VI. Method of Award. Amendment 001, issued on May 25, 2023, revised Factor 1a to state:

Standard for Evaluation The standard for this subfactor is met when the offeror submits a portfolio with at least one

(1) Cold Storage Project that meets the following definition. For this subfactor only, GSA will consider Cold Storage Projects for which either the offeror served as the prime/general contractor, or the offeror’s identified first-tier subcontractor served as either prime/general contractor or first-tier subcontractor.

A Cold Storage Project is defined as a project:

a) That was completed within the 10 year period before issuance of this solicitation,

b) Which included emergency power for mission-critical building systems (the planned

Ice Core Storage Facility will contain irreplaceable ice core samples, and therefore must feature emergency power support for mission-critical building systems); and

c) That resulted in an industrial cold storage facility. For example, any of the following would be considered an “industrial cold storage facility”: laboratory freezer, food storage freezer, etc.

Q2: What are the temps for the following rooms?

a. Core Storage (E-1001)?

b. Staging (E-1002)?

c. Examination (E-1003)?

d. Vestibule (E-1004)?

e. Outside corridor?

A2: Section 1.4 of Design Narrative on page 42 and 43:

a. -36 degrees C

b. +4 degrees C but can be cooled down to -24 degrees C

c. -24 degrees C

d. Vestibule does not receive direct refrigeration, the purpose of the vestibule is to limit the influx of humidity from outdoor conditions. As such, since it is connected to the examination room, the temperature will fluctuate between ambient temperature and -24 degrees C.

e. Ambient temperature of the warehouse area which generally receives limited conditioning. Temperatures in this area are observed to be anywhere between 12 degrees C in the winter to 26 degrees C in the summer.

Q3: On the partition types it calls out walls to be “with 18ga metal” and above it says “22ga metal face”

a. I think the thickest metal I can get is 22ga. What is the 18ga referencing?

A3: The 22 ga refers to the skin thickness of the Kingspan insulated panels. The reference to 18 ga can be ignored as this is a carry over from earlier in the project. An addendum has been released with updated drawings that reflect this answer..

Q4: For the floor insulation it shows 8” of floor insulation. A good rule of thumb is the floor insulation doesn’t need to be thicker than the walls. We install 6” thick all over the country.

We can make it 8” but would recommend 6”. Would 6” floor insulation be acceptable?

A4: 6” floor insulation will not be acceptable. The floor insulation shall be installed as specified.

Q5: Do we need any Contractor License from the State of Colorado or any City of Lakewood License?

A5: In accordance with FAR 52.236-7, Permits and Responsibilities, the contractor shall, without additional expense to the Government, be responsible for obtaining any necessary licenses and permits, and for complying with any Federal, State, and municipal laws, codes, and regulations applicable to the performance of the work.

Q6: Will the Government provide the sign in sheet for the site walk?

A6: Yes. The sign in sheet from the site visit is provided as an attachment to Amendment 0002.

Q7: What are the GSA set-aside goals by category for this procurement?

A7: GSA has established a national subcontracting goal of at least 21% of the subcontracted effort to small businesses. Of the total subcontracted effort, GSA has established national subcontracting goals of at least 3% to HUBZone firms, 5% to SDB firms, 5% to WOSB firms and 3% to SDVOSB firms.

Q8: Pertaining to 11.C.Price Proposal (3) it states, “The offeror must submit all disclosures in accordance with FAR 52.230-1, Cost Accounting Standards Notice and Certifications and FAR 52.230-7, Proposal Disclosure – Cost Accounting Practice Changes.” Please provide guidance of exactly what is required to satisfy this requirement.

A8: CAS does not apply to the subject procurement as this is a Firm-fixed-price contract and it is anticipated that this will be awarded on the basis of adequate price competition without submission of certified cost or pricing data.

Q9: Pertaining to 11.E(3), please provide the point of contact and phone number for Jacobs Engineering and the minimum requirements of the requested executed agreement.

A9: Jacobs Technology, Inc.

600 William Northern Blvd.

Tullahoma, TN 37388-4729

POC: James Slaughter POC Phone: 808-225-3144 POC Email: james.slaughter1@jacobs.com

Q10: What is the construction budget for this project?

A10: The estimated construction magnitude is between $10M to $15M

Q11: Based on the long lead times of certain elements of this project, when does the government anticipated start date for construction?

A11: Per Box 11 of the SF1442, contractor performance shall begin within 10 calendar days of the notice to proceed. CLINs anticipate a period of performance start date of November 7, 2023.

Q12: Please advise regarding the duration between the completion of the new Ice Core facility and the demolition of the existing facility. How many weeks are expected between the two stages.

A12: The new facility will be commissioned as soon as construction has been completed. This construction contract will be considered substantially complete after successful commissioning and enter a one year warranty period. This would be the end of the responsibilities of the GC for this contract.

mailto:james.slaughter1@jacobs.com

Outside of this contract the old facility and new facility will both be operational for 6 months before the movement of ice cores into the new facility. Once the movement is complete the old facility will be demolished. Please note that the demolition of the old facility and movement of the ice cores are not currently a part of this contract.

Q13: Please confirm that the warehouse will be empty for the duration of the project.

A13: Building 810 is a tenant occupied warehouse. The designated space within Building 810 for the new ice core facility is empty.

Q14: Please confirm that cell phones / smart phones with camera's are allowed to be used during construction.

A14: Cell phones with cameras are permitted. FAR 52.204-27, Prohibition on ByteDance Covered Application, will be a part of the resulting contract, which prohibits the having and using the social network service TikTok or any successor application or service developed or provided by ByteDance Limited. The prohibition applies to devices regardless of ownership by the government, the contractor, or the contractor’s employees.

Q15: Please advise if the existing open space (the inside fenced area) will be available for contractor offices, laydown, storage and staging for the project.

A15: The existing open space within the fenced area will be available for contractor offices, laydown, storage, and staging.

Q16: Please advise regarding the access clearance for subcontractors and trade partners. Are all employees required to have clearance and background check or only foremen and superintendents.

A16: IAW GSAR 552.204-9, Personal Identification Verification Requirements, the contractor shall comply with GSA personal identity verification requirements.

Per The Agreement Section III.H. Administrative Matters, item (5) Security Clearances (Page 11):

(5) Security Clearances. Contractor shall comply with the following requirements pertaining to security clearances.

(a) All personnel performing work under the Contract on the Project site must obtain an Enter on Duty (EOD) determination before they will be granted access to the site.

(b) To obtain an EOD determination, Contractor shall submit for all such personnel fingerprints on Form SF87 and a completed Contractor Information Worksheet (CIW). Detailed information is available at Detailed information is available at GSA

Access Card . USAccess Credentialing Centers can be located at US Access Centers.

(c) In addition, all such personnel who will be on site 6 months or longer must apply for and receive clearance in accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12). See Section IV, Contract Clauses, GSAR 552.204-9.

Security Clearance Requirements are further defined on Pages 18-22 of The Agreement.

Q17: There is a breakdown of Core & Shell and Tenant cost in the bid form. Please confirm everything is tenant cost.

A17: Correct. Please include all costs as tenant costs.

Q18: Spec section 030130 D. 1 says to remove and repair an approximately 50sf area of deteriorated concrete deck deteriorated concrete wall. Please clarify if this is 50sf for each location or in total. How thick is the concrete to be repaired and what are the reinforcing requirements? Will lift equipment be required to access the concrete to be repaired?

A18: Any concrete that requires replacement/repair to be executed in kind with existing conditions. The 50sf would be in total and is reference to a mockup demonstrating capabilities to meet GSA aesthetic standards requirements for concrete repair. Lift equipment would not be required.

Q19: Please provide any third party testing companies that are required to be used for the facility.

A19: No specific company is required to be used so long as they have the required certifications.

Q20: Please provide any required fire alarm, mechanical control companies that are required to be used in this facility.

A20: The new fire alarm and mechanical controls shall be installed in accordance with the specifications and report out as defined.

Q21: Spec section 011100 Refrigeration Summary of work is listed in the index but not provided.

Please provide Summary.

A21: The index call out for 011100 should have been removed. This specification is not a part of this project.

Q22: Spec section 040110 C. 1. states Cleaning: Clean an area approximately 25 sq. ft. (2.3 sq.

m) for each type of masonry and surface condition. Please clarify how many types of masonry and surface conditions will be cleaned. Will lift equipment be required to access these locations?

A22: There is no anticipated masonry cleaning as a part of this project.

Q23: Spec Section 220505 3.3.A, 230505 3.3.A and 311000 3.3.D all reference provisions of Division 2 specs which have not been provided. Please provide Division 2 referenced specifications if they apply

A23: Disregard references to division 2 in these specifications.

Q24: 015000 2.2.B says to provide GSA field office with seperate restrooms. Is an outside modular trailer required or will GSA staff be officed in the existing facility?

A24: There is no requirement to provide GSA with any space or temporary facilities as GSA personnel will not be displaced by the work associated with this project.

Q25: Clarify the area of asphalt removal required for the proposed gas cooler location. C100 shows this area to be 20' x 45'. Sheet A-102 shows an area of 26' x 51'.

A25: C-100 indicates the actual size of the platform whereas A-102 indicates the amount of asphalt to be demolished and includes some additional demolition above and beyond the actual size of the structure. The exact amount of asphalt to be demolished should be left to the contractor means and methods for construction.

Q26: We believe that experience with Cold Storage Projects in which the offeror served as the prime or general contractor and self-performed work critical to the cold storage construction will serve to greatly reduce performance risk on this project. We respectfully request that a further evaluation strength be afforded to Cold Storage Projects for which the offeror served as the prime or general contractor. Additionally, we request that a further evaluation strength be afforded to Cold Storage Projects for which the offeror self-performed critical elements of construction (refrigeration enclosure system, mechanical system, etc.).

A26: The solicitation evaluation factors remain the same.

Q27: Additionally, our review of the drawings have found several details related to the refrigeration enclosure system installation that are not, in our experience, industry best practices and could result in long term maintenance and operational issues. Rather than highlight these areas for our competition, we intend to address and discuss proposed improvements in our technical approach. If desired we would welcome individual discussions with you and the design team ahead of the bid in order to help improve the construction of this critical facility whether we are ultimately the successful offeror or not.

A27: Please address your concerns in your technical approach. No discussions will be held prior to closing of the solicitation. In addition, the government reserves the right to award without discussions.

Q28: Will there be an opportunity for a second job-walk in order to bring our subcontractors through?

A28: No.

Q29: Please confirm City of Lakewood permits are not required for this project.

A29: In accordance with FAR 52.236-7, Permits and Responsibilities, the contractor shall, without additional expense to the Government, be responsible for obtaining any necessary licenses and permits, and for complying with any Federal, State, and municipal laws, codes, and regulations applicable to the performance of the work.

Q30: Please confirm that GSA and/or NSF is exempt from all sales taxes, such as State, RTD, County, City, and other local taxes.

A30: In the state of Colorado - Purchases made directly by the Federal Government are exempt from sales tax. A Tax Exemption Certificate has been issued for General Services Administration for use if requested when purchases are made by a Government agent by issuance of a contract/order. The certificate number - provided post award - may also be given to Government contractors to claim a sales tax exemption for building materials for construction work on government owned structures, streets/highways or other public works.

Also, electricity and most fuels consumed in performing real property construction on federally owned property are tax exempt. Purchase or rental of equipment, supplies or other materials that are not incorporated into a federal structure are not tax exempt.

Q31: Do you anticipate weekly OAC meetings to be held on site or held virtually?

A31: It is anticipated OAC meetings will be held in a hybrid format, with the ability to join the virtual audience and onsite audience. It is not required that all participants be in person for these OAC Meetings.

Q32: Please confirm 3rd party inspection costs will be carried by GSA and/or NSF, otherwise coordinated and scheduled by the GC.

A32: GSA will carry the costs for the 3rd party inspections that are denoted in the specification as the responsibility of the owner. The CMa will be responsible to schedule and coordinate these inspections with the GC.

Q33: Please describe badging/credential requirements:

a. Is there a fee for the badging process?

b. Please define restrictions which will deem an individual ineligible to receive a badge or gain site access.

c. Please define the background check depth, process and fee.

A33: A. There is no fee for the badging process.

B. Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) defines the restrictions.

C. Security Clearance Requirements are further defined on Pages 18-22 of The

Agreement.

IAW GSAR 552.204-9, Personal Identification Verification Requirements, the contractor shall comply with GSA personal identity verification requirements.

Per The Agreement Section III.H. Administrative Matters, item (5) Security Clearances (Page 11):

(5) Security Clearances. Contractor shall comply with the following requirements pertaining to security clearances.

(a) All personnel performing work under the Contract on the Project site must obtain an Enter on Duty (EOD) determination before they will be granted access to the site.

(b) To obtain an EOD determination, Contractor shall submit for all such personnel fingerprints on Form SF87 and a completed Contractor Information Worksheet (CIW). Detailed information is available at Detailed information is available at GSA Access Card . USAccess Credentialing Centers can be located at US Access Centers.

(c) In addition, all such personnel who will be on site 6 months or longer must apply for and receive clearance in accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12). See Section IV, Contract Clauses, GSAR 552.204-9.

Q34: Regarding site security & cyber-security, please define special requirements, applications or operations required by contractors.

A34: Please see A33 and A16 for site security requirements. All requirements are defined throughout the solicitation.

Q35: Please define silica control measures expected. Is adherence to OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1926.1153, Table 1 acceptable?

A35: The Contractor shall comply with all applicable requirements of the OSHA Respirable Crystalline Standard for Construction (29 CFR 1926.1153) , not just Table 1 within paragraph

(c) of the standard. Table 1 covers specific controls for specific equipment and tasks. If the controls are not implemented per the specified equipment or tasks, or the equipment or task is not listed, then paragraph (d) must be followed. There are lots of other requirements in the standard beyond Table 1 that have to be followed, including but not limited to the respiratory protection requirements in paragraph (e), housekeeping requirements in paragraph (f), the written exposure control plan requirements in paragraph (g), medical surveillance in paragraph (h), and employee training, hazard communication requirements in paragraph (i), etc.

In hand in hand with compliance with the OSHA Respirable Crystalline Standard are requirements in the GSA spec language for construction indoor air quality following SMACNA and GSA requirements. This is especially important since this work will be done in an occupied building.

Q36: Please describe the general role and duties of Jacobs as the construction manager.

A36: The Construction Management as Advisor (CMa) works in collaboration with the entire Project Delivery Team. The CMa advises GSA with management advice regarding reviews and services to be performed throughout the life of the project. Jacobs provides these services in accordance with the Construction Management Association of America’s (CMAA) - Construction Management Standards of Practice.

Q37: Per “The Agreement,” page 7 of 46, section III.A. “Contractor Responsibilities” indicates; (1) For the purposes of FAR 52.236-1, Performance of Work by the Contractor, the Contractor shall perform at least 15 percent of the construction work.

Question; Can the 15% be reduced to 5%?

A37: No.

Q38: Will any off-hours work be required?

A38: There are no specific tasks that will require off hour work. Construction work will be coordinated with GSA project management and facilities management.

Q39: Will GSA and/or NSF provide temporary power for use by the GC?

A39: There is power available within the space that can be used by the GC. The GC will be required for tapping into that power for use during construction.

Q40: Will GSA and/or NSF provide water access for use by the GC?

A40: GSA and/or NSF will provide access to drinking water. Additionally the hose bibs located on the building can be used by the contractor. Any water requirements above what a hose could provide will need to be provided by the GC.

Q41: Will GSA and/or NSF, or the GC be responsible for removal/relocation of existing warehouse inventory, equipment, boxes, etc. remaining in the area of work?

A41: Yes. The area where the work is to occur should be free of inventory, equipment, boxes, etc prior to the work commencing by the GC. Any removal of this inventory is not a requirement of the GC.

Q42: Are there any hazardous materials requiring abatement present in the work areas?

A42: There is no anticipated abatement of lead of asbestos during this project. Preliminary testing was done to confirm this.

Q43: Can a Geotech Report be made available to the bidding GCs?

A43: No. The geotech report was done to inform the design. The designer has since engineered the system. If the system is constructed as designed it will take into account the current geotechnical conditions.

Q44: Regarding “Option SCLIN 0002,” is additional drawing information available for the Entry Archways? The Construction Drawings appear to not provide the info needed to accurately price this option. Please advise.

A44: The drawing information can be found on A-503 for SCLIN 0002.

Q45: Is the GC responsible for the decommissioning of the existing ice storage room/structure?

A45: Not at this time. The decommissioning and disposal of the existing ice core facility is outside the current scope of this contract.

Q46: Is the GC to provide any card readers? If so, please provide specs.

A46: There are no card readers associated with this project.

Q47: Is the EC to provide conduit, boxes and wiring for any card readers?

A47: There are no card readers associated with this project.

Q48: Detail F2/G-504 notes secondary vapor barrier below the send base. This vapor barrier is not dashed like the primary and secondary vapor barrier above and below the insulation.

Please confirm if a 3rd vapor barrier layer is required?

A48: There will only be (2) vapor barriers, one below the concrete slab and one below the rigid insulation. The note “secondary vapor barrier” below the sand base can be ignored as this is a rogue note. An addendum has been released with updated drawings that reflect this answer.

Q49: (3) Proprietary Information Agreement(s) Offerors are advised that employees of the firm(s) identified below may require access to your firm’s proprietary information in performing advisory and assistance services for the Government under separate contract. These individuals will be authorized access only to such information that is necessary to enable them to perform their respective duties. Such firm(s) are expressly prohibited from competing on the subject acquisition.

Jacobs Engineering 717 17th Street, Suite 2750 | Denver, CO 80202

Pursuant to FAR Part 9.505-4(b), these firms must execute an agreement with each offeror that states that they will (1) protect the offerors’ information from unauthorized use or disclosure for as long as it remains proprietary and (2) refrain from using the information for any purpose other than that for which it was furnished.

To expedite the evaluation process, each offeror must contact the above-listed firm(s) to effect execution of such an agreement prior to the submission of proposals. Each offeror must submit copies of any such agreement(s) with their proposal.

About the above agreement, would you be able to explain what we need to provide to meet this requirement. There was not a form with the Solicitation that was noted to use, nor a POC listed.

A49: see question 9

Q50: Will the new generator require a remote fuel fill kit given it is located within an enclosure? It appears the fuel fill will be blocked by the enclosure.

A50: No remote fuel fill kit is required as a part of this contract.

Q51: It is presumed we will provide diesel fuel for testing of the generator. Will the final fuel fill be by GSA/NSF or the GC?

A51: The final fuel fill will be purchased by GSA/NSF. The contractor will need to supply fuel for any generator testing required prior to substantial completion.