Attachment 26 - SABER MAC IDIQ RFI Answers v1.7 (Final) -- 20250210.pdf
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- Attached to
- FA466425R0001 - SABER MAC IDIQ B+4 @ March ARB
- Solicitation number
- FA466424R0004
About this file
This file contains questions and answers related to a SABER (Simplified Acquisition of Base Engineer Requirements) Multiple Award Contract (MAC) IDIQ solicitation for March Air Reserve Base. The document addresses 66 contractor questions about various aspects of the solicitation, including technical requirements, staffing, bonding, and proposal submission details.
Key updates and clarifications include: the technical proposal page limit has been increased from 15 to 35 pages; the proposal due date has been extended to February 28, 2025; two contractors will be awarded under the SABER MAC IDIQ rather than three; the Superintendent must be separate from QC/Safety roles which can be combined; contractors must provide LBP/asbestos surveys before work begins; all windows require wire chicken glass regardless of painted status; the period of performance has been extended to 180 calendar days; and Performance/Payment bonds will be required for task orders exceeding $150,000. The document also clarifies that contractors do not need to provide RS-Means software to the government but must submit both e-4Clicks files and PDFs for the seed project estimate.
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Attachment 26 to
FA466425R0001
1. Can the government clarify what is to be provided to address the RFP instruction: “The Offeror shall provide design/documentation for the overall MARB SABER IDIQ provided in the applicable Attachments.” We are unclear what types of design/documentation apply to the overall IDIQ.
A: Attachment 01 (SOW) and Attachments 02 and 03 (Master Specs Volumes 1 & 2) comprise the documentation which include design/documentation needed for submittals. Attachment 02 goes over the items needed for a submittal. Section 19.0 of the SOW gives instructions on providing submittals via AF Form 3000. Per the SOW, the Government will provide only basic design/scope information for each task order. The contractor shall complete the design and provide construction and complete “as-built” drawings (if required). See Section 5.0 – Design and Construction Requirements of the SOW for more information.
2. Since the environmental survey has not been provided, please clarify if we should we include abatement in the seed project price.
A: Asbestos and Lead Base Paint: Contractor to provide for an asbestos and lead base paint survey prior to start of construction. The survey results will determine whether or not to remove asbestos or lead base paint. If asbestos or lead base paint abatement is necessary, contractor must perform abatement after developing abatement plans and obtaining appropriate Government approvals. All abatement must be in accordance with the attached March ARB Asbestos Management and Operating Plan, and applicable Federal, State, and local laws.
3. Regarding RFP Section L, paragraph 4.2.4.1.1, it appears that resumes are not required for anyone other than the PM as long as we provide “each individual’s name, title, duty, years of experience, and experience level relating to similar contracts in size and scope.” With a 15-page limit for Factor 1, Technical, there isn’t much room to include resumes for the named positions of PM, SS, QA Manager/Foreman, Safety Manager, Cost Estimator, and Draftsman.
A: The 15-page list has been changed to 35 pages.
4. Volume I – Technical includes the instruction at Section L, paragraph 4.2.4.4.4 – “The Offeror shall provide a price proposal that includes the proposed CLINs with pricing (based on proposed coefficients) and quantities applicable for executing the Seed Project through the usage of RS-Means (Unburdened) Cost Database estimating software (e-4Clicks) or approved equivalent. The proposed CLINs will be evaluated for technical acceptability. The Offeror’s proposal shall be sent with a digital e-4Clicks file, PDF, and conceptual drawings needed to evaluate proposed CLINs and quantities.”
4a. Do we need to provide conceptual drawings with this proposal? If so, what level of design is required?
A: Yes. Per SOW, the Government will provide only basic design/scope information for each task order.
The contractor shall complete the design and provide construction and complete as- built drawings. See Section 5.0 – Design and Construction Requirements of the SOW for more information.
4b. Do we include this information in the 15-page Technical Volume as well as submit via e-4Clicks?
A: Yes. Technical page limit is now 35.
4c. Do the PDFs of the e-4Clicks file count toward the page count?
A: Yes.
4d. Please review Attachment 03 - Coefficient Pricing Worksheet. There are no instructions, and it appears to be incorrect.
A: Instructions for the Coefficient Pricing Worksheet are now under Attachment 20. The Coefficient Pricing Worksheet itself is now Attachment 19 and has been updated.
5. The vertical and horizontal axes both list years and options, whereas one axis should show standard, non-standard and non-pre-priced.
5a. Please provide the weighting that will be used.
A: See attached MARB_SABER-COEFFICIENTS PRICING SCHED.
5b. What value should we use for the Seed Task Order price?
A: See attached MARB_SABER-COEFFICIENTS PRICING SCHED for reference and calculate value.
6. Only bid bond required for bid package is a letter of bond ability for $1M single and $5M aggregate.
No bid bond required for SEED project.
A: Correct, a letter from the SBA Surety Bond Guarantee Program Office or an independent Surety Company will suffice. A Performance and Payment bond will be required if selected as a SABER IDIQ awardee.
7. Please clarify Reserve $1M P&P bond requirement specified in RFP. Is it like blanket bond? Or is it OK to bond per task order as awarded?
A: A payment and performance bond per awarded task order will be needed (see the SBA Surety Bond Guarantee Program).
8. Should contractor assume and include cost of off-site office in our OH and Coefficient factor calculation?
A: Yes.
9. Coefficient factor form provided in RFP doesn’t allow to include details such as on-site team, vehicles, etc. so is it possible to provide more detailed home for all contractor to bid on same format?
A: The coefficient Price sheet has been updated under Attachment 19.
10. It is almost impossible to collect PPQ reviews from previous COs and have them ready by 9/26/24.
Is it possible to extend bid date or accept CPARS or similar PPQ reviewed for previous bids to include here?
A: PPQs will be accepted by 28 Feb 2025 but will not be replaced by CPARS.
11. RFP indicates that the Government will award two contracts. During our site visit it was mentioned that the Government may award three or more contracts. Please clarify the total number of awards, because it will affect our assumptions of possible awards per year and that affects our coefficient factor calculation.
A: It was stated during the site visit that there would be two to three (2-3) awardees, but the official awardee number has been adjusted down to just two (2) contractors in total.
12. The SOW lists contractors’ staff under SOW paragraph 3.2 and indicates many to be available full time on site. This is a small SABER contract and keeping staff on site means very high OH and high Coefficient factor. Is it possible to have one qualified person with Safety, QC certificate as PM on site to reduce OH and Coefficient factor.
A: The Superintendent should be separate; the QC and Safety can be the same on site.
13. There are many holes and pipe cut off at walls. Is it part of SOW to repair and patch holes before painting?
A: Yes. Patch and repair holes before painting.
14. There are many windows need adjustment. Is it part of SOW? Or we only paint them as they are?
A: Yes. Adjust windows as needed.
15. Many windows cracked. Some painted and some not. Should we replace all cracked windows with wire chicken glass windows and then match existing condition for paint?
A: Replace all cracked windows with wire chicken glass. Do not paint new and existing glass windows.
If glass windows are painted, remove paint and clean windows as stated in the SOW paragraph of the Specific Requirements of Project.
16. Should we assume all existing paint are hot and need abatement?
A: No. Do not assume all existing paint is hot and need abatement. Contractor must have an LBP survey completed to determine if all existing exterior paint is hot.
17. Lower part of Sheet metal skin around bldg. needs to be replaced. Would you please clarify material?
It looks like sheet metal covered by transit.
A: Refer to the applicable SOW paragraph for the Removal of Hanger Door Skin.
18. Existing copper Gutter and downspouts remain as is and only clen and paint. No repair needed.
A: Clean and paint existing copper roof gutters and metal downspouts IAW the specification in 09 90 00- SPECIFICATION PAINTS AND COATINGS HISTORIC BUILDINGS. Minor adjustments may be warranted.
19. Does government have CAD drawings for bldg. 300 to share with contractor.
A: No CAD drawings available; Only pdf files are available.
20. Should new door hardware match existing?
A: Refer to Specification 08 71 00 SPECIFICATION DOOR HARDWARE HISTORICAL BUILDINGS
AND 08 11 13 SPECIFICATION STEEL DOORS AND FRAMES HISTORIC BUILDING.
21. Will government cut and remove trees and bushes to clear around building? Also, dirt piles up against walls that need to be removed. Or all is part of SOW by Contractor?
A: Base Grounds contractor will trim the building trees and bushings. Dirt piled up against the building walls removed.
22. Attachment 08 – Section L, Instructions to Offerors states that the maximum page count for the technical submittal is not to exceed 15 pages. Our company’s QC plan and employee resumes alone exceed this page count. Please advise how you would like us to proceed, can the page count be increased?
A: The page count will be increased to 35 pages. Section L is now Attachment 17.
23. Attachment 00 - Solicitation for FA466424R0004, Section B - Supplies or Services & Prices or Costs, estimated quantities, shows there are “1000 jobs” for Items 0001, 1001, 2001, 3001, and 4001. Please confirm this is supposed to state (1 jobs) per item 0002?
A: Attachment 00 (RFP) quantity has been changed. Solicitation number is now FA466425R0001.
24. Can the current proposal date be extended?
A: Yes, it had been extended to 28 Feb 2025.
25. Is a SSHO or Safety Manager required for this SABER Contract? If so, is the SSHO or Safety Managers salary to be included in the coefficient?
A: Yes. This are included in your coefficient.
26. Can the SSHO or Safety Managers be a collateral position with the Project Superintendent or Quality Control Manager?
A: The Superintendent should be separate; the QC and Safety can be the same on site.
27. Please confirm a designated site Superintendent is required for each task order? FARS 52.236-6 Superintendence by the Contractor, “At all times during performance of this contract and until the work is completed and accepted, the Contractor shall directly superintend the work or assign and have on the worksite a competent superintendent who is satisfactory to the Contracting Officer and has authority to act for the Contractor.”
A: Confirmed. A designated site superintendent is required for each task order.
28. Please confirm a designed site Superintendent is required for each task order?
28a. 1.7 SUPERVISION
A: Per Task Order.
28b. 1.7.1 Superintendent Qualifications
28c. 1.7.2 Minimum Communication Requirements
28d. Have at least one qualified superintendent, or competent alternate, capable of reading, writing, and conversing fluently in the English language, on the jobsite at all times during the performance of Contract work. In addition, if a Quality Control (QC) representative is required on the Contract, then that individual must also have fluent English communication skills.”
A: Confirmed. A designated site superintendent is required for each task order.
29. Please confirm a designed SSHO/Safety manager is required per site?
29a. EM-385 (2-4.b) states the following. “Site safety and Health Officer (SSHO). SSHOs must be present at the site of work and located so they have full mobility and reasonable access to all major work operations occurring during the shift.” And to enforce the job site APP and AHA’s.
29b. Per EM-385 (2-4.b) , and our companies’ years of experience in GOV contracting a SSHO or (Safety Manager as called out per the solicitation) is required to be on the work site at all times per Task Order to maintain site safety.
29a-b A: Confirmed. A designated Safety Manager is required for each task order.
30. Will there be a site visit for the seed project?
A: The site visits were completed as of 20 September 2024.
31. Please provide lead and asbestos report for the seed project.
A: There’s no lead and asbestos report available on this building.
32. Please confirm if a bid guarantee / bond is required and in what amount?
A: An Offer (bid) guarantee is required when Performance and Payment Bonds are required for any construction contract (IDIQ awardees) exceeding $150,000; this is IAW FAR 28.102-1(a) (also see the SBA Surety Bond Guarantee Program).
33. On Attachment 00 Standard Form 1442, Item 13b notes that an offer guarantee is required. We wanted to clarify whether this statement still holds true since we are unable to locate any other documents that specify the bid bond amount.
A: An offer guarantee will be required on each TO (also see the SBA Surety Bond Guarantee Program).
34. What is the proposed amount that shall be filled in block 17 of the SF 1442? Base year only or total Base year and all option years?
A: The SF 1442 CLINs will be updated.
35. In Section L, paragraph L6.1 calls “In lieu of filling out Section B, Supplies or Services Prices, Offerors shall be required to submit pricing on the attached pricing schedule in order to meet the requirements outlined in Section M of the solicitation,” while paragraph L6.1 requires “the Offeror shall submit coefficients for all CLINs and SLINs identified in Section B.”
A: This language is interchangeable – Section B has been updated along with the CLINs.
36. If CLIN 0002 is identified as having no cost incurred to the Contractor, should the offeror fill it with $0.00 or leave it blank?
A: The CLINs on Attachment 00 (RFP) have been updated per Amendment 0004.
37. Please clarify if the proposed unit price for each CLIN (0001, 1001, 2001, 3001, 4001) in Section B will be the total price of the Seed project, the value provided in the digital e4Clicks file or PDF, and multiply with the proposed coefficient for each year.
A: The CLINs on Attachment 00 (RFP) have been updated per Amendment 0004.
38. Please clarify what additional documentation regarding the rationale is used to determine their coefficients as required in Section L, paragraph 6.1.1.
A: Section B of Attachment 00 (Solicitation) has been updated. The offeror shall provide information concerning the coefficient costs that they are using with their coefficient.
39. Section L, paragraph L3.2. states – “NOTE: Sections K, L, and M will be removed from the resulting MARB SABER IDIQ contract award but will be considered incorporated by reference.”
A: This is correct; Sections K, L, and M are part of the solicitation (RFP), but are not included in the final contract award document. However, contractor information provided from addressing Section K provisions in SAM.gov will remain in SAM.gov for the remainder of the SABER MAC IDIQ contract.
40. Please clarify what are the basic criteria for the offerors to follow.
A: They will be removed after the contract award as noted. Please continue to follow Section L as these are the pre-award instructions to all offerors.
41. Attachment 03 – Coefficient Pricing Worksheet; Please clarify what are Option 1, Option 2, Option 3 and Option 4 in columns D, E,F and G.
A: Attachment 03 has been changed to Attachments 19 and 20, which have been updated.
42. Attachment 03 – Coefficient Pricing Worksheet; Please clarify how to determine the Weight of each year in column I.
A: Attachment 03 has been changed to Attachments 19 and 20, which have been updated.
43. As the extensive requirements of this SABER IDIQ, the offeror usually needs about one month to finish the proposal especially at the end of fiscal year. Therefore, we request the Government to extend the proposal due date to October 11, 2024.
A: It has been extended to February 28, 2025.
44. In Attachment 10 - PPQ its states the following “Our areas of interest regarding the offeror are summarized in the enclosed questionnaire. In order to meet the acquisition milestones, we request your written response no later than no later than 20 Sept 2024 after your receipt of this letter. Can you explain what response it is you need and can we still respond.
A: Attachment 10 has been changed to Attachment 22 and the date has been updated to reflect a new proposal due date of 28 February 2025.
45. Could the Government provide guidance as to how to complete Attachment 03 - Coefficient Pricing Worksheet? Is KTR input required in columns D, E, F, and G, since we would already be inputting a coefficient into column C under “Base Year”, “OY1”, “OY2” etc? What input is required for column I, “Weight”? Totals in column K (“Total Evaluated Price”) calculate using cell K4, what value is the KTR required to input in cell K4? For your awareness, we noticed Cell H8 does not average. It might be beneficial to shade which cells require KTR input and leave the cells that don’t require KTR input unshaded.
A: Attachments 19 and 20 have been revised to include instructions on how to fill out the Coefficient Pricing Worksheet.
45a. Given the short turnaround on this proposal, would the Government accept the following in regards to PPQs: KTR is to Complete Section 1 (Contract Identification) and Section 2 (Customer or Agency Identification), and email the form to the Customer or Agency POC, with the requested Air Force POCs (jon.aaron@us.af.mil and/or michael.dorsey14@us.af.mil) a copy on or before the Proposal due date/time;
Or is the Government requiring fully completed PPQs (Section 1-4) to be sent from the Customer or Agency POC directly to the Air Force POCs on or before the proposal due/date time?
A: The KTR shall forward the blank PPQs to their prior or current customers / Government agency POCs in which they performed similar or identical project work. Those agency POCs will in turn fill out the PPQ and forward it to the March ARB Contracting Flight. PPQs shall be due on or before the new due date and time.
45b. Per page A-2 Thru A-5, Note 9.11., states to repair approximately 3000’ SF of 22 Guage Custom Rolled Corrugated metals. However, during the site walk it was stated that only the bottom section, approximately 7’ would need to be replaced. This would be approximately 1500 SF not 3000 SF. Please advise on the correct footage to be replaced.
A: The contractor shall remove and replace the full hangar door skin, approx. 3000’ SF of 22-gauge custom rolled corrugated metal siding as stated in Note. 9.11., of Page A-2 thru A-5.
46. Per Page A-2 Thru A-5, Note 9.1., Remove and dispose of all cables, wires, pipes, conduit, junction boxes or mounting hardware, which are severed, disconnected, capped or otherwise no longer in use. Can the facility please quantify the amount of material that will be removed due to the above description of scope to have a fair and reasonable quote from all parties bidding.
A: The Government does not have exact amounts of each material mentioned on the list above.
47. RE: Attachment 08 - Section L Instructions to Offerors, 3.2.1, Technical, 3.2.4.2, Subfactor 2 – Bonding Capacity states – “The Offeror shall provide evidence of its ability to obtain the maximum single award / TO performance and payment bonding capacity of $1M and a minimum multiple project aggregate bonding capacity of $5M per year.”
Statement: Table 2.1 only allows 15 pages for Volume I, Technical and section 3.1 only allows for 31 pages.
Will Subfactor 2 – Bonding Capacity requirements be excluded from the page count or submitted under 5.0 Volume III?
mailto:jon.aaron@us.af.mil mailto:michael.dorsey14@us.af.mil
A: The page counts in paragraph L2.10 have been updated on Attachment 17, Section L. Bonding Capacity requirements shall be submitted under Vol. II.
48. RE: Attachment 08 - Section L Instructions to Offerors, 3.2.1 Technical, 3.2.4.4 Subfactor 4 – Seed Project.
Statement: Table 2.1 only allows 15 pages for Volume I, Technical and section 3.1 only allows for 31 pages.
Total page count on the seed project can be 20+ pages. Will Subfactor 4 – Seed Project requirements be excluded from the page count?
A: The page counts in paragraph L2.10 have been updated on Attachment 17, Section L. Subfactor 4 – Seed Project Requirements are not included under Vol. II.
49. RE: Attachment 02 - SABER Master Spec Vol 1, 1.5 Task Order Selection Process, 1.5.1 states – “The Government anticipates awarding one (1) SABER IDIQ contract.”
-AND-
RE: Attachment 18 - Section M Evaluation Factors for Award, Section 1.2 states – “The USG intends to award two (2) contracts for the March Air Reserve Base (MARB) Simplified Acquisition of Base Engineer Requirements (SABER) Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) Program.” Is the government intending on awarding one or two SABER contracts?
A: There will be two (2) separate awardees / contractors under one (1) SABER contract – this is a Multiple Award Contract (MAC) IDIQ.
50. RE: Attachment 02 - SABER Master Spec Vol 1, 1.1 Cost Estimating Software Requirements 1.1.3 states – “The Contractor shall maintain, the most current version of both the software program and databases and the annual updates to both, as they become available from RS-Means for the life of the contract. The Contractor and the Government shall both have the most current version of the software and databases at all times.”
-AND-
RE: Attachment 17 - Section L Instructions to Offerors, 3.2.4.4 Subfactor 4 – Seed Project, 3.2.4.4 states – “The Offeror shall provide a price proposal that includes the proposed CLINs with pricing (based on proposed coefficients) and quantities applicable for executing the Seed Project through the usage of RS- Means (Unburdened) Cost Database estimating software (e-4Clicks) or approved equivalent. The proposed CLINs will be evaluated for technical acceptability. The Offeror’s proposal shall be sent with a digital e4Clicks file, PDF, and conceptual drawings needed to evaluate proposed CLINs and quantities.”
50a. Is the Contractor to provide RS-Means estimating software to the Government?
A: No.
50b. If so, how many seats of estimating software does the Contractor have to provide to the Government?
A: N/A.
50c. If so, will the Contractor be responsible for installing the software on the Government’s system and maintaining the software i.e. updates and troubleshooting?
A: N/A.
50d. If so, what estimating software is the Contractor to provide, Cost Works or e-4Clicks?
50e. If it is e-4Clicks, is the Contractor to provide e-4Clicks Pro desk top version or server version?
50f. Does the Government want a digital e-4Clicks file and PDF copy of the seed project estimate?
A: Both.
51. RE: Attachment 02 - SABER Master Spec Vol 1, 1.1 Cost Estimating Software Requirements, 1.1.4 states – “Each of the Contractor(s) shall provide the Government three (3) copies of the current / latest RS- Means, Facilities Construction Cost Data books. Copies of the current edition shall be provided within 21 days of contract award and subsequent editions within 21 days of exercised Option Year(s).”
51a. Is the Contractor to provide 3 hard copies and 3 electronic copies of RS-Means Facility Construction Data books?
A: Three (3) Hard Copies.
52. RE: Attachment 02 - SABER Master Spec Vol 1, 1.1.5 Training, 1.1.1.5.1 states – “Over the life of the contract, each Contractor shall provide one (1) each, 3-day RS-Means CostWorks software training course and two (2) each, 2-day, RS-Means Cost Estimating training course. a) Each contractor shall be responsible for and assume the cost of training 9 government employees. Training shall be conducted at a Government facility to be identified by the Contracting Officer. The RS-Means CostWorks software training course and the initial RS-Means Cost Estimating training course shall be scheduled and conducted no later than 45 calendar days after contract award. Subsequent RS-Means Cost Estimating training course shall be scheduled and conducted no later than 45 days after the exercise of Option Year 2 of the contract.
The Contractor shall provide all laptops, books, workbooks, and any other training materials (if required).
Government provided internet / network connections will not be available for Contractor use during the training. Training shall be conducted by certified RS-Means instructors.”
52a. Is the Contractor to provide one (1) / 3-day CostWorks or e-4Clicks software estimating training course?
52b. Is the Contractor to provide two (2) / 2-day RS-Means Cost Estimating data training by a certified RS- Means instructor?
53. RE: Attachment 02 - SABER Master Spec Vol 1, 1.3 Coefficient, 1.3.7 states - Coefficients will represent the maximum amount authorized on task orders. Contractors may propose lower coefficients on individual task orders in order to gain a competitive advantage on the task order.
53a. Is the Contractor to assume that all task orders are to be competed?
54. In terms of solicitation and contract requirements, if there is a conflict between any of the solicitation documents, which document(s) takes precedence over the others?
A: None.
55. Can the QC, SSHO, and Superintendent roles be performed by the same individual on the seed project?
A: Repeat Question; See response above.
56. Please confirm whether the contractor's scope of work includes not only hazardous material testing but also the abatement of potential hazardous materials.
A: Confirmed. If testing produce positive result, abatement will be completed by contractor.
57. Due to the close proximity to the airfield, can we assume that a FOD (Foreign Object Debris) prevention plan will be required?
A: Contractors work plan should specify a prevention plan for airfield and aircraft FOD.
58. Please confirm that all painted windows are not required to have stamped chicken wire.
A: Refer to the specific requirement SOW paragraph; All windows, painted or not painted, will have the stamped chicken wire.
59. Please confirm that the boarded-up/cemented windows are no longer part of our scope of work
A: Refer to the specific requirement SOW paragraph.
60. Please confirm that the only pipe/conduit to be removed is the one shown in the attached photo, located on the northwest side of the building.
A: Refer to the specific requirement SOW paragraph.
61. Please confirm that we are not required to replace any window frames, as discussed during the site visit, and that only the cracked windowpanes are to be replaced.
A: Refer to the specific requirement SOW paragraph.
62. Please confirm that Hangar 300 will remain unoccupied throughout the entire duration of construction.
A: Hanger B300 will be minimum occupied at all times. During construction, Contractor will prevent any construction debris from entering the building interior.
63. Due to the additional abatement scope of work, we are requesting an extension of the project period of performance (POP) to 180 calendar days.
A: Proposed POP extension to 180 calendar days is acceptable.
64. For the light fixture scheduled for removal on the north face of Hangar 300, should we remove all conduit back to the point of connection (POC)?
A: Yes. Refer to the specific requirement SOW paragraph; Remove conduit back to the point of connection.
65. Please confirm if all doors are to match the appearance of the door shown in the attached photo (Door.jpg).
A: The photo is missing.
66. In Section H - Special Contract Requirements, Bonds, please clarify the Reserve Bonding Requirements intent: Is the magnitude $2,250,000 P&P bond issued per exercised year for the duration of the contract or is it issued as a one-time P&P bond for the duration of the contract??
A: The Surety amounts and language have been changed in Section H and in FAR 28.102-1(a). According to the SBA, Surety bonds help small businesses win contracts by providing the customer with a guarantee that the work will be completed. Many public and private contracts require surety bonds, which are offered by surety companies. The SBA guarantees surety bonds for certain surety companies, which allows the companies to offer surety bonds to small businesses that might not meet the criteria for other sureties. The SBA provides Surety bonds to cover all Bid, Performance, and Payment bonds for projects or a combination of projects valued up to a total of $9M in accordance with 13 CFR 115.1. All performance and payment bond guarantees require small businesses to pay SBA a fee of 0.6% of the contract price. If for some reason the bond is cancelled or not issued, SBA will return the guarantee fee.
SBA does not charge a fee for bid bond guarantees. SBA’s Surety Bond Guarantee program has two components: the Prior Approval surety bond program and the Preferred surety bond program. In the Prior Approval program, all bond guarantee applications are submitted to SBA for prior review and approval.
In the Preferred program, sureties have the authority to issue, monitor, and service bonds without prior approval by SBA. For surety bonds issued in either program, SBA guarantees 90% of the losses incurred on contracts up to $100,000, and on contracts awarded to the following types of businesses:
• Socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses
• Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) program small businesses
• 8(a) Business Development Program small businesses
• Veteran or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned small businesses
SBA offers an 80% guarantee on bonds for all other individual contracts up to $9 million for DoD contracts if a federal contracting officer certifies that SBA’s guarantee is necessary for the small business to get a bond.
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