24R0011 QnAs.docx

FA452824R0011 - SABER 2024 - Questions and Answers

Q1 - Please confirm the number of projects required for submission for Past Performance (PP).

A1 – There is not a designated minimum number of contracts/projects required for PP. See Section L, Part II and Section M, Factor 2 PP. The Government may use multiple sources to attain PP on an offeror, including any submitted PPIFs. The maximum number of PP efforts the Government will evaluate will be limited to the 10 most current that are deemed recent and relevant.

Q2 - Does the Government anticipate larger task orders, or can the dollar value for relevancy be reduced to an amount that represents the actual task orders?

A2 - The Government will award SABER Task Orders that will range from $2K to $750K, see the solicitation FAR Clause 52.216-19. See Section M, Factor 2 PP regarding PP relevancy - “a total contract value of at least $500,000.00”.

Q3 - Should the offeror designate on the PPIFs who the key personnel are for evaluation purposes?

A3 - The PPIF does not require key personnel to be identified by name. The PPIFs are completed and submitted by the offeror’s reference, see Section L, Part II.

Q4 - How many task orders were awarded under the previous SABER?

A4 - 91 task orders were awarded under previous Saber Q5 - Can you provide the average dollar amount of the task orders?

A5 - $138,000 was the average dollar amount of the task orders on the previous SABER contract. However, as stated in the RFP, Task Orders will range from $2,000 to $750,000.

Q6 - Depending on the average task order size, can the contract value relevancy of $500,000.00 be reduced to reflect the actual task order sizes? For example, if the average SABER task order is $125,000, can we provide similar projects for past performance in that price range?

A6 - The designated value for “Relevancy” as defined in Section M of the RFP will remain at $500,000 total contract value. However, past performance projects that meet the “Recency” criteria will be evaluated by the Government and assigned a “Relevancy” rating.

Q7 - Could you kindly confirm if a past performance write-up or citation is not required under PART II – FACTOR 2: PAST PERFORMANCE? I did not see this specified in Attachment 6, particularly in sections L or M. Additionally, would submitting only Attachment 4 be sufficient, or is it advisable to include more detailed past performance information?

A7 – Referenced in Part II – Factor 2: PAST PERFORMANCE part (a), attachment 4 - PPIF is the document to be used for past performance. This attachment is meant to be sent to references of the project and past performance information will be provided to the government at their volition. As stated in this section, “Please note that the PPIF will only be accepted if it is received directly from the reference”.

Q8 - Could you also clarify the bond requirement for this solicitation? Is a bond mandatory, and if so, what is the required amount? Furthermore, where should the bond be submitted? I noticed these details were not addressed in sections L or M.

A8 – Bonding is required on this project and all task orders associated. Please see the referenced clause FAR 52.228-1 Bid Guarantee in the solicitation for further instructions.

Q9 - Does this clause apply to the IDIQ or to the task orders issued under the IDIQ? Do offerors need to submit a bid bond with our response to this solicitation? If a bid bond is required at this time, what section of our proposal should we submit the bid bond?

A9 – The clause 52.228-1 pertains to all the task orders issued under the IDIQ including the seed project for B445. This bid bond will be based and intended for use for the seed project. Regarding any subsequent task orders held under the IDIQ however, they will have their own bond for each. Offerors are required to submit a bid bond with their proposal as a standalone document.

Q10 - Attachment 7 Price Schedule Coefficients.xlsx does not match a maximum ceiling of $9,900,000. The coefficient tabs in the Excel spreadsheet factor to $1,000,000 per year for the Base and x 4 options, for a maximum of $5,000,000. The coefficient will significantly differ from a possible average of $1.0M p/y to $1.9M p/y. Please clarify.

A10 - To clarify, attachment 7 is not meant to match the maximum ceiling of $9,900,000. This number is an established maximum ceiling cap for the entire SABER IDIQ. The Government has established and will not/cannot exceed that established ceiling on the subsequent IDIQ contract to be awarded. In light of this, attachment 7 identifies the 5 specific CLIN items that must be priced using a coefficient. Using the estimated dollar value for each priced CLIN item allows a total dollar amount to be calculated for price comparison. The proposed coefficient values for each CLIN item will be awarded in the contract to the winning contractor and applied to each actual task order, including the seed project.

Q11 - Can 4Clicks be used for estimating software instead of eGordian Online?

A11 - eGordian is the required software per the Statement of work. Although 4clicks is owned by the same company, the software is since being phased out of used. Thus, 4Clicks cannot be used.

Q12 - Can you please clarify the required KEY Personnel for the SABER?

A12 – Please refer to the Section M Subfactor 1: Organizational Structure under Measure of Merit in attachment 6 to identify the KEY Personnel needed for the SABER IDIQ.

Q13 - Due to the size of this SABER, it is recommended that personnel be combined and handle multiple task orders simultaneously to reduce personnel costs, which will directly affect the contractor’s coefficient, including the SSHO.

A13 – It is contractor discretion to combine and designate key personnel to be combined. This plan as specified in attachment 6 Section L&M will be evaluated under technical factors for the proposal.

Q14 - Can the QCM role and SSHO role be combined?

A14 – Please see the answer to question 13.

Q15 - Can you please clarify how many task orders 1 (one) superintendent can handle simultaneously?

A15 – The amount of task orders one designated person can manage is contractor discretion.

Q16 - Can you please clarify how many task orders 1 (one) QCM can handle simultaneously?

A16 – Please see the answer to question 15 Q17 - Can you please clarify how many task orders 1 (one) SSHO can handle simultaneously?

A17 – Please see the answer to question 15.

Q18 - This contract contains DFARS 252.204-7012 JAN 2023. This clause looks like it was updated MAY 2024. Is the MAY 2024 revision of DFARS 252.204-7012 required for this contract?

A18 Yes, the May clause was intended to be included in the original version of the contract.

Q19 - DFARS 252.204-7012 defines covered defense information as described in the Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) registry. Will this contract contain CUI?

A19 - Bldg 445 seed project will not include CUI. The clause was included as a catch-all for any task orders that may include sensitive information.

Q20 - DFARS 252.204-7012 calls for adequate security on all covered contractor information systems. Is this required of the contractor if the contractor does not handle CUI?

A20 - No, DFARS 252.204-7012 refers to task orders or contract that include cloud computing services or IT related services. If they do not, adequate security for the contractor information systems is not necessary nor are the other requirements in the clause.

Q21 - DFARS 252.204-7012 calls for adequate security on all covered contractor information systems and states the contractor shall implement NIST SP 800-171, as soon as practical, but not later than December 31, 2017. Is the contractor required to have implemented NIST 800-171 for this contract?

A21 - Please see answer to previous question Q22 - Is the contractor required to include DFARS 252.204-7012 in our subcontracts?

A22 - According to DFARS 252.204-7012(m)(1), it will purely depend on if subcontractor information can be identified as covered defense information and will require protection. In this case, this seed project does not need this protection. Future task orders on the contract may, however.

Q23 - Is an emailed copy of the bid bond for this project sufficient or is a hard copy sent prior to the proposal due date of October 15th?

A23 – A bid bond is required by the time of close of solicitation. Please send the bid bond attachment along with the proposal if possible.

Q24 – Is the bidder is required to supply the other 35% drawings/ design package?

A24 - As per attachment 9 B445 Seed SoW and Drawings, the Government is furnishing the 35% design package and drawings to the contractor. This design package is to be utilized to produce As-Builts for the seed project that shall be complete by project completion.

Q25 - If the contract is based on task orders how would you fill out the price sheet if you don't know what tasks needs to be done?

A25 – Attachment 7 Offeror Price Schedule is to be used when estimating the pricing for a task order on the IDIQ. On the document, use the 5 CLIN items as a structure and price using a coefficient. Using this coefficient will present a total estimated dollar value for a generalized task order under the IDIQ to calculate price comparison. The proposed coefficient value will be awarded in the contract to the winning contractor.

Q26 - We completed a project for the Federal Government that meets relevancy and recency, but the point of contacts (Contracting Officer, contract administrator, and inspector) no longer work for the Government. If CPARS is available, can this be provided in lieu of the PPIF?

A26 – Although it is not necessary for the contractor to provide references to CPARS. Offeror's are encouraged to provide any past performance information that they believe can be deemed recent and relevant by the Government Q27 - 4.7.1.1 indicates 4 seats for software, yet 4.8.5 indicates 3 copies of RS, which means facilities cost data guide. Please confirm the requirements.

A27 - 4.7.1.1 is referring to the online software. 4.8.5 refers to the RSmeans Facilities Construction Costs Q28 - Are the software and books reimbursable, or must they be factored into the contract coefficient yearly?

A28 - This is part of the Contractors Coefficient yearly.

Q29 - 4.7.1.6 Minimum labor lines shall not be used. Cost adjustments for small quantity work shall be included in the applicable TO Coefficient; this contradicts what the RS means book is used for. Can minimum labor cost line items be used?

A29 - Minimum labor costs may be used only when the line items used for the category totals less than the minimum labor lines. Refer to updated SABER SOW for amendments.

Q30 - If NPI exceeds 10% of total task order pricing, what happens when it does?

A30 - Rarely does this happen. Though if it does, the NPI’s shall be reviewed, and a technical evaluation shall be done to determine whether it is found acceptable or not.

Q31 - The Offer Price sheet NPI Coefficient is 12% of the estimated value. Are NPI 10% or 12%?

A31 – The Coefficient is based on the 10%. The $120k on attachment 7 is just simply an estimate.

Q32 - How many TOs are estimated to include minimum designs? Should we include minimal design costs in our coefficient, or can this be a line item for each task order?

A32 - The exact number of TO’s that require design work is unknown. However; if a specific TO requires further engineered drawings (i.e. a civil is required to design a ramp), then the individual TO will state as such and may be included as a separate line item outside of the coefficient.

Q33 - 4.9.1 Minimum Designs, please explain in more detail how much design is required for each project if the design-build method is used. The current statement is vague: "The government will have the final decision on minimum design."

A33 - As with each TO some projects may have more of a specific craft than others. The contractor shall work with the Government to obtain final decisions on how much may be required. The government will provide a concept, and the Contractor shall take it to 35% or a similar threshold that other TO’s that do no use design builds as reference. This however will subject to more specific engineers, which as stated above will be called out in the individual TO.

Q34 - If commissioning is required for a task order, is that part of the coefficient, or can the contractor provide an RS Means line item?

A34 - Commissioning shall be a separate RS Means Line-Item.

Q35 - Can the Contract Manager provide QCM services? If not, this will result in an inflated coefficient. If the contractor must employ a CM, Project Superintendent, and QCM for this SABER requirement, the overhead rate will be excessive for a requirement that may or may not do $1M in annual revenue.

A35 - The Contract Manger and the Superintendent shall perform QC services as well. Though the Contract Manager and the Project Superintendent may not be the same person. This is outlined within the Master Specifications and will be revised in the Master SOW to reflect.

Q36 - 2.19.1 Construction Fence: Since construction fencing is part of the coefficient, is there an estimated amount of construction fence needed?

A36 - The fencing required shall only be used for to enclose a work area whenever there is potential hazard to passersby such as open excavation, heavy equipment, falling debris, hazardous materials, etc, as part of the coefficient. Any other permanent fencing specific to each TO shall be its own line item.

Q37 - 2.19.2 Construction Signs: Since construction signage is part of the coefficient, will signage be required for each task order?

A37 - Similar to the fencing, construction sites shall have signs posted that say, Construction Area, Authorized Personnel Only, Hard Hat Area, Construction in Progress, and Detour (with an arrow), as applicable as part of the coefficient. Any other permanent signage specific to each TO shall be its own line item.

Q38 - Is asbestos and lead testing a cost that needs to be included in our coefficient?

A38 - No, they shall be listed as a separate line item.

Q39 - 4.7.2.3.5, Is all “waste” to be included in the coefficient, or can waste be included if RS Means allows for it?

A39 - If RSMeans allows for it.

Q40 - 4.7.2.1 Line-Item Cost: The selected line-item pricing shall be Bare Cost. Can this be changed to Overhead and Profit since the City Cost Index is less than the bare cost of RS Means A40 – No, the overhead and Profit shall be included within the Coefficient.

Q41 - 3.3.2 E Gordian does not have a native file. The reports are either PDF or Excel. Are PDF and Excel acceptable?

A41 - Yes, both are acceptable.

Q42 - Will the contractor utilize the 2024 or 2025 RS Means database for the SABER base year? 2025 books will be available in November of this year. If 2024 is required, will the contractor have to provide 2024 books by December 31st and then provide 2025 books by January 1, 2025? Each book costs approximately $1,300.

A42 - No. 2024 Books shall not be required to be provided.

Q43 - Attachment #8 includes painting 8 doors/frames, yet the SOW or plans don't indicate that this is required. Please advise on the government's intent.

A43 - There are to be no doors or frames painted for this project.

Q44 - Finish Schedule, ACT-1 Calls for 24x24 (x15/16) ceiling tile, but attachment #8 indicates 2x2 or 2x4, 3/4" thick tile. Which material should be priced?

A44 - 2’ x 2’ 15/16” thick shall be used.

Q45 - Finish Schedule, FLR-1 Carpet Tile: The carpet tile specified comes with three different backings. Which one shall we supply for this project?

A45 - If not specified, contractor may submit what they intend to purchase as a submittal. Subject to government approval after TO award.

Q46 - Do we have to reinstall existing ceiling diffusers? If so, do we have to clean them prior to installation? There is nothing in Attachment #8 or in the SOW or Drawing for the Seed project indicating this needs to be performed.

A46 - The ceiling diffusers may be cleaned and reinstalled after. SOW shall reflect.

Q47 - Where in attachment #8 does it list demo wood panel wainscoting and work associated with demoing the wood panel wainscoting?

A47 - It does not.

Q48 - Where is the communication room for running data cabling?

A48 - There is a garage near the CEN section.

Q49 - Attachment #8 Please explain the following items listed in the estimate and what they account for. We can't find those items listed in the RS Means Facilities Construction Cost Data Book or RS Means online.

26-05-05 Misc Electrical work 27-05-05 Misc Communication work A49 - These items were lump-sum add-ons. The attachment shall only be used as reference.

Q50 - Can as-built drawings be provided for structural and electrical?

A50 - Yes.

Q51 - Is the contractor to assume no load-bearing walls will be removed?

A51 - As Built Drawings shall show the walls being removed are non-load bearing.

Q52 - The electrical panel is covered by stained plywood. Are we to do anything about that?

A52 - No.

Q53 - What happens in the room with the wall of cabinets, Sheet A1.1 Note 6? If we demo the cabinets on the wall, there will not be any flooring under them. Do we have to paint the wall?

A53 - New floor and paint. See TO SOW.

Q54 - Do we have to figure out all new drywall on all the walls or just cut and patch drywall where needed?

A54 - Patch and cut where needed.

Q55 - We don’t see any fire suppression in these rooms. Do we have to add it to these areas?

A55 - No fire suppression work shall be required.

Q56 - Please advise us on plans for where the carpeting & vinyl base is to be replaced.

A56 - As depicted in drawings. See Sheet A1.3.

Q57 - Will the user remove the existing furniture (bookcases, chairs, office cubicles, etc.) from the offices?

A57 - Yes.

Q58 - Will the gov't retain any of the cabinetry?

A58 - No.

Q59 - What is the new suspended ceiling elevation in the revised room?

A59 - Same as existing.

Q60- Is surface raceway acceptable for electrical wiring methods on walls that are not furred and have no wall cavity to conceal a raceway? If not, then will the wall be furred out?

A60 - Yes, upon site visit. It was determined that the wall cavity is gyp on block wall and will be difficult to run raceways within walls. Wiring may be surface mounted.

Q61 - Are all electrical wall devices and faceplates, such as receptacle outlets, light switches, and faceplates, to be replaced in renovated areas, or are existing devices to remain?

A61 - Existing devises not affected by demolition shall remain. All others affected shall be removed and replaced.

Q62 - Will the ceiling height change in the area that gets a new acoustical ceiling grid?

A62 - No.

Q63 - Lighting 6.2.1 suggests using Columbia Lighting “Trade Select” light fixtures. These fixtures are made in Mexico. Does Mexico's country of origin meet BAA for this contract?

A63 - The government cannot specify brands or materials to be used only like items and approved equals. An equal may be submit and accepted upon approval.

Q64 - Will the connection of electrical and comm to the new user-provided cubicles be part of the contract? If so, will shop drawings of the new cubicles be provided?

A64 - No, the furniture company or the 5 CES Electrical shop shall make final connections.

Q65 - Will the new user cubicles come with light fixtures, or will those need to be provided and installed?

A65 - New cubicles are under a separate contract. Not part of this project.

Q66 - Drawing sheet A1.5 shows a conference table with power and data pop-ups and a data connection to a TV/monitor display on the wall. Is the table provided with pop-up hardware, or do we need to provide that? Which wall will the TV be located on? Is a floor box required under the conference table?

A66 - Sheet A1.5 was used for reference of Governments intent. It shall not be used for construction purposes. The contractor shall not provide any of the discussed above question.

Q67 - Lighting 6.2.3 says to re-install ceiling motion detector controls and also install new wall-mounted light switches and a motion sensor combo. Typically, we would install either ceiling-mounted motion detection or wall-mounted motion detection, but not both. Is it acceptable to re-install the ceiling motion detector controls and install a wall-mounted light switch without the motion detector control?

A67 - This is acceptable.

Q68 - Item 6.5 requires a submittal for an arc flash analysis. Is an arc flash analysis required since we are not adding any electrical panels? If so, provide the location and panel number for the electrical panel or panels that need the arc flash analysis and electrical as-builts.

A68 - The base shall require the arc flash analysis whenever new work is conducted on panels.

Q69 - Since we will be removing and reinstalling existing fire alarm devices, will fire alarm commissioning and testing be required, or will a simple walkthrough function test with the electrician at project closeout be sufficient?

A69 - A Simple walkthrough upon completion shall be sufficient.

Q70 - In addition to the PPIFs, Section L states "The Government will also use information submitted by the offeror..." Is the offeror to include references and/or copies of CPARS in Part II?

A70 – Please see question 26 Q71 - "The CM shall attend a weekly meeting as scheduled by the CO to discuss each active TO." Are these meetings to be on site, or can they be virtual (e.g. through Microsoft Teams)?

A71 - The meetings can be virtual and are on a project-to-project basis for scheduling purposes.

Q72 - "The Contractor shall have the Software fully operational within twenty-one (21) calendar days…" Will Contractor need to provide workstations for RSMeans Software, or is Software to be installed on existing Government workstations?

A72 - The software is a online only tool. There is no requirement for workstations or installing any software for use by the Government.

Q73 - "The total price for each TO proposal will be calculated as the Subtotal of all RS Means line items multiplied by the applicable City Cost Index, then multiplied by the TO Coefficient percentage, and then, if applicable, multiplied by the bond percentage." Please confirm that bond percentage is not to be included in Coefficient.

A73 - It is not included in the Coefficient Q74 - Regarding past performance, "...the Government will only consider the specific effort or portion consistent with that proposed by the prime, teaming partner, or joint venture." Are teaming partners to be assessed through PPIFs, or are past performance references and/or CPARS for teaming partners to be included in Part II of proposal?

A74 – Please see question 26 Q75 - In preparing Seed Project cost proposal, is Offeror to add and/or delete line items in Attachment 8 as necessary? Or, are line items to remain as is with only pricing added?

A75 - The estimate from the Contractor is to be their own. The government will review and find whether the proposal is technically acceptable or not.

Q76 - "The Contractor shall provide to the Government three (3) copies of the RS Means Facilities Cost Data Guide…" Please confirm that three (3) copies of the Facilities Cost Data Guide are required annually in addition to four (4) copies of the Complete Plus version of RSMeans Online.

A76 - Yes this is correct.

Q77 - "Contractor's Contract Manager (CM): The CM shall be responsible for the overall performance of this contract. The CM shall have a minimum bachelor's degree in a construction related field…" Can Experience be considered in lieu of a bachelor's degree?

A77 – Yes.

Q78 - "Contractor's Contract Manager (CM): The CM shall be responsible for the overall performance of this contract. The CM shall have a minimum bachelor's degree in a construction related field…" Will a bachelor's degree in a non-construction related field combined with construction management experience be considered acceptable?

A78 – Yes.

Q79 - May Experience be considered in lieu of a bachelor's degree when choosing an Alternate Contract Manager?

A79 – Yes.

Q80 - "The QCM provides quality control management for all active TOs and executes the Quality Control (QC) plan. The QCM shall have a minimum bachelor's degree in a construction related field." Can Experience and USACE CQM certification be considered in lieu of a bachelor's degree?

A80 – Yes.

Q81 - May Experience be considered in lieu of a bachelor's degree when choosing an Alternate Quality Control Manager?

A81 – Yes.

Q82 - Will the Government grant an extension of the due date from 01 Oct 2024 to 15 Oct 2024 A82 – Yes.

Q83 - "The Contractor shall submit a Safety and Health Plan and corresponding site safety checklist to the CO ten (10) working days after contract award." Can one Safety and Health plan be submitted for the IDIQ contract with task order specific worksite hazard analyses and checklist addendums added as task orders are awarded?

A83 - Yes. Similar to the QCP. After the initial package. One shall be completed with each TO.

Q84 - What was final year coefficient of previous contract holder?

A84 – We cannot provide previous year coefficient information.

Q85 - "The coefficients are fixed for the term of the contract to include all years. Coefficients SHALL NOT be adjusted during the life of the contract." Does this mean that the proposed coefficient is to be the same for all work categories and contract years? Or, may the proposed coefficient be different for each work category and each contract year with no adjustments made to proposed coefficients after contract award?

A85 – Coefficients and financial estimates are up to contractor discretion. These will be evaluated by the government as the proposal.

Q86 - What was the maximum ceiling of the previous SABER contract?

A86 - The maximum ceiling of the previous SABER was $9,000,000.

Q87 - Please confirm that Attachment 5 is to be submitted as a stand-alone document and not included in one of the three volumes.

A87 - Attachment 5 is to be its own stand-alone document.

Q88 - Please confirm that acknowledgement of all amendments (SF30) is to be submitted as a stand-alone document and not included in one of the three volumes.

A88 - Acknowledgment of amendments are to be its own stand-alone document.

Q89 - What contractual tools or mechanisms are available to address the expected price differences between our subcontractor estimates and the RS Means pricing in eGordian. Should these price differences be reflected in the coefficient, or is there another mechanism to handle them?

A89 - In the past all sub used RS Means data though we never saw the differentiating factors. We would only receive a finalized quote from the contractor. This could be utilized within the coefficient if that’s what the Prime contractor deems.

Q90 - Are there any other allowable methods for covering the price deviations between the eGordian software and actual market costs, such as change orders or other contractual provisions?

A90 – If items vary greatly enough from line item to market, they are to be submitted as non-priced items. Both change orders and variations in cost shall be subject to Government Technical evaluation. Otherwise, these differences may be included within the coefficient as the contractors deems necessary.

Q91 – Since the Government only requests the RS MEANS Facilities Cost Data Book, is the RS MEANS Complete Subscription Software (Facilities Construction & Renovation Package) required for the software?

A90 – No. We only require the Facilities Construction Costs.