Amendment 0004 Questions and Answers.pdf

Amendment 0004 Questions and Answers

GSA PBS Governmentwide Multiple-Award IDIQ Contract(s) for General Construction with Design/Build Capabilities to Support the Installation of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)

# Question # Answer 1 Some locations/states have gross receipts tax and/or equivalent. Does the client expect the contractor to cover that in the unit price or should it be applied on Task Order by Task Order basis?

1 Please exclude these costs from the Revised Supplemental SF 1442 Pricing Sheet. These costs may be included at the task order level.

2 In case of certain remote locations, the shipping costs are extremely high for large size equipment/materials. Is it the intent to capture these costs within the unit prices or would they be excluded to be captured on a Task Order by Task Order basis?

2 Please exclude these costs from the Revised Supplemental SF 1442 Pricing Sheet. These costs may be included at the task order level.

3 Row intentionally left blank.

4 “Supplemental SF 1442 Pricing Sheet” refers to overhead and profit. However, there is no mention of G&A. Will G&A be part of overhead or profit or should it be included within the unit rates? Please clarify.

4 Please see the response to Question 65 in Amendment 0002 which indicates that the line items for overhead and profit have been removed. Please exclude overhead, profit and G&A from the Revised Supplemental SF 1442 Pricing Sheet. These costs may be included at the task order level.

5 Row intentionally left blank.

6 Row intentionally left blank.

7 Paragraph II.D, Factor 1 – States the following:

While the Government is looking for prior experience by the prime contractor or joint venture, the Government may consider relevant experience by affiliated companies, key personnel and subcontractors.

Please replace the “may” with “will”, since that makes the evaluation fuzzy and whether to include experience from someone else. For example, if we have a subcontractor that has performed 1,000 EVSE and included their relevant experience, but you do not evaluate it, then that puts our firm at a disadvantage. For all firms to be on equal footing and be evaluated the same, we suggest the replacement of “may” with “will”.

7 The following language (previously revised per Amendment 0001) in “The Solicitation DB201”, Section II.D, Technical Proposal, Factor 1 – Prior Experience on Relevant Projects, is hereby changed From: “While the Government is looking for prior experience by the prime contractor or joint venture, the Government may consider relevant experience by affiliated companies, key personnel and subcontractors, which may include subcontractors under Small Business Teaming Arrangements.”

To: “While the Government is looking for prior experience by the prime contractor or joint venture, the Government will consider relevant experience by affiliated companies, key personnel and subcontractors, which may include subcontractors under Small Business Teaming Arrangements.”

In addition, the following language is hereby added to "The Solicitation DB201" section II.D, Factor 1 – Prior Experience on Relevant Projects: “Prior experience by the prime contractor or joint venture may be considered a strength.”

Offerors should review Factor 1 and use their best business judgement when determining what projects to submit.

8 Paragraph II.D, Factor 1 – Has a list of items to be included for each project. Since just the requested information listed is a half a page and we are to include four projects can we modify “Attachment B” to include just the numbers of the paragraphs and not the half page of descriptors? We understand the page limit was increased to 15, but the format still takes up two pages.

8 Please see the response to Question 80 in Amendment 0002 which indicates that “Attachment B may be modified if the information is addressed in the exact order and in 12 point font.”

Also, please see the response to Question 22 in Amendment 0004 with updated language regarding technical proposal page limitations, which supersedes any previous technical proposal page limitation restrictions.

9 Row intentionally left blank.

10 Paragraph II.D, Factor 3, Resumes – The Contract Manager is a key person, which you have listed. However, the other key personnel are not identified and up to the offeror to decide. This leads to the offerors to decide who is key and “guessing”. For example, if we decide on three construction personnel and two AE personnel, then is that equal to two construction personnel and three AE personnel? We do not want to guess and this puts the offeror that guesses correctly at an advantage vs all firms being on an equal evaluation. Please consider naming the other four key positions.

10 Please see the response to Question 98 in Amendment 0002 which indicates that offerors should use their best business judgement in determining any resumes to submit beyond the primary Contract Manager.

11 Row intentionally left blank.

12 Row intentionally left blank.

Questions and Answers

GSA PBS Governmentwide Multiple-Award IDIQ Contract(s) for General Construction with Design/Build Capabilities to Support the Installation of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)

# Question # Answer 13 Some firms are certified installers of specific or multiple manufacturers. Will they have a conflict of interest in performing work?

13 In general, potential organizational conflicts of interest would need to be considered on a case-by-case basis.

14 Some manufacturers offer discounts to those installers, which would put them at a price advantage over other contractors. How will GSA handle this to make the playing field even for all bidders? We understand the GSA’s FSS EVSE schedule will be used, but how will a contractor that has a possible bias to one manufacturer be evaluated?

14 In general, potential organizational conflicts of interest would need to be considered on a case-by-case basis.

15 Pricing – If a contractor can get a better price than the GSA’s FSS EVSE price, can we use it? 15 The following language from the revised (per Amendment 0002) attachment titled "Statement of Work March 17 2022", Section (8) Inclusion of EVSE and Ancillary Services Within Task Order Requirements, is hereby changed From: “Use of the FSS EVSE and Ancillary Services BPAs for supplies or ancillary services specified in the Task Order requirements is mandatory, unless the required supplies or ancillary services are not available on the BPAs. This includes, but is not limited to all types of electric vehicle charging terminals. In the event that a contractor determines that required supplies or ancillary services under a Task Order are not available through the FSS EVSE and Ancillary Services BPAs, contractors must notify the Task Order Contracting Officer as soon as practicable to request an exception from this requirement.”

To: “Use of the FSS EVSE and Ancillary Services BPAs for electric vehicle charging stations specified in the Task Order requirements is mandatory, unless the required electric vehicle charging stations are not available on the BPAs. In the event that a contractor determines that required electric vehicle charging stations under a Task Order are not available through the FSS EVSE and Ancillary Services BPAs, contractors must notify the Task Order Contracting Officer as soon as practicable to request an exception from this requirement. If necessary, the IDIQ Contracting Officer may identify other grounds for exceptions.”

16 Row intentionally left blank.

17 Supplemental SF-1442 Pricing Sheet, Instructions – Instruction #2 requires one normalized price for the entire geographic Zone.

The pricing for labor in Montana vs southern California is a big difference. A firm could propose for most of their work in less populated areas and be at a cost advantage during the selection process. To give each bidder a better idea of the work area, can the GSA give a rough range of the number of installations by geographic area (ie southern California) or state?

If not, can the GSA provide an approximate total number of installations per Zone?

17 Please see the response to Question 75 in Amendment 0002.

18 The Solicitation DB201, page 7, section II.B, para 3(a), Would the Government allow a font size smaller than the required “twelve (12) point font” for headers, footers, tables, and graphics?

18 Please see the response to Question 22 in Amendment 0004, with updated language regarding technical proposal page limitations, which supersedes any previous technical proposal page limitation restrictions.

19 The Solicitation DB201; Amendment 0001 Attachment A, page 8-9, II.D, Factor 1, The instructions require Relevant Projects from “the offeror.” The solicitation (as revised in Amendment 0001) also states, “While the Government is looking for prior experience by the prime contractor or joint venture, the Government may consider relevant experience by affiliated companies, key personnel and subcontractors, which may include subcontractors under Small Business Teaming Arrangements.” Please clarify whether Prior Experience Relevant Contracts from subcontractors will be given equal weight during evaluation as those performed by the prime offeror.

19 Please see the response to Question 7 in Amendment 0004.

Questions and Answers

GSA PBS Governmentwide Multiple-Award IDIQ Contract(s) for General Construction with Design/Build Capabilities to Support the Installation of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)

# Question # Answer 20 The Solicitation DB201; Amendment 0001 Attachment A, page 8-9, II.D, Factor 1, Are offerors to submit a Teaming Agreement or other documentation when including Prior Experience and Past Performance from a subcontractor?

20 Please see the response to Question 7 in Amendment 0004. Also, please see the response to Question 5 in Amendment 0001, which indicates “If applicable, offerors must include Small Business Teaming Arrangements with their Price Proposal and include information required by FAR 52.207-6.”

21 The Solicitation DB201; Amendment 0001 Attachment B, page 9, II.D, Factor 1, items i-xi, The information requested in Section II.D, Factor 1, items i through xi is slightly different than the questions in Attachment B. Are offerors to modify Attachment B in order to include all information requested in Section II.D?

21 A "Revised ATTACHMENT B, PRIOR EXPERIENCE WORKSHEET" is provided with Amendment 0004, which replaces the previously issued "ATTACHMENT B, PRIOR EXPERIENCE WORKSHEET". Offerors must submit the "Revised ATTACHMENT B, PRIOR EXPERIENCE WORKSHEET" with their proposal.

Also, see the response to Question 80 in Amendment 0002 which indicates that “Attachment B may be modified if the information is addressed in the exact order and in 12 point font.”

22 The Solicitation DB201, section II.D, Factor 2, para (d), Please confirm that performance recognition documents are excluded from the volume page limitation.

22 The response to Question 62 in Amendment 0002 is hereby changed to the following, which supersedes any previous technical proposal page limitation restrictions:

“The overall page limit for the technical proposal described in “The Solicitation DB201”, Section II.B., 3.a, is hereby deleted and replaced with the following technical proposal page limitations:

"The technical proposal shall be limited to the following components and their respective page limitations:

- Cover Page – indicating which Geographic Zone(s) the offeror is requesting to be considered for (i.e., Zone A, B, C, D), not to exceed one (1) page.

- Table of Contents - Optional, not to exceed one (1) page, if provided

- Project Bonding Capacity – no page limitation

- Factor 1 – Prior Experience on Relevant Projects - for each project submitted, the completed Attachment B shall not exceed two (2) pages. If more than two (2) pages are submitted, only the first two (2) pages will be evaluated.

- Factor 2 - Past Performance on Relevant Projects - PPQs have no page limitation. A list of any other forms of performance recognition shall not exceed two (2) pages. If more than two (2) pages are submitted, only the first two (2) pages will be evaluated.

- Factor 3 - Management Plan – the entire Management Plan, excluding resumes, shall not exceed ten (10) pages. If more than ten (10) pages are submitted, only the first ten (10) pages will be evaluated. A maximum of five (5) resumes can be submitted. If more than 5 resumes are submitted, only the first five (5) will be evaluated. Each resume submitted shall not exceed two (2) pages. If more than two (2) pages are submitted, only the first two (2) pages will be evaluated.

- Factor 4 - Small Business Socioeconomic Category Designation - The Attachment C, Small Business/Socioeconomic Category Designation Form, is excluded from the page limitation.

All pages in the technical proposal must be 8.5 inches by 11 inches and use twelve (12) point font, except that headers, footers, tables, charts and graphics would not need to meet font size 12 restrictions; however, the offeror is responsible to ensure all text is legible. Pages that differ from these page dimensions will not be evaluated."

Questions and Answers

GSA PBS Governmentwide Multiple-Award IDIQ Contract(s) for General Construction with Design/Build Capabilities to Support the Installation of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)

# Question # Answer 23 The Solicitation, section II.D, Factor 3, Would the Government consider requiring position descriptions, detailing qualifications and minimum requirements, instead of resumes for key personnel?

23 The only required resume is for the Contract Manager. Any other resumes provided or the format thereof shall be based upon the best business judgement of the offeror.

24 The Solicitation DB201, II.D, Factor 3, Please confirm that the key personnel represented in the required resumes may be employed by a subcontractor/team partner.

24 Yes.

25 The Solicitation DB201, section VI., This section states, “Total Evaluated Price shall be calculated using the prices indicated in the Price Proposal, using the following formula:” The paragraph ends there; should a formula be inserted to complete this statement?

25 The following language in “The Solicitation DB201”, VI.E, Total Evaluated Price, is hereby changed From: “Total Evaluated Price shall be calculated using the prices indicated in the Price Proposal, using the following formula:”

To: “Total Evaluated Price shall be calculated as indicated in the revised Supplemental SF1442 Pricing Sheet.”

26 Row intentionally left blank.

27 Row intentionally left blank.

28 The Solicitation DB201, Please identify the limitation on subcontracting for a successful Small Business firm. Would this be considered General Construction (FAR 52.219-14(e)(3) or Specialty Trades (FAR 52.219-14 (e)(4)?

28 General construction. As indicated in the C301, Representations and Certifications, the applicable NAICS is 236220, Commercial and Institutional Building Construction.

29 The Solicitation DB201, section VI.B, states, “In order to be considered responsible, an Offeror must demonstrate that it meets the requirements of FAR 9.104-1. The Contracting Officer's determination of an Offeror's responsibility or non-responsibility may be based upon any information obtained by the Contracting Officer, and is independent of the evaluation of offers set forth herein.” Would the Government clarify what (if any) specific documents the offeror is to provide in response to this instruction?

29 Additional documentation is not required with an offeror’s proposal.

30 Statement of Work March 17 2022, Are there any Tax Exemptions or Direct Pay Permits held by GSA that offerors should be aware of?

30 Task order requirements are expected to vary.

31 Statement of Work March 17 2022, Appendix A, In reference to the requirement for identifying existing code violations – Will contractors be responsible for addressing/correcting all code violations?

31 Task order requirements are expected to vary.

32 Statement of Work March 17 2022, Appendix A, How should ADA accessibility be handled? Will there be GSA standards for this or are contractors to follow local code only?

32 Task order requirements are expected to vary.

33 Statement of Work March 17 2022, Appendix A, In reference to the requirement for incentives and rebates – Is the requirement that contractors act as consultant for incentives and rebates, providing information back to the Tenant or Landlord who will then submit and “own” the incentives and rebates?

33 Task order requirements are expected to vary.

34 Statement of Work March 17 2022, Appendix A, In reference to the requirement for signed and sealed bid documents – Would the Government please explain the requirement for Signed and Sealed documents?

34 Task order requirements are expected to vary.

35 Statement of Work March 17 2022, Appendix A, in the Design section, states that contractors are responsible for executing the Quality Control Plan. Is the contractor also responsible for developing the Quality Control Plan?

35 Task order requirements are expected to vary.

Questions and Answers

GSA PBS Governmentwide Multiple-Award IDIQ Contract(s) for General Construction with Design/Build Capabilities to Support the Installation of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)

# Question # Answer 36 Statement of Work March 17 2022, Appendix A, in the Commissioning section, includes a requirement for “Ensuring work is compliant with the most current version of all applicable governing documents/codes.” Is a type of enhanced commissioning or commissioning agent expected? Or is this a reference to ensuring final sign-off on all permits?

36 Task order requirements are expected to vary.

37 The Agreement DB101, section IV.B para 2, The agreement includes FAR 52.204-14 Service Contract Reporting Requirements (Applies to Contract estimate total value of $500,000 or greater). Should FAR 52.204-15 Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite Delivery Contracts also be included?

37 In attachment titled “The Agreement DB101”, references to FAR 52.204-14, Service Contract Reporting Requirements, are hereby deleted and replaced with FAR 52.204-15, Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts (OCT 16).

38 The Solicitation DB201, section II.D, Factor 3, The wording used in the instructions for Factor 3 is ambiguous relative to a Management Plan submission. Is there a requirement for a Management Plan other than the offer’s response to Factor 3 – Management Plan?

38 There is not a requirement for a separate Management Plan other than the offeror’s response to Factor 3 – Management Plan.

39 Statement of Work March 17 2022, Do offerors need a SOC-1 for their Financial System and Project Management System?

39 A “SOC-1” is not referenced in the Statement of Work. Task order requirements are expected to vary.

40 Statement of Work March 17 2022, pages 4, 8, 9, section 8 instructs contractors to use the FSS BPAs for equipment and ancillary services. SOW Section 24 requires contractors to maintain a Cyber Supply Chain Risk Management plan. Would the Government please clarify the requirement for the C-SCRM program if procurement is accomplished through the FSS?

40 The Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) language in the Statement of Work is applicable to this contract.

Additional requirements (e.g., cybersecurity and SCRM requirements) may be specified at the Task Order level.

41 Row intentionally left blank.

42 Please clarify if Factor 3 - Management Plan is the only section within the technical proposal limited to the 15 pages as identified in the first round of Q&A released. If not, we ask that this section be the only section with a limited page count.

42 Please see the response to Question 22 in Amendment 0004, with updated language regarding technical proposal page limitations, which supersedes any previous technical proposal page limitation restrictions.

43 Can GSA reconsider the 12-font requirement? 43 Please see the response to Question 22 in Amendment 0004, with updated language regarding technical proposal page limitations, which supersedes any previous technical proposal page limitation restrictions.

44 Is there a font requirement in the footer? If it is 12 pt font, can it be reduced to 10 pt font? 44 Please see the response to Question 22 in Amendment 0004, with updated language regarding technical proposal page limitations, which supersedes any previous technical proposal page limitation restrictions.

45 Row intentionally left blank.

46 The monetary relevancy for projects is stated as projects between $50,000.00 and $4,000,000.00. Our firm has several projects in the 5-12 Million dollar range that include many of the other relevancy factors listed for factor 1. Is it acceptable to use projects that exceed this range and if so, would these projects be considered favorable due to the increased size and increased complexity?

46 Submitting projects greater than $4 million is not prohibited. Please note that “The Agreement DB101” Section I.C., Period of Performance, indicates that “The individual Task Orders to be placed under the IDIQ contracts are generally anticipated to range in dollar value from approximately $50,000 up to $4,000,000. However, Task Orders may be outside of this range.” Also, please see the response to Question 6 in Amendment 0001 which indicates that “Offerors should review Factor 1 and use their best business judgement when determining what projects to submit.”

47 The supplemental pricing sheet provided by the Government requires that we include pricing for the base and all options per zone. Since Davis Bacon wage rates could be significantly different from county to county across each zone, it is difficult to provide "blanket" pricing for all counties in the zones. For example, the wage rates for an electrician in New Albany Indiana will be much lower than electrician wage rates in Chicago IL. Are we to provide pricing that accounts the highest possible wage rate in each zone? If so, the pricing would appear vey high in order to account for this highest potential cost of labor.

47 Please see the response to Question 75 in Amendment 0002.

Questions and Answers

GSA PBS Governmentwide Multiple-Award IDIQ Contract(s) for General Construction with Design/Build Capabilities to Support the Installation of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)

# Question # Answer 48 The supplemental pricing sheet provided by the Government requires that we include pricing for the base and all options per zone including labor and material costs. Will the Davis Bacon wage rates that are effective at the time of proposal submission be used for the life of the base and option years? If not, will awardees by allowed to provide updated line item pricing before each option year is exercised to account for future increases in the applicable Davis Bacon wage decisions that are unkown at this time?

48 A “Revised Supplemental SF1442 Pricing Sheet R1” is provided with Amendment 0004, which replaces the previously issued "Revised Supplemental SF1442 Pricing Sheet". Offerors must submit the “Revised Supplemental SF1442 Pricing Sheet R1” with their proposal. The line items for the Electrician and Site Superintendent have been removed.

Attachment titled, "Revised Supplemental SF 1442 Pricing Sheet R1", tab "Instructions", instruction 6 states, "For any work that is not covered by line items established in the IDIQ contract, the Task Order Contracting Officer will specify the format of the price proposal." This is expected to provide flexibility at the Task Order level.

49 The supplemental pricing sheet provided by the Government requires that we include pricing for the base and all options per zone including labor and material costs. With the historic inflation and supply chain issues we are currently experieincing, it is very difficult to project the price of materials more than a few months in advance. This is especially true for items like copper and technology items like EVCS's. Will there be any opportunity for awardees to negotiate their maximum line item amounts prior to option years being executed to account for unforseen price escalations? If not, line item pricing to account for these historic conditions will likely result in pricing that is much higher than the Government's IGE contemplates.

49 Please see the response to Question 75 in Amendment 0002.

50 Due to the historic inflation and supply chain issues, would the Government consider revising the pricing sheet and evaluation of price to include only maximum profit and overhead rates since material and labor pricing under the current econic conditions is impossible to predit more than a few weeks out at this time? We have seen this approach on other recently issued GSA multiple award IDIQ contracts.

50 Please see the response to Question 48 in Amendment 0004.

51 Row intentionally left blank.

52 The supplemental pricing list requires us to provide pricing for Transformers and Panelboards.

Should bidders provide pricing for indoor or outdoor (NEMA 1 or NEMA 3R) use?

52 Please see the responses to Questions 115 and 116 in Amendment 0002.

53 Row intentionally left blank.

54 Row intentionally left blank.

55 Row intentionally left blank.

56 Row intentionally left blank.

57 Row intentionally left blank.

58 Row intentionally left blank.

59 Row intentionally left blank.

60 Please confirm a page is equivalent to a single side of a sheet of paper. 60 Yes.

61 Row intentionally left blank.

62 Row intentionally left blank.

63 For Factor 1, Prior Experience on Relevant Projects, may Master IDIQ contracts may be submitted as relevant experience or is the requirement limited to individual task orders issued?

63 Please see the response to Question 96 in Amendment 0004.

64 For Factor 1, may offerors include the information required in Attachment B (in its entirety and in the same order) within the narrative structure of their submission rather than as a stand-alone document?

64 Please see the response to Question 80 in Amendment 0002 which indicates that “Attachment B may be modified if the information is addressed in the exact order and in 12 point font.”

65 Row intentionally left blank.

66 Row intentionally left blank.

Questions and Answers

GSA PBS Governmentwide Multiple-Award IDIQ Contract(s) for General Construction with Design/Build Capabilities to Support the Installation of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)

# Question # Answer 67 Factor 2, Item D, indicates offerors may include additional performance recognition documents.

Are these limited to the projects submitted in Factor 1?

67 Regarding “The Solicitation DB201”, section II.D, Factor 2 - Past Performance on Relevant Projects, paragraph d., listed performance recognition documents are not limited to projects submitted under Factor 1 - Prior Experience on Relevant Projects. Please see the response to Question 22 in Amendment 0004, with updated language regarding technical proposal page limitations, which supersedes any previous technical proposal page limitation restrictions.

68 If additional performance recognition documents are submitted, will they be excluded from the page count?

68 Please see the response to Question 22 in Amendment 0004, with updated language regarding technical proposal page limitations, which supersedes any previous technical proposal page limitation restrictions.

69 Please confirm that the unit prices on the Supplemental SF1442 do not include general conditions, overhead, and profit.

69 Confirmed.

70 Please confirm that onsite general conditions costs may be added to task orders and are not considered to be included in the Overhead rate provided on the Supplemental SF1442.

70 Confirmed. Also, note that overhead has been removed from the Revised Supplemental SF 1442 Pricing Sheet.

71 Can travel costs for the designer, contractor, or subcontractors be added to each task order? 71 Please see the response to Question 35 in Amendment 0002, which indicates that “Attachment titled, "Revised Supplemental SF 1442 Pricing Sheet", tab "Instructions", instruction 6 states, "For any work that is not covered by line items established in the IDIQ contract, the Task Order Contracting Officer will specify the format of the price proposal." This is expected to provide flexibility at the Task Order level.”

72 Row intentionally left blank.

73 Row intentionally left blank.

74 Row intentionally left blank.

75 Row intentionally left blank.

76 Paragraph III.B of the Agreement states in part, “The Contractor shall secure and pay for all necessary permits and governmental fees, licenses, and inspections that are customarily secured after award of the Contract and that are legally required at the time of award.” Please confirm that the costs for such permits, fees, licenses, and inspections are task order costs and are not included in the Overhead and Profit percentages.

76 Confirmed. Also, note that overhead and profit have been removed from the Revised Supplemental SF 1442 Pricing Sheet R1.

77 Referencing Section 4 of the SOW, are offerors required to purchase supplies and services only from the Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) titled “Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) and Ancillary Services” or will this requirement also apply to additional FSS, MAS, and/or BPAs (for example, ANCRA or 335999 - Power Distribution & Solar Energy Solutions?) If additional purchasing platforms are required or anticipated, please provide a list of the various schedules contractors will be required to use in the performance of their work.

77 Please see the response to Question 15 in Amendment 0004.

78 Can the GSA please provide a link to the current Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) “Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) and Ancillary Services” Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) referenced on page 4 of the Statement of Work?

78 The Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) “Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) and Ancillary Services” Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) referenced in the Statement of Work are anticipated to be awarded in Spring 2022.

79 Will the contractor typically purchase the EVSE (such as charging stations) directly using the EVSE and Ancillary Services BPAs, or will these items typically be furnished by the Government?

79 Task order requirements are expected to vary.

80 Are contractors required to purchase EVSE and ancillary services using the EVSE and Ancillary Services BPAs, or may they utilize other sources as long as pricing is competitive with that found on the BPAs?

80 Please see the response to Question 15 in Amendment 0004.

81 FAR 8.405-3(c)(2) referenced on page 4 of the Statement of Work states that “the ordering activity must provide each multiple-award BPA holder a fair opportunity to be considered” for each order between the micro purchase threshold and the simplified acquisition threshold.

Please confirm this requirement applies to contractors on this IDIQ as well.

81 Attachment titled"Statement of Work April 14 2022", Section (8) Inclusion of EVSE and Ancillary Services Within Task Order Requirements, indicates that “IDIQ contractors placing orders under the FSS EVSE and Ancillary Services BPAs must follow any applicable GSA ordering procedures in addition to the ordering procedures in FAR Subpart 8.4 and FAR Part 51.”

Questions and Answers

GSA PBS Governmentwide Multiple-Award IDIQ Contract(s) for General Construction with Design/Build Capabilities to Support the Installation of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)

# Question # Answer 82 FAR 8.405-3(c)(2) referenced on page 4 of the Statement of Work states that the ordering activity must follow the following process for each order greater than the simplified acquisition threshold:

Provide an RFQ to all BPA holders offering the required supplies or services under the multiple-award BPAs, to include a description of the supplies to be delivered or the services to be performed and the basis upon which the selection will be made;

Afford all BPA holders responding to the RFQ an opportunity to submit a quote; and Fairly consider all responses received and make award in accordance with the selection procedures.

d. Please confirm this requirement applies to contractors on this IDIQ as well.

82 Please see the response to Question 81 in Amendment 0004.

83 What is the current micro purchase threshold for items on the FSS EVSE and Ancillary Services BPAs?

83 The micro-purchase threshold is identified at FAR 2.101.

84 What is the current simplified acquisition threshold for items on the FSS EVSE and Ancillary Services BPAs?

84 The simplified acquisition threshold is identified at FAR 2.101.

85 If a joint venture is newly formed, is Form 527 to be completed for the joint venture and each of its partners, or only for each partner?

85 Please see the response to Question 15 in Amendment 0002.

86 If a joint venture is newly formed, are representations and certifications to be completed for both the joint venture and each of its partners, or only for each partner?

86 Please see the response to Question 18 in Amendment 0002.

87 Should the Supplemental SF1442 Pricing Sheet be submitted in PDF and excel format, or excel only?

87 Please see the response to Question 12 in Amendment 0002.

88 May graphics (such as the organization chart) be less than 12 point, provided they are readable? 88 Please see the response to Question 18 in Amendment 0004.

89 May the organization chart be submitted on an 11x17 sheet equivalent? If so, will this count as one or two pages toward the 15-page limitation?

89 Please see the response to Question 22 in Amendment 0004, with updated language regarding technical proposal page limitations, which supersedes any previous technical proposal page limitation restrictions.

90 Row intentionally left blank.

91 Are graphics and charts also restricted to 12-point font? 91 Please see the response to Question 22 in Amendment 0004, with updated language regarding technical proposal page limitations, which supersedes any previous technical proposal page limitation restrictions.

92 Row intentionally left blank.

93 Row intentionally left blank.

94 Row intentionally left blank.

95 Row intentionally left blank.

96 To best demonstrate our capabilities and experience in addressing requirements for the proposed GSA program, may we submit as a project in response to Factor 1 an IDIQ contract that encompasses multiple construction or design-build task orders?

96 The following language in "The Solicitation DB201" section II.D, Factor 1 – Prior Experience on Relevant Projects, is hereby added to the paragraph beginning with "Note": "A "project" is not an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, blanket purchase agreement, or other type of master contract. However, if the “project” was performed under an IDIQ, blanket purchase agreement or other type of master contract, this should be identified."

97 Row intentionally left blank.

98 Row intentionally left blank.

99 Row intentionally left blank.

100 Row intentionally left blank.

101 Row intentionally left blank.

Questions and Answers

GSA PBS Governmentwide Multiple-Award IDIQ Contract(s) for General Construction with Design/Build Capabilities to Support the Installation of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)

# Question # Answer 102 The Solicitation DB201, II.F. Requirements of Joint Ventures, (4) under II.F. Requirements under

Joint Ventures sates that “… past performance information must be submitted for each member of the joint venture.” However, it is our understand that a JV formed under the SBA Mentor- Protégé program has the unique benefit of “Collective representation of past performance,” meaning that past performance can come solely from the Mentor, the Protégé, or both. Please clarify the solicitation past performance requirements as it applies to SBA mentor-protégé joint ventures.

102 Please see the response to Question 18 in Amendment 0002.

103 The Solicitation DB201, II.B. Proposal Format, 3.b. AND II.F Requirements of Joint Venture Offerors, Per the Requirements of Joint Venture Offerors, each member of the joint venture must submit financial information in the form of the GSA Form 527. May JV partners submit their GSA Form 527 separately and directly to the Government?

103 Please see the responses to Question 15 and Question 18 in Amendment 0002.

104 The Solicitation DB 201, V. Instructions and Clauses, V.A. FAR 52.215-1 Instructions to Offerors – Competitive Acquisition, (c) (2) (v), Per the solicitation, “Proposals signed by an agent shall be accompanied by evidence of that agent’s authority, unless that evidence has been previously furnished to the issuing office.” Can offerors assume that the required evidence need only be included in the Price Volume, not the Technical Volume?

104 Yes.

105 Row intentionally left blank.

106 Is there any sub-contracting limitation - percent of work that sub-contractors can perform? 106 Please see the response to Question 112 in Amendment 0002.

107 Row intentionally left blank.

108 There is a huge spread of Prevailing Wage for each given zone. Would it be better to quote labor hours only and use a multiplier of Labor Hours times applicable Prevailing Wage for labor price determination rather than the actual Prevailing Wage?

108 Please see the response to Question 48 in Amendment 0004.

109 The Statement of Work, Page 3 states, "Task Order price proposals shall utilize the line items established in the IDIQ contract and not exceed the line item prices established in the IDIQ contract". Will the sample project pricing stay on the record as the offer pricing? If yes, the project scope is quite non-comprehensive. How are the many other item prices stipulated, if at all?

109 Please see the response to Question 9 in Amendment 0002.

110 Row intentionally left blank.

111 I have reviewed the Solicitation and also RFI responses 1, 23, 25, & 26. It looks to me like the only items that are part of the 15 page Technical Proposal are Factor 1 and Factor 3 and the single cover page for the Tech Proposal (per page 7—last sentence of 3.a.) and that all other non-pricing content will be a part of the Tech Proposal, but will not contribute to the 15 page constraint.

Can you confirm that this is correct, and if it is not correct can you identify any other content that will contribute to the 15 page limit?

111 Please see the response to Question 22 in Amendment 0004, with updated language regarding technical proposal page limitations, which supersedes any previous technical proposal page limitation restrictions.

112 Are headers and footers excluded from the 12 point font requirement, so long as legibility is maintained?

112 Please see the response to Question 22 in Amendment 0004, with updated language regarding technical proposal page limitations, which supersedes any previous technical proposal page limitation restrictions.

113 Are forms and documents prepared by other than the Offeror (such as the proof of bonding capacity and Government-provided forms, e.g., the SF 1442) excluded from the 12 point font requirement?

113 Please see the response to Question 22 in Amendment 0004, with updated language regarding technical proposal page limitations, which supersedes any previous technical proposal page limitation restrictions.

Questions and Answers

GSA PBS Governmentwide Multiple-Award IDIQ Contract(s) for General Construction with Design/Build Capabilities to Support the Installation of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)

# Question # Answer 114 Row intentionally left blank.

115 Table of Content, V. Instructions to Offerors (pg 3 of 26) and II.B. Proposal Format, 3.a. Technical Proposal and 3.b. Price Proposal (pg 7 of 26). Section V. Instructions and Clauses includes a requirement for the “first page of the proposal” to include signatures, acceptance of terms, and proprietary statement information, which would apply to each separate volume, Technical and Price, respectively. The Price Proposal includes the same FAR 52.215-1(c)(2) as the “first page of the proposal”. The Technical Proposal refers to a “cover page” that is included in the page count and unclear what the government wants to see in the cover page and/or if that constitutes “the first page of the proposal”. Will the Government allow this “cover page” for the Technical Proposal to be exempt from the page count allowing Offerors to present the same FAR 52.215-1 (c)(2) information?

115 The information required under FAR 52.215-1(c)(2) should be included with the Pricing Proposal.

Also, please see the response to Question 22 in Amendment 0004 with updated language regarding technical proposal page limitations, which supersedes any previous technical proposal page limitation restrictions.

116 II.B. Proposal Format, 3.a. Technical Proposal (pg 7 of 26). Will the government allow graphics (e.

g. organizational chart, tables, figures, maps) to be 8-point font or larger? Currently 12-point is required and challenging visually to present data in graphics/tables.

116 Please see the response to Question 22 in Amendment 0004, with updated language regarding technical proposal page limitations, which supersedes any previous technical proposal page limitation restrictions.

117 II.B. Proposal Format, 3.a. Technical Proposal (pg 7 of 26). Will the government allow the organizational chart to be presented on an 11x17 sized paper?

117 Please see the response to Question 22 in Amendment 0004, with updated language regarding technical proposal page limitations, which supersedes any previous technical proposal page limitation restrictions.

118 II.D Technical Proposal, Factor 1, Prior Experience on Relevant Projects (pg 9 of 26). Experience with IDIQ construction contracts is considered a strength. A “project” is defined as contract, subcontract, task order, or other contractual vehicle in which services were provided. Please confirm an IDIQ contract with multiple task orders, can be submitted as a “project”.

118 Please see the response to Question 96 in Amendment 0004.

119 II.D Technical Proposal, Factor 1, Prior Experience on Relevant Projects (pg 9 of 26). Experience with IDIQ construction contracts is considered a strength and therefore allowable to submit as a “Project”. A “project” can be a contract, subcontract, task order, or other contractual vehicle and must be complete or substantially complete. Is it allowable to present completed task orders as one IDIQ contact (e.g. “contractual vehicle”) under a GSA Federal Supply MAS Schedule Price where that contract ordering period is still active?

119 Please see the response to Question 96 in Amendment 0004.

120 II.D. Technical Proposal, Factor 1, Prior Experience on Relevant Projects (pg 10 of 26). Item vi. of the project description information list states “vi. Indicate if the project was performed under an IDIQ, subcontract, task order, or other contracting vehicle.” As phrased, it does not indicate an IDIQ contract itself is an option. Considering IDIQ contracts are considered a strength, please confirm it is acceptable to respond stating the “project” itself is an IDIQ.

120 Please see the response to Question 96 in Amendment 0004.

121 II.D Technical Proposal, Factor 3, Management Plan (pg 11 of 26). If an Offeror is submitting on only one geographic zone up to five (5) resumes are allowable. Since Offerors can submit on more than one geographic zone, will the government allow up to one (1) additional resume per geographic zone being proposed?

121 Please see the response to Question 22 in Amendment 0004, with updated language regarding technical proposal page limitations, which supersedes any previous technical proposal page limitation restrictions.

122 II.F. Requirements of Joint Venture Offerors (pg 13 of 26). A copy of an executed joint venture agreement is required with “original signatures”. Is a copy of the joint venture agreement with signatures acceptable as it is unclear what constitutes an “original signature”?

122 Yes.

Questions and Answers

GSA PBS Governmentwide Multiple-Award IDIQ Contract(s) for General Construction with Design/Build Capabilities to Support the Installation of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)

# Question # Answer 123 Prior Experience Worksheet: The worksheet requires construction cost at award and final construction cost at construction final completion. Experience with IDIQ construction contracts is considered a strength. IDIQs do not have construction costs at award, please clarify whether Offerors may answer this requirement with the total awarded value at the end of the IDIQ ordering period.

123 Please see the response to Question 96 in Amendment 0004.

124 Is this IDIQ contract fully funded by GSA or is the funding for the task orders coming from the agency/customer will? Please clarify the situation.

124 “The Agreement DB101”, Section I.C indicates a minimum guarantee of $2,500 guaranteed to each awardee.

Task order funding will be provided at the task order level.

125 It appears that Attachment B, PRIOR EXPERIENCE ON RELEVANT PROJECTS spans 2 pages - Please confirm that this form will not count toward the 10 (now 15) page limit of the technical volume.

125 Please see the response to Question 22 in Amendment 0004, with updated language regarding technical proposal page limitations, which supersedes any previous technical proposal page limitation restrictions.

126 Row intentionally left blank.

127 Is this requirement strictly for the installation of charging units already owned by the government?

127 Task order requirements are expected to vary.

128 Row intentionally left blank.

129 Row intentionally left blank.

130 To avoid confusion and ensure consistency among contract holders, will the Task Order Instructions to Bidder identify the specific FSS EVSE and Ancillary Services BPAs that will be mandated for the task order?

130 Please see the response to Question 15 in Amendment 0004. Also, additional information may be provided at the task order level.

131 If a GSA mandated BPA holder delays completion of the Task Order or fails to perform in accordance with the contract, is the government responsible for compensable delays and damages?

131 Task order requirements are expected to vary and potential scenarios would need to be considered on a case-by-case basis.

132 The EVSE and Ancillary Services BPAs include EVSE site assessments and consulting services.

Normally design build contractors subcontract to an trusted AE firm that is responsible for all aspects of design, up to and including signing and stamping IFC plans and specifications. Site assessments by the responsible AE firm are a critical part of the design process. If the Design Build contractor and AE Firm relies upon the site assessment conducted by a mandated source, will the government be responsible for error and omissions by the mandated source?

132 Task order requirements are expected to vary and potential scenarios would need to be considered on a case-by-case basis.

133 How will a bidder be able to establish a rate for trenching when specific soil conditions are unknown? Are bidders expected to define the parameters and assumptions for their individual prices?

133 Please see Attachment titled, "Revised Supplemental SF 1442 Pricing Sheet R1", tab "Instructions", instruction 6 states, “Following IDIQ contract award, unless the Task Order Contracting Officer specifies another format, Task Order price proposals shall utilize the line items established in the IDIQ contract and not exceed the line item prices established in the IDIQ contract. For any work that is not covered by line items established in the IDIQ contract, the Task Order Contracting Officer will specify the format of the price proposal.” This is expected to provide flexibility at the Task Order level.

134 On the Supplemental SF1442 pricing sheet, does the government want construction equipment costs factored into the unit prices or simply labor and material? Example: cost per linear foot of PVC conduit with costs for mini-excavator and compaction equipment included into unit price.

134 Yes. "Revised Supplmental SF1442 Pricing Sheet R1" now reflects, "* - Unit pricing for equipment shall include all material, equipment, and labor costs for a complete install [excluding travel and general conditions]".

135 Factor 1 – Prior Experience on Relevant Projects states "While the Government is looking for prior experience by the prime contractor or joint venture, the Government may consider relevant experience by affiliated companies, key personnel and subcontractors." Please clarify the phrase "...the Government may consider relevant experience...". Will the Government please confirm it will or will not consider relevant projects from key subcontractors as prior experience for Factor 1?

135 Please see the response to Question 7 in Amendment 0004.

Questions and Answers

GSA PBS Governmentwide Multiple-Award IDIQ Contract(s) for General Construction with Design/Build Capabilities to Support the Installation of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)

# Question # Answer 136 Is there a chance the bid deadline could be extended? 136 Proposal due date is extended by 6 days from April 27, 2022 to May 3, 2022 at 2:00 pm Eastern Time via email to: pbs-ev-idiq@gsa.gov

137 SOW Pg 4 item (8) electric vehicle supply equipment and ancillary services can be procured using the GSA Federal Supply Schedule. Do you have a list of these items which are related to electric vehicle supply equipment and ancillary services? Will these items need to be included in the Supply Chain Risk Management Plan, if so does the government already have a supply chain risk management plan for items listed on the GSA Federal Supply Schedule? Does the GSA Schedule prices, lead times, suppliers, manufacturers?

137 Please see the response to Question 15 in Amendment 0004.

138 We need to be able to unlock the supplemental 1442 pricing sheet- currently protected 138 A “Revised Supplemental SF1442 Pricing Sheet R1” is provided with Amendment 0004, which replaces the previously issued "Revised Supplemental SF1442 Pricing Sheet".