RFI_Responses__47PM0217R0016_SEED_IDIQ_HST3234_Project.pdf

RFI Responses – Solicitation No. 47M0217R0016 “SEED IDIQ HST3234 Project”

1. II.B. Contract Price form item No. 0001 states that “A maximum order limitation of

$25,000.00 Is established for Base Contract Year and four(4) option Periods, for a total of five (5) years which will serve as the Maximum/NTE for the entire contract.” Is this correct, it appears to be perhaps a typo?

DOS and GSA Response: It should be $3M per year.

2. II.D. Technical Proposal (1) Experience on Similar Projects. Do each of the similar project construction cost required to have had a minimum contract value of $500,000.00 or do the two project construction cost minimum contract cost have a minimum combined contract value of $500,000.00?

DOS and GSA Response: We are reducing to $250K

3. What is the estimated time required for NCIC security review processing of workers?

DOS Response: Historically five working days for small amount of employees. Large groups take much longer.

4. Upon review of the solicitation document, agreement and all attachments posted we are unable to find the specific Statement of Work (SOW) or any associated drawings or specifications for the seed project, "HST WHA Cuba Affairs Project". We understand and acknowledges that these documents may contain Sensitive but Unclassified (SBU) data. Please clarify - will these be provided in hard-copy during the site visit? Or are these available for download via ProjNet or other secure transmission?

DOS Response: Electronic copies of the plans and specifications need to be acquired through GSA. The documents are SBU. So e-mailing them to sub contractors isn't authorized. They can be distributed by making copies of the CDs.

5. Does the "Estimated Price Range" of $250k to $450k provided in the solicitation refer only to the seed project or to the entire contract value (base plus all options for entire

5-year term)?

Reference: "SEED_IDIQ_Reno_HST_3234_Solicitation.pdf" - pg 6 of 36

I.E. Estimated Price Range

The estimated price range for the Project is between $250,000.00 and $450,000.00

DOS Response: The price range only applies to the HST 3234 Seed project

6. Please clarify if the total pricing for each individual task order, including the seed project, will be limited to the "maximum order limit" of NTE $25,000 as described below:

Reference: "SEED_IDIQ_Reno_HST_3234_Agreement.pdf" - pg 8 of 43

II.B. Contract Price Form

Base Contract – 12 month Period

This is an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract with no pre-established fixed contract prices. The actual amount of work to be performed will be determined by the Contracting Officer or his/her properly authorized representative, who will issue written Task Order to the Contractor. Award of the Task Order will be on firm fixed price basis. A maximum order limitation of $25,000.00 is established for Base Contract Year and four (4) Option Periods, for a total of five (5) years which will serve as the

Maximum/NTE for the entire contract.

GSA Response: Please see our answer to Question 1.

7. Section IV.H of the solicitation seems to indicate that this solicitation is an 8(a) set aside, yet the FedBizOpps announcement and the notice title indicate the solicitation is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Can you please clarify whether any small business may respond or whether it is restricted to 8(a) concerns only.

GSA Contracts Response: This is a Small Business Set Aside.

8. We are reviewing the 47PM0217R0016 SEED IDIQ solicitation and discovered a discrepancy and are asking for your guidance and clarification.

In the SOLICITATION document, page 9 - TECHNICAL PROPOSAL.. The following statement, "The measure of minimum acceptability must be detailed in SECTION IVB.

Section IV.B. is FAR 52.216.-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT The government contemplates award of IDIQ/Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC)...

GSA Contracts Response:This is a discrepancy. The Statement should read, “The

Technical Proposal shall include the information requested below for the non-price factors further described in Section VI. Method of Award. The measure of minimum acceptability must be detailed in Section VI.A.” Not Section IV.B.

9. If a JV pursues this solicitation and the Managing Venturer does NOT hold a facility clearance; however, the other JV member holds a Top Secret Facility Clearance, would this Facility Security Clearance arrangement be acceptable for this solicitation?

DOS Response: No. The prime contractor needs a Facility Clearance.

10. Concerning the past performance to be submitted for the above solicitation , it is very rare that all the trades on bullet number 2 below ( Highlighted ) will be done on a project . Elevator work is generally procured separately and are not part of renovation with rare exceptions. Under bullet 1 you required work to be performed in occupied functional building, there by restricting the past performance to renovation projects only.

Past performance showing Civil and structural disciplines is also not practical with most of the renovation projects. We request that this requirement be amended to allow submission of projects meeting at least 6 of the 9 trades listed.

The Offeror must demonstrate successful experience as a General Construction (GC)

Contractor responsible for the construction of at least two (2) similar projects substantially completed within the last five (5) years. A “similar project” is defined as a project that is comparable in nature, type, and complexity as defined by all of the following characteristics:

● Project was performed in an occupied and functioning office building;

● Project involved all of the following disciplines - architectural, civil, structural, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fire alarm, elevator, and telecommunications;

● Project involved a restricted site with limited space for material, staging and maintaining pedestrian and vehicular traffic flow

● Project involved working on a site that limited working hours of operation

● Project included requirements for noise control

● The total project construction cost of the construction contract(s) was not less than

$500,000.00 thousand

DOS Response:

● Regarding the first bullet, the renovated office itself won't be occupied. However, adjacent spaces and corridors would have to be in use. We're just looking for some examples of how you have phased projects to mitigate noise and disruption to adjacent occupied spaces. Also, some examples may discuss how certain work was done after hours. In pretty much all cases, activities like

HAZMAT abatement, really noisy activities and fire alarm/suppression outages need to happen after normal working hours.

● Provide examples of projects with several (not necessarily all) of the features of work described in the second bullet. If the project consists of an elevator repair, the GC will have to hire a specialized elevator subcontractor. Typical office renovations do not involve elevators or structural work.

11. As on page 9 of our solicitation paragraph II. C. Price Proposal under (1) Contents it has listed the Price Proposal shall consist of the SF 1442 which was not include in the solicitation package. May you please provide.

GSA Contracts Response: The SF1442 included and uploaded in Amendment No.

0003 on FBO.

12. Please confirm that abatement of hazardous materials is to be performed by the contractor.

DOS Response: Yes. The contractor will need to perform HAZWASTE abatement as part of demo, when the construction documents call for it. Abatement costs need to be incorporated into the bid. The construction documents for each project should indicate what needs abatement. This needs to take place after normal working hours.

13. During the site survey, there was mention of an amendment to the pricing requirement consisting of an allowance to address the abatement of hazardous materials. Please clarify whether the contractors should include pricing for abatement, or a specified allowance will be included in the contract to address this.

DOS Response: The construction documents indicate what needs to be abated. In the case of HST 3234 a HAZMAT survey was conducted. Abatement needs to be included as part of the bid. Abatement needs to happen after working hours.

14. Although the specifications are marked SBU, the drawings have no markings.

Please confirm the drawings are SBU.

DOS Response: The bid set for the HST 3234 renovation is marked Sensitive But

Unclassified. The documents referenced in your question may be for a different project.

The markings are in the upper right hand corner (I know that they're a little hard to see).

15. Are uncleared personnel, vetted and approved by the GSA, acceptable to perform work for the SEED project?

DOS Response: In the case of the seed project, it is acceptable to have employees who lack a personal security clearance. Rudimentary NCIC background checks will still have to be conducted. Some projects do require certain workers to possess security clearances.

16. Are there specific trades or key management positions required to have security clearance for performing work on the SEED project?

DOS Response: Please see response to Question 15.

17. Are subcontractors performing work on the SEED project required to have a Facility

Security Clearance?

DOS Response: Not for the seed project, since it's not secret. Contractor employees performing the work will have to have a NCIC background check. Some projects do require cleared sub-contractors with cleared workers. Prime contractor needs to have a facility clearance.

18. What is the required period of performance for the SEED project?

GSA PM Response: 180 days from the NTP.

19. What are the required working hours for the SEED project?

DOS Response: Generally Mon-Fri starting between 0600 and 0730. Contractor does have some latitude. However, some activities such as abatement and really noisy activities need to be done after normal working hours (after 6pm for example). Please refer to the specifications for further guidance.

20. Will the suite 3234 be vacant during the renovation?

DOS Response: Yes

21. Is the contractor required to remove existing cubicles?

DOS Response: No. That will be removed prior to start of demolition.

22. Will there be parking and lay down areas available during construction for the SEED project?

DOS Response: Mon-Fri, the Department will not provide any parking. Only street parking is available. Contract employees may request to use the garage on nights and weekends, if they are cleared and badged. However, it can't be guaranteed.

23. Is there an expected date of award?

GSA Contracts Response: GSA anticipates an award by the end of January 2018.

24. Is there an anticipated amount of projects that will be released each year for bid under this IDIQ?

GSA PM Response: No

25. Is there an anticipated start date for construction on the SEED project after award?

GSA Contracts Response: GSA anticipates the start date of construction to be 10 days after issuing the NTP.

26. May it be possible to obtain DWG’s/PDF’s of the Seed project?

GSA PM Response: Copies can be made available from DOS but each contractor should have a copy and that can be verified by GSA Contracting Office.

27. Will there be a second follow up walk through?

GSA Contracts Response: GSA scheduled the second site visit on Friday, November 17, 2017. There will be no more site visits for the HST 3234 project.

28. Spec Section 028213.19 Asbestos Metal Panel Ceilings indicates the corridor ceiling requiring access for Architectural and MEP work may contain regulated asbestos materials. Drawing R101 does not identify this material, but only identifies “black HVAC duct mastic within the corridor space”. Specs permit removal of the ceiling system as a routine maintenance task. Please confirm any required licensed abatement of ceiling system materials is outside of the scope of this project.

DOS Response: Abatement is in the scope. The contractor shall perform all abatement associated with the demolition and connecting new ductwork to the trunk, this includes the ductwork mastic. Abatement costs need to be included in the bid. Abatement needs to happen after hours.

29. What is the seed project duration?

GSA PM Response: 180 days from NTP

30. What is the actual height from concrete floor to concrete deck above?

DOS Response: 10’

31. What are the window dimensions (for mini-blinds)?

DOS Response: The blinds are discussed in the specification manual spec section

1212 21 13. They are not mini-blinds. For estimating purposes, try to scale off of the drawings. The finish ceiling height is approximately 8'6". The window sill is approximately 35". Field verify before providing any submittals.

32. Please confirm that this procurement is a re-compete of the previous small business

IDIQ MATOC for GSA DOS for primarily SI facilities throughout the NCR? Please confirm that this program is set aside for small business?

GSA Contracts Response: This is a set aside for Small Business only.

33. The T/O minimum has been identified however maximum task order limit is blank in

RFP, what is max T/O limit?

GSA Contracts Response: $3,000,000.00

34. The Experience on Similar Projects section on page 10 of 36 states, “Offeror must demonstrate successful experience as a General Construction (GC) Contractor responsible for the construction of at least two (2) similar projects”.

DOS Response: Perspective bidder shall discuss experience with similar projects in the proposal.

35. The above statement says “at least two (2) similar projects”, are Offerors allowed to submit more than 2 projects in order to demonstrate experience. If so, how many more projects may be submitted?

DOS Response: Recommend between two and five examples.

36. We have eagerly anticipated the re-release of the GSA NCR IDIQ/Multiple Award

Task Order Contract (MATOC) however we are concerned that the project experience requirements will restrict companies from qualifying for this important program.

The GSA IDIQ program requests that similar projects must involve the following:

• Work performed in occupied building;

• Involving all of the following disciplines:

Architectural;

Civil;

Structural;

HVAC;

Plumbing;

Electrical;

Fire Alarm;

Elevator;

Telecommunications;

• Performed in a restricted site with limited space for material and staging

• Maintaining pedestrian and vehicular traffic flow;

• Work performed after hours and

• Including noise control.

We would like to respectfully request that the projects requirements allow for some flexibility in the number of disciplines required per project. The demonstration of successful experience is to be exhibited in 2 past performance projects over $500K.

We have completed hundreds of projects that involved multiple disciplines and numerous project requirements and restrictions however our experience with GSA smaller project do not typically involved both interior renovation work and civil work. It would be a very difficult to meet all of the requirements identified above; in a single project. We request that the requirements be made more flexible help offerors demonstrate experience.

We respectfully request that offerors be required to meet all of the requirements identified in Section II. Proposals, 11.D Technical Proposal, (1) Experience on Similar

Projects section; but allow for it to be amongst the 2 demonstrated projects.

Our company can meet the above requirements for similar experience however we will not be able to demonstrate all of the requirements in a single project.

DOS Response:

● The Government has reduced the cost threshold minimum to $250K.

● Examples that don't include all of the listed trades are acceptable. Examples that include most of the trades are acceptable.

● Perspective bidders shall have latitude in their proposals. Past experience should demonstrate a wide range of experience. However, a single past project does not need to incorporate all of the items. Proposals should include examples that best demonstrate the company's capabilities.

37. In Section II. Proposals, 11.D Technical Proposal, (3) Past Performance of Offeror states, “Offeror must provide a GC Reference Form for each reference (a person or persons who may be contacted regarding the quality of the Offeror’s past performance).

The name, title, company name, current address, current phone number, and current fax number for each reference must appear on the form.”

GSA Response: GC Reference Form was uploaded in Amendment No. 0003 in FBO.

We respectfully request that previously completed Past Performance Questionnaires and CCASS/CPARS are allowed to substitute for the GC Reference Form. We try to avoid requesting references to be completed for projects that already have a completed CCASS/CPARS for the undue burden redundant requests place on Contracting Officers.

DOS Response: CCAS/CPARS evaluations may be used in lieu of references.

38. Our Company’s most relevant projects for this proposal have been completed under the previously executed contract for this program. Will GSA allow for project references of similar experience be demonstrated thru our previously completed program with GSA? This would require the references to be provided by the GSA team who will be administering the current active solicitation that we are responding to. Due to previous complications with retrieving completed reference forms for GSA proposals, we wanted to clarify that GSA projects would be considered relevant and acceptable to submit.

DOS Response: Yes, this is acceptable. Perspective bidders should include examples that include multiple divisions of work (arch, mechanical, electrical, etc.) Regarding references, names, current e-mail and current phone numbers will suffice. Final evaluations may be used in lieu of references.

39. Reference: Roll-off Container (Dumpster) to be placed at Main Loading Dock

Question: Please confirm that Contractor will be allowed to place a 30-cubic yard roll-off container (dumpster) at the main loading dock, throughout the duration of the project. If this is not allowed, please advise us of the location where a dumpster may be placed on site.

DOS Response: The maximum size 30 cubic yards. The loading dock has to be used for other functions such as deliveries. Locating it requires coordination with the loading dock scheduler for each situation.

There is a standing restriction. The dumpster may only be at the loading dock from 6pm to 5am.

40. Reference: On-Site Staff Requirements

Question: Please clarify the specific on-site management staff requirements and designate which of the positions listed below can be filled by one (1) person only.

a. Superintendent

b. Quality Control Manager (QCM)

c. Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO)

Please advise which, if any, positions can be combined as a dual role or triple role position to be performed by one (1) person. Will triple role be allowed for the

Superintendent, QCM and SSHO?

DOS Response: For the 3234 seed project, one individual can fill all three roles.

41. Reference: Period of Performance

Question: Please designate the required Period of Performance for this project.

GSA PM Response: 180 days after issuing NTP

42. Reference: General Information

Question: SF Form 1442 was not included in the package. Would you please provide

SF Form 1442?

GSA Contracts Response: See answer on number 37.

43. Reference: General Information

Question: What is the total maximum dollar value for this potential IDIQ?

GSA PM Response: $3,000,000, annually.

44. Reference: Receipt of Offers

Question: There is some confusion on the Proposal Due Date, the Solicitation document states Wednesday, December 1, 2017 – however December 1st is a Friday.

Please clarify the due date.

GSA PM Response: The Proposal Due Date was extended to Friday January 5, 2018.

See Amendment No. 0004 on FBO.

45. Reference: II. D Technical Proposal

Question: The measure of minimum acceptability must be detailed in Section IVB.

Section IV B is FAR 52.216 Type of Contract. Please clarify.

GSA Contracts Response: See response to number 8.

46. Reference: Experience on Similar Projects

Question: May we submit projects that are within the last 7 seven years?

DOS Response: Not all projects. Minimum of two projects. Maximum of five.

47. Reference: Experience on Similar Projects

Question: May we submit more than 2 projects?

DOS Response: Yes. Between two and five projects.

48. Reference: Experience on Similar Projects

Question: Is the requirement asking that a singular project contain ALL the characteristics identified? Or will collection of projects submitted contain ALL the characteristics?

DOS Response: No. A singular project does not need to have all of the characteristics.

Select projects that have most characteristics and include examples of projects that best demonstrate your capability.

49. Reference: Key Personnel

Question: Key personnel requirements referenced in Section VI. B refers to

Determination of Responsibility. Please clarify.

GSA PM Response: The requirements for key personnel are clearly outlined in Section

VI. A. See response to number 8.

50. Reference: Key Personnel

Question: Project specifications state that the Superintendent can fulfill the QCM role;

however, the Key the Key Personnel section specifies Superintendent and Quality

Control Manager. Please clarify if dual roles are allowed for the Superintendent and

QCM.

DOS Response: For the 3234 seed project, one individual can fill both roles.

51. Reference: Key Personnel

Question: Personnel section specifies Superintendent and Quality Control Manager.

Please clarify if dual roles are allowed for the Superintendent and QCM.

DOS Response: For the 3234 seed project, one individual can fill both roles.

52. Reference: Key Personnel

Question: Safety was not identified -- Is there a requirement for an SSHO? If yes, is the SSHO required to be onsite? If yes, please clarify if triple roles are allowed for

Superintendent, QCM and SSHO?

DOS Response: In the case of the SEED Project, the SSHO, QCM and Superintendent need to be present. One individual may fulfill all three roles

53. Reference: III.I Additional Security Requirements

Question: Question related to a JV and the Facility Security Clearance. If a JV pursues this solicitation and the Managing Venturer does NOT hold a facility clearance; however, the other JV member holds a Top Secret Facility Clearance, would this Facility Security

Clearance arrangement be acceptable for this solicitation?

DOS Response: No. The prime contractor needs to have a secret facility clearance.

54. Reference: Badging

Question: Will personnel require HSPD-12 and State Department badging? If so, is there any cost associated?

DOS Response: Employees who'll be onsite for long durations will be expected to get badges, this alleviates the escort requirement. Employees who'll only be on site for short durations (only a few days total) are not expected to get badges.

55. Reference: In the Agreement document (page 3 of 43), under the I.A. Project

Summary

Question: “All Contracting Officers in PBS/NCR will be able to utilize the IDIQ for all projects, not just those related to the DoS, on the assumption that the funds are not provided via the DoS for non DoS projects.” If non DoS projects utilize the IDIQ, will the projects have appropriate designated funding? Please clarify.

DOS and GSA Contracts Response: This IDIQ is for DOS projects and the use of GSA

PBS. Projects will be funded prior to award. The funding source will be the entity that requests the project.

56. Reference: In the Agreement document (page 21 of 43), under the (6) Security

Clearances

Question: Is there a cost for badging? If so, what is the cost?

DOS Response: The contractor will not burden the cost of badging, unless a lost badge is being replaced. In that case, the contractor may bear the burden in terms of possible contract price deductions and/or lost time for replacing the badges. Contractor badges are furnished in the SA-1 (Columbia Plaza) badging office.

57. May we please confirm that no management approach nor understanding of scope narrative is required for this solicitation per documents issued?

DOS Response: A management narrative and tentative schedule should be provided in the bidder's proposal to the overarching IDIQ, per the instructions provided in the solicitation.

58. We understand and acknowledge that the associated bid documents may contain

Sensitive but Unclassified (SBU) data. We were under the impression that the hard copies would be distributed during the Site Visit. Please clarify if these will be available for download via ProjNet or other secure transmission or will we need to make arrangements to pick up the hard copies?

DOS Response: an electronic version of the bid-set documents can be acquired at

GSA NCR. Since the bid ducuments are SBU, e-mailing them to your subcontractors is not authorized. Distributing copies of CDs to the subcontractors is acceptable. Extra copies should be destroyed.

ProjNet is the file transfer protocol that is rated for the Sensitive But Unclassified

Documents. DOS would have to establish accounts for each company that will use

ProjNet.

60. Note 7 of sheet A101 says to Remove Existing partition as required for new door opening, however the placement of the door seems vastly different and outside the dimensions of the Mural in A102. Please help us to understand the placement and meaning of Note 7 Sheet A101 with respect to placement of door opening in A102.

DOS Response: Part of the HST 3234 involves removing the existing door to the suite and installing a new door (to bring the suite to code compliance). The contractor shall create a new opening in the wall. There is a mural in the wall corridor that shall not be damaged. Architectural demo plans include notes that provide further instruction.

61. The second line (“Waiting”) in the “Room Finish Schedule” of Sheet A105 has the

“Ceiling Finish” as “ACP-1/GYP.BD.” In Sheet A104 this is depicted well. However, A104 shows additional GYP.BD in the “Open Office” and the “Pantry/Workroom,” but it is not depicted in the “Room Finish Schedule” of A105. Please clarify if you will have

GYP.BD in “Open Office” and “Pantry/Workroom.”

DOS Response: Sheet A104 Reflected Ceiling Plan indicate a combination of primarily

ACP-1/GYP.DB (bulkheads) in five areas: Waiting, Open Office, Office D, Office E and

Pantry/Workroom. The Finish Schedule incorrectly indicates only ACT-1/GYP.BD in

Waiting. The Finish Schedule should reflect ACT-1/GYP.BD in all 5 areas. The contractor proposal pricing should reflect a combination of ACT-1/GYP.BD in all 5 areas.

62. Please confirm that no LAN (Copper or Fiber) is to be included in this project, and that we are only to have pull strings in the installed conduits.

DOS Response: In the case of HST 3234 (SEED Project), the Contractor will neither provide nor install the low voltage voice and data cabling. That will be handled by TWD.

The contractor shall provide the raceways (cable trays, conduits, etc.) as indicated in the plans. Also, the construction schedule needs to take cabling into account. For example, TWD will have to install cabling before the GC installs ceiling tiles.

63. Please confirm that there is space in the ceiling between 3234 and 3508C to install

2” Conduit.

DOS Response: Yes, there will have to be some directional changes though.

64. Currently there is no “Signage” information. Does the government plan on having the contractor install signs for each of the rooms/cubicles?

DOS Response: Signs for both the cubicles and the private offices will be Gov't furnished and installed.

65. Solicitation Document, P. 10 call for demonstration past experience in the “civil” discipline, among others. As the majority of this IDIQ is interior renovation, is civil construction experience necessary? Is any “base building” work anticipated for this contract vehicle?

DOS Response: Most of the projects will be interior. Although it's possible that some of the projects will have civil DFOWs, it will be exceptionally rare and not very complex.

For example, there may be a requirement to install an equipment pad. Perspective bidders may include civil experience; however demonstrating it is not mandatory.

66. On Dwg. A101, there is a “Mural” on a wall that’s listed to “Protected” on a wall that’s listed to be demo’d, please advise.

DOS Response: There is a mural in the corridor that shall not be damaged when the opening for the new door is made. The new door opening will not be within the mural's footprint.

67. The specifications calls for a “Shaw” Brand of LVT where the drawings call for a

“Mannington” Brand of VCT. I have been informed that the Mannington Brand has discontinued their VCT Line. Should we produce something similar to the Shaw or

Mannington?

DOS Response: In place of the discontinued Mannington VCT, the contractor pricing should be based on the specification below:

VCT-1: Armstrong VCT, Classics Teal 51906 12x12, standard Excelon Imperial Texture

VCT-2: Armstrong VCT, Classics Shelter White 12x12, standard Excelon Imperial

Texture

68. Please confirm if the government will be furnishing and installing the refrigerator.

DOS Response: Yes, the refrigerator will be provided by the end user.

69. Will there be a Vector File made available containing the proposed “Image”?

DOS Response: See answer to number 94.

70. Who is the current BMS control system?

DOS Response: During renovations, the old pneumatic mixing boxes are being replaced with DDC. The Building Management System is a Honeywell product. The contractor shall integrate the new mixing boxes with a JACE (please refer to the plans).

There is a pre-approved list of DDC programming contractors who are qualified to perform this particular task. Please refer to sheet M901.

71. For bonding purposes, the contractor requests to know the maximum value limitation per year for IDIQ contract.

GSA Contracts Response: $3,000,000.00

72. Paragraph II.B of the Agreement shows Contract Line Items 0001 to 0006. Please clarify what GSA is looking for Contractors to provide for lines # 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

GSA Contracts Response: Contractors should only provide the base price for the HST

3234 project. No option year pricing is needed or required.

73. Paragraph I.B.iii states that “This is an IDIQ contract with no pre-established fixed contract prices”; however, the Contract Pricing Form requires dollar amounts for the

Base Contract and the 4 Option Years. Please clarify what bid rates are to be included, if any, for pricing the base and option years.

GSA Contracts Response: See answer to number 72.

74. Are proposals allowed to be submitted electronically?

GSA Contracts Response: Yes, electronically as well as a hard copy of the technical and price proposal portion.

75. Paragraph III.I states, ”A facility security clearance at FINAL SECRET level with

SECRET safeguarding is required for performance on this contract and any subsequent modifications in accordance with the DD Form 254, Department of Defense Contract

Security Classification Specification.“ Our company already has a Top Secret Facility

Clearance, but without safeguarding. Do we need to have a Facility Clearance with safe guarding to bid on this contract, or can that be completed after the award?

DOS Response: Secret Safeguarding is preferred. The contractor may not receive or store classified materials until it has secret safeguarding. The contractor will need a

GSA approved safe, take a training course and get accredited by an Industrial Security

Representative from the Defense Security Service

76. In the Agreement Document, paragraph I.B.2.iii, the range of the task orders only gives the lower amount of $3,000.00. What is the range, or the upper limit?

DOS and GSA Response: Annual cap of $3,000,000.

77. Does the loading dock have space for dumpster staging? If not, are we required to haul refuse out daily?

DOS Response: Dumpsters may be staged at the loading dock weeknights from 6pm to 5am and on weekends. Contractor shall plan on removing the dumpster daily. The

Real Property Mgmt or GSA point of contact will coordinate with the people who schedule activities at the loading dock.

78. Page ll of specifications, Paragraph 1.8.H Employee screening. Is it required for the contractor to provide drug and background screening, and bear the cost of, all workers under the contract?

DOS Response: The contractor shall bear those costs of drug screening. The DOS will run NCIC background checks on all workers at no cost to the contractor. Workers who do not have clean NCIC background checks could possibly be denied access the work site.

79. Page 63 of specification, Paragraph 2.2 Temporary Facilities. With the nature of the project is it required to provide temporary office for Owner, Architect, Construction

Manager, and Construction Personnel?

DOS Response: In the case of HST 3234, there is no need for temporary facilities.

80. Are construction personnel who are HSPD-12/BPIC badge holders allowed to escort other construction personnel who are not on the “Site Access List”? As stated in the

Security Document, the personnel who do not possess the HSPD- 12/BPIC could take up to a year to receive. If construction personnel with HSPD- 12/BPIC are not allowed to escort will the government provide escorts?

DOS Response: Only contractor employees who possess DOS issued badges with escort authority (indicated by a letter "E") may escort. DOS will arrange for contractor employees, such as superintendents, foremen and others who are on site for long durations to have escort authority. The contractor shall make an effort to assist with getting its employees badged and have escort authority. When this is not possible, escorts will be provided at no cost to the contractor. However, the costs of having to extend the escorts due to contractor induced delays may be factored into liquidated damages.

81. Reference: Deck-to-Deck Height Question: Please provide the dimension from top of slab at 3rd Floor to the underside of the 4th Floor slab/deck.

DOS Response: 10'

82. Reference: Facility Clearance Question: Do all Subcontractors performing work under the IDIQ General Contractor on this project require a facility security clearance?

DOS Response: Not for the seed project. NCIC checks may be required.

83. Reference: Escorts Allowed Question: Will escorts be allowed and/or provided by

GSA to facilitate the performance of work by construction personnel who are unbadged?

DOS Response: Escorts will be provided at no cost to the contractor. However, contractors shall make every effort to get badges, especially if they'll be onsite for long durations.

84. Reference: Wall Mural to Remain Question: Please provide a photograph of the existing wall mural that is to remain in place and which must be protected from damage during construction.

DOS Response: Here is a photo of the mural. Do not damage it when the opening for the new suite door is being made.

85. Is a bid bond required for the SEED project?

GSA PM Response: Yes

86. Are all workers on this project required to be US Citizens?

DOS Response: Yes.

87. All workers entering the Harry S. Truman Building are required to obtain a

Department of State badge. How much time does the badging process take?

DOS Response: From the time all of the paperwork is submitted to badge issuance is approximately two weeks for UNCLEARED contractors. Contractors who have personal security clearances need to get a Visit Authorization Request from Diplomatic Security.

After this step is complete, it'll take a day to get the badge for the cleared contractor.

Please note: Contractor employees must use the badging office located at SA-01

(Columbia Plaza).

88. What is the duration of the SEED project? Does this duration include the time required to obtain a Department of State badge?

DOS Response: Construction Duration (including demo and abatement) is four months.

The time it takes to get badged and provide other administrative submittals is not included.

89. Specification section 01 10 00, paragraph 1.3.F states that a project web site will be administered by the Owner for purposes of managing communications and documents.

What information from the Contractor is required to access the project web site?

DOS Response: The web site is called ProjNet. It is used for the transmission of

Sensitive But Unclassified (SBU) documents. The DOS will arrange access to the company that gets the contract.

90. Specification section 01 10 00, paragraph 1.5 lists the furniture, microwaves, printers, fax machines, shredders, coffee pots, scanners, water coolers, televisions and video teleconference systems as Owner-Furnished products that the Contractor is responsible for receiving, unloading, handling, storing, protecting and installing. Drawing

A107 lists the same items as Owner-Furnished and Owner-Installed. Which is correct?

DOS Response: All of the mentioned items will be removed and stored by the owner prior to any demolition. The owner will put the items back after the space is finished.

91. If the Contractor is responsible for receiving, unloading, handling, storing, protecting and installing the Owner-Furnished equipment listed in specification section 01 00 00, paragraph 1.5; where will the items be delivered and is there a designated storage area for these items in the Harry S. Truman Building?

DOS Response: Please see response to Question 90.

92. Are permits required to perform any renovations inside of the Harry S. Truman

Building?

DOS Response: No permits are required in the Harry S. Truman Building. FMS will provide a 30 day abatement notice to the city.

93. Specification section 01 50 00, paragraph 2.2.B requires the Contractor to furnish field offices for the Owner, Architect and Construction Manager. Where should the field offices be located?

DOS Response: in the case of the HST 3234 renovation SEED, the Contractor shall not furnish any field offices. Progress meetings will be held in one of building's conference rooms.

94. Will there be a Vector File made available containing the proposed “Image”?

DOS Response: The GC is responsible for the fabrication and installation of the PS-1

Panel Sign. GC should reference Drawing Sheets 102, New Work and Sheet 201, Elevation, Waiting West Elevation and Specifications 10 14 23 for specific requirements.

Specification 10 14 23 1.4 E.3.a directs contractor responsibility and the Government responsibility for the Graphic Image. In summary, the Government select the photo(s) and supplies the Photo Stock House name and photo identification number to the GC.

The GC procures the photos that are required to be incorporated in PS-1 Panel Sign.

95. Specification section 01 50 00, paragraph 3.2.I requires temporary telephone service in the Contractor furnished field offices. Is this required?

DOS Response: in the case of the HST 3234 renovation SEED, the Contractor shall not furnish any field offices. Contractor shall not provide a temporary phone line.

Progress meetings will be held in one of your conference rooms.

96. Specification section 01 73 00, paragraph 1.4.A requires qualification data for a professional engineer. This project is not Design-Build. Why is this qualification data required?

DOS Response: HST 3234 is not a Design-Build. However sometimes shop drawings

(for example fire protection related) need to be signed by a professional engineer competent in the particular practice.

97. Where can dumpsters be staged?

DOS Response: With prior coordination, a dumpster may be stored in the loading dock area from 6pm to 5am. The dumpster may not be left during the day time, since it'll interfere with other deliveries.

98. Can multiple dumpsters be staged to complete the recycling requirements?

DOS Response: All dumpsters can only be staged between 6pm and 5am. Typically, only dumpster may be staged at a time. However, the Real Property Mgmt POC will make the request to the loading dock scheduler. Whether or not the request can be accommodated depends on what other activities are occurring.

99. Specification section 02 82 13.19 requires a training course before accessing the metal pan ceilings in the corridors. Does GSA perform this training?

DOS Response: No training is required. The contractor will perform the abatement.

100. Drawing A107 states that the refrigerator is Owner-Furnished and Owner-Installed.

Specification section 11 31 00 requires the Contractor to furnish and install the refrigerator. Which is correct?

DOS Response: The refrigerator will be furnished and installed by the owner. It will be removed from the site prior to demolition.

101. The Room Finish Schedule shown on drawing A105 requires a graphic on the west wall of Room 3234.1. Is the Contractor responsible for creating the graphic? If so please provide additional information on preparing the graphic.

DOS Response: The contractor shall prepare the graphic. The graphic has six photos that will be integrated into piece of glass and mounted to the wall.

102. Is the Contractor responsible for furnishing and installing Panel Sign PS-1 shown in detail 3 on drawing A201?

DOS Response: Yes, the contractor shall furnish and install that item.

103. Please confirm that the Contractor is responsible for providing raceways only for data and communications and that all wiring/cabling and terminations for the data and communication networks will be furnished and installed by others.

DOS Response: In the case of the HST 3234 renovation, the contractor is responsible for providing the raceways. The voice and data cabling installation will be done by a separate entity (TWD). Contractor and TWD schedules are dependent upon one another.

104. General Note 3 on drawing A106 states, “SEE ADDITIONAL FURNITURE

LEGEND FOR FURNITURE SHOWN WITH AN ASTERISK (*).” Asterisks and additional furniture legends cannot be located. Is additional information required?

DOS Response: No. This is a General Note the A/E has standardly on this sheet. It does not apply to this project. The contractor is correct. There is no asterisk and no additional Furniture Legend. This sheet is for co-ordination only. The furniture is procured and installed by the government. Furniture is not in the SOW for the General

Contractor.

105. Please confirm that the required countertop with integral backsplash is not too long or too wide to fit inside of the freight elevator.

DOS Response: The freight elevator is 12 foot long and 9 feet wide. Yes, it'll fit.

106. Will subcontractors need to have Secret Clearance for this project or just individual personnel security clearances?

DOS Response: Individual subcontractors will not need a Secret Clearance for the

SEED project. Some projects require that specific subcontractors are cleared and have cleared workers.

107. Will the government consider a proposal submission of a joint venture firm where one partner has Facility Secret Clearance, which would furnish the government a team that would have clearance from the onset of the project, and who could then sponsor the other joint venture partner? All individuals working under the contract would then, of course, already have or obtain personnel clearance. Additionally, our proposed project manager is a Military Veteran and has a current Secret Clearance.

DOS Response: Unfortunately not. We need to reconcile the cage code with the prime contractor's name. Both partners need to have a facilities clearance.

108. As this is a small business set aside, we believe allowing for a joint venture of this nature is a fair way for a small business to be eligible to bid and be considered for an award.

GSA Contracts Response: This is fine but they need to go through a process with SBA before awarded to be awarded as a joint venture. It must be approved.