Attachment 9 - Q and A Sheet.pdf

Attachment 9: Q&A Sheet

1. Can you remove the two-page maximum from Factor #1, Technical Capabilities (Page 46 of 49)? You are asking for:

a. A narrative regarding corporate experience

b. Summary of worked to be performed.

c. Means and methods to conduct work and

d. Tentative schedule and a list of references

This is a lot of information that will likely require more than two pages.

Yes. Offerors may provide more than two pages if deemed necessary.

2. Factor #1 has a requirement for a tentative schedule, but Factor #5 is the requirement for a project schedule. Should the schedule we submitted under Factor #1 or Factor #5 (Page 46 of 49)?

In Page 46, Volume II, FACTOR #1, Requirement for Tentative schedule or timeline to perform work has been removed.

3. The title listed for Volume II- Technical Capabilities, Factor #2 is for specific requirements. But there are no requirements listed. Should Factor 3, Key Personnel and Factor 4, Quality Plan be subfactors of Factor 2 (Page 46 of 49)?

The contractor should provide a detailed, date-specific plan outlining the successful completion of the project from start to finish. This requirement is essential for evaluating the contractor's ability to thoroughly understand the project documents and accurately determine the necessary equipment and workforce to complete the project. Factor 3 and Factor 4 are not sub-factor of Factor 2.

4. Please provide the specific positions you want represented under Factor 3, Key Personnel so all contractors can respond uniformly (Page 46 of 49).

The individual responsible for managing and completing the contract will be considered key personnel, regardless of their title or position, as long as they meet the specified requirements. The Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) will communicate with the key personnel throughout the process. Therefore, the company should designate someone with relevant experience and knowledge in managing similar projects.

5. Under the past performance section there is a two-page limit on the past performance questionnaire (PPQ) (pg. 46 of 49). The blank PPQ is already two pages. Can you remove the page limit on the PPQ’s so that the references can complete the PPQ’s effectively.

Yes. Offerors may provide more than two pages on this if deemed necessary.

6. Do you want the offeror’s Unique Identifier listed on each PPQ? If so, where would you like it listed (Page 46 of 49)?

Yes. Offerors may create a separate page to include their unique identifier number and contact information for reference on each Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ).

7. Currently SF 1449 is listed under Volume I. The SF-1449 requires pricing information so should it be submitted with the price proposal?

Please submit the signed copy of SF 1449 in Volume I, and include Section B with pricing in Volume IV – Price Quote/Proposal.

8. In different areas throughout the solicitation there are references to both five years of experience and 10 years of experience. Can you confirm the correct time limit? Typically experience over the last five years is the standard for proposals.

A minimum of five (5) year of performance history and no more than ten (10) years old from the closing date of the solicitation

9. Does the Prime Contractor need to be NADCA Certified?

It is not mandatory, but it is a source selection preference to have at least one company member who holds this certification. This individual must be a full-time employee, be directly responsible for project management, and should oversee all air duct cleaning projects.

10. What is the estimated dollar range of this requirement?

The estimated dollar range of this requirement is confidential information and will not be shared with offerors. Therefore, the Government has no intention of notifying offerors of the estimated dollar range for this requirement.

11. Due to the lead contamination in the ductwork please confirm a DC licensed lead abatement contractor is required for remediation?

It is not mandatory, but it is a source selection preference to have at least one company member who holds this certification. This individual must be a full-time employee, be directly responsible for project management, and should oversee all air duct cleaning projects.

12. Should the Prime Contractor be licensed in DC as an asbestos abatement contractor?

It is not required. See the SOW for more information regarding asbestos abatement.

13. If an area contains asbestos in the duct work, how long before the Government will complete that work, typically?

See the Statement of work (SOW) for the answer.

14. Please further explain the evaluation process and how each section will be weighed. We understand this is a low price technically acceptable requirement, but you are asking for a technical proposal response. There are no stated evaluation criteria.

15. There is a more recent Wage Scale (see attached). Can you please update the RFP with the current wage scale?

Updated.

16. At the site visit we were told we had two days to complete the job over a weekend (starting Saturday) and the RFP states a period of performance of 90 days, please clarify.

Can the employees in the work area be temporarily moved to allow the work to progress?

The contractor’s employee will be escorted by a government employee during the work.

The government employee will monitor the contractor’s activities while they are working. The government employee will do their best to ensure the contractor can work efficiently.

18. Which type of mold disinfectant (antimicrobial agents) does GPO specify for this requirement?

GPO does not require a specific mold disinfectant. The contractor will provide the SDS of their chosen product to the GPO Safety Branch before starting the job.

19. There is no mention in the RFP of past performance of working with hazardous materials.

It would seem due to the haz-mat in the duct work this would be important to the Government. Please clarify.

Past performance of working with hazardous materials and/or other federal agencies would be a source selection preference.

20. What is the protocol if an area fails lead clearance after cleaning over the two-day allowed period of performance?

During the cleaning process, the contractor will highlight to GPO any potential problems to obtaining a passing final clearance to the COR. If the final lead clearance fails, the HVAC will be placed back into operation and cleaned again during another weekend. If the second clearance fails, an evaluation will be made if the failure was poor cleaning procedures or areas beyond the control of the contractor by the GPO Industrial Hygienist.

This will include a review of the ductwork cleaning process/results and the presence of other factors (e.g., lead paint). If determined to be poor cleaning processes, a third cleaning will be completed.

21. The RFP mentions know levels of Zinc dust contamination in the ducts. Please provide the sampling results and clearance criteria.

Zinc was discovered in other ductwork sampled in GPO (144,000 ppm and 84,000 ppm) and is expected to be found in this project. The final clearance criteria is solely based on the presence of lead.

22. Will cleaning and painting of mold-stained or dusty/damaged areas on the exterior of the ducts be required?

No

23. Will painting or any special measures other than a sealed sheet metal covering be required for any access holes that are cut?

No

24. Where will the lead testing be performed throughout the systems?

As a minimum, two samples will be taken from the air handler and three samples will be taken in the ductwork as determined by the GPO Industrial Hygienist.

25. Please verify we are only cleaning the interior surfaces of the HVAC unit and duct work;

not the entire space.

26. Please confirm that work can begin Friday evenings?

27. How soon will the government have the clearance test results after testing the duct work?

We can't pinpoint the exact day, but the space must always be ready for work when agency employees return on Monday morning. Please refer to the answer to Question #28 for preparation guidance.

28. What if the test results come in over the passing threshold and it’s Sunday evening? Will the Government still occupy the space? Should we build tents at every duct access & register location?

The contractor shall assemble all supply and return ducts and restore any cut or removed sections to their original condition by 5 PM on Sunday. HEPA filters must be installed on all supply diffusers by this deadline, regardless of test results. If the cleaning meets the guidelines, the COR and the agency Safety Office will instruct the removal of the filters.

Until permission for removal is granted, HEPA filters must remain on the diffusers. If the COR does not confirm that the area is free of lead dust, filters must remain on the exterior ductwork vents to prevent any grit from entering the workspace. After installing the filters, the AHUs will be turned on, and government employees will return to the workspace. The contractor must remove the filtering media within 5 working days of receiving permission. All associated costs should be included in the bid price.

29. Who is responsible for testing the exterior paint before cutting the duct work? It’s impossible to remove lead to safe levels with only the existing access in place, Contractors will need to make multiple access points into the duct work main and branch lines. The only way to get this clean is to hand wipe the interior surface of the duct work. Even spec asks for pictures of every 10’.

Before cleaning begins, the responsibility lies with the government. Once cleaning starts, it becomes the contractor's responsibility. Please refer to the SOW for details.

30. Please advise if cutting and patching of duct work to access the interior is acceptable?

Does the new patch need to be painted?

Yes. The contractor has permission to cut and patch. Painting is not necessary.