Attachment 3- 040ADV-26-R-0022 Contractor QA Responses - FINAL.pdf

040ADV-26-R-0022 Contractor Questions Responses

1. In the SOW, 4.0 Project Design Requirements lists that the A/E design shall design furniture—is this to include the selection and specifications for furniture as a deliverable?

Yes. The A/E shall include furniture planning, selection, and associated specifications as necessary to support the project design and Government coordination.

2. For our Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Offerors, listed in Section K—are these to be included in our proposal in Volume One, Company Information?

Yes. Please include Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Offerors in Volume 1, Company Information.

3. What VA provided forms are required for the complete submission of this solicitation?

The Government has no recollection of any “VA-provided forms.”

4. Are the contents of the 7 Volume PDF Portfolio listed in Section L - L.3 PROPOSAL PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS required to be submitted in any specific format aside from the final Adobe Portfolio (i.e. certain volumes formatted to a specific VA form) or can they simply be responses in Microsoft Word converted to PDF that meet the required response criteria?

Yes, proposal documents may be prepared in Microsoft Word and converted to PDF for inclusion in the final Adobe PDF Portfolio submission, provided the format does not conflict with any other proposal preparation instructions or requirements outlined elsewhere in the solicitation.

5. Can an individual with a Bachelor's degree in Architecture ONLY, that meets all other experience criteria listed in Section C - 9.0 Key Personnel and Required Disciplines, serve as Project Manager? (Requirements currently list minimum education as bachelor's in engineering/construction management)

Yes, the minimum education requirement to serve as Project Manager role will be changed to allow an individual with a Bachelor’s in Architecture to serve, provided the candidate meets the remaining experience and qualification requirements.

6. Is there a limit to the number of resumes allowed for submission in this RFP?

No, there is no stated limit on the number of resumes that may be submitted in response to this RFP, provided each individual proposed for a key personnel position meets the applicable requirements for that position and includes a signed letter of commitment.

7. Is this solicitation a small business set-aside, SDVOSB set-aside or open to any size firm?

This solicitation is open to any size firm.

8. Is there an estimated value or construction cost available for this project at this time?

The Government estimates the construction cost to be between approximate $3M-$4M. This estimate is provided for planning purposes only.

9. Are PPQ forms required to be submitted directly to the Contracting Officer/Contract Specialist from the evaluator or submitted with the rest of the proposal items? There are conflicting directions - Page 38 of 040ADV-26-R-0022 - FINAL says "The customers references shall submit the completed questionnaires via email to the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist" but actual attached PPQ form says "PPQs shall not be sent directly to the Contracting Office soliciting this requirement; it is the responsibility of the Offeror to include the completed CPAR and/or PPQ as part of its quote." Which is correct?

Offerors may submit the completed PPQs in the past performance volume.

10. Are copies of physical licensure/certification required for submission or will license/certification numbers listed on each resume meet the requirements for Section L - L.3 Volume 4 - Key Personnel "Offerors must provide proof of adequate and qualified personnel for each key personnel identified in the Statement of Work."?

License/certification numbers listed on each resume will suffice.

11. Shall "Signed and dated letters of commitment for each key personnel accepting employment on the contract." stated in Section L - L.3 Volume 4 - Key Personnel be formatted in any specific way?

No specific format. Offerors may use their standard company format.

12. Are the selection criteria listed in Section M intended to be answered through responses to Section L - Proposal Content or in a separate document with direct responses to each of the individual Selection Criteria?

Section M is intended to describe the criteria and methodology the Government will use to evaluate proposals. Offerors should use the proposal content requirements outlined in Section L to structure their submissions and tailor their responses accordingly to address the evaluation criteria identified in Section M. A separate document with direct responses to each individual selection criterion is not required.

13. Is it assumed that the intended schedule response for Section L - L.3 Volume 5 - Draft Schedule should be formatted based on a 180 day estimate from approved NTP?

Yes. Offerors may assume an overall project duration of approx. 180 days from the approved NTP.

The draft schedule should include milestones and delivery timeline.

14. Are Section K - Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Offeror's responses intended to be attached in the final portfolio submission, and if so, where should they be included?

Please include the Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Offeror's in Volume 1, Company Information.

15. Can you confirm the status of any hazardous materials testing in the project area? Also, will any reports or findings be shared with the A/E team?

The A/E is required to conduct an Existing Conditions Investigation that includes determining if there are any hazardous materials that will require remediation. The A/E shall perform and document a hazardous materials survey as necessary to support the design and renovation activities within the project area.

16. Can you confirm what existing drawings or documentation (if any) will be provided? Given the limited drawings, will the A/E need to document existing conditions from scratch?

The A/E is required to conduct an Existing Conditions Investigation. The Government will provide available existing drawings, however drawings may be incomplete or may not reflect existing field conditions. The A/E shall verify and document existing conditions as necessary to support the design effort, including a hazardous materials survey within the project area.

17. What size is the space?

The project area is approximately 17,000 square feet.

18. What form shall we use to submit our proposal for design services?

The proposal must include a completed Standard Form 33 and all proposal volumes required by Section L of the solicitation, as identified on page 37.

19. If possible, could you please provide a copy of the pre-proposal site visit sign-in sheet?

There may be firms we wish to partner with on the sheet.

The pre-proposal site visit sign-in was uploaded to SAM.gov via solicitation amendments C0002 on April 30, 2026.

20. During the pre-proposal site visit, Reid Shouse took photos for the group. If possible, could you please provide a link to the photos that were taken?

The pre-proposal site visit photos were uploaded to SAM.gov via solicitation amendments C0001 on April 24, 2026.

21. The NAICS Code for the solicitation is 541330 - Engineering Services. Can an architecture firm submit as prime with engineering services provided by subconsultants?

Yes. An architecture firm may submit as the prime offeror. Required engineering services may be provided through qualified subconsultants.

22. The project scope is one that is typically led by an Architect as prime. Page 42 of the Solicitation "040ADV-26-R-002++FINAL.pdf" document states that the Project Manager should have a minimum education of a "Bachelor's in Engineering/Construction Management." Page 7 states that "this role is allowed to be performed by either the Licensed Architect or one of the Licensed Engineers." Can the criteria on page 42 be broadened to include the optional minimum requirement of a professional degree in

Architecture (e.g. a Bachelor's in Architecture B. Arch or a Master's in Architecture M.Arch) and/or be a licensed Architect?

Yes, the minimum education requirement to serve as Project Manager role will be changed to allow an individual with a Bachelor’s in Architecture to serve. Provided they meet the remaining experience and qualification requirements.

23. There was discussion during the pre-proposal site visit about hazardous materials. On page 4 of the Solicitation "040ADV-26-R-002++FINAL.pdf" document states that the 3.1 Existing Conditions Investigation will be to "Determine if there are any hazardous materials that will require remediation." Should the proposed team and the price proposal include a HazMat consultant for investigation and drawings/specifications? Or will the A/E team review existing documents provided by GPO regarding HazMat and notify GPO if HazMat needs remediation (based on review of the documents)?

Offerors shall include appropriate hazardous materials investigation and coordination services within their proposal. The A/E shall evaluate existing conditions and determine whether additional documentation and specifications are required to support the renovation activities.

24. Should the Price Proposal include the cost for Construction Period Services?

Yes. The price proposal shall include construction period services as an optional CLIN/task.

25. Please clarify section L.3 Proposal Preparation instructions on page 35 of the Solicitation "040ADV-26-R-002++FINAL.pdf" document. Should each of the 7 volumes be noted by a bookmark in a single combined PDF?

The Offeror's proposal must be submitted as an Adobe PDF Portfolio. A PDF portfolio is a special type of PDF file that acts as a container for multiple, separate files. When the email comes in, we will only see one portfolio file.

Please note that this is different than a PDF binder which converts all files into a single, combined PDF document.

26. During the pre-proposal site visit, we saw several locations of AHU's and electrical panels that looked fairly new. Is this equipment to remain in place? Are the changes to MEP and Fire Protection to be solely for distribution and end units in the ceiling, partition walls, and perimeter (i.e. should the AHUs and electrical panels remain in place)?

The contractor is to conduct a feasibility study to determine if existing systems can remain in place.

The A/E shall evaluate and identify and recommend equipment modifications or replacements necessary to support the final design.

27. Regarding 13.0 Government-Furnished Information (GFI) on page 8 of the Solicitation "040ADV-26-R-002++FINAL.pdf" document, are the as-built drawings in Revit, AutoCad and/or PDF? Is a point cloud available? Are original drawings and/or specifications available? Are specifications of the recent renovation available?

GFI is limited due to the lack of drawings/specifications retained by the government over the years.

The drawings provided are not to be considered as-built and field verification is mandatory.

Drawings will be AutoCad and/or PDF. The A/E shall verify existing conditions as necessary to support the design effort.

28. The due date is 5/25/26. This is Memorial Day - both a holiday and a frequent long weekend with extra vacation days before and after for many. Would you consider extending the due date a few days to account for the holiday?

The proposal due date has been adjusted to May 29, 2026 via this solicitation amendment

(CP0003).

29. Has GPO done other partial or whole floor modernizations/renovations/tenant fit-outs for amenity/workspace (similar to this scope) in the last 5 years with outside A/E firms for Buildings A, B, and C? [We understand from the pre-proposal site visit that some renovation work has been done with in-house designers.] If outside A/E firms were engaged previously, would you be able to share their firm names? (Based on a glance through the last two or so years on SAM.gov for GPO solicitations, Leo A. Daly designed the National Archives space shelving storage fit-out for the GPO Building A 4th Floor in 2024 that is about to start construction. And for Building D, Arcadis designed the Press Room renovation in 2022.)

Yes, this type of work has been performed and this information can be found on SAM.gov as you have cited.

30. Is there a more detailed Program of Requirement (POR) for this SOW that is available to review?

No. The A/E shall further develop and validate POR during the programming and design phases in coordination with the Government.

31. The SOW indicates an existing dining area. Will it be replaced by a new self-service lounge/refreshment area?

Yes. The existing dining area is to be replaced with a new self-service lounge/refreshment area.

Final programming and layout will be developed during design in coordination with the Government.

32. Is the 7th floor below fully occupied?

Yes. The floor below is occupied.

33. Is any work to the 8th floor slab allowed, i.e. floor core drills, plumbing work below slab, etc.?

Limited slab penetrations may be permitted as necessary to support the design. Subject to Government review and approval.

34. Under L.3 Proposal Preparation Instructions, it is clearly stated that the submission should be a PDF Portfolio (a single file). Under a second section L.3 Submission, Modification, Revision and Withdrawal of Proposals, there is a provision for multiple emails and different file types, none larger than 5MB. Please clarify the manner of submittal as well as the size limit.

Offerors shall submit proposals in the form of a single PDF Portfolio as outlined in Section L.3 Proposal Preparation Instructions. If the complete submission exceeds applicable email size limitations, the proposal may be divided across multiple emails/files in accordance with the instructions provided under Section L.3 Submission, Modification, Revision, and Withdrawal of Proposals. Offerors are responsible for ensuring all proposal volumes are received by the proposal due date and time.

35. Under L.3 Proposal Preparation Instructions, Volume 2 Technical Capability, please clarify that the entire volume is NOT limited to 5 pages, just the narrative described in the bullets below. It would be difficult if the five-page limit included the projects.

The instructions do not impose a page restriction for Volume 2 in totality. The detailed narrative, as a component of Volume 2, that addresses the following is limited to five pages:

• Describes the company’s experience delivering design services similar in scope to the work being solicited.

• Demonstrates capability, depth of experience, and understanding of the required design disciplines.

• •Describes the offeror’s workforce and how its personnel will be mobilized to ensure that sufficient qualified personnel will be available

36. Who will be responsible for stamping the permit drawings? Architect of record or the contractor?

The A/E shall be responsible for signed and sealed permit drawings. Drawings shall be in accordance with applicable code and DC jurisdiction requirements.

37. The RFP states, “…to support phased construction to repurpose…” What type of construction phasing is being contemplated? Two phases, three phases, etc., and will each subsequent phase immediately follow the previous using the same contractor, or could there be extended delays between phases, and/or work by different general contractors?

Offerors should anticipate that phased construction may be required to support continued building operations and occupant coordination. It is projected that the construction process will take place under a separate contract with a single prime contractor throughout the duration of the construction phase.

38. The 3.1 Existing Conditions Investigation phase will determine the condition of the base building systems serving the 8th floor project area (the HVAC systems, the electrical distribution and panel capacity, the plumbing infrastructure, the fire protection, and life safety systems) but Attachment J.5 – Cost-Price Proposal Template requires a Firm Fixed Price. The engineer assuming that all the base building infrastructure can be reused will carry the lowest design fee. The engineer assuming that all base building infrastructure will have to be replaced or updated will carry the highest design fee. Without knowing the extent of the base building engineering design until the existing condition investigation is complete, how should the engineering firms price the project to avoid either underpricing or overpricing their work, while at the same time remain competitive amongst their competition?

Offerors shall base their firm fixed price proposals on the information currently available, the planned construction budget, and their professional judgment regarding the level of effort required.

39. We appreciate inclusion of the organizational chart in the documents provided. How many stakeholder groups do you anticipate? What is the approvals process?

Review durations and stakeholder coordination requirements will be established following award.

Offerors should anticipate reviews by Engineering, Facilities, Safety, Security, IT and end-user stakeholders. The approvals process will include Government review and comment at design milestones prior to proceeding.

40. Are as-built drawings of the space available? Can these be made available to prospective Offerors prior to May 25 please?

The A/E is required to conduct an Existing Conditions Investigation. The Government will provide available existing drawings, however drawings may be incomplete or may not reflect existing field conditions. The A/E shall verify and document existing conditions as necessary to support the design effort, Including a hazardous materials survey within the project area.

41. Are there square footage and systems requirements available for each program area shown in the Concept Drawing or will these be developed as part of the design work?

The square footage and systems requirements for each program area will be developed during the programming and design phases, in coordination with the Government.

42. Has GPO confirmed that means of egress are sufficient to accommodate 195 occupants?

Is it correct to assume that this count may be adjusted if necessary once a means of egress study is completed, or will GPO require modifications to means of egress through the building to a public way?

The occupant load and means of egress compliance shall be evaluated and validated by the A/E as part of the design effort. Any required modifications will be determined during design coordination with the Government.

43. What does the Mech. Room A871 serve? Does it serve spaces outside the project scope lines? Does it need to be retained?

The Mech. Room A871 does not serve spaces outside the project scope lines. The A/E shall verify existing conditions and system service areas during the existing conditions investigation.

44. There are existing rest rooms outside the project limits line. Are these restrooms sufficient to serve the intended capacity? If not, should they be renovated as part of the scope, or should the design provide new restrooms within the project boundaries?

Existing restrooms are anticipated to remain and serve the project area. The A/E shall verify code compliance during the design effort and identify any recommended modifications if required.

45. Concept drawing indicates a new vending area. Existing drawing indicates an existing vending area adjacent to the project limit line. Is the intention to have 2 vending areas?

No. The intention is for the existing vending area to be replaced by a new vending area within the project area. Final configuration of vending/refreshment areas will be determined during design coordination with the Government.

46. Should expenses be a lump sum or a reimbursable with an allowance?

Offerors shall adhere to the instructions in Section L for the cost/price volume.

47. 2.0 says to include sustainable design principles. Could you please clarify specifically what are the requirements?

The A/E shall incorporate sustainable design principles consistent with applicable Federal standards, including energy efficiency, maintainability, material selection, and long-term operational performance. Formal certification is not currently required.

48. Is it acceptable for the Project Manager to be a registered architect?

Yes, the minimum education requirement to serve as Project Manager role will be changed to allow an individual with a Bachelor’s in Architecture to serve. Provided they meet the remaining experience and qualification requirements.

49. 14.6 states : “The Contractor shall be responsible for all facilities in which the work will take place and to also be familiar with the conditions under which the work will be accomplished. The Contractor shall inspect existing conditions prior to commencing work, including elements subject to damage or movement during the project. Should the work create dust, water or mud, the Contractor shall be responsible for cleaning the floors and walls. The Contractor shall be responsible for the removal and replacement of all ceiling tiles affected by the work.” This appears to involve a Construction Contractor’s Means and Methods, which is not part of the scope for design professionals. We respectfully request the removal of this language please.

Acknowledged. The language will remain. The intent of the language is to inform the contractor to maintain a clean working area while performing project investigation work.

50. Should construction phase services be included in this proposal? If yes, what period of time should we assume for the duration between the completion of Contract Documents and the beginning of construction? Scope says Construction start is FY 2027. What is the anticipated construction duration?

No. GPO will award a separate contract for construction period services.

51. AE cannot “ensure” compliance with codes, this requirement is not insurable. Please acknowledge.

Acknowledged. The language will be changed to: The AE shall “prepare documents to comply with all applicable codes and standards.”

52. Please note the scope requires the AE to accept responsibility for detection and removal of hazardous materials. HAZMAT work is not insurable. Please acknowledge. Would GPO like us to retain a HAZMAT consultant for your convenience, and include the work product in our contract documents for your convenience?

The A/E is required to conduct an Existing Conditions Investigation that includes determining if there are any hazardous materials that will require remediation. The A/E shall perform and document a hazardous materials survey as necessary to support the design and renovation activities within the project area.

Offerors shall include appropriate hazardous materials investigation and coordination services within their proposal. The A/E shall evaluate existing conditions and determine whether additional documentation and specifications are required to support the renovation activities.

53. Part of the scope of work is to verify capacities from the building central plant to support this project including MEP, chilled water, hot water, electrical, plumbing, air handling, low voltage, security, fire protection and life safety. We assume for fee purposes that the building infrastructure will accommodate these uses and we will design a new air handling room, new electrical and low voltage closets, and run outs from these closets on the floor.

If additional work is required, upon completion of the 15% submittal, the successful Offeror will submit a revised proposal, negotiate with the CO and the CO will issue a Contract Modification with revised scope, fee and design schedule. Please confirm.

The offeror shall first perform an Existing Conditions Investigation and then perform a Feasibility Study to determine if designing for all new systems is necessary. Any significant unforeseen conditions identified during the design process will be addressed in accordance with the contract terms and modification procedures.

54. We assume that there is no exterior envelope renovation work. Please confirm.

It can be assumed there is no exterior envelope renovation work.

55. May 25, 2026 is Memorial Day. Will the proposal date due be adjusted?

The proposal due date has been adjusted to May 29, 2026v ia this solicitation amendment - C0003.

56. As the role of Project Manager can be performed by the Licensed Architect, can we assume that the minimum education requirement of the Project Manager is also a Bachelor of Architecture?

Yes, the minimum education requirement to serve as Project Manager role will be changed to allow an individual with a Bachelor’s in Architecture to serve. Provided they meet the remaining experience and qualification requirements.

57. Will GPO provide existing Hazardous Materials Report on all hazardous materials and abatement within the space?

Existing documentation will be provided upon award.

The A/E shall conduct an Existing Conditions Investigation that includes determining if there are any hazardous materials that will require remediation. The A/E shall perform and document a hazardous materials survey as necessary to support the design and renovation activities within the project area.

58. Once awarded, will GPO provide existing CAD drawings (architectural and MEP)?

Yes.

59. Will existing photographs of the scope area be disseminated to Offerors?

Yes.

60. Can we expect to receive answers from all the Offerors’ questions?

Yes.

61. The SOW indicates that the Project Manager role may be performed by a Licensed Architect or Engineer; however, it lists a minimum education requirement of a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Construction Management. Can you confirm whether a licensed architect or licensed interior designer with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Architecture or Interior Design would meet this requirement?

Yes, the minimum education requirement to serve as Project Manager role will be changed to allow an individual with a Bachelor’s in Architecture to serve., provided the candidates meet the remaining experience and qualification requirements.

62. Can a Licensed Interior Designer be proposed in lieu of a Licensed Architect, given the primarily interior-focused scope of work?

No.

63. Should the space above the project area be considered for building systems coordination or remain accessible for staff during construction?

The space above the project area would be the roof. It should remain accessible to staff during construction.

64. The reference drawings indicate several small, enclosed spaces (labeled 1–4) between the existing cafeteria and adjacent vacant area. Please confirm whether these are vertical shafts or occupiable spaces, and whether they are intended to remain or can be removed as part of the project.

These are vertical shafts and are intended to remain.

65. Are there established workplace design standards (e.g., workstation sizing or planning modules) that should inform the design? The baseline concept appears to reflect multiple workstation configurations.

There are no established workplace design standards.

66. Can you please provide additional information on adjacent program areas, including the occupancy and use of spaces immediately surrounding the project area.

No information can be provided at this time.

67. Can you share who occupies the floor directly below the project area and if there are specific constraints to be considered for design and construction coordination?

The space on the floor below the project area is occupied by tenants who lease the space. There are no constraints to be considered for design and construction coordination.

68. What are the anticipated primary points of access to the project area (e.g., specific elevator banks versus adjacent stairways) that should inform circulation planning?

Primary points of access are Elevators 1, 2, 3, and 4. Walking occupants may enter primarily from the vending area via the Harding Hall entrance and the double doors located in front of Shaft 4, on the west end of the cafeteria. The A/E shall verify and incorporate circulation, accessibility, and life safety requirements into the design.

69. How are the proposed hoteling workstations intended to function? Will they be assigned to specific user groups or designed as shared, unassigned workspace?

The Government Reference Concept Drawing is intended to convey the general idea and priority for the space and is not meant to represent an exact layout or final concept. The hoteling workstations are expected to function as shared, unassigned workspace. Final requirements will be addressed after award and during the design process.

70. Are the large conference rooms intended to serve specific departments or be available for use by building occupants more broadly?

The Government Reference Concept Drawing is intended to convey the general idea and priority for the space and is not meant to represent an exact layout or final concept. The conference rooms are expected to function as shared spaces for occupant use. Final requirements will be addressed after award and during the design process.

71. Should the existing refectory be incorporated into the new lounge and refreshment program, or is it intended to remain a separate function?

The refectory is not part of the project scope.

72. Are there specific constraints or priorities Offerors should consider when planning for phased renovation within an occupied building?

Yes. The A/E shall consider phasing, constructability, and coordination requirements as part of the design effort.

73. Are there anticipated future modernization efforts within Building A or on the campus that should be considered for long-term planning or system coordination?

No.

74. Can you provide additional details on the anticipated design review and approval process, including typical review durations, key leadership stakeholder groups required to review, and key milestones at each phase?

Review durations and stakeholder coordination requirements will be established following award.

Offerors should anticipate reviews by engineering, facilities, safety, security, IT and end-user stakeholders.

75. Can you confirm whether telecommunications/AV/IT systems will be owner-furnished, or if the A/E team is expected to include these services within its scope? Additionally, are there any specialized AV/IT requirements beyond typical workstation infrastructure and conferencing functions?

The A/E team shall include these services within its scope to support typical workstation and conferencing requirements. Specialized AV/IT requirements are not currently anticipated beyond standard office and meeting space functionality unless further defined during programming and design coordination with the Government.

76. Is a hazardous materials consultant expected to be included as part of the A/E team, or will these services be provided by the owner?

The A/E shall conduct an Existing Conditions Investigation that includes determining if there are any hazardous materials that will require remediation. The A/E shall perform and document a hazardous materials survey as necessary to support the design and renovation activities within the project area.

Offerors shall include appropriate hazardous materials investigation and coordination services within their proposal. The A/E shall evaluate existing conditions and determine whether additional documentation and specifications are required to support the renovation activities.

77. Are there specific sustainability requirements or certification goals for this project?

The project shall incorporate sustainable design principles consistent with applicable Federal requirements. Formal third-party certification is not currently anticipated unless otherwise directed during the design process.

78. Construction Administration is assumed to be included in the scope of services and fees.

Please confirm that this is the intent of Section C – Description/Specifications/Work Statement, Item 8 (Construction Period Services).

No. GPO will award a separate contract for construction period services.

79. Has a construction contractor already been engaged for this project, or will the contractor be procured concurrently with the A/E team and available to provide input on construction feasibility and of the design?

No, a construction contractor has not been engaged for the construction phase. The Government intends to compete the construction contract using full and open competition after the design is complete.

80. Please confirm whether the references to Attachment J.4 on page 39 are intended to reference Attachment J.5.

Correct. All references to Attachment J.4 on page 39 are intended to read as Attachment J.5.