AG-3K25-S-17-0003__Amendment_001_Response_to_Sol._Questions.pdf

Facilities Modernization Branch – SEPRL Solicitation No. AG-3K25-S-17-0003 Amendment #001

Ref.: SEPRL Solicitation Package – Answers to Solicitation Questions

Amendment #001 Page: 1 of 13

File Name : AG-3K25-S-17-0003 Amendment 001 Response to Sol. Questions

Facilities Division Facilities Modernization Branch 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Beltsville MD Tel. 301-504-1151 Fax 301-504-1216

FBO Questions and Answers v0.0.docx

CHANGES TO SOLICITATION AND ANSWERS TO SOLICITATION QUESTIONS

Comment Sheet Information (to be filled in by the Reviewer)

Comment Sheet Reference : SEPRL Solicitation Package – Answers to Solicitation Questions Amendment #001

Comment Sheet Date : January 10, 2017

Document Information (to be filled in by the Author)

Document Title : SEPRL Solicitation Package – Answers to Solicitation Questions Amendment #001

Document Reference :

Document Version :

Document Date : January 10, 2017

Date By Which Document Reviewed :

Document Reviewed by (to be filled in by the Reviewer)

Department/Division/Branch : Facilities Modernization Branch

Name : Michael Wigfall , Robert Drechsler

E-mail : Michael.wigfall@ars.usda.gov Robert.Drechsler@ars.usda.gov mailto:Michael.wigfall@ars.usda.gov mailto:Robert.Drechsler@ars.usda.gov

Facilities Modernization Branch – SEPRL Solicitation No. AG-3K25-S-17-0003 Amendment #001

Page: 2 of 13

Facilities Division Facilities Modernization Branch 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Beltsville MD Tel. 301-504-1151 Fax 301-504-1216 d The purpose of the amendment is to update the Solicitation and to answer questions as follows:

A. Changes to Solicitation

1. Establish a cut-off date for questions related to Phase I

2. Update the SF1442 to reflect the correct number of Calendar days the contractor shall begin performance after NTP. Page 19.

3. Address Section K references. Page 87.

4. Clarify the number of copies of the qualification proposal that needs to be turned in. SF1442 and Page 98.

5. Clarify the requirement for submission of SF330. Page 98.

6. Clarify the number of pages the qualification proposals are limited to and what is considered a part of that count. Page 101 and

7. Clarify the requirement for double sided printing. Page 101.

8. Update evaluation language for Phase I Factor 2.

9. Update the mailing address where offerors shall submit qualification proposals. Page 98 and Page 107.

10. Clarify the number of copies required in Volume 5 Binder and Volume 6 Binder. Page 108.

11. Clarify L.13 (d) (2) (B) Format and Content. Volume 2 Technical Proposal Components. Page 101.

12. Clarify L.13 (d) (2) (B) (5) Format and Content, Volume 2 Technical Proposal Components, Technical Exceptions and Deviations. Page 101.

13. Make clear the definition of Personally Identifiable Information (PII). Page 99.

14. Address submission of SAM records.

15. Clarify the percentage of completion for projects submitted under Factor 2 that are not yet completed. Page 104.

16. Make Clear the PPQ requirements.

17. Address Phase II Timeframe.

18. Make clear what is not considered in the 50 page (25 sheet) limitation. Page 101.

19. Make clear the aggregate contract values for projects of similar size. Page 104.

20. Clarify what is meant by “Administrative Information”. Page 100.

21. Address references to L.13. Page 102.

22. Make clear the evaluation of an in-progress project vs. a completed project. Page 104.

23. Address language under Factor 3 that pertains to “Construction of a centralized utility plan, and all utilities”. Page 132.

Facilities Modernization Branch – SEPRL Solicitation No. AG-3K25-S-17-0003 Amendment #001

Page: 3 of 13

Facilities Division Facilities Modernization Branch 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Beltsville MD Tel. 301-504-1151 Fax 301-504-1216

B. Solicitation Questions and Answers:

No.

Reference

(e.g.

SF330,PPQ)

Reviewer's Comments, Questions, Proposals FMB Response

No.

1. Page 104, Factor 2

#1. On Page 104 Factor 2, it states “The offer shall describe projects it has ….. with design-build contracting of similar scope.” Can we submit projects that were CM at risk, where we did more like design assist? Or do the jobs have to be design-build?

Please see reponse to question 13 below.

2. Page 98 bottom of the page, it states to provide one original and 7 copies. On the solicitation itself it says to provide one original and 3 copies. What is correct? Also it says to provide no more than 50 pages single sided, can provide 25 pages double sided to conserve paper?

The correct number of copies to be submitted is (7). The SF1442 is amended to read “Provide one original and (7) copies”.

Double sided printing shall be used.

3. Page 98 bottom of the page, it says “The Offeror shall elect to submit SF330 forms for design firm….”. Is this mandatory? In factor 2, the designer is to provide at least 3 project showing their experience. Is this in SF330 forms or can we present in another format.

The SF330 Submission is required and shall be submitted. The SF330 and Past Performace Questionaire are not counted in the 50 page limit.

The 3 projects showing experience may be submitted in a different format than the SF330. This information shall be included in Volume 2, and will be subject to the 50 page limitation.

4. SF 1442 -11 States that "The Contractor shall begin performance 30 calendar days after receiving a notice to proceed."

Meanwhile Section F.2 of the RFP (Commencement, Prosecution, and Completion of Work) states the

Contractor shall commence work within 15 calendar days after the date the Contractor receives the Notice to

Proceed. Which is correct?

The correct number of Calendar Days is 15.

The SF1442 block 11 is hereby amended to read “The Contractor Shall begin performance 15 Calendar Days after receiving a Notice to Proceed”.

Facilities Modernization Branch – SEPRL Solicitation No. AG-3K25-S-17-0003 Amendment #001

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Facilities Division Facilities Modernization Branch 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Beltsville MD Tel. 301-504-1151 Fax 301-504-1216

No.

Reference

(e.g.

SF330,PPQ)

Reviewer's Comments, Questions, Proposals FMB Response

No.

5. SF 1442 - 13 States that "Sealed offers in original and 3 copies to perform the work required are due at the place specified in Item 8…"Meanwhile Section L.13, Subsection (c) mentions "The Offeror shall submit one original of it proposal, marked as such, and seven (7) copies. The exception shall be the Volume 1 binder which shall be one original plus one (1) copy." Which is correct?

The correct number of copies to be submitted is (7). The SF1442 is amended to

6. Phase II Solicitation.

Section L.15e

The Volume 5 Binder and Volume 6 Binder descriptions contain misleading typos about the number of copies required, e.g.: "Original plus three (2) copies" and "Original plus two (3) copies."What is the correct desired number of copies for Volumes 5 and 6 in Phase II? This question is admittedly not as relevant considering Phase II is a long ways off.

Volume 5 Binder and Volume 6 Binder require Original plus 3 copies, and such amended to read as follows……

“Volume 5 Binder – Small Business Utilization Plan: Original plus three (3) copies”.

“Volume 6 Binder – Price Proposal: Original plus three (3) copies”.

7. Submission Copies

Please clarify the exact number of copies our team is required to submit. Box 13 of the SF 1442 indicates one original and 3 copies while in the General Instructions (c) of Section L.13 Proposal Submission

Requirements/Instructions states offerors shall submit one original and seven (7) copies.

8. Mail-Stop Please clarify the mailing address where offerors shall submit their proposals. We know that our submission must be addressed to you, Michael Wigfall, at USDA, ARS, FD, Modernization Branch 5601 Sunnyside Avenue Beltsville, MD

20705. However, Box 8 of the SF 1442 lists the Mail-stop as

5123 while Section L.13 Proposal Submission

Requirements/Instructions lists Mail-stop 5124.

The correct address where offerors shall submit their proposals to is, USDA, ARS, FD, Modernization Branch

5601 Sunnyside Avenue Beltsville, MD 20705 Mail-Stop 5123

Attention: Michael Wigfall The SF1442 and Section L.13 shall be amended to read “Mail-Stop 5123”

Facilities Modernization Branch – SEPRL Solicitation No. AG-3K25-S-17-0003 Amendment #001

Page: 5 of 13

Facilities Division Facilities Modernization Branch 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Beltsville MD Tel. 301-504-1151 Fax 301-504-1216

Reference

(e.g.

SF330,PPQ)

Reviewer's Comments, Questions, Proposals FMB Response

No.

9. P. 101 Volume 2

Please clarify if offerors Volume 2 Technical Proposal shall be presented single-sided or double-sided.

Among the Federal Acquisition Regulation Clauses on page 62, Clause No. 52.204-4 indicates printing double-sided on postconsumer fiber content paper while instructions in section (iv) on page 101 indicate single-sided.

Volume 2 Technical Proposals shall be presented double sided, pursuant to

FAR 52.204-4.

Instructions in section (IV) on page 101 is amended to indicate double sided.

10. P.101 Volume 2

Please clarify what information the agency is requiring for the component of 2. Lists of Tables and Figures in the

Format and Content of Volume 2, Technical Proposal indicated on page 101.

The Volume 2, Technical Proposal (B), Format and Content, item 2, “List of Tables and Figures” is hereby amended to read “List of Tables and Figures, if applicable”.

11. P. 99 Please clarify what Personally Identifiable Information

(PII) pertains to. Page 99 indicates that the one original and one copy of Volume 1 submitted by the offeror shall be labeled as containing PII. All electronic format submissions shall have the PII removed.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) defines Personally Identifiable Information as: "information which can be used to distinguish or trace an individual's identity, such as their name, social security number, biometric records, etc. alone, or when combined with other personal or identifying information which is linked or linkable to a specific individual, such as date and place of birth, mother’s maiden name, etc."

The PII label is only required if Volume 1 contains PII as defined above.

12. Sec. K Vol. 1 Please indicate if the agency would prefer a copy of company’s SAM record to be included in addition to our completed Section K for Volume 1 of our submission.

Offerors may submit a copy of their SAM record in Volume 1.

Facilities Modernization Branch – SEPRL Solicitation No. AG-3K25-S-17-0003 Amendment #001

Page: 6 of 13

Facilities Division Facilities Modernization Branch 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Beltsville MD Tel. 301-504-1151 Fax 301-504-1216

Reference

(e.g.

SF330,PPQ)

Reviewer's Comments, Questions, Proposals FMB Response

No.

13. Factor 2 Is there a limit to the number of projects the agency requires the offeror and the offeror’s proposed design firm to show to meet the requirements of Factor 2?

Page 104, Factor 2, 4th paragraph is hereby amended as follows:

From:

“The Offeror’s proposed design firm shall demonstrate experience with design or design-build projects of similar scope, size and complexity by providing at least three (3) projects under this factor for evaluation.”

To:

“The design build team (design firm and construction firm) shall each submit three (3) projects that demonstrate experience with projects of similar scope, size and complexity, of which two, from each firm, must be design build under this factor for evaluation. The design firm and construction firm must each demonstrate experience with three projects of similar scope and complexity, however a project worked on as a team will be considered as one project for each.”

14. Factor 2 Please clarify what ‘the percentage of completion of each performance category’ pertains to for any project submitted under Factor 2 that is not yet completed.

Page 104, Factor 2, bottom of first paragraph, is hereby amended as follows:

From:

“For projects submitted under this factor that are not completed, provide the percentage of completion to date, similarly the percentage of completion for each performance category.”

To:

“For projects submitted under this factor that are not completed, provide the percentage of completion to date.”

Facilities Modernization Branch – SEPRL Solicitation No. AG-3K25-S-17-0003 Amendment #001

Page: 7 of 13

Facilities Division Facilities Modernization Branch 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Beltsville MD Tel. 301-504-1151 Fax 301-504-1216

Reference

(e.g.

SF330,PPQ)

Reviewer's Comments, Questions, Proposals FMB Response

No.

15. PPQ Would a previously completed PPQ or other federal agency questionnaire/survey in a different format be accepted in lieu of the Attachment L1 Past Performance

Questionnaire Template provided in this solicitation?

No. PPQ’s must be submitted in the format attached in the solicitation.

Previously completed PPQ’s are not permitted for re-submission.

16. Phase 2 Is there any timeframe or schedule for when the agency plans on shortlisting offerors that will be allowed to submit on Phase 2 of this solicitation?

No. There is no specific timeframe. Phase 2 is contingent upon completion of the Phase 1 evaluation.

17. Page Limit Does the bonding capacity letter count towards the page limit?

No. The Bonding letter does not count towards the page limit.

18. P.98 Clarify contradicting information: one original + 3 copies (SF1442) OR one original + 7 copies (p.98)?

Facilities Modernization Branch – SEPRL Solicitation No. AG-3K25-S-17-0003 Amendment #001

Page: 8 of 13

Facilities Division Facilities Modernization Branch 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Beltsville MD Tel. 301-504-1151 Fax 301-504-1216

Reference

(e.g.

SF330,PPQ)

Reviewer's Comments, Questions, Proposals FMB Response

No.

19. P.104 Factor

Clarify contradicting information: Factor 2 - p.104 says: 5 or more years, $50M or more; p.131 says: 4 or more years, $100M or more; $100M - $200M rated more favorably.

Page 104, Factor 2, paragraph 3, is hereby amended as follows:

From:

“Projects of a similar size include any of the following:

- Project duration of five or more years.

- Projects greater than 200,000 net square feet constructed.

- Single Construction contract with aggregate contract value exceeding $50,000,000”

To:

“Projects of a similar size include any of the following:

- Project duration of four or more years.

- Projects greater than 200,000 net square feet constructed.

- Single Construction contract with aggregate contract value exceeding $100,000,000”

20. P.104 Factor 2 – p.104: Design firm to provide at least 3 similar projects. Is there a similar requirement for the contractor?

Refer to the response to question 13 above.

21. PPQ Factor 3 – Does the PPQ information count towards the page limit?

No. The PPQ information is submitted by the client and does not count towards the 50 page limitation.

22. Page Limit There is a lot of required information within a 50 page limit with the requirements of 12 point elite font/double spaced/single-sided/1” margins. Please confirm this is correct.

Volume 2 Technical Proposals shall be presented double sided, pursuant to

FAR 52.204-4.

Volume 2 Technical Proposal (IV) is hereby amended to read “………Total number of pages submitted for Volume 2 Technical Proposals shall not exceed 50 pages, double sided (25 sheets maximum). This does not include cover sheets, tables, bonding letters, appendices, etc.”

Facilities Modernization Branch – SEPRL Solicitation No. AG-3K25-S-17-0003 Amendment #001

Page: 9 of 13

Facilities Division Facilities Modernization Branch 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Beltsville MD Tel. 301-504-1151 Fax 301-504-1216

Reference

(e.g.

SF330,PPQ)

Reviewer's Comments, Questions, Proposals FMB Response

No.

23. On page 117 in the instructions it says an Assessor (i.e.

client reference) is defined as Government personnel that had experience with the Offeror/Major Subcontractor on a previous relevant contract. Are the assessors limited to Government personnel or could private sector personnel that had experience with the Offeror/Major Subcontractor on a previous relevant contract?

The Government prefers Past Performance evaluations with Federal Government projects; however evaluations may be submitted by other than Federal Government personnel.

24. Rep & Certs In section K, page 87 states that 52.219-22, Small Disadvantaged Business Status is selected as an applicable certification. This appears to be an invalid reference and the hyperlink in the solicitation does not work. 52.219-19 through 52.219-26 are currently not used and are marked as "Reserved."

Please advise if this certification if applicable.

Reference to FAR 52.219-22 is not invalid. Please refer to full text in FAR or WWW.Aquistion.GOV.

Sections that are marked “Reserved” are done by the FAR council for future use and not by individual Government Agencies.

52.219-19 -52.219-26 were not marked “Reserved” by USDA-ARS.

25. RFI Please confirm the cut-off for questions related to the Phase I.

The cut-off date for Phase 1 questions shall be Monday, January 16, 2017.

26. Volume 1 - Business information

Per section L.13 d) (1) (A) on page 100, the solicitation states that volume 1 should also include administrative information.

Please confirm what additional "administrative information" is requested.

Administrative information does not refer to any particular information but is included to cover any administrative information that the Offeror deems relevant other than representations, certifications, and acknowledgements.

27. Volume 2 - Technical Binder

Per section L.13 d) (2) (B) on page 101, the solicitation states the following format and content should include," List of Tables & Figures." This section is not further identified in the RFQ nor has any evaluation criteria in section M. Please explain what is required for this section and how it will be evaluated.

See response to Question 10 above.

http://www.aquistion.gov/

Facilities Modernization Branch – SEPRL Solicitation No. AG-3K25-S-17-0003 Amendment #001

Page: 10 of 13

Facilities Division Facilities Modernization Branch 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Beltsville MD Tel. 301-504-1151 Fax 301-504-1216

Reference

(e.g.

SF330,PPQ)

Reviewer's Comments, Questions, Proposals FMB Response

No.

28. Volume 2 -

Per section L.13 d0 (2) (B) on page 101, the solicitation states the following format and content should include, "Technical Summary." This section is not further identified in the RFQ nor has any evaluation criteria in section M.

Please explain what is required for this section and how it will be evaluated.

Section L. 13 (2) Volume 2 Binder, TECHNICAL PROPOSAL, (B) on page 101, outlines the format of the content to be submitted for evaluation criteria set forth in Section M.

29. Volume 2 -

Per section L.13 d0 (2) (B) on page 101, the solicitation states the following format and content should include, "Technical Exceptions and Deviations if applicable." This technical exceptions and deviations is not identified in the evaluation criteria in section M. Please explain how and exceptions or deviations will be evaluated.

Section L. 13 (2) Volume 2 Binder, TECHNICAL PROPOSAL, (B) on page 101, outlines the format of the content to be submitted for evaluation criteria set forth in Section M. Exceptions or deviations will be addressed by the Contracting Officer if presented in Volume 2, Section 5.

30. Volume 2 -

In item (ii) on page 102 of the solicitation state, "It should be clearly address each of the three Technical Proposal Evaluation Factors described in Section L.13…" Please confirm this referenced is to section L.14?

Section L. 13 (2) Volume 2 Binder, TECHNICAL PROPOSAL, (B) (ii) on page 102 is hereby amended as follows:

From:

“Technical Discussion. This section shall contain the major portion of the Technical Proposal. It should clearly address each of the three Technical Proposal Evaluation Factors described in Section L.13, and at a minimum cover the subordinate factors or sub criteria listed thereunder, if any.”

To:

“Technical Discussion. This section shall contain the major portion of the Technical Proposal. It should clearly address each of the three Technical Proposal Evaluation Factors described in Section L.14, and at a minimum cover the subordinate factors or sub criteria listed thereunder, if any.

Facilities Modernization Branch – SEPRL Solicitation No. AG-3K25-S-17-0003 Amendment #001

Page: 11 of 13

Facilities Division Facilities Modernization Branch 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Beltsville MD Tel. 301-504-1151 Fax 301-504-1216

Reference

(e.g.

SF330,PPQ)

Reviewer's Comments, Questions, Proposals FMB Response

No.

31. Volume 2 - Factor 2

On page 104 under Factor 2, the solicitation notes that projects which are not complete can be submitted.

Please verify if a in-progress project will be evaluated the same as a completed project.

In general, all other factors being equal, a completed project will be evaluated more favourably than an uncompleted project.

32. Volume 2 - Factor 2

On page 131 under Factor 2, the solicitation states, "ARS will evaluate the extent to which the Offeror's proposal provided the minimum number of projects for evaluation as stated in Factor 2 Special Experience & Technical Competency proposal submission requirements. Factor 2 on pages 104-105 only note a minimum number of Design projects (3) from the design firm are required.

Please confirm a minimum of 3 projects from the design firm and 3 projects form the Design-Builder or contractor are required for a total of 6 projects. Also advise if there is a maximum number of projects that can be submitted.

Refer to the response to question 13 above.

33. Volume 2 - Factor 3

On page 105 under Factor 3, the solicitation states, “The Offeror shall provide telephone numbers and e-mail addresses for two (2) references for each project described in the Factor 4 - Offeror's Special Experience & Technical Competency evaluation factor. The solicitation then requires a PPQ from a client. Please confirm:

(1) One of the references can be the same as the person completing the PPQ and;(2) Only 1 reference is required to complete the PPQ for each project provided in Factor 2.

Question (1) One of the references can be the same as the person completing the PPQ. Answer is YES.

Question (2) Only 1 reference is required to complete the PPQ for each project provided in Factor 2. Answer is YES.

Facilities Modernization Branch – SEPRL Solicitation No. AG-3K25-S-17-0003 Amendment #001

Page: 12 of 13

Facilities Division Facilities Modernization Branch 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Beltsville MD Tel. 301-504-1151 Fax 301-504-1216

Reference

(e.g.

SF330,PPQ)

Reviewer's Comments, Questions, Proposals FMB Response

No.

34. Volume 2 - Factor 3

Factor 3, requires a Attachment L1 PPQ from to be completed by the client for each project referenced in Factor 2. Projects that will be utilized for Factor 2 are other Federal Projects in which the client maybe USACE, GSA, or NAVFAC. In this instance a CPARS or CCASS may already be completed by the Client and in some cases a standard USACE/NAVFAC PPQ form. These federal clients may not fill out another form other than their own.Please confirm it is acceptable to provide previously completed CPARS/CCASS or standard USACE/NAVFAV PPQ form.

See the response to question 15 above.

35. Attachment

LI - PPQ

Template

On the PPQ template a few sections depict a Contracting Role as a Prime or Subcontractor but do not denote areas for a Designer.Please confirm how, if required, a Designer should complete a the PPQ. Since typically on a design-build project the designer works directly for the Contractor and not for the Owner and the client is the Contractor the Owner of the project has not contractual relationship to the designer, thus may not complete a PPQ for the designer.If this is the chase is it acceptable for a Designer to have the PPQ completed by the Contractor as the Clients?

Yes, a PPQ can be completed by a Contractor as the Client.

36. Volume 2 - Factor 2

On page 104 under Factor 2, the solicitation states projects of similar size including a project duration of 5 or more years, and contract value exceeding $50 million.

Under the evaluation section of Factor 2 on page 131, the same requirements states project duration of 4 or more years and contract value exceeding $100 million.

Please confirm which requirements are correct?

Refer to the response to question 19 above. `

Facilities Modernization Branch – SEPRL Solicitation No. AG-3K25-S-17-0003 Amendment #001

Page: 13 of 13

Facilities Division Facilities Modernization Branch 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Beltsville MD Tel. 301-504-1151 Fax 301-504-1216

Reference

(e.g.

SF330,PPQ)

Reviewer's Comments, Questions, Proposals FMB Response

No.

37. Volume 2 - Factor 3

On page 132 underC12:E18 Factor 3 the solicitation states projects that included, "construction of a centralized utility plant, and all utilities.." This does not appear to match the Requirements of Factor 2 nor Factor 3 on page 105.Please confirm the correct requirements.

There is no conflict. The language under Factor 3 on page 132, provides additional breakdown of items that, if part of a project provide on Past Performance, will be considered more favorably for Factor 3, Past Performance only.

38. Page Count Are the tabs part of the 50 page count.

No, tabs are not part of the 50 page count.

39. PPQ Are Sections I and II and III of the PPQ submitted with the Proposal and hence the 50 page count. If they are, can we consolidate it down to 1 page?

No, PPQs are not part of the 50 page count.

40. PPQ Section I of the PPQ is this to be filled out with SEPRL information or is it to be filled out with the PPQ information.

Shall be filled out with SEPRL information.

41. P 117 On page 117 in the instructions it says an Assessor (i.e.

client reference) is defined as Government personnel that had experience with the Offeror/Major Subcontractor on a previous relevant contract. Are the assessors limited to Government personnel or could private sector personnel that had experience with the Offeror/Major Subcontractor on a previous relevant contract?

See response to Question 23 above.