AG-3K25-S-17-0003__Amendment_003_Response_to_Sol._Questions.doc.pdf

Facilities Modernization Branch – SEPRL Solicitation No. AG-3K25-S-17-0003 Amendment #003

Ref.: SEPRL Solicitation Package – Answers to Solicitation Questions

Amendment #003 Page: 1 of 8

File Name : AG-3K25-S-17-0003 Amendment 003 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 #003

Comment Sheet Date : January 12, 2017

Document Information (to be filled in by the Author)

Document Title : SEPRL Solicitation Package – Answers to Solicitation Questions Amendment #003

Document Reference :

Document Version :

Document Date : January 12, 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 #003

Page: 2 of 8

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. Make clear that Representations and Certifications can be provided in Volume 1. Page 100.

2. Clarify reference to Factor 4 stated in Factor 3. Page 103.

3. Update evaluation language for Phase 1 Factor 2. Page 103.

4. Address the requirement for double spaced typing. Page 99.

5. Make clear the placing of Teaming Arrangements in Volume 1.

6. Clarify what will be addressed in Phase 2.

7. Clarify that the official Amendment 001 and 002 are listed on FBO.GOV and were current as of January 11, 2017, 2:00pm EST.

8. Address reference to FAR 52.219-19 – 52-519-26, and provide link.

B. Solicitation Questions and Answers:

No.

Reference

(e.g.

SF330,PPQ)

Reviewer's Comments, Questions, Proposals FMB Response

No.

1. Please confirm it is acceptable to provide the representations and certifications forms in the Volume I Binder following the SF1442. Please confirm that the representations and certifications will not be included in the page count.

Yes – Representations and certifications forms can be provided in Volume 1.

Yes - Representations and certifications are not included in page count.

2. Will Merrick provide commissioning? This issue will be addressed during Phase 2.

3. Will it be the offerors responsibility to decommission the facility and provide Hazardous Material Abatement?

This issue will be addressed during Phase 2.

4. Has the Government completed an environmental impact study, and if so, will copies be provided to the offerors and when?

Facilities Modernization Branch – SEPRL Solicitation No. AG-3K25-S-17-0003 Amendment #003

Page: 3 of 8

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.

5. Factor 3 – Past Performance communicates, “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”. Please confirm requirement should read “described in Factor 2”.

Page 103 Factor 3- Past Performance, is hereby amended as follows:

From:

“…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…”

To:

“…The Offeror shall provide telephone numbers and e-mail addresses for two

(2) references for each project described in the Factor 2-Offeror’s Special Experience & Technical Competency evaluation factor…”

6. Factor 2 reads “Project of a similar size include any of the following: - Project duration of five or more years” and

Section M evaluation criteria reads “Projects of a similar size include any of the following: - Project duration of four or more years”. Please confirm the correct relevancy requirement for project duration. Requesting that government reduce the duration relevancy for design and construction to 3 years.

Page 103 and 130, Factor 2, is hereby amended as follows:

From:

“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”

To:

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

- Project duration of three (3) or more years.

- Projects approximately 200,000 net square feet constructed (single, phased, or multiple buildings).

- Single Construction contract (To include CMc, Design-Build or General) with aggregate contract value exceeding $100,000,000”.

Facilities Modernization Branch – SEPRL Solicitation No. AG-3K25-S-17-0003 Amendment #003

Page: 4 of 8

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.

7. Section C.6 of the Solicitation provides that the Government is responsible for decontaminating buildings B1, B4, B34 and B37 and related systems to eliminate active research viruses before releasing these buildings to the Design-Build Contractor. Will the Government agree to amend the Solicitation to include FAR 52.250-1 (Indemnification Under Public Law 85-804) with respect to potential exposure to such viruses in the event they are not fully eliminated by the decontamination efforts?

This issue will be addressed during Phase 2.

8. In our review of the Solicitation we noticed that the solicitation does not contain FAR 52.225-11 (Buy American—Construction Materials under Trade Agreements). However, pursuant to FAR 25.1102 (Acquisition of Construction), FAR 52.225-11 it is a mandatory clause in solicitations and contracts for construction performed in the United States valued at $7,358,000 or more. Please amend the Solicitation to include FAR 52.225-11.

This issue will be addressed during Phase 2.

9. E.2 Inspection and Acceptance (Design) states that each deliverable shall be reviewed to ensure compliance with the project requirements. Is there a reasonable time / duration to consider for this review and acceptance period? Are we to utilize F.9 Schedule submittal for design phase on page 28 as the durations for the inspection and acceptance?

This issue will be addressed during Phase 2.

10. When do liquidated damages take affect? After the 2,008 calendar days or will there be intermediate LD’s for B45, B47, etc?

Facilities Modernization Branch – SEPRL Solicitation No. AG-3K25-S-17-0003 Amendment #003

Page: 5 of 8

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.

11. Design Progress Meetings on page 27 indicated bi-weekly. Does this mean twice a week or every other week?

This issue will be addressed during Phase 2.

12. Under warranty section page 34 could the USDA provide additional definition of maintenance bonds?

This issue will be addressed during Phase 2.

13. Please confirm Volume 1 binder only includes Standard Form 1442 (and the representations and certifications if acceptable).

Yes. Please refer to response to question #1 and #16 of this amendment.

14. Volume 2 Technical Binder, RFQ pdf page 102 of 143 reads “The proposal shall be typed, double-spaced, with one inch margins, using elite font, 12 pitch type (or equivalent) and printed, unreduced in size, on 8 1/2" by 11" paper, single sided. Diagrammatic information that cannot fit this format may be printed on 11”X17” and folded. Total number of pages submitted for Volume 2 Technical Proposal shall not exceed 50 pages. This includes cover sheet, tables, appendices, ect…”. The SEPRL project is a significant $135M federal procurement and the 12pt pitch type, double spacing and 50 page requirement essentially limits the qualification responses to 25 pages single spaced which isn’t sufficient for the response. Requesting that government consider modifying paragraph (iv) to read “The proposal shall be typed, with one inch margins, using no smaller than 10 point font (or equivalent) and printed, unreduced in size, on 8 1/2" by 11" paper, single sided.

Diagrammatic information that cannot fit this format may be printed on 11”X17” and folded. Total number of pages submitted for Volume 2 Technical Proposal shall not exceed 100 pages. This includes cover sheet, tables, appendices, etc…”

Page 99, is hereby amended as follows:

From:

(iv) The proposal shall be typed, double-spaced, with one inch margins, using elite font, 12 pitch type (or equivalent) and printed, unreduced in size, on 8 1/2" by 11" paper, double sided. Diagrammatic information that cannot fit this format may be printed on 11”X17” and folded. Total number of pages submitted for Volume 2 Technical Proposal shall not exceed 50 pages (25 Sheets maximum).

This does not include cover sheet, tables, tabs, bonding letters, appendices, etc.…

To:

(iv) The proposal shall be typed, have one inch margins, using elite font, 12 pitch type (or equivalent) and printed, unreduced in size, on 8 1/2" by 11" paper, double sided. Diagrammatic information that cannot fit this format may be printed on 11”X17” and folded. Total number of pages submitted for Volume 2 Technical Proposal shall not exceed 50 pages (25 Sheets maximum). This does not include cover sheet, tables, tabs, bonding letters, appendices, etc.…

Facilities Modernization Branch – SEPRL Solicitation No. AG-3K25-S-17-0003 Amendment #003

Page: 6 of 8

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. Factor 2- Special Experience & Technical Competency:

Please clarify the TOTAL number of project descriptions to be submitted by the design builder and the offerors design firm. Factor 2 specifies “at least (3) projects” for the design firm but is silent for the design builder (offeror).

Please confirm that the design builder (offeror) shall submit at least (3) projects in addition to the design firms

(3) projects for a total minimum of (6) projects for both.

Please see response to question #17 of this amendment.

16. Are Contractor Teaming Arrangements to be included in the Phase I Qualifications and if so in which volume?

Please confirm teaming arrangement documentation will not be included in page count restrictions.

Page 98, (d)(1)(A) Volume 1 Binder, 2nd paragraph is hereby amended as follows:

From:

(1)VOLUME 1 Binder: BUSINESS INFORMATION

(A) Volume 1, Offer and Other Documents, consists of the actual offer to enter into a contract to perform the desired work. It also includes required representations (refer to

Section K), certifications (refer to Sections K and L), and acknowledgments.;and any othe administrative information.

To:

(1)VOLUME 1 Binder: BUSINESS INFORMATION

(B) Volume 1, Offer and Other Documents, consists of the actual offer to enter into a contract to perform the desired work. It also includes required representations (refer to

Section K), certifications (refer to Sections K and L), and acknowledgments; and any other administrative information

(e.g., Teaming Arrangements).

Facilities Modernization Branch – SEPRL Solicitation No. AG-3K25-S-17-0003 Amendment #003

Page: 7 of 8

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.

17. Reference: Amendment 001 - Factor 2, the requirement by the contractor and design firm in this amendment now requires two(2) design build project from each contractor and design firm that is similar scope, size and complexity to the SEPR for evaluation. Typically design build is not the delivery of choice for the research lab industry including private and government entities due to the complexity of the systems and the need for Users to control the design information. Even harder to find are multiple design build projects that are similar to the USDA SEPRL project.

Please consider removing the design build requirement from two projects from the contractor and design firm.

Amendment 001 now states that three of the projects provided by the construction and

Page 103, Factor 2, 2nd paragraph is hereby amended as follows:

From:

“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.”

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. 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 firm.”

Facilities Modernization Branch – SEPRL Solicitation No. AG-3K25-S-17-0003 Amendment #003

Page: 8 of 8

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.

18. Please provide Amendment 001 and 002, our records do not show these documents.

Amendment 001, 002 are posted on FBO.GOV.

19. 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 The following link (Click Here) 52.219-19 Through 52.219-26 .

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.

20. SF 330 Addendum #1 states that the designers and engineers are to fill out SF330 and put into the appendices. SF330 states that we are to list the individual members of the team and their resumes for this project. This contradicts this solicitation which states that team members (Factor 2) will not be done until Phase 2. Can we state on the SF330 that this will be done during Phase 2?

SF330’s shall be submitted in Phase 1. SF330 Part I – Contract-Specific Qualifications, Section D and Section E are not required to be completed with the Phase 1 submission. However, SF330 Part I – Contract-Specific Qualifications, Section D and Section E, Shall be submitted in the Phase 2 submission. The Design-Build Project Team will not be evaluated in Phase 1.

The Design-Build Project Team will be evaluated only in Phase 2.

https://www.acquisition.gov/?q=/browse/far/52