Question and Answers as of 14 April 2026.pdf

Questions and Answers as of 14 April 2026 [Updates and New Question Identified with Notation and Red Text]

1. Would you please confirm the incumbent contractor, the incumbent contract number, and the total value of the current or most recent contract associated with this requirement, if available?

The tenant is currently located in a U.S. Government-owned facility. Consequently, there is no incumbent commercial lessor, contract number, or contract value analogous to the requirements of this solicitation. Offerors are reminded that this solicitation is for a new requirement to lease commercial space. The terms and costs associated with occupying a Government facility are not comparable to the market-based proposals being sought. Proposals must be based exclusively on the requirements, terms, and conditions set forth in RLP DACW515260008800.

2. We would also appreciate clarification regarding the ownership authorization requirement. Based on our reading of the solicitation, if the offeror is not the owner, authorization from the ownership entity is required to submit an offer on the owner’s behalf. In this market, obtaining direct owner execution at the early proposal stage can be especially difficult because, in many cases, ownership or brokerage teams are more accustomed to seeing an authorization or commitment from the prospective tenant side before moving forward. With that in mind, would the Government accept an authorization signed by the listing broker or authorized leasing representative in lieu of a direct owner-signed authorization, provided that the broker is authorized to represent the property?

We will require documentation ensuring the offeror has the legal authority to control the property and bind the owner. An authorization signed by the listing broker or authorized leasing representative in lieu of a direct owner-signed authorization, even if the broker is authorized to represent the property owner may not be sufficient if it does not bind the owner. When the offeror is not the owner, the offeror must submit a "fully executed copy of the written agreement" to acquire an interest, along with a statement from the current owner confirming the agreement is in force.

The offeror must demonstrate that all conditions precedent to closing on the property have been met or are being met. While a representative may submit the offer, the actual "Lessor" must be the entity that will own or control the property at the time of award and must be registered in SAM.gov at that time.

3. We would also like clarification on the solicitation limitation regarding offers.

We understand the language to mean that up to two offers may be submitted and that each offer must be submitted as a separate, completed lease proposal package. However, we currently have approximately five properties that appear to align well with the Government’s requirements. Would the Government permit the submission of more than two qualifying properties for consideration, or are offerors strictly limited to submitting only two properties? If the limit is two, would the Government prefer that offerors simply select their best two properties and refrain from identifying additional qualifying alternatives?

Section 3.01 states: “Offerors are encouraged to submit up to two (2) offers for an offered Space that will meet the Government need in response to this RLP (e.g. an offer for “as is” occupancy or minimal improvement and an offer that includes more Tenant preferences). Each offer must be submitted as` a separate, completed lease proposal package. Each offer will be evaluated separately.” This means a maximum of two offers per location, not offers per offeror.

4. If there is a preferred form or level of detail for the ownership authorization document, we would greatly appreciate any guidance you can provide so that we may ensure our submission is compliant.

All offerors registering in SAM.gov must identify their ownership structure (corporation, partnership, etc.) and provide the corresponding Tax Identification Number (TIN). We will require robust proof of ownership to ensure that the entity receiving rent payments holds title to the property. For Direct Ownership, a copy of the recorded deed or a current title report. For offerors with controls, A fully executed and signed document that explicitly grants the Offeror the exclusive right to offer the property and enter into a lease with the U.S. Government.

5. Does this requirement exist in leased space now? Is it a new lease requirement?

Tenants are currently in a government facility. Offerors are reminded that this solicitation is for a new requirement to lease commercial space. The terms and costs associated with occupying a Government facility are not comparable to the market-based proposals being sought. Proposals must be based exclusively on the requirements, terms, and conditions set forth in RLP DACW515260008800.

6. What is driving the August 1 date?

August 1 allows for execution of the move in the current fiscal year and the first quarter of the next fiscal year.

7. What is the type of use of this space? What is the projected tenant visitor activity to the space?

This will be administrative office space. Visitors to space will be predominately other employees assigned to the US Army Corps of Engineers attending meetings and coordinating with staff assigned to the building and public officials (e.g. state, local, and Government officials) with business before the US Army Corps of Engineers. Expectation would be the same number of visitors as typical corporate client such as an architecture-engineering firm.

8. Are there any tenant collocation preferences?

The Agency Preferences document uploaded with the RLP describes the Agency’s preferences. While we plan on limiting access to the USACE space via card readers at the entrance doors, USACE would appreciate a list of the tenants in the building so our security team can review for potential security concerns.

9. Is USACE willing to take space in as is condition? Is that a positive?

USACE is willing to take space in as in condition. “As is” space that meets the requirements of the RLP, is in good condition, and includes Agency preferences for the space will be viewed more favorable. Space in good condition with space more like the space described in the Agency preferences will generally be viewed more favorable than space less like the Agency preference or in less good condition.

Refer to the RLP evaluation criteria for a complete explanation of the Agency’s evaluation method.

10. Does USACE have funds for TI alterations or are you expecting that to be offered from the Landlord?

USACE has funds for alterations but welcome offerors to offer

11. For security, are you anticipating existing security features in the offered building?

The RLP, attached minimum requirements and Lease template offer guidance and insight into the security requirements of this acquisition.

12. For past performance, would you consider the general contractor or architect if the landlord is not a real estate company?

Yes. Past performance considers the recency, relevancy, and quality of previously performed work. Offerors may submit part performance for proposed general contractor or architect as part of a proposal. For their experience to be considered, your proposal must clearly identify these firms as committed members of your team for this specific project and explain what resources the entity will contribute to the successful execution of the effort.

13. Will USACE consider taking slightly more RSF to lease the full floor for security reasons?

[Update from 1 April 2026]: The Agency intends to comply with Executive branch directives concerning the maximum number of square feet per employee; accordingly, Amendment 002 of the RLP makes multiple updates and establishes the maximum USF as 72,100 USF. Please refer to the RLP.

14. Do you expect to do real estate tax and operating expense escalation?

Section 6 of the lease template guides that the lease shall be full-service with no annual operating expense reconciliations. Escalations for operating expenses may be part of the overall escalation of the full-service rental rate.

15. Is this a “as-is” deal only? If no, what is expected in the turnkey delivery? While we believe the space meets most of the requirements in the Agency Preferences – are those preferences or are they requirements?

Agency Preferences are Agency Preferences.

16. Will USACE accept a termination penalty if there is a termination during the term? There are expenses – Tis, BSAC expenses, commissions, legal fees – that will not be fully recouped if there is an early termination.

In this circumstance, Federal appropriations law does not allow the Agency to agree to termination penalties. Generally, consistent with the terms of the proposed lease, upon early termination, the landlord is entitled to compensation for reasonable costs incurred up to the date of termination which may include costs of settling with subcontractors, unamortized costs of tenant improvements and related expenses.

17. Is there a possibility to visit one of the current locations to see what the current configuration is?

An amendment has been posted with dates and contact information.

18. Can maps and other supporting documentation be larger than 8 1/2x11?

Yes. Please refer to Section 3.03 for document size limitations.

19. What is the scheduled Lease Award date?

Award is planned for in the Quarter 3 of fiscal year 2026, likely June.

20. How is whether the space offered is furnished evaluated?

Please refer to Section 4.04, Evaluation Factor Descriptions. Furnished space is not a minimum requirement of the Request for Lease Proposal. It is a consideration in the evaluation factors relating to how well the proposed space meets the tenant’s needs and the schedule for occupying the facility. Please refer to Section 4.04, Evaluation Factor Descriptions.

21. Saturday operating hours are outside the building standard (Mon-Fri). would this be considered as overtime HVAC?

[Update from 1 April 2026]: Refer to Amendment 002 and the revisions concerning overtime HVAC. The Agency expects minimal overtime predominately in late August through September of each year.

22. Are there any areas of the space that require 24/7 operations, above standard electricity, and/or cooling?

Refer to the Agency Preferences on the server room.

23. Is there a requirement for any SCIF? How would that impact the occupancy/acceptance date?

See Exhibit K of the RLP.

24. Section 1.02 – What is the maximum deviation related to the “approximately”

70,000ABOA SF? Is a 5% variance acceptable, higher or lower?

[Update from 1 April 2026]: The maximum deviation is 3 percent higher or 72,100 USF.

Refer to Amendment 002 for additional information.

25. Section 1.08 D – Please explain the need for DIDs if this is an “as-is” procurement. If there are Ts expended by the owner, will they be reimbursed via lump sum, amortized into the rent, or other method of repayment? Are you expecting the Offerors to provide a Tenant Improvement Allowance? Additionally, there is no TI unit Price List.

Please see Exhibit A, the Lease template, for more information on how alterations in the space are procured. [Update from 1 April 2026]: Refer to Amendment 002 and the removal of the paragraph concerning a TI unit Price List.

26. Section 1.10 – Same as above for the BSAC.

Please see Exhibit A, the Lease template, for more information on how alterations in the space are procured.

27. Section 1.10 B – You request a Security Unit Price List; there is not one included in the RLP package that we could locate. Could you provide or clarify if this is required?

a Security Unit Price List.

28. Section 2.06 – If the building does not have the necessary occupancy to receive an Energy Star rating, would USACE agree to one provided at a later date?

Please see Section 2.06 of the RLP for exemption specifics.

29. Section 3.02 – is USACE expecting both an electronic transmittal and a hard copy of the Offer?

No. You may submit through any acceptable method. Please see Section 3.02 of the RLP as amended in Amendment 001.

30. Section 3.07 – This Section refers to the space being provided in a Turnkey manner. How will be able to determine prior to the Offer being submitted if it meets what USACE is expecting, and, therefore, be able to price it accurately?

Please see Section 3.03 of the RLP.

31. Section 4.04 – Can you provide the weighting of each of the factors? Are they listed in order of how they are ranked? For example, are the combination of Factors 2-7 more important than Factor 1?

Please see Section 4.03, para. B and C for the comparative weight of each factor.

32. Section 4.06 C, 7, f – Can you confirm that the blank for overtime HVAC is intentionally blank?

overtime HVAC. The Agency expects minimal overtime predominately in late August through September of each year.

33. Can you provide how USACE handles operating expense and real estate tax passthroughs on an annual basis? The lease is unclear of what increases the ownership can expect.

Refer to RLP Section 1.08, paragraph D, and Section 3.08 and Section 6 of the Lease.

34. Can you provide an explanation of how USACE will determine “substantial completion” and a firm occupancy/rent commencement date?

The date the Space, or a part of it, can be operated or occupied for its intended use, even if minor repairs or punch list items are still needed.

OR

That the work, the common and other areas of the building, and all other things necessary for the Government’s access to the premises and occupancy, possession, use and enjoyment thereof, as provided in this lease, have been completed or obtained, excepting only such minor matters as do not interfere with or materially diminish such access, occupancy, possession, use of enjoyment. The space shall be considered substantially complete only if the space may be used for its intended purpose.

35. Confirmation of the delineated area / target geographic boundaries for this requirement

Refer to RLP Section 1.03.

36. Confirmation of the required rentable and/or usable square footage range

[Update from 1 April 2026]: Amendment 002 of the RLP makes multiple updates and establishes the maximum USF as 72,100 USF. Please refer to the RLP.

37. How does buildout work if TI needs to be accomplished and amortized on a one-year lease?

It would be paid upfront unless the owner provides Tenant Improvement Allowance.

38. [New Question as of 1 April 2026]. The RFP says the proposed space must be three floors above ground level. Is that non-negotiable? We have a built and furnished 2nd floor space that we can propose. Please advise.

Refer to Amendment 002 for updates to the RLP concerning this topic. Also Refer to Exhibit K for additional minimum requirements concerning second floor space.

39. [New Question as 13 April 2026] You have stated that you do not expect to pay any increases in Operating Expenses (OPEX) with Real Estate Taxes (RET) being a part of OPEX. It is impossible to calculate what RET increases will be year to year. Will you consider removing RET from OPEX and pay increases above a base year? We have worked on other ACOE leases which are structured exactly this way.

An amendment will be issued to address this issue.

40. [New Question as of 13 April 2026] We understand that the RLP was modified to remove 4.06.C.7.f, however the lease still states that working hours include Saturdays from 7AM-1PM and is silent on holidays. Please confirm that Saturday, Sunday and holiday operating hours will be subject to overtime HVAC charges as they are not standard operating hours for office buildings.

41. [New Question as of 13 April 2026] There is still no Security Unit Price List that has been provided. Can you please provide to be included in the offer?

An amendment will be made to address this issue. The RLP will be updated to include a Security Unit Price List.

42. [New Question as of 13 April 2026] Regarding the Security Exhibit, can you provide a quantity and specification for the items that are required in the Exhibit? If none are provided, it is impossible to price what USACE will want within the space/around the building.

43. [New Question as of 13 April 2026] Regarding Security, can you specify which items in the Security Exhibit are required for USACE’s occupancy?

Exhibit D states the minimum security requirements.

44. [New Question as of 13 April 2026] Can you provide guidance on how we are to provide a construction schedule without feedback from USACE as to how well the specific existing improvements of the space and the building meet what USACE requires?

The construction schedule should reflect construction activities the offeror intends to undertake to take its space from its current condition to the condition offered. Offerors should submit construction schedules to meet the occupancy date.

45. [New Question as of 13 April 2026] Section 1.08.D. of the RLP is entirely unclear. If this is an as-is deal, why is it stated that the lease is “turnkey” to include all “upgrades and TIs”?

RLP 1.04, Unique Requirements, includes second generation space; however, offerors are encouraged to propose build out efforts to meet agency preferences and specific requirements (e.g. minimum security requirements, Information Technology, and secure space).

46. [New Question as of 13 April 2026] Alternatively, are you willing to compromise on the items in Exhibit B and take space on an as-is basis that substantially (but not 100%) meets your outlined program? We cannot provide DIDs or a construction schedule absent a test fit or clarity on what work is planned for the space.

Exhibit B states the Agency’s preferences so that potential offers can explain how the offered space meets the tenant’s needs for the purpose of evaluation. It does not establish minimum requirements. The construction schedule should reflect construction activities the offeror intends to undertake to take its space from its current condition to the condition offered.

47. [New Question as of 13 April 2026] Regarding the Submission Requirement is the following information required?

1. GSA Form 1217, Lessor’s Annual Cost Statement.

2. GSA Form 1364, Proposal to Lease Space. Complete all sections of the 1364

3. GSA Form 1200

4. 3.04 ADDITIONAL SUBMITTALS

A through V

Yes

48. [New Question as of 13 April 2026] Please accept this request for "Agency Requirements Containing Sensitive information" - if applicable

There are no additional agency requirements for containing sensitive information. See Amendment 001.

49. [New Question as 13 April 2026] Given that the subject space is a 2nd generation built out space, what if any Allowance should be included for Tenant Improvements in Form 1364?

Offerors are encouraged to propose buildout efforts to meet agency preferences and specific requirements (e.g. minimum security requirements, Information Technology, and secure space).

50. [New Question as of 13 April 2026] Is it advisable to submit a detailed Term Sheet in separate correspondence in conjunction with the above requirements?

Offerors are encouraged to submit in accordance to the solicitation preferences and requirements. Refer to GSA 1217.

51. [New Question as of 13 April 2026] Can you please confirm whether non-turnkey space is acceptable?

A minimum solicitation requirement is 2nd generation space generally ready for immediate occupancy built out with ceilings; walls, millwork; plumbing; and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The Agency understands that offerors may wish to propose adjustments to the space to address the minimum security requirements and accommodate more agency preferences.

52. [New Question as of 13 April 2026] Can you confirm the extent of tenant improvements that can be accommodated?

USACE has funds for alterations but welcome offerors to offer. Also see number 49 above.

53. [New Question as of 13 April 2026] Can you confirm any limitations regarding buildout timelines prior to occupancy?

Refer to the Agency Preferences exhibit. A group of senior leaders need to start occupancy in August 2026. Progressive occupancy is permitted with final occupancy necessary by December 31, 2026.

54. [New Question as of 14 April 2026 – Update of No. 39] You have stated that you do not expect to pay any increases in Operating Expenses (OPEX) with Real Estate Taxes (RET) being a part of OPEX. It is impossible to calculate what RET increases will be year to year. Will you consider removing RET from OPEX and pay increases above a base year? We have worked on other ACOE leases which are structured exactly this way.

Offerors should estimate Operating Expenses to include Real Estate Taxes as part of their proposals.

55. [New Question as of 14 April 2026] Would you consider a property within the confines of a floodplain?

Section 2.02 of the RLP states, in part, “A Lease will not be awarded for any offered Property located within a 1-percent-annual-chance floodplain (formerly referred to as 100-year floodplain) unless the Government has determined that there is no practicable alternative.” We encourage all potential offerors to submit proposals.

56. [New Question as of 14 April 2026] Given the offer is supposed to be due this Friday, would USACE consider an extension of a week to allow offerors to digest the next round of answers and any additional questions that may arise as a result?

Proposals are due not later than Monday 20 April 2026 at 4:00 PM EST, not Friday 17 April 2026. Currently no extension is planned. However, a final decision on whether to extend the due date will be made no later than 4:00 PM on Friday, 17 April 2026. Unless an extension is posted, no extension will be granted.