SS-RFI Q R 1-10 Posted 3 Nov 09.doc

Environmental planning, Programming, and architect-engineer services (EP2AE)

Ref No.: FA0021-10-R-0001 Post: Q & Rs - # 1 – 10 Date: 3 Nov 09

SS/RFI Questions & Responses

1. (a) Question: Are you looking for a complete proposal response to the Sources Sought notice?

Response: No. Provide requested information only.

(b) If not, when do you anticipate the release of an RFP?

Response: A RFP will be provided to the highest qualified firms responding to “this” SS/RFI; or a subsequent “unrestricted” SS/RFI that will be released if an adequate number of qualified SB firms are not identified with “this” SS/RFI. Reference FAR 36.6; DFARS 236.6; and the Brooks Act for award procedures.

2. Question: We are an 8A architectural firm. I would like to inquire relative to Selection Criteria g (1)(c) if the prime firm must have all of the science and engineering disciplines in house. We have architecture, interiors, and planning in-house. However, we always sub out Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Environmental Planning and Engineering work. In other words, we would need to have consultant firms as subs for the AICP and REM criteria.

Response: All disciplines shall be in-house for a firm to be considered fully capable.

3. Question: The submission requirements from Section III.a.2 requires SF330 Part I be submitted as a response to your Sources Sought notice FA0021-10-R-0001. Does this mean an entire SF330 Part 1, including all Sections A through H, must be submitted?

Response: First note, SS/RFI Section III a. (2) should read Part II; and Section III a. (3) should read Part I. And yes, the entire SF 330, Part I, including all Sections A through H, must be submitted. Resumes provided in the SF 330, Part I, Section E will be compared to the responses provided in Sections 1.0 & 2.0 of the MRQ to determine the level of professional qualifications, technical competence, and history of teaming. Responses provided in the SF 330, Part I, Section F will be used to answer Questions 2.2 & 2.3 of the MRQ. Responses provided in the SF 330, Part I, Section G will be used in conjunction with Questions 2.4 & 2.5 of the MRQ to evaluate past partnering/teaming.

4. Question: The submission requirements from Section III.a.3 requires “SF330 Part II identified as either: (a) Atch 1 – for response to MRQ item 2.2; or (b) Atch 2 – for response to MRQ item 2.3;” be submitted as a response to your Sources Sought notice FA0021-10-R-0001. Will a standard SF330 Part II in addition to MRQ items 2.2 or 2.3 be required as part of the submission?

Response: SS/RFI Section III a.(2) should read Part II; and Section III a. (3) should read Part I. A Part II is required for submission. And, responses to Questions 2.2 and 2.3 of the MRQ should be provided in the SF 330, Part I, Section F.

5. Question: Assuming a large business submits as a subcontractor to a small business to the Sources Sought, will that action preclude the large business from submitting as the Prime Contractor on a full and open opportunity, assuming sufficient small business firms do not qualify for the Sources Sought solicitation?

Response: No. The LB may be identified as a subcontractor to a SB for “this” SS/RFI; and if “this” SS/RFI doesn’t identify an adequate number of qualified SB firms the LB may response to the “unrestricted” SS/RFI that will follow.

6. (a) Question: Our company is a small business under a lot of NAICS (anything < $15M, 100 employees), but not under the 541310 ($4.5M size standard) selected for this procurement. Since we are a relatively small company, would it be worthwhile for us to respond to this Source Sought notice?

Response: No.

(b) Or, are you limiting responses strictly to those companies who are small under 541310?

Response: Yes, responses are limited to SBs under NAICS 541310.

7. Question: When submitting our original and copies in the “straight cut top tab” standard manila file folders – shall our 8 ½ x 11” bond paper be two-hole punched into file, stapled or loose sheets?

Response: Good question. Two-hole punched with clasp “or” stapled to the inside of the “labeled side” (tall side) of the folder is requested. Ensure your response is easy to review when you open the folder. Responses will be accepted whether affixed or not affixed to the inside the folder, but a good idea to affix your response in the folder.

8. (a) Question: We are considering the AFSOC Sources Sought Solicitation (FA0021-10-R-0001) for the EP2AE IDIQ and have a question about the submittal. This sources sought is written unlike any other sources sought notice that we’ve seen for small business. If we read the solicitation correctly, the sources sought response requires one original and 2 copies of a full SF330, the Market Research Questionnaire, a description of company benefits and other supporting documents NLT 16 Nov. Would you make a small business selection based on this submittal?

Response: If an adequate number of SB firms responding to this SS/RFI are determined qualified to perform all required services, selection of the most qualified firms to receive an RFP will be made in accordance with FAR 36.6; DFARS 236.6; and the Brooks Act procedures.

(b) If so, will an additional acquisition be issued for either large (unrestricted) and/or small business (restricted)?

Response: Once the SB responses have been evaluated, I will post the results on FedBizOpps. The posting will either state (a) an adequate number of qualified SB firms have responded to this SS / RFI; therefore, this acquisition will be set-aside for SB and awards will be made to the highest qualified SB firms responding to this SS/RFI in accordance with applicable directives; or (b) an adequate number of qualified SB firms were not identified with this SS/RFI; therefore, this SS / RFI is amended for “unrestricted” response.

(c) Would you allow “reverse teaming” if both small and unrestricted awards are considered?

Response: Yes.

9. (a) Question: In the solicitation it lists three primary work areas: Planning, Programming, and A/E Services. We have performed most all of these services, with the exception of some of the Planning work. By its very nature, much of that work is done by much larger firms that we would normally hire as consultants. The most daunting requirement though is the following:

“The Prime Contractor may subcontract portions of the requirement to a credentialed professional (licensed to practice within the State where the task is to be performed) provided the Prime Contractor's Project Manager (PM) is a credentialed professional . . . . certified planners (American Institute of Certified Planners), and Registered Environmental Managers (REM).”

We believe that this requirement will make it impossible to receive an adequate level of responses from small businesses. Our firm as the Prime can provide qualified, licensed architects, but we do not have either of the latter. Can this solicitation/source sought be amended to allow these services to be provided by a consultant (sub-contractor) to the prime?

Response: No, a total SB set-aside means our market research has identified an adequate number of SB firms capability to perform the required services. If this SS/RFI doesn’t identify an adequate number of qualified SB firms capable of performing the services, this SS/RFI will be amended for “unrestricted” response.

(b) Or maybe I am misreading this requirement. If it is acceptable for the prime to have a licensed architect as the PM, and to subcontract to include those other credentialed professionals, then our office will submit a response.

Response: To be minimally qualified, the Prime Contractor must employ “in-house” (not subcontracted) at least one each credentialed professional architect or engineer, A.I.C.P. Certified Planner, and Registered Environmental Manger.

10. (a) Question: Under Section III. Submission Requirements there is a discrepancy to what is called for under (3) – the Part II does not correspond to the 2.2 and 2.3 – but it would make sense as Part I – Section F. Did you intend to request complete Part II for (2) and only sections from Part I (ie. Section F projects) under (3)?

Response: SECTION III a. should read:

(1) Market Research Questionnaire …

(2) SF 330 Part II;

(3) SF 330 Part I identified as either:

(a) Atch 1 …

(b) Atch 2 …

(4) Company Benefits …

(b) Or, do you want complete Part I – Sections A-H from the SF330?

Response: Yes, the entire SF 330, Part I, including all Sections A through H, must be submitted. See Response to Question #3 above.

(End of Q & Rs #1 - 10)