CIS Questions.pdf

U.S. General Services Administration

Public Buildings Service

South Service Center (1PSA)

Tip O’Neil Federal Building, 11 th

Floor

10 Causeway Street, Boston, MA 02222

August 11, 2011

1. Professional qualifications – lists architectural, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and general engineers. Are inspectors with experience in these disciplines acceptable or does it need to be degreed and/or registered engineers?

ANSWER: Per FAR 36.601-4, “Professional services of an architectural or engineering nature, as defined by applicable state law, which the State Law requires to be performed or approved by a registered architect or engineer.”

2. Can the work of subs be used to help demonstrate qualifications, experience, capacity, etc.?

ANSWER: Yes. Please refer to the criteria in the pre solicitation which is listed in relative order of importance.

The pre solicitation also states that “in addition the SF330 interested firms may submit supplemental information as necessary to better demonstrate their capabilities and planned approach to perform all contract services with the geographic area.”

3. Does a formal Joint-Venture arrangement provide any advantages in the eyes of the GSA?

ANSWER: Joint-venture agreements are a business decision. The notice states: “Joint ventures or firm/consultant arrangements will be considered and and evaluated on a demonstrated interdependency of the members to provide quality services.”

4. Will this be a 2-step process for selection or just one submission?

ANSWER: Yes. The procedures in FAR 36-602-3 and 36.602-4 will be followed.

In summary, after SF 330’s are submitted, the source selection board will create a short list of

A/E firms to interview. A request for fee proposal will be issued to those firms selected.

5. The 3 rd paragraph in the solicitation says, “Architect-Engineer firms have 30 days from the date of this release on FBO to establish a production capability within the six states of New England.” Please explain the production capability.

ANSWER: Production capability means that firms must have a physical office within the six states of New England.

6. The next sentence says, “The Architect-Engineer of record is allowed up to 45 calendar days from contract award to establish this production capability.” Who is the A-E of record?

ANSWER: The firm that is issued the award.

7. We are a firm that specializes in providing Construction Management and Inspection services so this solicitation fits our company profile perfectly. It appears, however, that this solicitation is geared towards

A-E firms. Can a CM specialty firm compete for and potentially win this contract or does it have to be an

A-E firm?

ANSWER: Per FAR 36.601-4(b) Contracting Officers may award contracts for architect engineer services to any firm permitted by law to practice the professions of architect or engineering.

Also, the firm should have the required NAICS code, 541330.

8. The last paragraph states that supplemental information is limited to no more than 20 double sided pages. What is the total page limit for the SF330 information?

ANSWER: SF330 information should be between 15-20 pages.

9. There is no mention of small business sub-contracting goals. Is this a part of the requirements?

ANSWER: Yes. FAR 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan will be included in the request for proposal.

10. We have noted that the GSA most often uses NAICS Code 236220 when procuring Construction

Management and Inspection services. Was there any thought or consideration to using that NAICS Code for this solicitation? Can it be considered at this time?

ANSWER: We selected our NAICS code in accordance with FAR 36.601-4 (see below) in concert with the services that our technical team specified in the statement of work. We considered NAICS Code

541330 a more suitable match than NAICS Code 236220.

Per FAR 36.601-4 (a) Contracting officers should consider the following services to be “architect-engineer services” subject to the procedures of this subpart:

(1) Professional services of an architectural or engineering nature, as defined by applicable

State law, which the State law requires to be performed or approved by a registered architect or engineer.

(2) Professional services of an architectural or engineering nature associated with design or construction of real property.

(3) Other professional services of an architectural or engineering nature or services incidental thereto (including studies, investigations, surveying and mapping, tests, evaluations, consultations, comprehensive planning, program management, conceptual designs, plans and specifications, value engineering, construction phase services, soils engineering, drawing reviews, preparation of operating and maintenance manuals and other related services) that logically or justifiably require performance by registered architects or engineers or their employees.

11. Are rates including overhead, profit, and employee wage rates for the proposed positions to be included as part of the submission?

ANSWER: Rate information is not required at this time. (See question 4.)