EP2AE - Qs Rs 44b - 54

Environmental planning, Programming, and architect-engineer services

Ref No.: FA0021-10-R-0001 Post: Qs & Rs - # 44b – 54. Date: 4 Feb 10 RFI Questions and Responses ***Below responses supersede previously posted responses to similar questions.*** 44b. Question: Would information provided from the Rating Matrix from the ACASS system be acceptable?

Response: No. Reference response 44c for equivalent evaluation areas for “Quality of Service” that will be used to calculate the percentage response requested in MRQ Sections 3.2 – 3.5.

45. Question: Is it permissible to provide tabs for the different sections, so that the reviewer will be easily able to find the questionnaire, versus the labor category list, versus the company benefits section? I would like to include tabs, but I am concerned that they will cover the labels being requested on the manila folder.

Response: Yes, tabs are preferred. Reference Table 1 – Submission Requirements (Rev #1) for inclusion of a Table of Contents (TOC) and Section tabs.

46. Question: Can you please provide additional instructions to fit the five lines of information requested for the left label of the file folder, such that all five lines will be legible when the file is closed?

Response: All five lines do not have to be visible when the file is closed. Adding the section tabs will also obstruct the labels, but this is acceptable. It is preferred the “Firm’s Name” be visible when the file is closed, if possible, but it’s not required.

47a. Question: Using a 10-point font size, I have calculated that I will be able to accommodate roughly 35 personnel names on the Section G and still maintain the one-page requirement. Is your intent to limit teams to no more than 35 professionals?

Response: No.

47b. Question: If not, would you consider expanding the page restriction for Section G?

Response: Information shall fit on one (1) page and the page size is not limited. An “oversize” page or “foldout” may be used. The oversized page or foldout does not have to be affixed in the folder if it cannot be easily viewed. The oversized or foldout page may be placed in the Section VII and not affixed to the folder. Easy viewing is key whether affixed or not in the folder. Page size is not limited. Reference Table 1 – Submission Requirements (Rev #1).

48a. Question: III. Submission Requirements. d. Cover: "Submit original and each copy in an individual 8 ½ x 11" "straight cut top tab" standard manila file folder." May we use a file folder made of stronger material than manila as long as it meets your other specifications?

Response: Yes.

48b. Question: "Documents will be securely bound within the folder using binder clips, clasps, staples, or other professional binding methods." Do you want the document affixed to the folder OR bound and placed loose within the folder?

Response: Documents shall be affixed to the folder, with the exception of an “oversized” or “foldout” page in Section VII.

48c. Question: If bound and placed loose within the folder, may we use spiral or GBD binding for our document? We ask this because in b. Do Not Submit, you seem to prohibit spiral binding. But in your response to Question 42 (RFI Questions and Responses dated 28 Jan 10), you say, "Any type fastener or method of binding is acceptable."

Response: Affix the SS/RFI documents to the folder, with the exception of an oversized or foldout page in Section VII. Do not use “bulky” binding material. If the spiral binding you refer to doesn’t interfere with the folder’s placement in a file cabinet, or prevent the file from being stacked neatly on a table with other files, then the binding is acceptable. The binding choice will not disqualify your response.

49a. Question: MRQ - 1.3: "Are the prime contractor's credentialed professional project managers

(architects & engineers) registered in the states in which the work is anticipated to be performed?" Since this is also a planning and environmental contract, is it acceptable for project / task order managers to be certified in various planning and design disciplines instead of registered engineers or architects?

Response: For title 1 and programming TO's, the Project/task order managers shall be either a professionally credentialed architect or engineer. For base comprehensive planning task orders (including force protection and information technology), the project/task order manager shall be an AICP certified planner. For EIAP, Natural and Cultural Resources, and noise task orders, the project/task order manager shall be a registered environmental manager.

49b. Question: 5.1: "What percentage of qualified small business identified in question 2.6 [Now 4.5] are located within 60 miles of Cannon AFB, NM or Hurlburt Field, FL?" NOTE: There is no question 2.6 in the MRQ.

Response: MRQ Section 5.1 as reads “…question 2.6…” should read “…question 4.5….”

50. Question: Table 1 -- Submission Requirements. IX: SF 330 Part II. "Limit 1 page per prime and each proposed subcontractor(s)." Per instructions in the SF 330 blank form package, we must submit a Part II for each office to be involved in the contract. Is this what you require, or do you want a Part II for the Prime's contracting office only and for the home office for each subcontractor?

Response: A Part II is required for each office (Prime and/or subcontractor(s)) that will perform services described in the SS/RFI.

51a. Question: Part A - On Table 1 – Submission Requirements (Section VIII, SF 330 Part I Section H) only two (2) pages have been allocated in the new page limits set forth. Is the intent that Section H (Additional Information), is only to be used to provide responses for Marginal, Poor, and Unsatisfactory PPIRs ratings.

Response: Previously it was, but now the page limit is increased to up to five (5) pages total. Up to two (2) pages allowed for comments on “marginal,” “poor,” or “unsatisfactory” ratings. And, up to three (3) pages are now allowed for providing information on “teaming.” You may not substitute information on these pages with other information. The three (3) pages added for “teaming” may only be used to provide information on “teaming” on the projects provided for the prime and/or subcontractor(s). Teaming information shall not exceed 5 lines of text per project. Total lines for “teaming” information is six (6): One (1) line to provide “Project Title” and Period of Performance “PoP;” and up to five (5) lines of text below the title line, e.g., Project Title: ABC Design and Environmental Analysis PoP: 1 Apr 08 – 31 Mar 09 Beneath the title line firms may provide up to five (5) lines of text on teaming on the projects submitted.

51b. Question: Part B – If the Offeror does not have any adverse PPIRS ratings to which they must respond to in Section H, are Offers allowed include additional information such as specific responses to the Evaluation Factors outlined in the SS/RFI?

Response: No.

51c. Question: If so, is this information still limited to two (2) pages or may the Offeror include up to 20 pages of information?

Response: The page limit for Section H is now up to five (5) pages total. Reference response 51a.

52. Question: In response to the information posted on 1/28/10, specifically Table 1—Submission Requirements—we have the following question: Is the 2-page limit for ALL of Section H, or only for the past performance information? Please clarify.

Response: Section H is limited now to five (5) pages total. Limiting the number of pages will eliminate inclusion of information that is not required for this QBS. Information may not be substituted on the up to five (5) pages allowed for comments on “ratings” and “teaming.” Further clarification:

a. Page Definition:

(1) One (1) page – Text on one side of the page with the other side “blank.”

(2) Two (2) pages - Text on one side of each page with the other side of each page “blank;” or text on “both sides” of one (1) page.

b. Page Limitation:

(1) Comments for “Marginal” “Poor,” and “Unsatisfactory” PPIRS ratings - Up to two (2) pages. Text is limited to 15 lines per rating. If a firm has no comments to provide, the 2 pages will not be included in the section.

(2) Teaming Information - Up to three (3) pages for teaming information on projects submitted for the prime and/or subcontractor(s). Text is limited to six (6) lines total: One (1) line to identify “Project Title” and “PoP,” followed by up to five (5) lines of text.

53. Question: Market Research Questionnaire, Section 2.3, Can a proposed subcontractor submit only 2 projects in the area that they plan on support or do they have to submit 2 for each area?

Response: Subcontractors shall submit only 2 projects in the area that they plan to support.

54. Question: Are questions 2.6 [now 4.5] and 2.7 [now 5.1] referring to our Small Business goals or are these questions referring to our subcontracted teaming partner?

Response: The percentages provided in the “drop down” menu relate to the percentage of SB subcontracting anticipated by the firm, and do not refer to SB subcontracting goals. Subcontracting to SB is desirable, but not required. LBs (if selected to receive an RFP) will be required to submit a SB subcontracting plan with their proposal.

[End of Questions & Responses #44b. - 54]