Questions_and_Answers_09-09-2019.pdf

Questions and Answers (The Government’s Reponses are in Red)

Received 8/26/2019

1. Is the SF330 exclusive of the 40-page limit?

In consideration of the frequently expressed concern about the page limit, the Government is increasing the page limit to 50 pages and decreasing the allowable font size to 10 point font or greater. In addition, the 50 page limit includes everything other than the durable cover sheet and part II of the SF330.

2. Will there be any small business goals or requirements?

Yes. If a large business is selected for this contract, it must comply with FAR 52.219-9 regarding the requirement for a subcontracting plan. A subcontracting plan is not required with this submittal but will be requested prior to award with the selected firm if applicable.

3. Will there be any Local (City or State) business goals or requirements?

No.

4. Do you have any sense of the timing for the interview?

We estimate the interview to take place in Early December 2019.

Received 8/26/2019

1. We understand that a subcontracting plan is not a requirement of the initial submittal, but that it will be required in the next submittal. That said, we are trying to understand what the goals might eventually be.

Language in the FAR (noted below) indicates the goals for the project would come from you. Is it safe to assume the goals will NOT be expressed from you for this submittal, but WILL be in the next submittal?

That is incorrect. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to submit a small business subcontracting plan that complies with all the requirements of 19.704 (a). That includes generating their own subcontracting goals.

The goals should be set at a level that the parties reasonably expect can result from the offeror expending good faith efforts to use small business where practicable. It will be the government’s responsibility to review those goals and make sure that the offeror has not submitted unreasonably low goals to minimize exposure to liquidated damages and to avoid the administrative burden of substantiating good faith efforts. In addition, the government must determine in their review that the offeror identified steps that, if taken would be considred a good faith effort (see FAR 19.705-4)

Received 8/26/2019

1. Can you please confirm if the not to exceed 40 page limit applies to the entire SF330 Part I & II? Or does this

40 page limit apply only to Section H of the SF330 Part I? Does the page count exclude the cover sheet, tabs, past performance evaluations (PPQs and CPARS), SF330 Part IIs?

In consideration of the frequently expressed concern about the page limit, the Government is increasing the page limit to 50 pages and decreasing the allowable font size to 10 point font or greater. In addition, the 50 page limit includes everything other than the durable cover sheet and part II of the SF330.

Received 8/26/2019

1. For the three representative relevant past projects by the AE team; is there a requirement or expectation for when these past projects were completed?

The synopsis has been amended to make clear that the timeframe when the work was performed is a key component of “relevance”. An otherwise relevant project, that was performed more than 7 years ago, measured from the SF330 due date, will not be rated as highly as an otherwise relevant project, that was completed within the past 7 years.

Received 8/29/2019

1. Can you please confirm if the not to exceed 40 page limit applies to the entire SF330 Part I & II? Or does this

40 page limit apply only to Section H of the SF330 Part I? Does the page count exclude the cover sheet, tabs, past performance evaluations (PPQs and CPARS), SF330 Part IIs?

In consideration of the frequently expressed concern about the page limit, the Government is increasing the page limit to 50 pages and decreasing the allowable font size to 10 point font or greater. In addition, the 50 page limit includes everything other than the durable cover sheet and part II of the SF330.

2. Under Item 2, "past performance on contracts", where it states "... having a construction contract value greater than $50M...," will projects under $50M be considered for the three (3) representative SF330 Section

F projects, or is this a pass / fail requirement?

An otherwise relevant project that is less than $50 million would still be considered but would not be rated as highly as a project that was relevant in all aspects including price.

3. Under Item 2, "past performance on contracts", where it states "provide one page project narrative and photographic synopsis for three (3) representative relevant pas projects completed by the A/E team," do the three (3) representative Section F projects have to submitted by the Prime A/E, or will Section F projects submitted by other team members (i.e. Associate Architect, MEP Engineer, etc.) be considered? Will projects submitted by consultants score fewer points than Section F projects submitted by the Prime A/E?

Generally, Prime A/E example projects would receive a higher rating than those presented from key subcontract consultants. Those projects where both the Prime A/E and key subcontractors completed the project together would receive the highest rating if they meet the other criteria requested.

4. Under Item 5, "established A/E Office location is in the general geographical area of the project," where it states, "… the Prime A/E and the key consultants have established office locations near the City of Cincinnati," can the CDC provide a geographical range that would score maximum points for the Prime A/E and key consultants to be considered local (i.e. Maximum points for firms located within xx miles)?

No, the Government does not have a set number of miles for this criteria.

5. What is the minimum credit for Prime A/E and consultants located outside of Cincinnati, but with key consultants located within the City of Cincinnati?

The highest rating would go to teams with Prime A/E offices and key personnel located in the Cincinnati, Ohio regional area.

6. Will the A/E peer review services be provided by the owner?.

The Peer Review would consist primarily of CDC A/E reviewers, but may include other outside A/E consultants funded by the Government.

7. Is a non-based Cincinnati Small Business Enterprise qualifications more important than a Cincinnati based sub-consultant? Or vise versa?

Selection will be made according to the following criteria, listed in the order of priority:

1. Professional qualifications necessary for satisfactory performance of required services.

2. Past performance on contracts with Government agencies and private industry in terms of cost control, design aesthetics, quality of work, and compliance with performance schedules.

3. Specialized experience and technical competence in the building types described, including, where appropriate, experience in energy conservation, pollution prevention, waste reduction, and the use of recovered materials.

4. Capacity to accomplish the work in the required time.

5. Location in the general geographical area of the project and knowledge of the locality of the project.

Small Business qualifications are not a selection criteria, however, it will be the responsibility of the Contractor to submit a small business subcontracting plan that complies with all the requirements of 19.704 (a) prior to award being made.

8. How do you define “security consultants”? i.e. Physical, Technical or a combination of both.

A Security Consultant is a physical security engineer that has formal education, training and demonstrated experience in protective design and structural dynamics, CPTED concepts, physical security equipment and security system design (i.e. access control, intrusion detection, monitoring systems, etc.), antiterrorism/physical security operations, blast analysis/modeling, and security risk management methodologies. Moreover, the security consultant must be familiar with Department of Defense Unified

Facilities Criteria (UFC), Federal Interagency Security Committee (ISC) Standards and Best Practices, and

Industry ASTM Standards.

Received 9/03/2019

1. Per the Scope of Work, Item I-Key Personnel, where it states "The A/E shall also include resource alternatives, by name and with listed qualifications…" can the CDC confirm if a table summarizing blocks 12-18 of the SF330

Section E resume (i.e. name, role, years of experience, firm name, professional registrations, & other professional qualifications) will meet the requirement for "listed qualifications” of resource alternatives? Or does a full SF330

Section E resume need to be provided for each resource alternative? If so, please clarify how this impacts the page count of the submittal.

Names and qualifications of resource alternatives are not required at this time.

2. "What is the anticipated budget for this project?

The magnitude of construction (not design) of this project is between $75,000,000 and $100,000,000. The total cost of the architect or engineer services contracted for must not exceed 6 percent of the estimated cost of the construction project plus any fees for related services and activities.

3. What is the construction cost within that budget?

The magnitude of construction (not design) of this project is between $75,000,000 and $100,000,000.

4. Does the “budget” include FFE and Move Cost?"

Construction Budget Range: 75M to $100 inclusive of furnishings, relocation, and contingency costs; not including IT conductors and IT equipment. Existing NIOSH office and laboratory equipment is to be relocated.

5. "Per the scope of work, Section S Building Commission Services, “The A/E’s MEP design and CA staff will coordinate closely with the Government’s 3rd Party Commissioning Agent (CxA) during the design and construction of the project.” Please confirm that the Government will be providing the 3rd Party

Commissioning Agent, not the A/E team.

Yes, the Commissioning Authority (CxA) will hold a separate contract with the Government.

6. Can the scope of services for the Government’s 3rd Party Commissioning Agent be clarified?"

The 3rd party Commissioning Agent’s work will start approximately with delivery of the A/E’s 40% Design

Development documents. Coordination during design will generally be to review and incorporate accepted comments from the CxA. Coordination during construction administration phase will generally be to respond to queries from the CxA regarding design intent, or answer other design questions.

7. Per the RFP, Key consultants qualifications, is it more important to have a local presence, or federal laboratory experience?

Selection will be made according to the following criteria, listed in the order of priority:

1. Professional qualifications necessary for satisfactory performance of required services.

2. Past performance on contracts with Government agencies and private industry in terms of cost control, design aesthetics, quality of work, and compliance with performance schedules.

3. Specialized experience and technical competence in the building types described, including, where appropriate, experience in energy conservation, pollution prevention, waste reduction, and the use of recovered materials.

4. Capacity to accomplish the work in the required time.

5. Location in the general geographical area of the project and knowledge of the locality of the project.

Received 9/03/2019

1. Regarding Criterion 1, Professional Qualifications, there are 18 disciplines and consultants listed on Page 5 of the Synopsis (Project Manager, Architect, Lab Planner etc.). Does the CDC desire a resume for a professional in each of these disciplines? May one person fill multiple roles on the contract?

Yes, CDC requires a resume for each professional in each discipline. Per the Statement of Work, Part I.1., each Key

Personnel shall not serve for two different disciplines

2. Assuming that the CDC desires a separate resume for each discipline, we respectfully request that the 40-page overall limit be reconsidered. An SF330 document typically contains 1 page for Sections A-C, 1 page for Section D Organization Chart, at least 1 resume per discipline in Section E, 3 pages for Section F Projects (per the requirement listed under Criterion 2, sub-paragraph i), 1 page for Section G Matrix, several pages for Section H, and as many Part II pages as are needed to represent each firm and office on the design team. Even if one resume can count for multiple disciplines, we would be hard-pressed to sufficiently address the five selection criteria within 40 pages, especially when restricted to 12-point font. Given these concerns, we would appreciate a reconsideration of the page limit.

In consideration of the frequently expressed concern about the page limit, the Government is increasing the page limit to 50 pages and decreasing the allowable font size to 10 point font or greater. In addition, the 50 page limit

3. For Criterion 1, Professional Qualifications, the Synopsis asks for “key personnel listing and qualifications for the Construction Administration phase and anticipated time allocation for each respective individual.” Does this information need to be included in the Section E resumes, or can this be included in Section H?

It can be included in Section H if desired.

4. For Criterion 2, Past Performance, sub-paragraph i.(d), the Synopsis asks for each one-page project narrative to include a “clear and concise record of any and all significant claims…”. Does this information need to be included in the Section F project sheets, or can this be included in Section H? If the information must be included in the Section F project sheets, we respectfully request that the one-page limit on project sheets be removed, in order to provide the requested information in the 12-point font required.

It can be included in Section H if desired.

5. Will SF330 Part II forms be counted in the 40-page overall limit?

In consideration of the frequently expressed concern about the page limit, the Government is increasing the page limit to 50 pages and decreasing the allowable font size to 10 point font or greater. In addition, the 50 page limit

6. Does the CDC desire firms to submit Past Performance documentation (CPAR ratings, Past Performance Questionnaires, letters of recommendation, etc.) as part of the SF330 package? If this information is requested, we ask that the Past Performance documentation be excluded from the overall page limit.

Past Performance is an evaluation criteria. Interested Parties should determine how best to market their abilities, and Past Performance Qualifications. In consideration of the frequently expressed concern about the page limit, the Government is increasing the page limit to 50 pages and decreasing the allowable font size to 10 point font or greater. In addition, the 50 page limit includes everything other than the durable cover sheet and part II of the SF330.

Received 09/04/2019

1. Regarding Criterion 2, Past Performance, the RFQ states that emphasis should be on projects with a construction contract value greater than $50M. Will a project that features a very relevant building type, with a construction value under $50M, be rated as more relevant than a building that is above $50M in value, but features a less relevant building type (office/educational)?

An otherwise relevant project that is less than $50 million would still be considered but would not be rated as highly as a project that was relevant in all aspects including price.

Received 09/05/2019

1. Please clarify whether we must submit a 330 inclusive of the narratives mentioned on pages 5 and

6 of the solicitation (all narrative in Section H of the 330), or if the referenced narratives must be a separate document that follows the 330.

The narrative information can be submitted as a separate document.

2. Would you allow for a smaller font size throughout the 330 document?

Received 09/05/2019

1. Per the Scope of Work, Item I-Key Personnel, where it states "The A/E shall also include resource alternatives, by name and with listed qualifications…" can the CDC confirm if a table summarizing blocks 12-18 of the SF330

Section E resume (i.e. name, role, years of experience, firm name, professional registrations, & other professional qualifications) will meet the requirement for "listed qualifications” of resource alternatives? Due to the 40 page limit, Offerors will not have the space to provide SF330 Section E resumes for the all listed key personnel & each resource alternative. Please clarify how this requirement impacts the page count of the submittal.

Names and qualifications of resource alternatives will not be required at this time.

2. The following Key Personnel are either listed as key in the RFP document or separately in the Scope of Work document, but not in both. Please confirm if the following roles are considered key & if the CDC expects to see an

SF330 Section E resume included: "Lead Interior Designer" (included in the SOW Key Personnel, page 22; but not the A-E Synopsis document, page 5 Selection Factor Details, Item 1-Proposed Team Member's Professional

Qualifications); "Lead Blast Engineer" (included in the SOW Key Personnel, page 22; but not the A-E Synopsis document, page 5 Selection Factor Details, Item 1-Proposed Team Member's Professional Qualifications); and

"Move / Relocation Consultant" (not included in the SOW Key Personnel, pages 22-23; but in the A-E Synopsis document, page 5 Selection Factor Details, Item 1-Proposed Team Member's Professional Qualifications).

• Interior Designer – not considered Key Personnel

• Lead Blast Designer – consider this discipline as part of the Security Consultant, which is Key Personnel

• Move/Relocation Consultant – consider Key Personnel

Given the requirements of the A-E Synopsis & Scope of Work documents, we request the CDC to modify the 40-page limit to apply to only the SF330 Part I, & allow SF330 Part II forms be outside the 40-page limit. Given the requirements for key personnel required by the A-E Synopsis & SOW documents, the SF330 Section E resumes would be 20 pages alone, & the SF330 Part II forms for each participating office on our Prime A/E + Key

Consultant Team would be another 15 pages—totaling 35 pages before any other Sections of the SF330 have been included. Without this modification, we are unable to submit a compliant SF330.

In consideration of the frequently expressed concern about the page limit, the Government is increasing the page limit to 50 pages and decreasing the allowable font size to 10 point font or greater. In addition, the 50 page limit includes everything other than the durable cover sheet and part II of the SF330.