Questions_on_A-E.doc

1. Reference: This notice states, "The Brooks Act selection procedures implemented according to FAR Subpart 36.6, will be used to competitively award up to three (3) ID/IQ contracts under full and open competition. Based on historical usage rates, as well as projected needs, this requirement will have an estimated program ceiling of $6.4M. The total dollar value of all orders placed on all contracts awarded will not exceed the total program ceiling."

Question: With such a small program ceiling ($6.4M) to be divided amongst three awardees, why is this acquisition not a Total Small Business set-aside?

Response: It was determined to be in the best interest of the Government, for this acquisition, to compete on a full and open competition basis. This determination was coordinated with the Small Business Administration. Small businesses can participate in this proposed acquisition

Question: Has the Government considered setting-aside any of these contracts for small business or releasing a separate contract specifically for small businesses?

Response: A separate solicitation will be issued as a competitive 8(a) procurement. The synopsis is expected to be posted on or about 7 January 2012.

2. Reference: Secondary Factors: (6) Performance Against Small Business

Subcontracting Plans (Secondary Factor) NOTE: This factor applies to large business firms only.

Question: Understanding that it is very costly for small businesses to submit proposals, is the Government encouraging small businesses to submit a response to this SF330 by what is stated and inferred in the above referenced Note: underneath this evaluation criteria?

Response: The Subcontracting Plans factor applies only to large businesses.

3. Reference: Under Submission Requirements it states, "The following shall be submitted with the SF 330: (a) awards and/or samples of innovative forms and patterns in building design, and (b) evidence of the use of metric standards, AutoCAD 2008, ArcGIS 9.3, project documents on CD, and worksheets on Excel."

Question: Are the above referenced items to be described in Section H or are they part of the SF330 Part I as separate attachments? Please clarify.

Response: Refer to SELECTION CRITERIA, Evaluation Criteria, section (3) Capacity. In the SF-330, Part I, Block H, is where the firm is to demonstrate how they will manage, coordinate and administer the work within the prime and among any teaming partners to include innovative forms and patterns in building design, prescribe metric standards, use of AUTOCAD 2008, ArcGIS 9.3, and documenting projects on CD and worksheets on Excel. Evidence and samples are to be provided as attachments, and are counted as part of the page limit.

4. Reference: The notice states, "Examples of work for Title I Design must demonstrate firm's technical competency and ability to design a complex

(restoration or modernization category rather than sustainment) SRM project, preferable on a DoD installation. For Title II Inspection, provide a total of three (3) example projects demonstrating construction oversight, addressing quality assurance, project files, schedule analyses, construction contractor performance, and submittal reviews. Also, provide example projects demonstrating firm's technical competency and ability to perform facility planning type projects not associated with a specific construction project."

Question: There is only a reference to three (3) example projects for Title

II services. Is it safe to assume that the Government will accept seven (7) projects covering Title I and Other A-E Services? Please clarify the number and specific type of projects that the Government would like to see in the proposal submission.

Response: For Title II Inspection, provide a total of three (3) example projects demonstrating construction oversight etc. For Title I and Other A-E Services, firms shall list only projects completed in the past (5) years from the date of synopsis, unless otherwise specified. A firm can submit as many projects which they have completed within the past (5) years, as long as they remain within the total 80 page limit.

5. Reference: Under (4) Past Performance it states, "In addition to the information listed above, forward the Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) under Attachment 2 of this synopsis, to each project point of contact. PPQ forms shall be submitted on or before the SF-330 required submission date, as indicated in this synopsis document. Firms may include any ratings, letters of appreciation or performance awards, etc., for relevant experience."

Question: Understanding that it is very costly for small businesses to submit proposals, why is the Government requiring PPQs on every single A/E acquisition on their own form?

Response: The Government must evaluate past performance for each proposed acquisition, and must individually consider each project performed by respective firm.

Question: Does the Government realize that this process is cumbersome for proposing offerors as well as Government POCs who fill these out?

Response: Unfortunately, past performance is a factor that must be considered.

Question: Will previously issued PPQs from this year suffice for projects we are submitting?

Response: No, the PPQs must be sent to this office directly from and by the agency evaluating your firm.

Question: Are the above referenced items to be described in Section H or are they part of the SF330 Part I as separate attachments? Please clarify.

Response: The PPQs are to be sent directly to this office by the evaluating agency. They are not to be included in Section H. However, Section H must include all information as indicated in the synopsis for respective section.

6. Reference: Under Submission Requirements it states, "The SF 330 shall be submitted on double-sided sheets of paper, using 12 point Times New Roman style font in narrative elements, and a minimum of 10 point Arial style font in tables. Then is Attachment 1 - A-E Submission Requirements, General

Submission Notes, Item 3 it states, "Submittals shall use a minimum 10 point

Arial style font in preparing narrative elements and a minimum 10 point

Arial style font in preparing tables. A smaller Arial style font may be used on headers and footers, charts, graphs, figures, diagrams, illustrations, graphics, and schematics to accommodate a software capability, as long as all text is clear, legible and easily read."

Response: Synopsis will be corrected to remove conflicting information.

Question: Is the required text for the narrative, 12 point Times New Roman style font or 10 point Arial style font? Please clarify.

Response: Synopsis will be corrected to clarify requirement.

Note: A complete revised synopsis replacing original synopsis will be posted.

27 Dec 2012