RFI Responses.pdf

FA489726RA001 – RFIs

1. – What is considered support documentation?

Anything supporting the information provided in any part of the submission can be considered support documentation. CPARS reports, past performance questionnaires (PPQs), etc.

2. – The default SF330 template (link provided in the RFQ) have margins less than 1-inch. To meet the 1-inch margin requirement all sections of the SF330 (Parts I and II) would need to be modified. Since the SF330 template link is provided/included in the RFQ Instructions can the default margins provided in the default template be used instead of the 1-inch margins required in the RFQ?

Will the government consider removing the 1-inch margin requirement?

The margin requirement is for the 50 pages limited by the request for qualifications. The SF330 does not count towards that limit and is not limited by the required margins.

Changes to the formatting of the SF330 will not be accepted. The document is an official government form, and the standard format is consistent among official repositories.

The 1-inch limit will not be removed, but there will be an exception for the SF330.

3. – Instructions state the SF330 itself and the self-evaluation do not count against the 50-page limit. What content counts towards the 50-page limit?

Everything else submitted is part of the 50-page limit. See Question 10 for further clarification regarding Part II of the SF330.

4. – Are CPARs and PPQs excluded from the 50-page limit?

No.

5. – Are 11x17 inch pages allowed for the Org Chart? If so, do they count as 1 page or 2 pages?

To adhere to the standardized submission size, an org chart would need to be split into multiple 8.5x11 pages or shrunk to fit, if possible.

6. – Are resumes being evaluated strictly on location and certifications or are there additional criteria for experience?

The evaluation criteria are only concerned with location and certifications.

7. – The scoring outlined for professional qualifications list the different disciplines and points for having each discipline “on staff.” Does “on staff” mean that the person must be an employee of the prime consultant? If the person is a full-time employee of a sub-consultant, would full points be awarded for that?

Each discipline is required for a company to be considered responsible, but in-house capability is required for scoring within the selection criteria. Sub-contracted/consulted personnel will be accepted as part of the requirement, but not for scoring.

Any sub-contracted/consulted employee will not grant points for evaluation.

8. – Can you confirm that subcontractor qualifications may be submitted and will be evaluated equally to the prime contractor’s qualifications?

All qualifications will be evaluated equally, but may not provide points for the selection criteria.

9. – Is the scoring based strictly on if the team has the discipline on staff? Or will the quality of the resume be evaluated? For instance, if the consultant has one or more registered structural engineers on staff, are they automatically awarded 10 points, or will points vary based on the resume of the structural engineer?

-Yes, the scoring is strictly based on personnel on staff. Resume quality will not be a scored factor.

10. – The RFQ states: “The Standard Form 330 itself and the self-evaluation using this document does not count against the 50-page limitation.” - Does this mean that the SF330 Part II is not counted in the page count?

Part II of the SF330 is excluded from the 50-page limit, along with part I. The additional pages needed for the required projects and resumes will also count as part of the

SF330.

Projects (ten projects) and resumes (two per “one or more” factor) beyond what is required will be counted as part of the 50-page limitation.

11. – Past Performance: if a category is not rated will it be removed from the denominator for the average calculation? For example: for firm fixed price contracts cost control is not required according to the CPAR instructions.

A category that was not scored will not be included in the average if it was not applicable, such as in the case of the example provided. However, if all three projects reviewed for past performance have unscored criteria, then the unscored criteria will be marked as satisfactory, in order to not over/underinflate scores.

12. – Is it acceptable to augment the self-evaluation checklist with answers to the questions?

Yes, but any additional pages added due to the answers will be included as part of the 50-page limit. And pages may not be deleted from the criteria self-evaluation in order to allot further submission pages.

13. – Is a Certified Cost Professional (CCP) (a higher qualification) acceptable in lieu of Certified Professional Estimator (CPE)?

As both CCP and CPE are professional level certifications, a CCP will be acceptable given the following. The estimator MUST HAVE 5 years minimum experience with MII – Micro-Computer Aided Cost Estimating System Second Generation (MII/MCACES) in order to be given points for the certification.

14. – Does the cost estimator discipline need a certification? If so, what certification is required?

The American Society of Professional Estimators, Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE) International, International Cost Estimating and Analysis Association (ICEAA) all offer certifications/credentials.

According to AACE, both CCP and CEP are Professional Level certifications. See RFI 12 for further clarification on CCP.

15. – On PIEE, Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is listed as a required attachment. Please confirm this is correct?

The MSDS “check box” on the government end shows as unchecked. To ensure clarification, it is not required as there is no certainty to hazardous materials being delivered. The clause related to hazardous materials would be included on a case-by-case basis for individual task orders. The verbiage cannot be removed at this time, but can be ignored for this request.

16. – Is it required that we use the official fillable PDF version of the SF330 form provided, or are we permitted to recreate the form in another program (e.g., Word or InDesign) as long as the format and content remain consistent with the original?

A recreated version of the SF330 is permitted, so long as the format and content are consistent with the official form. The provided form can be prohibitive on some systems due to locked formatting.

17. – Should resumes be provided only for the six core design disciplines listed (Architectural, Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Environmental, and Electrical), or if resumes for the additional credentialed roles listed in the point breakdown (e.g., CPE, CIH, FPE, NICET IV, etc.) should also be included?

A total of 13 scored criteria in selection criteria 1 are present. Two resumes for each of these are acceptable as part of the SF330, and will cover the 6 core designs listed.

See question 18 for additional required resume for project manager.

18. – Does the government want resumes for the project managers?

Yes. Please include project manager resumes as part of the SF330 key personnel resumes.

19. – How many projects can we submit for Section F?

Per section F, 10 projects may be submitted as part of the SF330 submission.

20. – How many pages per resume and project sheet?

Section E of the SF330 are the “resumes” that are mentioned. Each key personnel requires at least one to be completed, but two are acceptable. And they are one page each. Additional pages for a single resume will be counted as part of the 50-page limit.

21. – For Section F, how recent should the projects presented be?

For part 2 of the selection criteria, the government will evaluate the 3 most recent projects for past performance. For part 3, the projects should be as recent as 5 years.

22. – The solicitation states “The Government will evaluate the past performance of the firm on its three most recent and relevant from Section F.” Is the government evaluating the 3 most recent projects evaluations or all of the Section F projects past performance evaluations?

The government will be evaluating the 3 most recent projects for past performance. And all for Specialized experience and technical competence.

23. – Does the Fire Alarm technician require certification?

Yes, a level IV NICET certification, minimum, is required.

24. – Will location of projects on our key personnel resumes or Section F projects be factored into the government’s evaluation? Specifically, will firms that show personnel experience and section F experience at Mountain Home AFB be evaluated more favorably?

The location of key personnel will be evaluated per section 5 of the selection criteria, but the project location will not be a scored factor.

25. – Within the Professional Qualifications criteria, the solicitation states “Complete in-house capability of the listed design disciplines is preferred.” Given that key personnel located less than 100 miles to Mountain Home AFB will be granted the most points, can the government confirm that an offeror that demonstrates a team of local (less than 100 miles from AFB) key personnel in these disciplines using a mix of in-house and local subconsultant personnel would be evaluated less favorably than an offeror who proposes all in-house key personnel but some are based greater than 100 miles to less than 300 miles radius from base?

I believe the answer to your question is, possibly. It depends on how many certified key personnel the completely in-house offeror has and how many are within 100 miles.

If all are within 300 miles, but more than 100, then 35 points would be awarded. And if all key personnel mentioned in selection criteria 1 are accounted for, then 100 points would be awarded. For a total of 135 points from the two sections.

An offeror would not get points for location or certifications with sub-contracted or consulted personnel. So if they had 6 of the certified key personnel in-house, they would get 60 points, and of the 7 disciplines, only 6 were accounted for within 100 miles, then they would get another 60 points. Bringing their total to 120 points for those two sections.

26. – Within the Professional Qualifications criteria, there is a bulleted list of a points scale based on the number of registered or certified staff in a variety of disciplines. How should firms demonstrate this capability – on the organizational chart?

The organizational charts will not be used as part of the evaluation. Having more than one certified personnel will not grant additional points.

27. – Within the Professional Qualifications criteria, the government provides a list of design disciplines and in that same paragraph, states “Resume submissions for key personnel are limited to these positions.” However, in the Capacity criteria, the solicitation states “…Proximity of the project manager who is either a PE or PMP certified within a defined radius of Mountain home AFB.

This person cannot be included in Item 1 from above.” We would like to confirm that a resume for the project manager is not required in our proposal?

A PE or PMP resume is required. (Related questions- 16, 17)

28. – Is there a time limit for how old Section F projects can be?

Selection criteria 4 is only concerned with projects within the past 5 years. But, selection criteria 2 and 3 are not limited.

29. – Is a certified fire alarm technician with NICET IV qualifications necessary?

According to the registry provided by Fire Cert Academy, there is not a registered NICET IV in Idaho.

While the qualification is not necessary to be considered for award, another certification will not be given points for any criteria.

29. – Can sub-contractors’ (that are listed in Section C, Proposed Team) resumes be submitted and awarded points for professional disciplines by the offeror if they are considered part of the proposing team?

The resumes should be submitted if they are part of the professional disciplines, but they will not be awarded points.

30. – Would the government consider an equivalent certification for the fire alarm technician key personnel?

Yes, but it will be up to the customer to determine if the equivalent certification is truly equivalent or just subjectively equivalent.

31. – Does the offeror need to provide resumes for key personnel if no points are awarded for roles not filled by the offeror?

In order to determine capability and responsibility, yes.

32. – For the Structural Engineer key personnel, does the individual have to possess a SE license or does a PE license suffice?

An SE license is required.

33. – For the past performance scoring, will the government adjust the requirement to allow past performance from both firms within a joint venture and will PPQs also be considered in the absence of CPARS ratings?

If it is two separate firms simply working together, and not a joint venture that now falls under one SAM registration, or if the joint venture is older than 5 years, then no.

If they do now fall under one SAM registration, then copies of the old/previous registrations would need to be included as supporting documentation to accept old CPARS reports and PPQs.

PPQs can be used given they follow the guidelines within section 2 of the selection criteria.

34. – RFQ page 2 – States “NAICS: 541330 Engineering Services and Small Business Size Standard: $25.5M”. NAICS code 541330 is for Engineering services and not Architectural services which is NAICS 541310 and has a Small Business size standard of $12.5M, can you please clarify the correct Small Business size standard for the RFQ?

The NAICS code being used for this request for qualification is 541330.

35. – RFQ page 13 – States “Proximity of the project manager who is either a PE or PMP certified”. Will a licensed Architect be sufficient as opposed to a PE or PMP certified?

The project manager must be PE or PMP certified.

36. – RFQ page 14 – Lists attachments: (1) Standard Form 330, (2) Scope of Work plus attachments, (3) Contract Rate Categories, and (4) Task Order Historical Data. While we are familiar with Form 330 and all USACE sub-items under line item (2), I did not locate documents under line items (3) and (4) on the RFQ solicitation, can documents under line items (3) and (4) be provided?

All relevant documents are posted on the PIEE solicitation module. If you are unable to access any of them, please contact the POCs for access.

37. – AE+SOW section 1.5.1 - States “All required presentations, interviews, meetings, etc., with Air Force personnel during project development shall be arranged and managed by the FIRM”. We will assume “presentations” and “interviews” will be performed in-person, however can “meetings” be performed remotely via Microsoft Teams?

Meetings that do not require in-person attendance can be performed remotely VIA MS Teams.

38. – AE+SOW section 3.4.3.1.4 – States that the FIRM shall “Perform environmental, hazardous materials, surveys sampling for materials such as, asbestos containing materials, lead based paint, mercury, PCB’s, CFC’s and chlordane in soils, along with a subsequent report of the findings”. Will MHAFB provide initial or preliminary Hazmat report for each TO prior to SOW determination?

They will be provided along with the SOW for a TO.

39. – Any prohibition on using dual citizen's on this contract? (US & friendly nation)

As long as the person is eligible to receive a “Real ID Act” identification, then there is no prohibition.

40. – RFP says that having all consultants under one firm is preferred. Most firms don't have ALL of the listed specialties, is it acceptable to partner with other firms and submit them under one prime?

Due to the needs of the government, only members on-staff with the prime will be considered for scoring. Partnering with another firm will only be accepted under the stipulations in question 33.

With the preponderance of firms that do not have all of the specialties in-house, the scoring between businesses should be similar.

41. – For Past Performance scoring, will the Government award points solely based on CPARS or PPQ ratings for the 10 Section F projects, or will other contracts also be considered? Will the Government calculate an average score across all submitted Past Performance ratings, or evaluate each project individually?

The points will be awarded based on the three most recent projects as per the selection criteria. The scores will be averaged per project, and then the average of those three projects will determine points. If all three projects have unscored criteria, then the unscored criteria will be marked as satisfactory, in order to not overinflate scores.

42. – Will the cost estimating basis be CSI Uniformat or MCACES?

It will be in MII – Micro-Computer Aided Cost Estimating System Second Generation

(MII/MCACES)

43. – The RFQ states "resume submissions for key personnel are limited to these positions." Can we submit multiple resumes for each stated position?

Multiple resumes may be submitted, but any additional over the required for scoring will be counted as part of the 50-page limit. The scoring is for “one or more,” and as such, two will be considered acceptable within the limits of the SF330.

44. – Is the 300 mile radius as the crow flies or on recognizable travel routes?

It is “as the crow flies.”

45. – Would the Government consider expanding the current radius thresholds from 300 miles to 600 miles for personnel proximity scoring?

Yes, per the changes made in SAM, the new radii for the selection criteria are now, 0 point per staff member – 500 miles and greater radius from base.

4 points per staff member – 250 miles to less than 500 miles radius from base.

7 points per staff member – 100 miles to less than 250 miles radius from base.

10 Points per staff member – less than 100 miles radius from base.

---Additional clarifications---

- Sub-contracted/consulted personnel of any sort will not count towards the score for any evaluation factor.

- If any questions are not answered satisfactorily, reach out to the POCs for further clarification within 10 days of the RFI response being posted.

- The due date for offers is being extended per the SAM.gov solicitation.