Synopsis_Solicitation.pdf

RECOVERY: This procurement is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.

USDA – Forest Service, Superior National Forest is seeking a qualified firm to provide professional Architectural and Engineering services for Geotechnical, topographic survey, soil boring, and CADD technician services for the reconstruction of 10 existing roadway crossings. Project sites are: Arrowhead Creek at FR 379; Heartbreak Creek at FR 166; Cabin Creek at FR 359; Poplar River at FR 337; Murmer Creek at FR 332; Nester Creek at FR 158;

Denley Creek at FR 424H; Dixon Creek at FR 203; Bug Creek at FR 203, Superior National Forest, Minnesota.

General Scope of Work:

The NAICS code is 541310 and the Size Standard is $4.5 million. The intent and objective of this contract is to obtain architectural, engineering, landscape architectural and technical planning services for the preparation of reconstruction of 10 existing roadway crossings. It is anticipated Site accessibility will be limited after November 1, 2009 subject to snow on the roadways and project site.

The A-E firm shall:

1. Provide geotechnical engineering evaluations consisting of standard penetration test per ASTM D1586; USCS soil classifications; estimate piling lengths; estimate earth pressure coefficients; and soil bearing capacities, recommending appropriate foundation systems for reconstructed crossings.

2. Perform Topographic Site Surveys (site survey/shot density) consistent with providing a 1 ft. contour map.

Limits of the survey may vary between project sites. Surveys can be assumed to be developed from a locally assumed benchmark. Electronic data/drawings shall be compatible with RoadEng by SoftTree (softree.com).

3. Provide technical support in development of USFS plans for construction of crossings to include developing plan sheets as directed by government personnel.

SELECTION CRITERIA:

This acquisition is for architect-engineer (A-E) services, and is procured in accordance with the Brooks A-E Act as implemented in Subpart 36.6 of the FAR. One A-E firm will be selected in accordance with FAR Sub Part 36.6 to perform the work. Potential contractors shall be evaluated in terms of the technical evaluation criteria identified below by demonstrating their understanding of regulations and standards, the intent and objective of the contract, the type, size and scope of the project.

Specific Technical Evaluation Criteria:

A-E firms responding to this announcement will be evaluated on the factors listed below in descending order of importance:

(1) Professional Qualifications

Offeror shall provide specific information to demonstrate the necessary professional qualifications for the satisfactory performance of the required services. Firms that demonstrate qualifications of available/proposed personnel (employees, consultants and those from affiliated firms) including professional architects, civil engineers, and AutoCAD capable technicians as appropriate for the described project will be given greater consideration.

Evaluation will consider education, training, registration, and overall and project relevant experience.

(2) Specialized Experience

Firms will be given greater consideration for specialized experience and technical competence demonstrated by relevant examples of previous work consistent with the scope of work.

(3) Capacity to Perform the Work

Offeror shall provide specific information supporting that they (including subcontractors) will have the capacity to perform the required work in addition to their existing workload within the required time frames.

(4) Past Performance

Offeror shall provide specific information on contracts of similar type, size and scope of this project with in terms of quality of work, cooperation with client, and compliance with contract requirements and time frames.

(5) Past Experience Working with Federal Agencies.

Firms with previous experience planning and designing aquatic passages for the Forest Service, BLM or other federal agencies will be given additional consideration.

(6) Location and Geographic Knowledge of Northern Minnesota

General knowledge of the geographical area of the Superior National Forest and demonstrated knowledge of potential work conditions, construction methods, materials, suppliers, etc.

(7) Small Business Certification

Additional consideration will be given to firms that are Hubzone, 8(a), or Service Disabled Veteran Owned

Business (SDVOB)

Offeror shall provide information on the following:

a) Location of the firm in relation to the general geographic area of Duluth, Minnesota in order to facilitate the project site visit and project review meetings.

Submittal Package Requirements:

Qualified firms desiring consideration shall submit:

1) One (1) hard copy and an electronic copy of Standard Form 330 (SF 330), Parts I and II, Architect-Engineer Qualifications (if unable to provide electronic copy – two (2) hard copies will be sufficient)

2) An organizational chart of key personnel assigned to this project showing the names and roles of all key personnel listed in Section E with the associated firm as listed in Section C of form SF 330,

3) Responses to the evaluation criteria outlined above

4) Any additional information that will best demonstrate the interested firm’s suitability for this project.

Hard copy submittals shall be in an 8 ½” x 11” inch format, developed and assembled in a manner that chronologically corresponds to and addresses the Technical Evaluation Criteria and should not exceed 15 double-sided pages, including the SF 330.

Please include DUNS, CAGE, and TIN and state registration numbers in Block 30 of the SF 330.

Copies of SF 330 are also required for all consultants, subcontractors or joint firms.

SF 330 form can be found at the following website:

http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/formslibrary.do?formType=SF.

This synopsis is the only notification that is required for this acquisition. Failure to submit a package with all required documentation outlined in this synopsis may result in disqualification of the firm. Offerors are informed that the SF 254/SF 255 are no longer permissible and will not be considered in response to this announcement.

SEND PACKAGE TO:

USDA - Forest Service

EROC EAST

Attn: Dwight Hill

1720 Peachtree Rd., NW

Atlanta, GA. 30309

Submissions received via facsimile will not be considered.

Responses must be received no later than 5:00 pm, Eastern Time, September 8, 2009.

Solicitation packages are not provided for A-E contracts. This is not a request for proposal.

Contract Information:

A Firm Fixed-price A-E Services contract will be awarded for this effort. Estimated start date for the contract is on or before October 1, 2009, with a contract period of 1 year from date of contract award.

Firms responding to this announcement before the closing date will be considered for selection, subject to any limitations indicated with respect to size and geographic location of firm, specialized technical expertise or other requirements listed. Following an evaluation of the qualifications and performance data submitted, three or more firms that are considered to be the most highly qualified to provide the type of services required will be chosen for negotiation. Selection of firms for negotiation shall be made in order of preference based on the demonstrated competence and qualifications necessary for satisfactory performance in accordance with the specific selection criteria listed in the announcement.

Registration in Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) is required to be considered for this acquisition (http://www.bpn.gov). Prospective awardee shall be registered in the Central Contractor Registration

(CCR) database prior to award. Information on registration may be obtained via the internet at: http:www.ccr.gov or by calling 1-888-227-2423.

Questions regarding this acquisition must be received via e-mail no later than August 21, 2009, 12:00 pm, Eastern

Time, addressed to Dwight Hill at dehill@fs.fed.us. Answers to all inquiries will be posted as an amendment to this synopsis as soon as practicable.