Questions_and_Answers_SABER_FA3030-14-R-0004_17_Jul_14.docx

Questions and Answers SABER FA3030-14-R-0004

Update 17 Jul 14

Question #45: Does gov’t foresee any delay or postponement of the proposal submittal date. Just to be clear, the submissions are due Friday, July 18th by 3:00 p.m., correct?

Answer: No postponement anticipated. The submission due date remains Friday, July 18th at 3:00 p.m. Central Standard Time.

Question #44: Where should the seed project be filed? May we submit this along with the technical?

Answer: Yes, the seed project should be filed with the technical volume.

Update 14 Jul 14 (2)

Question #43:

1. Can we just remove the % from the original Section B and add our coefficients and submit or do you want both documents?

2. Line item for Line Item “4004”. This is for “non prepriced items”. It was left off of amendment 2, but it is in the original line items. This can be manually typed in on the Revised CLINS per AM 2 if both forms are required or can we add a line item for the coefficient to the original Section B?

Or

3. Will the Government consider revising the entire Section B to remove all confusion with this final pricing Document?

Answer: Offerors should provide coefficients on the solicitation Section B. Amendment 0002 made changes only to delete the "%" from each CLIN; the CLIN structure remained unchanged. Offerors should provide the coefficients for all “non prepriced items” on the amount blank next to the respective CLIN. Offerors are reminded to acknowledge receipt of all amendments.

Updated 14 Jul 14

Question #42: Q&A #26 states that, "Only the Past Performance Questionnaire (attachment 6) required for any referenced contract is not included in the 5 page limit for each contract". This implies that Attachment 6 is required to be submitted with our proposal, but it is outside of the page limitations. However, Attachment 6 states that the completed questionnaire is required to be submitted to Goodfellow AFB directly. Can you please clarify whether or not the completed Attachment 6 is required to be submitted with our proposal?

Answer: No, Attachment 6 is not required to be submitted by the offeror with proposals. As stated in Section L, paragraph C, subparagraph 2, subparagraph (b) Performance Surveys, page 144 of 155 of the conformed solicitation, "Additionally, offerors shall provide a Past Performance Questionnaire (attachment 6) to any referenced contract which must be provided from the reference to the office indicated on the questionnaire." The government's intent is that the questionnaires are submitted by the listed reference directly to the Contracting Office and not included as part of any offeror's proposal. Subject Past Performance Questionnaires will be considered part of the offeror's proposal upon receipt from the reference and evaluated as such.

Question #41: Q&A #26 states that the Quality and Satisfaction Ratings are included in the 5-page limit for each contract. I originally envisioned the Quality and Satisfactions Ratings section as a separate tab in the Factor II - Past Performance Information binder. However, in light of Q&A #26, is the government requesting that we include Quality and Satisfactions Ratings within the Performance Surveys section and ONLY for the projects highlighted in the Performance Surveys?

Answer: Question # 26 only addresses the quality and satisfaction ratings (letters, metrices, customer surveys, etc.) and not the Past performance Questionnaire (Attachment 6). Each offeror has the opportunity to provide quality and satisfaction ratings (letters, metrices, customer surveys, etc.) as part of their proposal under Factor II PAST PERFORMANCE INFORMATION. Each offeror's past performance information is limited to 5 contracts with no more than 5 pages of information per contract.

Updated 10 Jul 14

Question #40: It was stated in the site visit that the following item would be provided in Fedbizopps: Incumbent's current coefficient %.

Answer: The incumbent's current coefficients are not releasable at this time.

Question #39: I think there was a discussion to provide the AutoCAD file (for the attached file) to develop the 35% design. Is it possible to upload the CAD file in Fedbizopps?

Answer: CAD drawings are not available for this project. An updated seed project drawing will be provided. See Amendment 0002.

Question #38: Is the contractor required to provide a network schedule for the seed project?

Answer: No, a schedule is not required as part of the proposal.

Question #37: Can any of the key personnel roles be combined, such as QC Manager and Safety Manager, etc.?

Answer: The Environmental Manager may be combined into either the Project Manager or Quality Control Manager as long as the individual has the appropriate qualifications as stated in SABER Specifications Section 01 10 01, paragraph 1.6. The Safety Manager cannot be combined with the Project Manager but, may be combined with the Quality Control Manager as long as the individual has the appropriate qualifications as stated in SABER Specifications Section 01 10 01, paragraph 1.6. Additionally, the Quality Control Manager may be both the Environmental Manager and Safety Manager as long as the individual has the appropriate qualifications as stated in SABER Specifications Section 01 10 01, paragraph 1.6.

Question #36: We have the 2014 version of the RSMeans Pricing Guide – is that acceptable for pricing the seed project?

Answer: Yes.

Question #35: It is unclear to me in the evaluation section whether the award will be based on the coefficient, the seed project price, or both. It only references ‘pricing’ or ‘price proposal’.

Answer:

a. The seed project should demonstrate the offeror's ability to provide a complete Phase II proposal and will be evaluated as part of the technical proposal as indicated in M002 on page 149 of 153 of the solicitation.

b. The price factor evaluation discussed in section M002 EVALUATION FACTORS paragraph D, page 151-152 of 153 references to the coefficients provided by the offeror. The seed project price will not be evaluated as part of Factor 3.

Question #34: Is seed project backup documentation required along with the pricing?

Answer: Technical Subfactor 2 will require a Phase II proposal of the seed project in accordance with the solicitation ordering procedures located in section H, ORDERING PROCEDURES, page 80-83 of 153. This will include the full line item estimate, the Cost Proposal Transmittal cover sheet, fully developed statement of work, and any applicable drawings.

Question #33: Is the Task Order pricing required to be submitted using the Cost Proposal Transmittal form?

Answer: The Cost Proposal Transmittal form is a "cover page" and is required as part of the Phase II proposal. The Cost Proposal Transmittal is intended to provide an overview of your proposal in terms of total proposed cost, proposed performance period, and supporting documentation/attachments.

Question #32: Can you supply the existing water one lines for the area covered by this project?

Answer: Water one line drawings do not exist for this project. An additional drawing has been provided in Amendment 0002

Question #31: Do we replace any fire hydrants?

Answer: The 4 existing fire hydrants will be replaced. An updated SOO is included in Amendment 0002.

Question #30: The SOO calls for replacing the lateral line to the buildings and we were told that the project calls for replacing the main line only. Please clarify.

Answer: The existing lateral lines will not be replaced, only connected to the new main with new valves as necessary. An updated SOO is included in Amendment 0002.

Question #29: The SOO calls for 8" pipe and we were told at the site visit that the pipe size should be 6". Please clarify.

Answer: Both the new C-900 pipe and resilient wedge-gate valves to be installed will be 8” as stated in the original SOO. The change to 6" lines, as discussed at the site visit, was incorrect.

Question #28: Would it be acceptable to include the bid bond at the end of the Factor III - Price Proposal binder?

Answer: Yes, or as a separate document.

Question #27: If a CCASS is available for a contract, should the Offeror provide a copy of the CCASS in the “Quality and Satisfaction Ratings” section?

Answer: A CCASS report is an acceptable method of providing past performance information for Factor II. Offerors are encouraged, but not required, to submit past performance for projects not in CCASS as that data is readily available to the government.

Question #26: Are the quality and satisfaction ratings (letters, metrices, customer surveys, etc.) included in the 5-page limit for each contract?

Answer: Yes. Only the Past Performance Questionnaire (attachment 6) required for any referenced contract is not included in the 5 page limit for each contract.

Question # 25: Factor II – Past Performance Information asks us to, “Provide a list of no more than five (5), of the most relevant contracts performed for federal agencies and commercial contractors…” This paragraph further goes on to describe relevant contracts as involving a minimum of three disciplines, having a total project cost of $75,000 or greater and being performed simultaneously with other ongoing projects. Given the dollar value of $75,000, is it reasonable to assume that the government is looking for individual task orders/projects rather than IDIQ contracts to demonstrate relevant experience?

Answer: In accordance with paragraph 2, page 142 of 153, 5 contracts are to be addressed that meet the requirements of subparagraph (b). It would be acceptable to demonstrate compliance with subparagraph (b) using individual task orders or IDIQ type contracts.

Question #24: Page 141 of the RFP, Subfactor 2 states that, “The seed project will require a Phase II proposal only, in accordance with the solicitation ordering procedures.” Is this referring to page 81, paragraph e, sections 1 through 4? If so, are we required to provide a full line item estimate?

Answer: Technical Subfactor 2 will require a Phase II proposal of the seed project in accordance with the solicitation ordering procedures located in section H, ORDERING PROCEDURES, page 80-83 of 153. This will include the full line item estimate, the Cost Proposal Transmittal cover sheet, the statement of work, and any applicable drawings.

Question #23: Page 141 of the RFP, Subfactor 2 requires us to demonstrate, “the capability of providing and utilizing the RSMeans (Computerized Pricing Guide – CPG) cost estimating database compatible with e4Clicks Premier and Assemblies, Facilities and Master Composite (e4Clicks P/N E4CBundle-010) to develop and provide a 35% design Submission for the seed project and any future projects that may be completed under this project.” In our experience, e4Clicks generates price/cost take offs for drawings; however, doesn’t actually produce 35% design submission drawings. Are we required to submit 35% design submission drawings for Subfactor 2?

Answer: Along with a cost proposal utilizing the RSMeans (Computerized Pricing Guide – CPG) cost estimating database compatible with e4Clicks Premier and Assemblies, Facilities and Master Composite (e4Clicks P/N E4CBundle-010) offerors are also required to submit a 35% design submission (drawings and fully developed SOW) for the seed project. The proposal should include, as part of the 35% design, any drawings necessary to depict their method of performing the work.

Question #22: For the Past Performance evaluation, offerors are required to use Attachment 6 (Past Performance Questionnaire) to solicit past performance information from their references for each of the contracts submitted for Factor II. Providing contractor performance information on projects is an important and necessary part of the procurement process, but we also understand that these questionnaires are a burden on our clients. For projects where the government client/reference has already completed a CCASS evaluation, would the 17th Contracting Squadron allow offerors to provide those CCASS evaluations in their proposals instead of sending a Past Performance Questionnaire to the references?

Answer: A CCASS report is an acceptable method of providing past performance information for Factor II. Offerors are encouraged, but not required, to submit past performance for projects not in CCASS as that data is readily available to the government.

Question #21: Is it correct that the government is only expecting to receive the e4Click estimate and the contractor’s proposed performance period for construction in response to Subfactor 2?

Answer: Technical Subfactor 2 will require a complete Phase II proposal for the seed project in accordance with the solicitation ordering procedures located in section H, ORDERING PROCEDURES, page 80-83 of 153. Along with a cost proposal utilizing the RSMeans (Computerized Pricing Guide – CPG) cost estimating database compatible with e4Clicks Premier and Assemblies, Facilities and Master Composite (e4Clicks P/N E4CBundle-010) offerors are also required to submit a 35% design submission (drawings and fully developed SOW) for the seed project. The proposal should include, as part of the 35% design, any drawings necessary to depict their method of performing the work.

Question #20: Can the e4Clicks estimate be removed from the 25 page limit? Typical e4Click estimate reports can have rather large page counts.

Answer: The seed project Phase II proposal is excluded from the 25 page limit of Factor 1 Technical Proposal. See Amendment 0001.

Question #19: If we are allowed to submit multiple task orders under 1 contract -- do we submit PPQs for each task order or just one PPQ for the task order most relevant?

Answer: For past performance references of basic contracts with multiple task orders, offerors shall provide one Past Performance Questionnaire (attachment 6) for the basic contract.

Updated 03 Jul 14

Question #18: Regarding Factor II Past Performance; the solicitation says that past performance information is limited to 5 contracts. With that in mind, the Offeror has past experience in MACC, MATOC, and JOC like contracts, with multiple task orders under one specific contract. Do you want the 5 contracts to be limited to 5 task orders/single job contracts total or 5 contracts with explanation of multiple task orders as long as it is within the 5-page limitation?

Answer: In accordance with paragraph 2, page 142 of 153, 5 contracts are to be addressed that meet the requirements of subparagraph (b). It would be acceptable to demonstrate compliance with subparagraph (b) using multiple task orders under the contract as long as it is within the 5 page limitation.

Question #17: Ref. Pg. 142 of 153, Factor II – Past Performance, Performance Surveys: (1) Involve a minimum of three disciplines (multi-discipline). Does the minimum of 3 disciplines (multi-discipline) refer to the overall ‘contract’ scope of work needs to cover at least 3 construction disciplines, or do the contract’s task orders need to meet the minimum of 3 disciplines?

Answer: It would be acceptable to demonstrate compliance with subparagraph (b) using multiple task orders under the overall contract (see question 18 above).

Question #16: Since the additional documentation regarding the rationale used to determine the coefficients will most likely be done in table form in Excel and due to the large number of coefficients (13), can the rationale be submitted in Calibri 10 on an 11” x 17” fold-out?

Answer: No, all documentation submitted with the solicitation must conform to the specific size and type requirements. Reference Section L paragraph 4, page 142 of 153.

Question #15: The SF 1442 page 1 states “-enter coefficient in Section B using type writer of black ink.” Since we don’t own a typewriter, can the coefficient value be inserted using a computer PDF application instead?

Answer: The solicitation will be changed to reflect "or" vs. "of." Additionally, electronic means of coefficient insertion such as PDF text is also acceptable.

Question #14: Section L, C.2 Factor II, (b) Performance Surveys requires a list of contracts that meets specific criteria – for item (3) “Were managed concurrently with other ‘projects’ meeting both (a) and (b) above.” Does the term ‘project’ mean task orders? And if so, where would the simultaneous task order information be placed in the proposal? The Performance Survey section that lists the contract information to be included in the proposal doesn’t specifically provide for simultaneous projects information. If ‘project’ means something else, can you clarify what ‘project’ means?

Answer: Project as used in this section can be a contract or task order under an IDIQ type contract. Please see the answer to question 18 above.

Question #13: Can you provide any historical data on the existing SABER contract like number of task orders awarded per year, contracted amounts per year, number of concurrent task orders, task order size range, etc.

Answer: The quantities listed for each CLIN represent the average number of task orders based on five years of historical data. CLINs with a quantity of one had no historical data. These quantities are listed only to assist in proposal preparation and do not constitute or guarantee actual quantities under any circumstance. Additionally, Table 4 of section M of the solicitation has additional historical information. The average contracted amount per year based on the same five years of historical data is approximately 4.6 million. There are typically over 10 concurrent task orders at any given time based on the same five years of historical data. The task order size range for the same data has been $3,412.75 – $1,105,418.38.

Question #12: We currently hold several similar SABER / JOC / IDIQ master contracts that have multiple multi-discipline task orders under them greater than $75,000. Do you want the 5 past performance examples to be the master contracts or individual task orders under the master contracts?

Answer: In accordance with paragraph 2, page 142 of 153, 5 contracts are to be addressed that meet the requirements of subparagraph (b). It would be acceptable to demonstrate compliance with subparagraph (b) using multiple task orders under the contract as long as it is within the 5 page limitation.

Question #11: Can the Contractor’s Project Manager be the Environmental Manager if he has the appropriate qualifications?

Answer: Yes

Question #10: Section 1.6 (Project Management Support) in SABER Specifications Section 01 10 01 states that “At a minimum, the contractor shall maintain the following management personnel” then goes on to describe the responsibilities and requirements for the Contractor’s Project Manager, the Quality Control and Safety Manager, the Site Superintendent, and the Environmental Manager. Can the Environmental Manager be provided by team subcontractor, or does this position need to be an employee of the prime contractor?

Answer: Yes, a team subcontractor may fill this position.

Question #9: The 1st sentence in Section 1.7, A. (page 8) in SABER Specifications Section 01 10 01 states that “The Contractor’s in-house minimal design capabilities are of utmost importance.” The 4th sentence in that paragraph states that “The Contractor’s staff should either include at least one registered Professional Engineer (PE) or architect well versed in multi-discipline design and construction or have an established relationship with an A/E firm to provide professional services when required.” The 6th and 7th sentences in this paragraph state that the contractor shall have a person proficient in the use of AutoCAD software on staff at all times, and that Contractor design personnel shall be proficient in the requirements and application of all codes related to the work included in each specific Task Order. The following paragraph (B.) goes on to describe other requirements for the Contractor related to design support. Please clarify whether the A/E design services required for this contract can be provided by a team subcontractor, or if they have to be performed by the prime contractor?

Answer: As stated in SABER Specifications Section 01 10 01, paragraph 1.7 Technical Design Support, The Contractor's staff should either include at least one registered Professional Engineer (PE) or architect well versed in multi-discipline design and construction or have an established relationship with an A/E firm to provide professional services when required.

Question #8: Page 143 states that Parts II and III of the proposal shall be typed in Times New Roman font and not be less than 12 pitch. Is there a specific font type and size requirement for Part I, Technical Proposal?

Answer: Parts II and III changed to Factors I and II. Factors I and II must conform to the font and size requirements of the RFP. Reference Amendment 0001.

Question #7: Page 143 states that Parts II and III of the proposal shall be typed in Times New Roman font and not be less than 12 pitch. MS Word uses points rather than pitch to assign font size. 12 pitch is equal to 10 point. Please confirm that 10-point Times New Roman font is acceptable.

Answer: Typing shall be Times New Roman font and not be less than 12 point. Reference Amendment 0001.

Question #5: Page 141, Factor 1, lists two Subfactors plus requirements for a Quality Control Plan and Safety Plan. However, the QC Plan and Safety Plan are not mentioned in the Section M evaluation criteria on page 149. For the purposes of organizing the proposal in accordance with the RFP requirements, please provide clarification: Does the government wish to see the QC Plan and Safety Plan as part of Subfactor 1? Or should these two sections be provided as separate sections following Subfactor 2?

Answer: The requirement for a Quality Control Plan and Safety Plan has been removed as part of the proposal package. Reference Amendment 0001.

Updated 23 June 2014

Question #4: On the SF1442, in box 13 it indicates an offer guarantee is required, however it does not state anywhere else on the document of bid bond requirements. Can you clarify bid bond requirements?

Answer: An SF30 amendment to the solicitation will posted in the near future to address bond requirements. The bid bond will be 20 percent of the guaranteed minimum ($125,000) or $25,000.

Question #3: Who do I send site visit information too?

Answer: The points of contacts are listed at the bottom of the FBO solicitation page. E-mail to Daniel Kent (daniel.kent.4@us.af.mil) is the preferred method. Additionally, attachment five has the information required to process paperwork necessary for base access.

Question #2: Is it required that 8(a) firms have a bona fide office in Texas, or is an office that has not yet been bona fide by the SBA enough for eligibility?

Answer: 13 CFR 124.507 (B) (iv): In order for a participant to be eligible to submit an offer for a 8(a) procurement limited to a specific geographic area, it must receive from SBA a determination that it has a bona fide place of business within that area prior to submitting its offer for the procurement.

Question #1: Is the project restricted to in state 8(a) concerns?

Answer: Yes, this acquisition is limited to 8(a) concerns with a bona fide business presence in the state of Texas. See question two above.