Questions_ _Answers_-__Wastewater_Pretreatment_Plant_Maintenance_Services.pdf

Reference BEP ECF Wastewater Pretreatment Plant Maintenance Services, Solicitation Number BEP-RFP-15-0371 the listed items/issues require clarification.

Question No. Section Page No. Paragraph Item/Issue

N/A

Price Schedule – CLIN Nos. 0002, 1001, 2001, 3001, 4001, Supplies/Services state that the deliverable is labor, excluding task activities. Should Supplies and Services read “Operation and Maintenance of the BEP Wastewater Pretreatment Plant?”

Response: Reference Section 2.1.2 of the PWS, which provides further detail for what functions are to be included under these CLINs.

Price Schedule – CLIN Nos. 0004, 1003, 2003, 3004, 4004 states that this CLIN is FFP with Economic Price Adjustment. What is the basis for Economic Price Adjustment?

Was it omitted in the Solicitation or should this CLIN be T&M?

Response: FFP with economic price adjustment (EPA) is applicable where commodities are being utilized that have potential for price fluctuations based on market conditions. Reference FAR Clause 52.216-2, Economic Price Adjustment- Standard Supplies.

Cost Schedule – CLIN Nos. 0005, 1004, 2004, 3004, 4004 are FFP with a ceiling established by BEP. The limit on FFP is established by the offeror in his offer.

Should this CLIN be T&M since the items and quantities are not known?

Response: This is an optional FFP CLIN with a NTE amount. This CLIN will be unfunded at the time of award. Reference Section 2.1.5 of the PWS for additional information.

Cost Schedule – CLIN Nos. 0006, 1005, 2005, 3005, 4005 same issues as questions above.

Response: This is an optional FFP CLIN with a NTE amount. This CLIN will be unfunded at the time of award. Reference Section 2.1.6 of the PWS for further information.

4.14

Cost Schedule – CLIN numbering – should option year CLIN’s numbering remain the same except for the option year, ie CLIN 0002 to 1002, 2002, 3002 etc and not 0002 to 1001, 2001 etc? The Phase In numbering would be changed to 0006.

Response: The numbering of the CLIN’s will remain unchanged.

A

Reference Executive Order No. 13495 Will subject procurement result in a “Successor” Contract? Must incumbent employees be given the First Right of Refusal?

Response: Yes, incumbent employees would be given first right of refusal for follow on positions. Reference FAR Clause 52.222-17, Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers (May 2014), which is incorporated by reference as part of this Solicitation.

Requirement states that BEP intends to award a Firm Fixed Price contract. The Cost Schedule provides for Firm Fixed Price with Economic Adjustment and Time and Materials. Please clarify.

Response: The contract resulting from this Solicitation will be Firm Fixed-Price (FFP).

The CLIN’s for the Process Chemicals are FFP with Economic Price Adjustment. There are no CLIN’s for Time and Materials (T&M).

C

1.1

Attachments 5 & 6 describe two (2) New Systems. What is the third New System?

Response: Attachment 5 includes 2 systems:

the wiping solution recycling system and the wiping solution make-up system. As stated in the PWS, the systems are very interrelated, yet separate. See Section C, Objective 1.1, 2nd paragraph.

1.3.5

BEP DC Facility shown as DCF. RFP refers to Eastern Currency Facility (ECF). Which is correct?

Response: DCF and ECF reference the same location.

1.3.8

This paragraph defines all listed positions except laborer as Key. Are all positions Key? Why?

Response: All of the positions are Key except for the laborer. They are Key because each position has distinct skills required.

1.3.9

Tools and Equipment – Is it not the responsibility of the employer (BEP) to prescribe to the employee (Contractor) the required PPE as required by OSHA?

Response: The contractor is responsible for the tools and equipment including PPE for the contract employees as required by

OSHA.

2.0

Scope – The Government will continue to implement improvements to the plant throughout ….thus it is expected that the Contractor is able to continuously tailor their control, plans, processes, etc. to the needs of BEP. What does this mean? What happens when an improvement impacts or changes the scope of work that requires a change in labor requirements? Is the Contractor required to adjust to an increase in the Scope of Work without appropriate contract adjustments?

Response: Since this PWS is intended to cover all wastewater activities of the BEP it is not expected that the scope of work shall change. Any “process improvement” should be within scope, and should not increase labor effort. It is noted that each process improvement project will be negotiated at the time the requirement is identified. See PWS Section C, 1.2 References last paragraph, page 35.

2.1.3

This CLIN requires historical data and an Economic Adjustment base for the offeror to bid a Firm Fixed Price. Please provide such data.

Response: The CLIN’s referenced under this part of the PWS do not utilize Economic Price Adjustment. See Attachment 23, which includes a list of spare parts. Reference the PWS for services requirements (located throughout the PWS).

2.1.5

The description of CLIN 0005 is that of T&M, not FPP. Will Emergency Repair be T&M?

Response: This is a FFP CLIN with a NTE amount (not T&M). At the time the repair parts are identified as described under Section 2.1.5, the contractor and the Government will negotiate these items on a FFP basis.

2.1.6

Labor – the installation labor was already covered under 2.1.2. Historical labor data is required for offeror to bid FFP under 2.1.2.

How does the offeror determine the labor requirement for 2.1.6 to be incorporated in 2.1.2?

Response: Historical Labor data is not required in order for the offer to provide a FFP labor number. Pricing should be calculated based on the labor requirements for the effort as prescribed in the PWS. Also see Section C, 2.1.2 CLIN 0002, last paragraph.

16 C 39 3.1.1 Please provide historical data concerning this requirement.

Response: For the past 10 years the total $ amount is equal to $0.00.

17 C 39 3.1.1.1 What is the source of data and how is process implemented? Is there any historical data?

Response: For the past 10 years the total $ amount is equal to $0.00.

40 and

3.2.1

COR Authority – This applies also to the Contracting Officer Representative and Authority on Page 91. It must be noted that

(b) authorizes the COR to obligate the Government by directing/redirecting Contractor labor and is in direct conflict with (c).

Response: Only the Contracting Officer can obligate the Government. The COR is able to make adjustments and provide technical direction to ensure successful performance of the requirement, which can include requesting contractor employees to be replaced if they fail to meet the terms and conditions of the contract resulting from this solicitation.

3.2.1

Since this will be a FFP contract, BEP does not have the authority over when the Contractor may hire, determine if the candidate can fulfill the requirements, direct the removal of an employee, determine the Contractor evaluation system, prescribe performance of employee or remove Contractor personnel from BEP’s facility except when the Contractor employee fails to meet BEP employee standards such as security requirement, conduct or failure to meet the BEP contract employment standards.

Response: If the contractor fails to meet the requirements of the resulting contract, then the Government will take corrective actions in accordance with the PWS, the Performance Requirements Summary, and the QASP.

3.2.3

Please provide Contract Justification for limitations on employees under Section

4.10.1 working as personnel listed in Section

4.10.2. BEP is directing contractor personnel

work assignments.

Response: The PWS is establishing a minimum requirement for performance under a contract resulting from this Solicitation.

3.2.3

Working hours and rates per individual and/or shift is the sole responsibility of the Contractor and his employees in compliance with Department of Labor regulations and laws. This personnel action is not within the authority of BEP.

Response: The PWS is establishing a minimum requirement for performance under a contract resulting from this Solicitation.

Emergency Operation Plans – Does this mean that BEP Government will reimburse the Contractor for stand by labor when

22 C 41 N/A required for expertise? Recommend that

3.2.3 be reviewed with respect to an employees’ relationship with the Contractor and BEP.

Response: The Contractor is required to develop the Emergency Operation Plan in accordance with the PWS Section C, 3.2.4.

The plan shall be developed taking into consideration the requirements of the PWS.

Materials – What are the materials and the quantities that are required to be managed by

MAXIMO?

Response: All materials are required to be managed in MAXIMO.

Is there a current Safety Store List? Please provide quantity and cost information.

Response: There is no current safety stock list. The Contractor is required to develop and submit this list in accordance with the PWS Section C, 3.3.4.3.

3.4.2

Maximo training responsibility of Contractor. BEP will provide list of training companies. When will list be provided?

Response: This shall be provided upon contract award if the Contractor needs the training.

3.4.5

What is the volume of data to be transitioned from the current system to MAXIMO?

Response: Since the current WSWPP will be removed shortly after contract award, the volume of data will be that of any equipment, materials, spare parts and maintenance items from the PWPP and the GTWPP and any aforementioned items from the current WSWPP that will/may be used in the new plant.

3.5

On-Site Daily Support Engineering – Is this a full-time position?

Response: Yes.

Please provide justification for On-Site Engineer not performing material management.

Response: Materials management is not an engineering function under this PWS.

Deliverables: General – Does Microsoft Access prohibition refer to Contractor office software and generated reports?

Response: BEP does not support MS Access in any way. No deliverables may be submitted in MS Access as BEP personnel do not have access to MS Access.

3.23

BEP currently responsible for fire extinguishers. Is BEP responsible for safety equipment repair?

Response: The BEP shall be responsible for the repair of Fire Extinguishers, Emergency Lights, Emergency Exit Signs, and Emergency Eye-wash/showers. The Contractor is responsible for repair/maintenance on the SCBA equipment as noted in Section C, 2.1.3 and 3.22 and any other safety equipment that is directly under the scope of the PWS. The Contractor is responsible for performing inspections in accordance with the PWS, Section C, 3.23 Safety Equipment Inspections. If any issues are noted in the inspections for equipment that needs to be addressed by BEP, the Contractor will submit a service request to the BEP through the Maximo system as is the current practice.

3.25

Is Contractor responsible for recycling plant commissioning under start up and phase-in?

Insufficient information provided to determine required staffing.

Response: The start-up and commissioning is the responsibility of the Contractor that is performing the installation of the wiping solution recycling plant which is under a separate contract. The contractor performing installation will provide training on operation and maintenance of the new plant. This will include on the job training as well as providing the manuals for the system as noted in the PWS Section C, 6.5.4.

3.28.1

Please provide information on current BEP Storm Water Abatement Measures Contractor will be responsible for.

Response: The Storm water abatement measures consist of drain silt filters. The Contractor will be required to replace the filter(s), as needed, as issues are noted in the weekly inspections.

3.30.2

Will Contractor be reimbursed for labor costs associated with the proposal preparation?

Response: No.

Training – See also C-91-3.1.1. Employee training, training plans, certification, course of instruction, training schedule and training records approval or disapproval is a Contractor responsibility not under the authority of the COR. Training records are required to be maintained under personnel record regulations. Officials who supervise, may supervise or maintain the records of employees that have the right to review and or inspect these records.

Response: The Government is unsure of what question is being asked.

5.2

Phase in Period listed as August 1 – September 30, 2015. On page 14/115, line item 0001 listed as October 1 – November 30, 2015. Which one is correct?

Response: The phase-in period should reflect 1 October 2015 to 30 November 2015.

4.10.1

Recent and current contracts required three

(3) years of experience for Plant Manager and Assistant Plant Manager. Provide justification for years of experience requirement for Manager positions.

Response: This is the minimum requirement for performance under a contract resulting from this solicitation.

4.10.2

Recent and current contracts required three

(3) years experience for Supervisor and Operator. Provide justification for years of experience requirement for Engineer, Maintenance Technician, Supervisor and Operator Positions.

Response: This is the minimum requirement

5.4

Provide justification for ABC Certification Requirement Levels. It is not a District of Columbia or Federal Government Requirement. Nine (9) month time period insufficient to obtain required certification.

How were required certification levels determined? No previous certification requirement 1997 to present. Current BEP Texas contract has ABC Level I Certification requirement.

Response: This is the minimum requirement

5.5.1.3

Will Contractor Corporate Personnel be able to obtain security access (limit 2)? President and Corporate Project Manager currently have badges. Company employee providing weekly BEP Warehouse inventory and plant inspection should have a badge

Response: Contractor employees that have a need to have the requisite security access will be able to apply for the requisite security access.

7.5

Contractor responsible for providing and maintaining own fork truck. Will BEP provide charging station?

Response: BEP will work with the Contractor to locate a suitable area and will have an appropriate electrical drop positioned for the Contractor to install their charging station.

M

Factor 3

Corporate Experience: A contractor’s experience with boiler treatment, cooling tower or chiller facilities chemical treatment is relevant to this procurement and elimination of consideration of such will minimize competition. Please provide BEP’s justification for exclusion of use of boiler treatment, cooling tower or chiller facilities chemical treatment.

Response: Experience with boiler treatment, cooling tower or chiller facilities chemical treatment is not relevant to this procurement as wastewater pretreatment is much more complex.

Attachment

Will BEP or Contractor order salt pellets for softened water?

Response: Salt pellets are the responsibility of the Contractor.

a. Deliverables

1. What is the required size of the printed site diagram? Currently shown as 24 feet x 36 inches.

Response: 24” by 36” as stated in the referenced attachment. This is also referred to as a “D” size drawing.

SBA size standards dated July 14, 2014 show NAICS Code size standard as $38.5M.

Which one is correct?

Response: The correct size standard for NAICS 561210 is $38.5 Million.

B

5. 2nd Paragraph, Sentences 5-6 describes award fee process. Where is process description and award fee amount?

Response: No award fees are included as part of this requirement. The QASP has been revised as of 27 July 2015 to remove this language.

B

8. Please provide justification for actual dollar amounts listed in “Disincentive” category. They appear to be punitive in nature and totally at the COR’s discretion.

Response: The QASP has been revised as of 27 July 2015. The disincentive column has been removed.

What are the current number of FTE’s on this project?

Response: 8 FTE’s on the current contract.

What is the last contract award number?

Response: The current contract number is

TEPS14-02257

What is the last contract amount?

Response: Contract TEPS14-02257 was awarded for $2,800,720.00 for the base period and one (1) option period.