A-E Synopsis 145034240121SM.docx

Synopsis for Architect-Engineer (A-E) Services for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), Earth Systems Research Laboratories (ESRL), Global Monitoring Laboratory (GML), American Samoa Atmospheric Baseline Observatory (SMO)

General Information Document Type: Pre-solicitation Notice Solicitation Number: 145034240121SM Notice Date: August 28, 2024 Response Date: September 18, 2024 Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside Title: Architect-Engineer (A-E) Services for NOAA/OAR/ESRL/GML/SMO Location: Pago Pago, American Samoa

Description of Requirement The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), Earth Systems Research Laboratories (ESRL), Global Monitoring Laboratory (GML), American Samoa Atmospheric Baseline Observatory (SMO) is in need of non-personal Architect-Engineer (A-E) services for electrical engineer design services to detail the proposed photovoltaic (PV), 48-hour battery energy storage (BESS) and wind energy system to take SMO off-grid and net-zero.

1. Contract Information:

These services will be procured in accordance with 40 USC Chapter 11, Selection of Architects and Engineers, and Public Law (PL) 92-582, formally known as the Brooks Act, as implemented in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 36.6. Firms must demonstrate competence and qualifications for the required work, stated in this synopsis, for selection for negotiation.

The Government intends to award a trade-off, single firm-fixed price purchase order on an all or none basis with payment terms of Net 30. The period of performance shall be date of award through 90 days after date of award.

This announcement is restricted to small business concerns. The applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541330. The small business size standard is $25.5 million.

In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 36.601-4(b), the A-E firm must be a registered/licensed firm to be eligible for award. Firms must provide proof that it is permitted by law to practice the professions of engineering (E.g., state registration number, or a brief explanation of the firm’s licensing in jurisdictions that do not register firms, etc.). Failure to submit the required proof could result in a firm’s elimination from consideration.

Interviews may be scheduled with firms slated as the most highly qualified. Firms slated for interviews may be asked to clarify information contained in the submittal. Elaborate presentations are not desired.

Eligibility for this contract award requires registration of the firm with the System for Award Management (SAM) database. Register via SAM.gov. Firms will be verified by Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) to ensure that award is to a unique entity. Failure to register in the SAM database may render your firm ineligible for award.

2. Project Information:

The firm shall furnish all labor, management, incidental services, investigations, studies, travel, facilities, supplies, equipment, and materials to perform the required services. During the execution of work, the firm shall provide adequate supervision and quality control to assure the accuracy, quality, timeliness, and completeness of the work. The detailed scope of the work is found below.

Disclosure of Magnitude in accordance with FAR 36.204:

The magnitude is between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000.

Place of Performance The place of performance address is American Samoa Atmospheric Baseline Observatory, P.O. Box 2568 (Rt 1), Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799.

Scope of Work

BACKGROUND:

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Global Monitoring Laboratory (GML) operates a year-round long-term atmospheric research facility on Cape Matatula, American Samoa. The American Samoa Atmospheric Baseline Observatory (SMO) is one of NOAA’s four atmospheric baseline observatories worldwide and monitors the composition of air flowing off the Pacific Ocean. Sitting on a 26.7-acre parcel of land, the observatory hosts a number of complementary atmospheric research projects from universities, federal agencies, and foreign research groups.

Logistically, a 0.5-mile paved asphalt private road connects the main road (Route 1 in the village of Tula) with the observatory facility. Following the contours of the hillside, this narrow road has many twists and steep inclines. The road can be challenging for longer vehicles due to the narrow width, rolling topography, and occasional sharp corners. All Wheel Drive and Four-Wheel Drive vehicles are recommended for accessing the observatory. Power lines cross over the road in multiple locations and may pose a risk for tall vehicles. Trees and dense vegetation may also pose an overhead obstruction for the tallest vehicles and/or vehicles that are extra wide.

Cargo coming into/out of American Samoa is via ship or aircraft. The port is located in Pago Pago, approximately 45 minutes from the SMO site. The airport is located in Tafuna, approximately 60-80 minutes from SMO. Most hotels, stores, and services are located near Pago Pago and Tafuna. Few stores on the island stock construction supplies and their inventory is highly variable. It is likely that all materials for the project will need to be shipped to American Samoa in advance of construction work starting. Materials can be staged and stored on site.

Located on an island in the South Pacific Ocean, the environment is highly corrosive. The island receives frequent, heavy rainfall (approx. 200 inches of rain annually) and averages around 80 degrees F (26.7 C). The high humidity and salt spray from the ocean expedite corrosion, making high quality building materials, corrosion-resisting treatments, and regular maintenance a requirement. In addition, American Samoa is located in an active tectonic region, experiencing earthquakes and tsunamis, and is regularly in the path of tropical storms, requiring adherence to the latest building technology and regulations (seismic, wind, etc.).

Scientific measurements obtained at SMO often represent the global background conditions for the atmospheric research community. As such, the measurements taken at the site are highly precise and need to be safeguarded to ensure that indoor room air and/or local site contamination does note negatively impact the long-term records. NOAA has developed a comprehensive banned construction materials (chemicals) list and each product used at the site must be cleared against this banned chemical list prior to use. The banned construction materials list will be provided to vendors and NOAA can assist with reviewing individual products as needed. Furthermore, it will be required to keep the science at SMO operational as much as possible throughout construction activities. See Attachment B – NOAA Banned Construction Material List.

The DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) completed a study in February 2024 on the feasibility of converting SMO to net-zero electricity and recommended a combination photovoltaic (PV), 48-hour battery energy storage (BESS), and wind energy system. The proposed system would make the SMO facility 100% net-zero electric and avoid 137,264.6 pounds/yr. of CO2e.

The proposed SMO project would produce the second net-zero CO2 emissions facility in DOC; Mauna Loa Atmospheric Baseline Observatory, Hawaii, being the first. This project will serve as a continuing example of DOC’s commitment to sustainability and meeting federal facility net-zero goals.

SMO is a definitive source of data for documenting the increased atmospheric burden of fossil fuel emissions in the South Pacific. This project would eliminate 99% of the fuel burned for electricity used by SMO to conduct critical atmospheric measurements. This project supports EA2020, Executive Order (E.O.) 14057 and E.O. 14008. Due to the nature of the science conducted at SMO, transitioning this site to net-zero would demonstrate the Federal sector’s ability to lead by example and support climate research work that informs sustainability policy and decision making without adding CO2 to the atmosphere.

PROJECT SCOPE:

GML is requesting bids from well-qualified bidders who can submit qualifications and pricing and demonstrate substantial experience in electrical engineer design services to include structural engineering and wind engineering. GML is looking to award a contract to one vendor to complete a fully integrated design documentation necessary to detail the proposed combination photovoltaic (PV), 48- hour battery energy storage (BESS), and wind energy system to convert American Samoa Atmospheric Baseline Observatory to net-zero.

The general scope of services required for this project include, but are not limited to: labor, material, equipment, transportation, warranty and other related services for completing the full scope as described within the Statement of Work.

The design and engineering team shall be responsible for providing a full-scale integrated design effort that includes the following:

· Initial Site Survey – Obtain and observe the existing electrical conditions. Provide a brief report on the condition and performance of the existing system and electrical infrastructure

· Design – Conceptual, Schematic Design Development (50% and 80%) and Construction Issue Design Drawings (100%)

1. Base Task: Electrical Engineering Services The contractor shall provide services to create construction level documents of the proposed project. The services shall include a wind engineer, structural engineer and an electrical engineer to complete the work inclusive of a study of the wind, site visits, and interconnection.

The Contractor shall:

a. Conduct a site surveys to obtain and observe the existing electrical conditions. One site trip for the initial design and data phase as well as an initial meeting is desired at least.

b. Assess the electrical equipment and installation condition and preparation of a brief report of observed conditions.

c. Install a power data recorder (approximately 5 days) at the auto transfer switch and photovoltaic system to record the power production and use characteristics such as voltage, current, harmonics, power, power factor, and voltage surges and sags (during the time period).

d. Prepare a brief report on the condition and performance of the existing solar system and installation.

e. Prepare a brief report on the electrical infrastructure condition and recommend repairs as needed.

f. Prepare an updated electrical single line diagram showing the utility, generator, and existing solar point of interconnection (POI).

g. Identify and incorporate energy conservation and load reduction measures in the design, where applicable.

h. The basic design concept to incorporate solar photovoltaic and battery energy storage (BESS) in a microgrid set up, with a generator back-up for grid interconnection and islanding.

i. Electrical provisions for a small wind generator (approx. 15 Kw) shall also be incorporated to provide additional energy for charging the BESS and offset the building load.

j. The solar and wind excess energy to be stored in the BESS to use for load shifting but maintain a state of charge, based on operating conditions.

k. The utility grid will be used to provide power when neither solar or wind is available and the BESS state of charge is at or below a percentage determined by the site controller. This can be remotely adjustable, if desired.

l. The stand-by generator will be used to provide back-up power during emergency periods when the grid is not available and after the renewable resources have been expended.

m. The system to be capable of remote monitoring and control, if desired.

n. Prepare electrical design plans for review at 50%, 80% and 100% (Construction Set).

o. Prepare budgetary construction cost estimates.

p. The drawings will be prepared using computer aided drafting (AutoCAD) and submitted in pdf format.

q. Detail the location of PV panels, Wind Turbine and Battery System to include how the array will be mounted.

r. Coordinate with GML team location of PV panels, Wind Turbine and Battery system to not disrupt existing and future scientific equipment on the site.

s. Determine whether a geotechnical survey is necessary and provide recommendations for the work.

t. Attend coordination (virtual) meetings, as needed.

2. Optional Task: Geotechnical Survey The contractor shall provide a geotechnical survey of the site to determine the substrate and feasibility of the wind turbine and PV locations.

Contractor shall provide:

a. Conduct site visits to complete the work.

b. Provide a Geotechnical Report detailing at least the following:

a. General soil conditions

b. Groundwater depth

c. Foundation types, depth, allowable loading

d. Foundations and risk

e. Structural fill type, earthwork, compaction

f. Color picture of the site

g. Site drainage

h. Subsoil stabilization

i. Vegetation Control

j. Evaluation of zone of constant soil suction if deeper borings ar

c. Attend coordination (virtual) meetings, as needed.

DESIGN AND DELIVERABLES:

The Contractor shall submit all preliminary, intermediate, and final deliverables in electronic formats (AutoCAD and Adobe) to the identified Technical Lead. All deliverables that are original source files for eLearning modules, simulations, audio and video files shall be editable and in the format of the respective product. Requirements for inspection and acceptance are as follows:

The Technical Lead will inspect and accept the services and/or deliverables provided to ensure they meet the requirements.

· The Government will accept products and services only if they conform to all terms and conditions of the contract.

· The Government will provide written notification of acceptance or rejection within ten (10) calendar days of receiving the service/deliverable. If no written notification is provided within that time frame, the contractor can assume the Government has accepted the deliverable.

· The Government will reject non-conforming products and services. The Contractor shall correct any deficiencies within thirty (30) calendar days of when the Government issues the rejection notice. If the Contractor cannot correct the deficiencies within this timeframe, the Contractor shall immediately notify the Technical Lead of the reason for the delay and provide a proposed corrective action plan within ten (10) calendar days.

· The schedule is subject to change once the project is awarded. The actual schedule should be finalized at the kickoff meeting between the contractor, Technical Lead and CO.

POST AWARD CONFERENCE:

The purpose of this meeting (virtual or in person) is to discuss and develop a mutual understanding of the administrative requirements of the Contract including but not limited to: daily reporting, invoicing, safety, site access, outage requests, schedule requirements, quality control, shop drawings, submittals, prosecution of the work, government acceptance, final inspections and contract close-out.

SAFETY AND HEALTH PLAN:

Site activities performed in conjunction with this project may pose safety hazards which require specialized expertise to effectively address and eliminate. The contractor shall be responsible for preparing and implementing an effective safety and health program, to include a site-specific safety and health plan. The contractor’s Safety and Health Plan shall conform to the requirements defined in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Safety Manual EM385-1-1. Plan must be submitted within 30 days of award and must be approved before the contractor is given notice to proceed with construction.

Contract Personnel visiting the observatory must have federal identification available. A background check may be required for personnel accessing government facilities. The names of all Contract Personnel visiting the site shall be reported to the Technical Contact(s) at least seven (7) days in advance of the site visit. NOAA must be informed if any Contract Personnel are foreign nationals – additional security clearance may be required. Contract Personnel must be escorted in government facilities.

QUALITY CONTROL PLAN:

The contractor shall develop, implement, and document an effective project specific quality control plan in accordance with USACE Engineer Regulation (ER) 1180-1-6, Construction Quality Management. This quality control plan shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer (CO) and Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for approval within 30 calendar days after contract award.

PROJECT SCHEDULE:

The contractor shall submit a detailed schedule showing all phases of design, including testing, inspection/acceptance, commissioning, training, and other activities as required. Schedule shall be submitted electronically in Microsoft Project compatible formats and .pdf format. Schedule updates are required to be submitted with monthly pay requests.

HOURS OF OPERATIONS:

The contractor is responsible for performing between the hours of 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays or when the Government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government directed facility closings. The contractor must at all times maintain an adequate work force for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this statement of work when the Government facility is not closed for the above reasons.

Work outside regular working hours requires COR approval. Requests must be submitted 14 calendar days prior to such work to allow arrangements to be made by the Government for inspecting the work in progress, giving the specific dates, hours, location, type of work to be performed, contract number and project title. Based on the justification provided, the COR may approve work outside regular hours.

Contractor must at all times have someone on property that speaks fluent English.

FEDERAL HOLIDAYS:

Contractor agrees to observe all Federal Holidays, and any other day off work designated by Federal Statute, Executive Order, or Presidential Proclamation.

Christmas Day

If a holiday falls on a Saturday, for most Federal employees, the preceding Friday will be treated as a holiday for pay and leave purposes. (See 5 U.S.C. 6103(b).) If a holiday falls on a Sunday, for most Federal employees, the following Monday will be treated as a holiday for pay and leave purposes. (See Section 3(a) of Executive Order 11582, February 11, 1971.) See also our Federal Holidays – "In Lieu Of" Determination Fact Sheet at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/work-schedules/fact-sheets/Federal-Holidays-In-Lieu-Of-Determination.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION:

Provide and maintain, during the life of the contract, environmental protection as required. Protect the environmental resources within the project boundaries and those affected outside the limits of permanent work during the entire duration of this Contract. Comply with federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to the environment, including water, air, solid waste, hazardous waste and substances, oily substances, and noise pollution.

Tests and procedures assessing whether operations comply with Applicable Environmental Laws may be required. Analytical work must be performed by qualified laboratories; where required by law, the laboratories must be certified.

Minimize interference with, disturbance to, and damage to fish, wildlife, and plants, including their habitats. The protection of rare, threatened, and endangered animal and plant species identified, including their habitats, is the contractor's responsibility. Preserve the natural resources within the project boundaries and outside the limits of permanent work. Restore to an equivalent or improved condition upon completion of work. Confine activities to within the limits of the work indicated or specified.

If asbestos, lead paint, petroleum-contaminated soil, or suspected hazardous waste is found during the work that was not identified in the Contract documents, immediately notify the COR and CO. Do not disturb this material until authorized by the CO. The contractor shall provide the necessary licensed Industrial Hygienist to confirm in writing the presence and scope of the hazardous material. The CO will issue direction on how to handle the unexpected hazards described by the contractor.

Do not dispose of hazardous waste on Government property. Do not discharge any waste to a sanitary sewer, storm drain, or to surface waters or conduct waste treatment or disposal on Government property without written approval of the CO.

Burning of trash or rubbish is not permitted on project site.

Monthly Invoices: Contractor is required to submit monthly invoices to COR via the IPP system. Invoices are due by the 7th of each month. The COR will review the invoices and either return them for corrections or process them for payment.

Site Restrictions: Contractor employees must park privately owned vehicles in an area designated by the Station Chief. Employee parking must not interfere with existing and established parking requirements of the Government installation. Smoking is prohibited within and outside of all buildings on site, except in designated smoking areas. This applies to existing buildings, buildings under construction and buildings under renovation. Discarding tobacco materials other than into designated tobacco receptacles is considered littering and is subject to fines. The Station Chief will identify designated smoking areas.

3. Submission Requirements:

THIS IS NOT A REQUIEST FOR PROPOSAL.

A. Submissions shall be submitted electronically via email to stephanie.mas@noaa.gov no later than 12:00pm MST/MDT on September 18, 2024. Firms are highly encouraged to follow up with the Government point of contact listed to confirm receipt of submission. It is the firm’s responsibility to ensure timely submission. Failure to comply with submission requirements may result in the firm’s elimination from further evaluation.

B. Interested firms (single firms or joint ventures) having the capabilities to perform this work must submit an SF 330 (8/2016 Edition or current revision) for the prime firm and all consultants/subcontractors. Late proposal rules found at FAR 15.208 will be followed for late submittals. Submission by facsimile or in paper will NOT be accepted. Instructions for completing the form are included on the form. The SF 330 form is available at https://www.gsa.gov/reference/forms. Firms submitting as a joint venture should include with their submission a copy of the signed and executed joint venture agreement. Failure to include the signed and executed joint venture agreement may result in the firm’s elimination from further evaluation.

C. Interested firms may submit an SF 330 for multiple regions, if the scope of work calls for multiple places of performance. However, each submission shall be distinct and tailored for the region and clearly identified with the region name. Firms shall submit one (1) copy of a submission per region.

D. Submit a completed SF 330 in accordance with the SF 330 instructions and additional instructions herein. It shall contain information in sufficient detail to identify the team (prime, other offices of the prime firm, and consultants/subcontractors) proposed for this requirement. Do not include company literature with the SF 330.

E. Shall use no smaller than typed, 10-point font using Standard English. Pages in excess of the maximums listed will not be used in evaluation of the selection criteria. Submit the SF 330 in a searchable Portable Document Format (PDF) format.

F. SF 330, Part I, Additional Instructions:

i. The A-E firm (prime or joint venture) must be a registered/licensed engineering firm to be eligible for award in accordance with FAR 36.601-4(b). Firms shall provide proof that it is permitted by law to practice the professions of engineering (e.g., state registration number, or a brief explanation of the firm’s licensing in jurisdictions that do not register firms, etc.). Failure to submit the required proof could result in a firm’s elimination from consideration.

ii. In Section A, include the title, location, notice date, and solicitation number as identified within this pre-solicitation notice.

iii. In Section B, include the contact information for the primary point of contact who will be responsible for communication during interviews and/or negotiation, including the name and title, name of firm, phone number, and email address. Fax number is not required.

iv. In Section C, for each firm select the correct designation (prime, joint venture partner, or subcontractor), and include the firm name and business size/socioeconomic status in block 9, address in block 10, and role in the contract including the discipline/service supplied in block 11.

v. In Section D, include a Team Project Organization Chart to indicate how each firm on the proposed team (prime and each consultant/subcontractor identified in Section C) integrates into the composite team. Job titles and organization chart shall match the required discipline titles. Organizational charts can be up to three (3) 8 ½ x 11 pages.

vi. In Section E, provide:

a) Brief resumes of the on-staff and consultant/subcontractor employees you intend to use to perform the work. Resumes must be submitted for each discipline as specified in the Professional Qualifications criterion. The states of professional registration and certification of each individual shall be included in each resume. Use no more than two (2) pages per individual resume.

b) If all disciplines as specified in the Professional Qualifications criterion are not within the firm and/or teaming arrangements, then include a detailed explanation of how these disciplines will be acquired when necessary. Use no more than three (3) pages.

c) Copies of any professional certifications or licenses for the proposed employees. There is no page limitation for this requirement.

vii. In Section F, provide:

a) Minimum of two (2) but no more than five (5) example projects for consideration. Specify on each project the value (both the A-E fee and total project cost) of the service performed. Projects shall be similar in size and scope and can be current or completed in the past five (5) years. Specify whether the experience is that of the prime (or joint venture) or from an office other than that being proposed to be used for this project. Specify contract numbers, if applicable. Use no more than two (2) pages per project.

Do not submit an IDIQ contract as an example project. Instead, list relevant task orders or standalone contracts. The Government will not evaluate information provided for an IDIQ contract. Examples of project work submitted that do not conform to this requirement will not be evaluated.

If the firm is a joint venture, projects performed by the joint venture shall be submitted; however, if there are no projects performed by the joint venture, projects shall be submitted for each joint venture partner. Firms failing to provide projects from all joint venture partners will be considered to have not met the requirements of the Specialized Experience and Technical Competence criterion. All joint venture partners shall submit the minimum number of projects as specified in the paragraph above.

b) Include a proposed staff team organizational chart with specificity on the team’s project management structure, proposed approach on how the staff team will handle the scope of work, and a narrative description of personnel responsibilities and how the quality management and quality control procedures will function and be monitored for performance. Use no more than three (3) pages. Note a detailed quality control plan (QCP) must be prepared and approved by the Government as a condition of contract award but is not required with this submission.

c) Include a detailed statement outlining the following in terms of percentages where appropriate. Use no more than ten (10) pages.

1) The relationship of the team/partners/parties in terms of business ownership, capital contribution, profit distribution or loss sharing.

2) The estimated percentage involvement of each firm on the proposed team.

3) The management approach in terms of who will conduct, direct, supervise, and control.

4) The structure and decision-making responsibilities of the team/partners/parties in terms of who will control the manner and method of performance of work.

5) Identify (by name and title) the personnel having the authority to legally bind the team/partners/parties (including a list of team members/partners/parties that includes company name, UEI and CAGE code, address, point of contact, email address, and phone number).

viii. In Section G, the key personnel listed shall be those for whom resumes are submitted in Section E.

ix. In Section H, provide:

a) Include any other relevant information, including a short discussion of why the firm is especially qualified based upon the specific selection criteria listed herein.

b) Submit a completed NOAA Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) for each project included under Section F.

If the firm is a joint venture, PPQs for the joint venture shall be submitted. However, if the joint venture has no past performance information, PPQs shall be submitted for each joint venture partner. Firms failing to provide the required information from all joint venture partners will be considered to have not met the requirements of the Past Performance criterion.

Ensure correct phone numbers and email addresses are provided for the client point of contact. The Government reserves the right to conduct telephone interviews with references listed (or other individuals acting for listed references if they are unavailable). Completed PPQs should be submitted with your SF 330. If the firm is unable to obtain a completed PPQ from a client for a project(s) before the response date set forth in this synopsis, firms should complete and submit the first page of the PPQ, which will provide contract and client information for the respective project(s). It is the firm’s responsibility to follow up with clients/references to ensure timely submittal of questionnaires. If requested by the client, questionnaires may be submitted directly to the Government’s point of contact via email at stephanie.mas@noaa.gov prior to the submission closing date. Firms shall not incorporate by reference into their response PPQs previously submitted in response to other acquisitions.

Past performance will not be retrieved for the proposed consultants and subcontractors unless they are known to the Government to have below satisfactory ratings.

Firms are highly encouraged to provide any information on problems encountered and the corrective actions taken on projects submitted under Section F. Firms are also highly encouraged to address any adverse past performance issues. Firms may also provide information regarding customer satisfaction such as recognition for technical achievements, cost savings, and awards or commendations received for similar projects as being requested in this synopsis. This information shall not exceed four (4) pages.

In addition to the above, the Government may review any other sources of information for evaluating past performance. Other sources may include, but are not limited to, other past performance information retrieved through the Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS), including CPARS, inquiries of owner representative(s), Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS), Electronic Subcontract Reporting System (eSRS), and any other known sources not provided by the firm.

While the Government may elect to consider data from other sources, the burden of providing detailed, current, accurate and complete past performance information rests with the firm.

G. SF 330, Part II, Additional Instructions:

Responding firms shall submit a copy of a current and accurate SF 330, Part II for the specific prime, as well as for other offices of the prime and consultant/subcontractor offices proposed to perform the work, even if one is already on file. All Part IIs shall be signed (signed within the past 36 months from the closing date of the synopsis) and dated either by an original handwritten signature or digital signature. Indicate in Block 5b of each Part II, if the firm is a Large Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, HUBZone, Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, Veteran Owned Small Business, or Woman Owned Small Business. Use the applicable NAICS code and size standard specified in this synopsis for classification purposes.

i. In Block No. 4, Part II, provide the UEI for the firm or joint venture performing the work and all consultants/subcontractors.

H. Questions and Comments:

Technical inquiries and questions regarding this synopsis shall be submitted in writing via email to stephanie.mas@noaa.gov no later than 12:00pm MST/MDT on September 5, 2024. Include the solicitation number and title in the subject line. Phone calls will not be accepted.

I. List of Attachments:

i. Attachment 1 – NOAA Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ)

ii. Attachment 2 – Scope Attachment A - Description of the American Samoa Atmospheric Baseline Observatory Facilities

iii. Attachment 3 – Scope Attachment B - NOAA ABO Banned Construction Material List

iv. Attachment 4 – Scope Attachment C - SMO As-Built Drawings

**Due to file size limitations, please email stephanie.mas@noaa.gov directly to request a copy of Scope Attachments.

4. Selection Criteria:

Firms responding to this announcement will be evaluated to determine the most highly qualified firms to perform the required services in accordance with the published selection criteria. Failure to comply with instructions, or provide complete information may affect the firm’s evaluation or disqualify the firm from further consideration.

The selection criteria are listed below in descending order of importance.

1) Location in the General Geographic Area and Knowledge of the Locality

2) Past Performance

3) Specialized Experience and Technical Competence

4) Professional Qualifications

5) Capacity

A. Location in the General Geographic Area and Knowledge of the Locality (SF 330, Part I, Sections E, F, & H) Location in the general geographical area of the project and knowledge of the locality of the project; provided, that application of this criterion leaves an appropriate number of qualified firms, given the nature and size of the project will be evaluated.

i. Firm will be evaluated on its demonstrated knowledge of the geographic region(s) in which projects could be located. A firm does not have to be located close to a project, but must be familiar with the regional bio-physical conditions and political jurisdictions of the geographical area of the firm’s submission. Firms with physical office locations and qualified project managers within the geographical region proposed are preferred.

B. Past Performance (SF 330, Part I, Section H) Past performance on contracts with Government agencies and private industry in terms of cost control, quality of work, and compliance with performance schedules will be evaluated.

i. Firms will be evaluated on past performance with Government agencies and private industry in terms of work quality, compliance with performance goals and schedules, cost control, and stakeholder/customer satisfaction as determined from the information submitted and other sources. Past performance information for relevant projects submitted under the Specialized Experience and Technical Competence criterion may be given greater weight.

C. Specialized Experience and Technical Competence (SF 330, Part I, Sections F & H) Specialized experience and technical competence in the type of work required, including, where appropriate, experience in energy conservation, pollution prevention, waste reduction, and the use of recovered materials will be evaluated.

i. The board will evaluate the firm’s specialized experience on similar projects and the technical capabilities of the prime firm, joint venture, and any consultants/subcontractors.

ii. The board will evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed project team (including management structure, coordination of disciplines, offices and/or consultants/subcontractors, proposed approach to handle the scope of work, and prior working capabilities).

iii. The board will evaluate the demonstrated experience of the prime or the joint venture firms in regard to the scope of work as provided in similar projects and past performance information.

iv. The board will evaluate the demonstrated quality management and control procedures for similar projects.

v. The board will evaluate the knowledge of and familiarity with statutes, regulations, and practices pertaining to the scope of work in the region for which the contractor is applying. This includes knowledge of and familiarity with federal, state and local environmental laws, regulations and policies.

D. Professional Qualifications (SF 330, Part I, Sections E, G, & H) Professional qualifications necessary for satisfactory performance of the required services will be evaluated.

i. Personnel by discipline shall show the entire proposed team by listing personnel from the prime (or joint venture firms) and personnel from consultants/subcontractors/teaming arrangements. The board will evaluate, as appropriate, the education, skills, training, registrations, overall and relevant experience, and longevity with the firm of key management and technical personnel.

ii. Responding firms shall demonstrate the professional qualifications in these primary disciplines. This evaluation criterion focuses primarily on the qualifications of key personnel and not the number of personnel, which is addressed under the capacity criterion.

iii. The following is a list of key personnel. Additional personnel other than the required will not be evaluated.

a) CLIN 0001: Base Task: Electrical Engineering Services (required with response)

1. 21 Electrical Engineer

2. 57 Structural Engineer

b) CLIN 1001: Optional Task: Geotechnical Survey (provide if appropriate)

1. 27 Foundational/Geotechnical Engineer

E. Capacity (SF 330, Part I, Sections E, F, G, & H) Capacity to accomplish the work in the required time will be evaluated.

i. The board will consider each firm’s experience with similar sized projects and the available capacity of key disciplines when evaluating the capacity of a firm or team to perform the work in the required time.

ii. Since it may be difficult for a firm to accurately predict required staffing based on the information in this synopsis, a firm will not be disqualified or downgraded because of its proposed number of personnel for a project shown in the SF 330. Instead, the board will consider the total strength of the key disciplines in the prime or joint venture firm and its consultants/subcontractors in the designated regional offices proposed to perform the scope of work, in relation to the firm’s current workloads.