Vendor_Questions_and_Answers_Revised_Answer_for_Question__13.doc

1. Is this a new or follow on requirement? If it is a follow on, please let us know the current contract number and contract value?

Answer: The procurement is a re-compete of the requirement previously fulfilled under the 8(a) program through contractor Optimum Solution Inc. and contract ED-08-CO-0100.

2. Let us know that how many total FTE’s (Key Personnel) are required under this requirement? Do we need resumes to submit with the response?

Answer: 6 FTE’s are required. Yes, resumes should be submitted.

3. Would the government consider changing the NAICS Code from 541410-Interior Design Services to 561210-Facilities Support Services?

Answer: No, the NAICS code remains 541410 Interior Design Services.

4. Is this solicitation, or could it be, open to ED WOSB firms such as mine to respond?

Answer: All offerors shall be 8(a) firms and meet the designated size standard for the declared NAICS code.

5. When you ask for a “fixed-price contract” and we are to base it on “approximately twelve thousand (12,000) hours annually,” are you asking for a Schedule of Rates for each of the positions proposed by the Contractor?

Answer: The Department has provided an estimated level of effort that it believes would permit successful performance of the contract requirements. Vendors are allowed to propose its approach as best seen fit. Vendors shall propose a fixed price for each contract year that is comprised of all labor being proposed during that contract period. The Department is also requesting the price build-up (i.e. labor categories, level of effort, loaded labor rate) information for how each contract year’s price was determined.

Historically, the Department has utilized a project manager, two financial/budget specialists, and three space planners to satisfy its requirement. The six positions are based on the 12,000 hours annual estimate provided.

6. Should the personnel list include the specific Sub-Contractors which will be used in the performance of the contract?

Answer: The Department needs to be able to determine compliance with FAR Clause 52.219-14 so information necessary to allow proper verification for compliance with this clause shall be included.

7. Is the AOR mentioned in the document an Architect of Record already working for the Dept. of Education?

Answer: Yes

8. Will a complete copy of all submitted questions and answers for Solicitation Number: ED-OOM-13-Q-0009 be shared with all bidding firms?

Answer: Yes. A copy of all questions and answers will be posted on Federal Business Opportunities.

9. What is the best means to submit the completed Attachment C, the Past Performance Questionnaire? We would like to email to you and Ms. Woodard.

Answer: Yes, all Past Performance Questionnaires shall be submitted via email to the following e-mail addresses: matthew.healey@ed.gov and Desandre.Woodard@ed.gov.

10. Will you be able to share the questions and answers raised by other bidders during the RFI process?

Answer: Information submitted to the Department during the RFI process will not be made available.

11. Should the Offeror Representations and Certifications, Conflict of Interest Certification and attachment D– nondisclosure agreement be submitted as separate documents?

Answer: Yes, these may submitted as separate documents.

12. Can we identify key personnel and the contract administrator in Volume 1- Technical proposal?

Answer: These may be identified as best seen fit but must be clearly identifiable.

13. Is there any possibility of an extension of the deadline for questions for Solicitation ED-OOM-13-Q-0009, Space Planning, Design, and Analytical Support Services, beyond 10 am today?

Answer: No, an extension for the questions deadline will not be granted.

14. All work in the DC metro area considered “local”, which counties are included in Virginia and Maryland locations?

Answer: All local ED buildings are located in Washington, DC however there may be a requirement to go to Virginia or Maryland to visit furniture showrooms, trade shows (like Neocon), etc.

15. Will multiple site projects run concurrently?

Answer: Yes.

16. Is the plan to re-evaluate all 9 current locations for centralization or better fit locations?

Answer: No.

17. Regional work will be separate task order for travel (pg 7), is any regional work anticipated during the first year?

Answer: No regional travel is currently scheduled for the upcoming year, however, this may be subject to change.hs

18. Will travel costs be allowed per regional task order?

Answer: Yes.

19. Can the project manager also fill other roles?

Answer: No, the Project Manager’s responsibilities are outlined under Construction Oversight and Move/Relocation Management.

20. Personnel specific qualifications not listed in SOW -only ability and working knowledge (pg 5). Are there specific education,experience requirements?

Answer: The contractor must ensure that all proposed personnel have the appropriate education and experience necessary for meeting the requirements of the contract.

21. What credentials are required for “qualified” specialist?

Answer: The contractor must ensure that all proposed personnel have the appropriate education and experience necessary for meeting the requirements of the contract.

22. Will a pricing bid document be supplied?

Answer: No.

23. Is there an available listing of your regional offices?

Answer: Regional office locations are as follows:

Boston, MA

San Juan, PR (2 locations)

New York, NY

Philadelphia, PA

Pittsburg, PA

Atlanta, GA

Pembroke Pines, FL

Chicago, IL

Cleveland, OH

Ann Arbor, MI

Kansas City, MO

Dallas, TX

Denver, CO

Long Beach, CA

San Francisco, CA

Sacramento, CA

Phoenix, AZ

Seattle, WA (2 locations)

24. Please provide the total number of personnel and facility square footage for the 9 buildings in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area and the total number of personnel and facility square footage in regional locations?

Answer: Washington DC – 1,300,000 rentable square feet and approx. 3,400 employees

Regions – 600,000 rentable square feet and approx. 1,100 employees

25. What Government Furnished Office Space, Equipment and Services will be furnished under this solicitation requirement?

Answer: The Government will provide office space (typically systems workstations), computers, software, printer/scanner/fax equipment and plotters.

26. What Financial Management, Information Management systems, including AutoCAD systems are being utilized in support of the services?

Answer: ED uses an Oracle based financial management system, Auto CAD version 2010, CAP 20/20 version 2012, and CAFM. ED also has access to the General Services Administration’s financial system which is used to track information on reimbursable work authorizations (RWAs).

27. Are certified engineers required to review and approve drawings and work orders?

Answer: No

28. Are a team of furniture supervisors and installers required in support of the services?

Answer: No

29. Are the conference room schedules and setup a requirement?

Answer: No

30. Please clarify the basis of award.

Answer: Please see clause 52.212-2 Evaluation-Commerical Items for details.

31. Will one or more IDIQ contracts be awarded to qualified firms as a result of this Request for Quotation?

Answer: The Department anticipates making one award.

32. Is the intent to receive a response to this RFQ by providing job descriptions and hourly rates or lump sum dollar amounts by CLIN based on the SOW or both?

Answer: Vendors shall propose a fixed price for each contract year. The Department is also requesting the price build-up (i.e. labor categories, level of effort, loaded labor rate) information for how each contract year’s price was determined.

33. Please confirm that optional services should NOT be included in our price but may be added by task order at a later date (ie. Travel to other than the Washington DC location)

Answer: The Department intends to issue task orders for work outlined in the Optional Services area if/when the need and should not be included in the overall fixed price.

34. If only one IDIQ will be awarded, is it acceptable for more than one 8a firm to team on a response with Past Performance, Capability, and Socio-Economic Certifications to be considered equally?

Answer: The use of joint ventures, teaming and/or subcontracting is permitted but any offer shall comply with all applicable SBA guidelines as well as the provisions and clauses contained in the solicitation. Information concerning SBA guidelines can be found on SBA’s website, www.sba.gov.