Questions and Answers.pdf

693JJ321Q000062 - DBE Research Project Questions and Answers

1. Would you clarify what is required from the contractor for the above solicitation? From what I read it states that the contractor will conduct a literature search and new research. What does the DOT expect in the work plan for literature search and new research? Will the contractor be required to write a document on the results from the literature search and new research?

Please clarify.

Response: The contractor must write a summary of the results of its literature search as well as submit a report on the results of its new research on the topic.

2. Will FHWA provide a list of their funded contracts to Small and Disadvantaged businesses, or does the contractor need to attain that information from the FPDS?

Response: If needed, FHWA can provide the number of DBEs that were awarded or committed to work on Federally-assisted contracts and the dollar amounts of these awards or commitments. State Departments of Transportation are required to report this information to FHWA semi-annually. We do not collect the names of specific firms.

3. Although DBEs include small businesses owned by minorities, women, or other socially and disadvantaged persons, please confirm that Research Tasks 3 and 4 are limited to racial and ethnic minorities.

Response: Yes, these tasks are limited to racial and ethnic minorities as we believe women are included in every community, while certain communities have a high minority and/or ethnic presence.

4. Is there an incumbent that has been working with FHWA on this type of research, or was involved in the formulation of this research effort?

Response: No.

5. The RFP 693JJ321Q000062 has period of performance is 12 months, an there is only one CLIN.

On Page 4 of 26 “NOTE: Unless otherwise negotiated and approved, the Contractor will be paid the FFP of each CLIN upon successful completion and Government acceptance. The Contractor may also request milestone payments in accordance with work completed and accepted by the Government. Satisfactory completion and acceptance will be made by the Technical Point of Contact.

The above wording is ambiguous. Given the length of the contract (1 year), and only single CLIN 001, could the Government adjust the wording to say it will accept proposal with milestone payments?

Response: See Amendment A001 for update to CLIN table to provide more clarification and monthly payments. A contractor may quote a different CLIN table/structure.