Colfax RFQ.pdf

Request for Qualifications (Phase I) Colfax Wastewater Treatment Plant

Slope Stabilization Design-Build Procurement

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

St. Paul District

W912ES21R0009

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 00 05 00 Offeror’s Checklist

SECTION 00 10 00 Instructions to Offerors

SECTION 00 11 00 Submission Requirements and Evaluation Factors

SECTION 00 12 00 Request for Qualifications Evaluation Procedures

SECTION 00 83 00 Attachments

Section 00 05 00 – Offeror’s Checklist

Section 00 05 00, page 2

1 GENERAL

1.1 OFFEROR’S CHECKLIST

All information required by the terms of the Solicitation must be furnished with the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) response. MISTAKES AND OMISSIONS may cause the Offeror to not be considered for Phase II (Request for Proposal). Important items for the Offeror to check include, but are not limited to, those listed below. This checklist is furnished only to assist the Offeror in submitting a complete response to the RFQ (Phase I).

Is the information in the Proposal Data Sheet (TAB A) complete and has the form been properly signed?

Have all amendments been properly acknowledged?

Are the envelopes marked with the correct solicitation number?

Will the Past Performance Evaluation questionnaires arrive on time?

Will the RFQ response arrive on time? Late responses will be handled in accordance with FAR 52.215‐1 “Instructions to Offerors— Competitive Acquisition.”

END OF SECTION

Section 00 10 00 – Instructions to Offerors

Section 00 10 00, page 2

1 INTRODUCTION

2 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK

3 CONTRACT COST CEILING LIMITATION (CCL) FOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION COSTS

4 COPIES OF SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS AND AMENDMENTS

5 OFFEROR'S QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS

6 SMALL BUSINESS SIZE STANDARD

7 NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (NAICS)

8 REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) EXPENSES AND PRE‐CONTRACT COSTS

9 PRE‐RFQ CONFERENCE

10 METHOD OF PROCUREMENT

11 RFQ SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

12 RFQ FORMAT

12.1 General Requirements

12.2 Written Submission

12.3 Text

12.4 Font Size

12.5 Format

12.6 Binding

12.7 Page Limitations

13 PROVISIONS/CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY FULL TEXT

Section 00 10 00, page 3

1 INTRODUCTION

The United States Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District (Government) is soliciting a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the Colfax Wastewater Treatment Lagoons (WWTP) Slope Stabilization Project (Project) as Phase I of a two‐phase design‐build selection procedure. This procurement is 100% small business set‐aside and will result in a firm fixed price contract. A two‐phase procurement structure will be used for the Project, consisting of a Phase I Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and a subsequent Phase II Request for Proposals (RFP). The RFQ is being issued to identify, using the criteria and methodology described herein, a shortlist of highly qualified and capable design‐build teams that will be invited to submit technical/price proposals for Phase II (RFP portion). The Government anticipates that three firms will be shortlisted (from the RFQ responses) and invited to submit responses to the RFP; however, the Government reserves the right to shortlist more or fewer firms depending on the responses to the RFQ received. All Offerors will receive written notice regarding whether or not they were selected to compete in Phase II.

In Phase II, the RFP package will be issued to the shortlisted design‐build teams and will specify technical and pricing criteria. Those selected to compete for Phase II will have approximately 60 calendar days to prepare and submit their Phase II proposals. The Phase II proposals will be evaluated by the Government to select the design‐build contractor for the project. The Phase II evaluation factors will be Price, Technical Solution, and Construction Technique. Please note that additional information will be required from the awarded Contractor for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the State of Wisconsin Department of Administration, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

2 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This description of work is preliminary and for information only. The final version of the project scope will be provided in Phase II.

The purpose of this project is to prepare design documents for and build a streambank stabilization/restoration project along the Red Cedar River adjacent to the Colfax WWTP. This project will also consist of constructing an access road to the project site and modifications to a WWTP effluent pipe that discharges out of the eroding slope. The project is located approximately 3/4 of a mile west of the Village of Colfax, Wisconsin along the left descending bank of the Red Cedar River. The site can be accessed from Swenson Drive.

The Red Cedar River is actively meandering within its floodplain, which is causing severe river bank erosion adjacent to Colfax WWTP. Active erosion has progressed to within 50 feet of the lagoon embankment toe throughout much of the site. The soils in the river bank are highly erodible and active erosion is encroaching on approximately 1400 foot stretch of the embankments that contain the wastewater in the lagoons.

A Feasibility Report (Attachment I of Section 00 83 00) was completed in 2016 to analyze potential streambank stabilization designs. The report documented existing conditions, projected future conditions, assessed the current problem, provided and compared alternative plans, and made a recommendation to accomplish the emergency streambank protection.

Section 00 10 00, page 4

The Corps is seeking offerors who have experience in the design and construction of similar streambank protection and slope stabilization projects. During phase II, the Offerors identified as the most highly qualified in Phase I will be asked to submit a Phase II proposal for design and construction of the project.

Phase II proposals will be evaluated on technical merit as well as the value of the work proposed.

Following contract award, the Corps will determine if the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance document (Environmental Assessment) and Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404(b)(1) evaluation prepared during the Feasibility Study are still valid based on the contractor’s design. If necessary, the Corps would complete the necessary updates to these documents to assure that environmental compliance is met prior to construction. These updates would be completed simultaneously with the contractor’s design so that the project’s schedule would not be impacted.

The successful Offeror from Phase II shall be responsible for completing surveys needed for design, all analyses and design, quality control, professional engineering certification of the design, acquisition of all applicable permits, obtaining traffic control plan approvals including working with railroad, construction, construction oversight and preparing as‐built drawings. The Village of Colfax, the non‐ Federal sponsor for the project, will acquire the rights‐of‐entry required for the project.

Permits the Design‐Build Contractor will be responsible for obtaining prior to the construction notice to proceed include but are not limited to: Chapter 30 Permit from WDNR, and a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit from WDNR. The contractor should allow 60‐90 days in its schedule to obtain these permits. A National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Environmental Assessment and Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404(b)(1) evaluation which covers the requirements of NEPA and Section 404 of the CWA, respectively will be provided by the Government within Attachment 1 of Section 00 83 00 of this RFQ. The Government will be responsible for obtaining a CWA Section 401: State Certification of Water Quality permit from WDNR, but the Contractor shall aid in the application process by providing all required design information. The Contractor shall develop and submit a schedule that ensures the completion of design, permitting, construction, as‐built drawings and sufficient evidence of establishment of turf no later than the contract completion date.

3 CONTRACT COST CEILING LIMITATION (CCL) FOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION COSTS

Not used for the RFQ.

4 COPIES OF SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS AND AMENDMENTS

Copies of the solicitation are available by INTERNET ACCESS ONLY. All solicitation documents will be posted to the SAM website. The website address is https://sam.gov/.

All amendments will be posted to the SAM website. It shall be the Offeror’s responsibility to check the website for any amendments. The Offeror shall acknowledge any amendments on the

Section 00 10 00, page 5 signed Phase I Data Proposal Sheet (Attachment 4 of Section 00 83 00) to be included in its Phase I qualification.

The Offeror shall submit in a single package all requested information specified in this solicitation. There will be no public opening of the qualifications received as a result of this solicitation.

5 OFFEROR'S QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS

Questions and/or comments relative to these documents shall be submitted via e‐mail or mailed to:

Justin Rose (Contract Specialist) – Primary POC U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ATTN: Justin H. Rose, Contract Specialist 180 5th Street East, Suite 700 St. Paul, MN 55101‐1678 E‐mail: Justin.H.Rose@usace.army.mil

Note: All questions and/or comments should reach the above referenced Contracting Office no later than twelve (12) calendar days prior to the due date for receipt of all RFQ materials (see paragraph 11), in order that they may be given consideration or actions taken prior to receipt of offers.

6 SMALL BUSINESS SIZE STANDARD

The small business size standard for this procurement is $39.5 million in average gross annual receipts for the preceding 3 fiscal years.

7 NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (NAICS)

In accordance with Section 23 of the NAICS Manual, the work in this solicitation is assigned classification code 237990.

8 REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) EXPENSES AND PRE-CONTRACT COSTS

This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) does not commit the Government to pay any costs incurred in the preparation and submission of materials or for any other costs incurred by any firm submitting materials in response to this solicitation for Phase I or Phase II.

9 PRE-RFQ CONFERENCE

The Corps will not conduct a pre‐qualification conference or pre‐qualification site visit for this project.

Offerors are encouraged to visit the site on their own.

10 METHOD OF PROCUREMENT

The Government intends to conduct this acquisition in accordance with the provisions set forth in the Request for Qualifications (RFQ). The materials submitted will be evaluated and a shortlist of Offerors will be selected to proceed to Phase II (RFP) that are determined to be the most highly qualified by the Government. This procurement is 100% small business set‐aside and will result in a firm fixed price contract. All Offerors will receive written notice of whether they were or were not selected to compete in Phase II. The fact that a particular Phase I qualification is not selected to participate in Phase II is not

Section 00 10 00, page 6 necessarily an indication that the Offeror, its proposed team, or its Phase I qualification were in any way deficient or unacceptable but only that more highly rated proposals were present in this competition.

Offerors not participating in Phase II are encouraged to submit bids or proposals in response to other St.

Paul District procurements.

Note specifically that the Offeror will not be participating in a sealed bid procurement process under this acquisition method. Issuance of this Request for Qualifications does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the Government.

Qualifications must set forth full, accurate, and complete information as required by this RFQ, (including attachments). The penalty for making false statements is prescribed in 18 U.S.C. 1001.

The Government reserves the right to hold discussions with Offerors in the competitive range for both the RFQ and the RFP processes. Offerors are advised that the Government intends to select Offerors for participation in the Phase II RFP process without discussions, clarifications or any contact concerning the Phase I qualifications received.

11 RFQ SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Offeror(s) must ensure that ALL mail sent to the St. Paul District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, either pre‐contract or post‐contract award, has a return mailing address on the outside of the envelope, package, box, etc. ANY MAIL addressed to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, including but not limited to Phase I qualifications, revised Phase I qualifications, bonds, correspondence, etc., may be REJECTED by the US Army Corps of Engineers if it does not contain a return mailing address. The Packaging that contains the Qualifications shall be marked: “Qualifications for Solicitation Number: W912ES21R0009, DO NOT OPEN”

Qualifications will be received until 5:00 p.m. (local time) on September 21, 2021, at:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District ATTN: Justin H. Rose 180 5th Street East, Suite 700 St. Paul, MN 55101‐1678

12 RFQ FORMAT

12.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

General requirements regarding the format for submissions for Phase I of this solicitation are described below. See Section 00 11 00 for detailed RFQ submission requirements. Phase I (RFQ) proposals should be submitted and segregated by tabs as follows:

Section 00 10 00, page 7

Phase I (RFQ) Item Description Location

Phase I Proposal Data Sheet (Attachment 4 of Section 00 83 00) TAB A Factor 1 – Technical Experience

Subfactor 1a ‐ Streambank Stabilization Design Experience Subfactor 1b ‐ Streambank Stabilization Construction

TAB B

Factor 2 ‐ Past Performance Subfactor 2a ‐ Design Past Performance Subfactor 2b ‐ Construction Past Performance

TAB C

Factor 3 ‐ Key Personnel Subfactor 3a ‐ Geotechnical Engineer Subfactor 3b ‐ Hydraulic Engineer Subfactor 3c ‐ Construction Quality Control Manager Subfactor 3d ‐ Construction Superintendent

TAB D

12.2 WRITTEN SUBMISSION

Number of Copies: Offerors shall submit one original hard copy of their qualifications as described herein. An electronic version of the entire submission shall also be included in PDF format on a cd/dvd and via an electronic download (Offeror FTP/DoD SAFE, etc.). The hard copy is the office copy and will control in the event of a discrepancy.

12.3 TEXT

Text shall be at least single space, on 8 ½” x 11” paper, and contained in one volume. Pages shall be numbered consecutively within each TAB. Additional pages submitted in excess of the stated maximum in paragraph 12.7 will not be evaluated. A page printed on both sides shall be counted as two pages.

Submission as double‐spaced printing/copying on recycled paper is encouraged. Include a detailed table of contents, numbered pages, and tabbed sections for each of the evaluation criteria. For drawing sheets, the offeror shall use half‐size sheets (11” x 17”).

12.4 FONT SIZE

Print shall be a minimum of 11‐point font size. Graphic representations, including tables, while not subject to the same font size and spacing requirements, shall have spacing and text that is easily readable.

12.5 FORMAT

Provide a Tab or other means to clearly identify each individual section of the submission. Provide an individual section for each of the evaluation criteria. Section covers or tabs used only to identify individual sections are not included in page limits.

Section 00 10 00, page 8

12.6 BINDING

The hard‐copy submittal should be presented in a 3‐ring binder, or in a spiral‐bound or comb‐bound format, such that the pages lay flat when opened. Loose paper submittals will be rejected. The CD/DVD should be in a plastic case or a protective sleeve and attached firmly to the hard‐copy document.

Do not submit any materials not required by this solicitation (such as company brochures and marketing material).

12.7 PAGE LIMITATIONS

Phase I (RFQ) Item Description

Location

Page Limit

Proposal Data Sheet (Phase I) TAB A N/A

Factor 1 TAB B One page of text and two 11” x 17” drawing sheets per project example

Factor 2 TAB C N/A – use Past Performance Questionnaires

Factor 3 TAB D Three pages for each subfactor, plus copies of current license as applicable

13 PROVISIONS/CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY FULL TEXT

52.214-34 SUBMISSION OF OFFERS IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE (APR 1991).

Offers submitted in response to this solicitation shall be in the English language. Offers received in other than English shall be rejected.

(End of provision)

52.215-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS – COMPETITIVE ACQUISITION (Jan 2017)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision—

“Discussions” are negotiations that occur after establishment of the competitive range that may, at the Contracting Officer’s discretion, result in the offeror being allowed to revise its proposal.

“In writing,” “writing,” or “written” means any worded or numbered expression that can be read, reproduced, and later communicated, and includes electronically transmitted and stored information.

“Proposal modification” is a change made to a proposal before the solicitation’s closing date and time, or made in response to an amendment, or made to correct a mistake at any time before award.

“Proposal revision” is a change to a proposal made after the solicitation closing date, at the request of or as allowed by a Contracting Officer as the result of negotiations.

Section 00 10 00, page 9

“Time,” if stated as a number of days, is calculated using calendar days, unless otherwise specified, and will include Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. However, if the last day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, then the period shall include the next working day.

(b) Amendments to solicitations. If this solicitation is amended, all terms and conditions that are not amended remain unchanged. Offerors shall acknowledge receipt of any amendment to this solicitation by the date and time specified in the amendment(s).

(c) Submission, modification, revision, and withdrawal of proposals.

(1) Unless other methods (e.g., electronic commerce or facsimile) are permitted in the solicitation, proposals and modifications to proposals shall be submitted in paper media in sealed envelopes or packages:

(i) addressed to the office specified in the solicitation, and

(ii) showing the time and date specified for receipt, the solicitation number, and the name and address of the offeror. Offerors using commercial carriers shall ensure that the proposal is marked on the outermost wrapper with the information in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) and (c)(1)(ii) of this provision.

(2) The first page of the proposal must show—

(i) The solicitation number;

(ii) The name, address, and telephone and facsimile numbers of the offeror (and electronic address if available);

(iii) A statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation and agreement to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the price set opposite each item;

(iv) Names, titles, and telephone and facsimile numbers (and electronic addresses if available) of persons authorized to negotiate on the offeror’s behalf with the Government in connection with this solicitation; and

(v) Name, title, and signature of person authorized to sign the proposal. Proposals signed by an agent shall be accompanied by evidence of that agent’s authority, unless that evidence has been previously furnished to the issuing office.

(3) Submission, modification, revision, and withdrawal of proposals.

(i) Offerors are responsible for submitting proposals, and any modifications or revisions, so as to reach the Government office designated in the solicitation by the time specified in the solicitation. If no time is specified in the solicitation, the time for receipt is 4:30 p.m., local time, for the designated Government office on the date that proposal or revision is due.

(ii)

(A) Any proposal, modification, or revision received at the Government office designated in the solicitation after the exact time specified for receipt of offers is “late” and will not be considered unless it is received before award is made, the Contracting Officer determines that accepting the late offer would not unduly delay the acquisition; and—

Section 00 10 00, page 10

(1) If it was transmitted through an electronic commerce method authorized by the solicitation, it was received at the initial point of entry to the Government infrastructure not later than 5:00 p.m. one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of proposals; or

(2) There is acceptable evidence to establish that it was received at the Government installation designated for receipt of offers and was under the Government’s control prior to the time set for receipt of offers; or

(3) It is the only proposal received.

(B) However, a late modification of an otherwise successful proposal that makes its terms more favorable to the Government, will be considered at any time it is received and may be accepted.

(iii) Acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt at the Government installation includes the time/date stamp of that installation on the proposal wrapper, other documentary evidence of receipt maintained by the installation, or oral testimony or statements of Government personnel.

(iv) If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal Government processes so that proposals cannot be received at the office designated for receipt of proposals by the exact time specified in the solicitation, and urgent Government requirements preclude amendment of the solicitation, the time specified for receipt of proposals will be deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in the solicitation on the first work day on which normal Government processes resume.

(v) Proposals may be withdrawn by written notice received at any time before award.

Oral proposals in response to oral solicitations may be withdrawn orally. If the solicitation authorizes facsimile proposals, proposals may be withdrawn via facsimile received at any time before award, subject to the conditions specified in the provision at 52.215‐5, Facsimile Proposals. Proposals may be withdrawn in person by an offeror or an authorized representative, if the identity of the person requesting withdrawal is established and the person signs a receipt for the proposal before award.

(4) Unless otherwise specified in the solicitation, the offeror may propose to provide any item or combination of items.

(5) Offerors shall submit proposals in response to this solicitation in English, unless otherwise permitted by the solicitation, and in U.S. dollars, unless the provision at FAR 52.225‐17, Evaluation of Foreign Currency Offers, is included in the solicitation.

(6) Offerors may submit modifications to their proposals at any time before the solicitation closing date and time, and may submit modifications in response to an amendment, or to correct a mistake at any time before award.

(7) Offerors may submit revised proposals only if requested or allowed by the Contracting Officer.

(8) Proposals may be withdrawn at any time before award. Withdrawals are effective upon receipt of notice by the Contracting Officer.

Section 00 10 00, page 11

(d) Offer expiration date. Proposals in response to this solicitation will be valid for the number of days specified on the solicitation cover sheet (unless a different period is proposed by the offeror).

(e) Restriction on disclosure and use of data. Offerors that include in their proposals data that they do not want disclosed to the public for any purpose, or used by the Government except for evaluation purposes, shall—

(1) Mark the title page with the following legend:

This proposal includes data that shall not be disclosed outside the Government and shall not be duplicated, used, or disclosed—in whole or in part—for any purpose other than to evaluate this proposal. If, however, a contract is awarded to this offeror as a result of—or in connection with—the submission of this data, the Government shall have the right to duplicate, use, or disclose the data to the extent provided in the resulting contract. This restriction does not limit the Government's right to use information contained in this data if it is obtained from another source without restriction. The data subject to this restriction are contained in sheets [insert numbers or other identification of sheets]; and

(2) Mark each sheet of data it wishes to restrict with the following legend:

Use or disclosure of data contained on this sheet is subject to the restriction on the title page of this proposal.

(f) Contract award.

(1) The Government intends to award a contract or contracts resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror(s) whose proposal(s) represents the best value after evaluation in accordance with the factors and subfactors in the solicitation.

(2) The Government may reject any or all proposals if such action is in the Government’s interest.

(3) The Government may waive informalities and minor irregularities in proposals received.

(4) The Government intends to evaluate proposals and award a contract without discussions with offerors (except clarifications as described in FAR 15.306(a)). Therefore, the offeror’s initial proposal shall contain the offeror’s best terms from a cost or price and technical standpoint. The Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if the Contracting Officer later determines them to be necessary. If the Contracting Officer determines that the number of proposals that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the Contracting Officer may limit the number of proposals in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated proposals.

(5) The Government reserves the right to make an award on any item for a quantity less than the quantity offered, at the unit cost or prices offered, unless the offeror specifies otherwise in the proposal.

Section 00 10 00, page 12

(6) The Government reserves the right to make multiple awards if, after considering the additional administrative costs, it is in the Government’s best interest to do so.

(7) Exchanges with offerors after receipt of a proposal do not constitute a rejection or counteroffer by the Government.

(8) The Government may determine that a proposal is unacceptable if the prices proposed are materially unbalanced between line items or subline items. Unbalanced pricing exists when, despite an acceptable total evaluated price, the price of one or more line items is significantly overstated or understated as indicated by the application of cost or price analysis techniques. A proposal may be rejected if the Contracting Officer determines that the lack of balance poses an unacceptable risk to the Government.

(9) If a cost realism analysis is performed, cost realism may be considered by the source selection authority in evaluating performance or schedule risk.

(10) A written award or acceptance of proposal mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time specified in the proposal shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party.

(11) If a post‐award debriefing is given to requesting offerors, the Government shall disclose the following information, if applicable:

(i) The agency’s evaluation of the significant weak or deficient factors in the debriefed offeror’s offer.

(ii) The overall evaluated cost or price and technical rating of the successful and the debriefed offeror and past performance information on the debriefed offeror.

(iii) The overall ranking of all offerors, when any ranking was developed by the agency during source selection.

(iv) A summary of the rationale for award.

(v) For acquisitions of commercial items, the make and model of the item to be delivered by the successful offeror.

(vi) Reasonable responses to relevant questions posed by the debriefed offeror as to whether source‐selection procedures set forth in the solicitation, applicable regulations, and other applicable authorities were followed by the agency.

52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

(a) Protests, as defined in section 33.101 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, that are filed directly with an agency, and copies of any protests that are filed with the Government Accountability Office (GAO), shall be served on the Contracting Officer (addressed as follows) by obtaining written and dated acknowledgment of receipt from:

Section 00 10 00, page 13

Kenneth J. Eshom, Contracting Officer U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 180 Fifth Street East, Suite 700 St. Paul, MN 55101

(b) The copy of any protest shall be received in the office designated above within one day of filing a protest with the GAO.

f

Colfax Wastewater Treatment Plant

Section 00 11 00 – Submission Requirements and Evaluation Factors

Section 00 11 00, page 2

1 OVERVIEW

2 SCHEDULE

3 ACQUISITION STRATEGY

4 BASIS FOR AWARD

5 STIPEND

6 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

7 PROPOSAL COMPLIANCE REVIEW

8 PHASE I (RFQ) SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION FACTORS

8.1 PROPOSAL DATA SHEET (TAB A)

8.2 FACTOR 1 – TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE (TAB B)

8.3 FACTOR 2 – PAST PERFORMANCE

8.4 FACTOR 3 – KEY PERSONNEL (TAB D)

Section 00 11 00, page 3

1 OVERVIEW

An overview of the procurement and the project is located in section 00 10 00.

2 SCHEDULE

The estimated schedule is as follows. Regardless of the date of contract award, the interim contract completion date is 25 September 2022. The interim contract completion date includes all design, permitting, construction, as‐built drawings and sufficient physical evidence of establishment of turf.

The final contract completion date will be one year after the interim contract completion date for the establishment of turf.

Schedule Activity Estimated Date

Request for Qualification (RFQ) materials issued by the Government

August 2021

RFQ responses due to Government 30 days after posting

Offerors selected for Phase II and Request for Proposal (RFP) sent to selected

September 2021

RFP responses due to Government 60 days after RFP posting

Contract award December 2021

Interim Contract Completion September 25, 2022

Final Contract Completion One year after interim contract completion

3 ACQUISITION STRATEGY

This is a competitive two‐phase (RFQ and RFP) acquisition for the award of a firm fixed price contract.

The Government will award a firm fixed price contract to the responsible Offeror whose Phase II proposal has been determined to be the most advantageous to the Government. The Phase II evaluation factors will be Price, Technical Solution, and Construction Technique.

4 BASIS FOR AWARD

The basis of award for Phase II is the best value trade‐off; therefore, the Government has the right to accept other than the lowest price offer. The Government intends to award without discussions, but reserves the right to conduct discussions at any time during the Phase I (RFQ) or Phase II (RFP) evaluations as needed.

Section 00 11 00, page 4

5 STIPEND

A stipend will not be paid to those Offerors that submit a response to the RFQ in Phase I, or to the short‐ listed firms invited to submit proposals to the RFP in Phase II.

6 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

Submit the Phase I (RFQ) proposal in a tabbed, three‐ring binder; refer to Section 00 10 00, “Instructions to Offerors” for additional information. Note that the Government may not evaluate any material that exceeds the page limits, as indicated in Section 00 10 00. PHASE I DOES NOT INVOLVE

PRICING SUBMISSION.

Offerors are discouraged from providing information not required by the solicitation. The Offeror shall address each of the factors in sufficient detail to permit a complete and comprehensive evaluation. Any deviation from the solicitation requirements may result in non‐consideration of its Phase I qualifications.

Phase I (RFQ) responses should be submitted and segregated by TAB as follows:

• TAB A – Proposal Data Sheet

• TAB B – Technical Experience

• TAB C – Past Performance

• TAB D – Key Personnel

7 PROPOSAL COMPLIANCE REVIEW

Upon receipt of the Phase I qualifications, the Government will screen them to ensure each is properly completed, executed, and submitted in accordance with the solicitation requirements. The Government may remove from further consideration any Offeror’s Phase I qualifications that fails to provide a complete and signed proposal transmittal form (TAB A), a technical/quality proposal (TABS B‐D), or is submitted in an incorrect or incoherent format.

8 PHASE I (RFQ) SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION FACTORS

8.1 PROPOSAL DATA SHEET (TAB A)

Submit one copy of the Proposal Data Sheet, completed and signed, as provided in Attachment 4 of Section 00 83 00.

8.2 FACTOR 1 – TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE (TAB B)

(1) The Offeror shall provide a minimum of two (2), and no more than four (4), project examples to address each of the subfactors. The examples should be similar in terms of construction type, size, schedule, and complexity, which the Offeror’s company, proposed contracting entity (such as a joint venture (JV)), component companies of the proposed contracting entity, or proposed subcontractor has completed within the last ten (10) years or which are currently under contract with design services 100% completed and construction 50% or greater completed. A letter of commitment is required for any proposed subcontractor whose technical experience or past performance is submitted by the Offeror to meet one or more requirements of the RFQ factors;

the letter of commitment must reference this procurement and be signed by an employee of

Section 00 11 00, page 5 the subcontract that has authority to bind the subcontractor. Each project may qualify under more than one subfactor, but must be listed under each to be considered. For each project, provide the project name; a short description; the size (e.g., in terms of capacity or geometric extents) and dollar value; the owner’s name; owner's telephone number and/or email address;

the date of completion or percent complete; the percentage of the project performed by the Offeror or related entity described above; whether the Offeror or related entity performed as the Prime Construction Contractor and/or Designer; and if the Offeror or related entity was the Prime, what construction activities it self‐performed and which were subcontracted (see Attachment 6). Information regarding the type and extent of work completed under the contract shall be included, as well as any challenges and solutions. Demonstrate how the projects the Offeror submits meet the requirements described in each subfactor below (see below).

Explain the extent of participation by individuals identified as Key Personnel for Factor 3 to help validate “corporate memory” or “corporate experience” that will be applicable to this project. Indicate prior relationships between the Construction Contractor and Designer on the projects. The two (2) subfactors that will be considered under this Factor are described as follows:

Subfactor 1a – Streambank Stabilization Design Experience

For this subfactor, a design project of similar type, purpose and complexity is considered to be a streambank stabilization project. Example projects should have a design and construction cost of at least $500,000.

Subfactor 1b – Streambank Stabilization Construction Experience

For this subfactor, a construction project of similar type, purpose and complexity is considered to be a streambank stabilization project. Example projects should have a design and construction cost of at least $500,000.

8.3 FACTOR 2 – PAST PERFORMANCE (TAB C)

Past Performance Questionnaires should be provided for at least three (3), and no more than five (5), projects each for both the designer and the construction contractor (if different) that were completed within the last ten (10) years or which are currently under contract with design services 100% completed and construction 50% or greater completed. If design and construction will be completed by the same company, Past Performance Questionnaires should be provided for at least three (3) and no more than five (5) projects for which the company served as designer and at least three (3) and no more than five

(5) projects for which the company served as a construction contractor.

The Government prefers past performance information on projects presented in Factor 1 ‐ Technical Experience. The Government will evaluate the recency and relevancy of the projects submitted.

Projects will be considered more relevant if they are of similar scope, magnitude of effort and complexities this solicitation requires. The list should include projects where the Offeror provided design or preconstruction services with subsequent construction work where the Offeror was the construction (prime) contractor, if available. The Offeror must provide certification if it has not completed, and therefore is not providing, the minimum number of projects. Design and construction are separate

Section 00 11 00, page 6 subfactors and will receive separate past performance ratings. The two (2) subfactors that will be considered under this Factor are as follows:

Subfactor 2a ‐ Design Past Performance

Subfactor 2b ‐ Construction Past Performance

The past performance reference must have been a client, or a client representative, with whom the Offeror had a contract, or subcontract (if applicable) for one or more projects. The reference must hold, or have held at the time, a senior position in the client organization with responsibilities of contract administration, quality control, engineering, or technical supervision, or was otherwise in a position to evaluate the Offeror’s performance in executing the contract or subcontract. The past performance reference must have first‐hand knowledge of the Offeror’s performance. The reference have a current, valid phone number at which they can be reached during normal business hours and must be able to speak, read, and write in the English language. The Government may, at its sole discretion, follow up with points of contact, and may use Government databases, personal experience, and other information on determining an Offeror’s past performance.

The Offeror shall provide a Past Performance Questionnaire to the point of contact and/or the person that represents the project owner’s evaluation of the Offeror’s past performance for each of the projects listed. The project point of contact for the listed references shall complete the questionnaire and send completed forms to justin.h.rose@usace.army.mil, no later than the closing date of receipt of proposals stated in the RFQ, but preferably three (3) days prior to the closing date. Offerors are encouraged to follow up on the submittal of past performance questionnaires to ensure that all questionnaires have been mailed to the Government successfully. The Past Performance Questionnaires to be used are included as Attachment 5 of Section 00 83 00.

8.4 FACTOR 3 – KEY PERSONNEL (TAB D)

The Offeror shall provide the resumes detailing the experience for the disciplines listed as subfactors below. A different individual shall be submitted for each discipline unless otherwise stated and it shall be clearly identified what subfactor discipline(s) each individual is being submitted for. The subfactors below detail minimum requirements and some specific strengths. Other strengths may include items such as having more experience than required and higher levels of education. The Offeror shall also provide, if applicable, a copy of the current professional engineering licenses for those individuals required to have a license under this contract. The Phase I Offeror may only provide qualifications for one individual for the disciplines listed as subfactors below.

If the Phase I Offeror is invited to submit a Phase II proposal, the qualifications submitted in Phase I for the personnel provided in Phase I will be verified in Phase II. If any of the key personnel identified in the Phase I qualifications are no longer available, the Offeror may propose different, similarly‐qualified key personnel as part of its Phase II submittal, but will need to submit these qualifications in their phase II submittal. The Government may reject the Phase II proposal containing substitute personnel, if the substitute individual’s qualifications would have caused the Offeror’s Phase I qualifications to be declined in Phase I. The key personnel identified by the successful Offeror in Phase II shall be required

Section 00 11 00, page 7 to perform and certify the work. No substitution of key personnel shall be allowed after the award of the Contract unless approved in writing by the Contracting Officer. In the event that the Contractor

Section 00 11 00, page 8 cannot provide the listed key personnel or personnel of comparable qualifications, the Contracting Officer may reduce the contract price or take such other actions as are necessary to protect the interests of the Government, including cancelling the contract.

Subfactor 3a ‐ Geotechnical Engineer

The Geotechnical Engineer must have a professional engineering license and a minimum of 10 years of experience specializing in geotechnical engineering. Experience must include completing slope stability analyses. Experience on streambank slope stabilization projects will be considered a strength.

Subfactor 3b ‐ Hydraulic Engineer

The Hydraulic Engineer must have a professional engineering license and a minimum of 10 years of experience. Experience must include fluvial geomorphic assessments, streambank erosion protection design, discharge frequency analysis, and permitting. The Hydraulic Engineer must be well versed in bank stabilization methods including hard armoring and bio‐stabilization in riverine systems with ability to showcase a minimum of 4 projects with this application. The Hydraulic Engineer must have a minimum of 10 years of experience using HEC‐RAS and experience with local and state permitting requirements including coordination with regulatory agencies on flood stage impacts on the floodplain (and regulatory floodway) as particularly related to the National Flood Insurance Program. Some items that would be considered strengths are as following:

• Experience with successfully submitting a Conditional Letter of Map Revision/Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR/LOMR) and achieving approval of same.

• Having an advanced degree in a relevant river restoration field of study including fluvial geomorphology is desirable. Specific training related to this field should be described.

• Experience with streambank stabilization projects in steep or confined settings adjacent to endangered infrastructure.

Subfactor 3c‐ Construction Quality Control Manager

The Construction Quality Control Manager will be the onsite person during construction who will be responsible for overall management of Quality Control and have the authority to act in all Quality Control matters for the Contractor. The minimum qualifications of the CQM shall be a 2 year engineering technician, civil engineering, or a construction management degree, with a minimum of 2 years experience in related duties on construction similar to what is described in this RFQ, or a person with a minimum of 5 years experience in related duties on construction work.

Section 00 11 00, page 9

Qualifications that would be considered a strength for this position are having worked on a USACE project in the past, and having experience with stream bank stabilization and erosion control projects.

Subfactor 3d ‐ Construction Superintendent

The Construction Superintendent will be the onsite person that will be responsible for directing the work and leading the contractor’s crews and subcontractor(s) crews. The minimum qualifications of the Superintendent include having a minimum of 5 years of experience directing similar work to the work described in this RFQ. Similar work could include, but is not limited to, stream bank stabilization projects, erosion control projects, or shoreline protection projects.

Qualifications that would be considered strengths for this position are having worked on a USACE projects in the past, having an Associates or Bachelor’s degree in addition to the 5 years of work experience as a Superintendent, or having more than 5 years of work experience as a Superintendent. It is acceptable for the same person to act as the Construction Superintendent and the Construction Quality Control Manager as long as they meet the qualifications for both positions.

Section 00 11 00, page

Section 00 12 00 – Request for Qualifications

Evaluation Procedures

Section 00 12 00, page 2

1 EVALUATION PROCEDURES

2 DEFINITIONS

3 EVALUATION METHODOLOGY

3.1 PROPOSAL DATA SHEET (TAB A)

3.2 FACTOR 1 – TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE (TAB B)

3.2.1 Evaluation Criteria

3.2.2 Rating Scheme

3.3 FACTOR 2 – PAST PERFORMANCE (TAB C)

3.3.1 Evaluation Criteria

3.3.2 Rating Scheme

3.4 FACTOR 3 – KEY PERSONNEL (TAB D)

3.4.1 Evaluation Criteria

3.4.2 Rating Scheme

3.5 PHASE I (RFQ) EVALUATION FACTOR ORDER OF IMPORTANCE

4 EXCHANGES WITH OFFERORS AFTER RECEIPT OF PHASE I QUALIFICATIONS

5 SELECTION OF OFFERORS FOR PHASE II (RFP)

Section 00 12 00, page 3

1 EVALUATION PROCEDURES

The purpose of the evaluation process is to provide critical input to the source selection determination by providing a rational basis for selection of the successful Phase I (RFQ) offerors who will be invited to submit proposals in Phase II (RFP).

During evaluation of Phase I qualifications, ratings will be assigned for the factors and subfactors.

Ratings will be adjectival, rather than numerical.

During the evaluation, evaluators will cite the strengths, weaknesses, deficiencies, deviations and betterments of each Phase I qualification associated with each factor and subfactor. At the completion of the evaluation process, each factor of each Phase I qualification will be assigned a single rating. The single ratings for each factor will be determined by discussion and consensus of the Government’s evaluators, considering the consensus ratings and relative importance of subfactors under each factor. If any subfactor is rated “unacceptable,” the single rating for the factor will be “unacceptable”.

A rating of “unacceptable” for any factor or subfactor will result in the Offeror being ineligible for selection in the Phase I (RFQ) stage, unless the Government decides to hold discussions, includes the Offeror in the competitive range, and all of the Offeror’s ratings are improved to at least “marginal” for the Offeror’s revised Phase I qualifications.

The Government may remove a Phase I qualification that does not pass the Proposal Compliance Review, as described in Section 00 11 00.

2 DEFINITIONS

A “strength” is a provision in the Phase I qualification that increases the likelihood of successful contract performance.

A "weakness" is a flaw in the Phase I qualification that increases the risk of unsuccessful contract performance.

A "significant weakness" in the Phase I qualification is a flaw that appreciably increases the risk of unsuccessful contract performance.

A "deficiency" is a material failure of a Phase I qualification to meet a Government requirement or a combination of significant weaknesses in a Phase I qualification that increases the risk of unsuccessful contract performance to an unacceptable level.

A "deviation" occurs when a Phase I qualification takes exception to, implies or specifically offers something that does not meet a Government requirement. Although required by the solicitation, the Offeror may not have called the deviation to the attention of the Government. Evaluators must identity all discovered deviations. The solicitation may be amended to accept deviations; however, the specific deviation may not be specified as the solution.

Section 00 12 00, page 4

A "betterment" occurs when a Phase I qualification offers something that meets and exceeds a Government requirement. Evaluators must identify all discovered betterments. Evaluators may give additional consideration for offered betterments.

3 EVALUATION METHODOLOGY

The following sections list evaluation criteria and rating schemes that will be used to evaluate the factors and subfactors.

3.1 PROPOSAL DATA SHEET (TAB A)

The Proposal Data Sheet (TAB A) will be reviewed for completeness but will not be rated under the technical evaluation criteria. Failure to provide a completed and signed Proposal Data Sheet may eliminate the Offeror from further consideration.

3.2 FACTOR 1 – TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE (TAB B)

3.2.1 Evaluation Criteria

Within Factor 1, both subfactors have equal weight.

Experience will be evaluated as they apply to the needs of the current project and whether or not the design‐build team has the experience, qualifications, and ability to meet the project needs. The Government will evaluate the extent of recent experience of the construction contractor and design firms in design, construction and design‐build. The Government places a higher value on projects illustrating prior relationships between the Construction Contractor and Designers.

Previous design‐build experience is not necessary to qualify for this project, but the Government will consider it a strength in that the contractor should benefit from lessons learned in the process. Similarly, the Government will consider previous teaming experience among the team members as value added.

The Government will place a higher value on a team with recent experience on design and/or construction projects.

If the prime contractor, joint‐venture (JV), or lead entity has no previous design‐build experience, the qualifying project experience should have been as the prime contractor on the cited project for the Offeror to be rated at least "acceptable” on that subfactor. If the Offeror is utilizing subcontractors for the design the design firm(s) must demonstrate design experience. If the Offeror is a joint venture or consortium of firms, the partners must demonstrate qualifying experience comparable to their role on this project.

The Government will consider the extent of recent experience and degree of relationship of such experience to this project.