Response to KTR Questions Presolicitation notice A-E IDIQ FY27 SOW.pdf

Reference Topic A/E inquiry Government Response

1 SOW, Section 1.3 Translation Requirements Please confirm that translations may be performed by qualified bilingual personnel within the A&E team.

We further understand that the use of a certified translation office or certified translations will not be required for contract deliverables, including permitting documentation, and that any project-specific translation requirements will be identified within the applicable Task Order.

Translations needs to be performed by a professional translator with corresponding degree.

2 SOW, Section 1.3.3 AutoCAD vs Revit Please confirm that BIM/Revit models are acceptable for design development, provided all required deliverables are also submitted in a compatible DWG format.

Confirmed, as long as the drawings are submitted in the latest compatible DWG format.

3 SOW, Section 1.3.4 Site Investigations Please confirm that site investigations are only required when specifically identified within the applicable

Task Order scope and are not intended to be performed for every Task Order by default.

Negative. Site investigations are part of every Task Order, this will not specifically identified in the Task

Orders.

4 SOW Sections 1.3, 2.4, 3, and 4

Labor Categories / Rate Table The SOW identifies numerous disciplines, specialty services, and subject matter experts. Please confirm that the solicitation will identify all labor categories anticipated to be required under the IDIQ and included in the negotiated rate table, including, as applicable, Program Management, Project Management, Architecture, Interior Design, Space Planning, Landscape Architecture, Master Planning, Programming, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Fire Protection

Engineering, Communications Engineering, Security Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geotechnical

Engineering, Cost Estimating, Construction Inspection/QA, Cybersecurity Specialist, Physical Securtiy

Specialist, Geospatial/GIS Services, Surveying, Sustainability, Energy Management, QA/QC Management, Specification Writing, Translation, and Document Control services, or advise which additional labor categories the Government anticipates requiring.

The labor categories listed correspond to the anticipated requirements. It cannot be ruled out that additional disciplines, which cannot currently be foreseen, may be added.

5 SOW, Section 1.4 10-Day Revision Requirement Please confirm that the ten (10) business day requirement for amendments and revisions applies where reasonably achievable and may be adjusted for complex revisions requiring substantial redesign or coordination.

The standard is ten days, in exceptional cases, this deadline may be adjusted by the Contracting Officer.

6 SOW, Section 1.4.1 Construction RFIs Please confirm that the no-cost RFI response requirement is limited to design clarifications and resolution of design errors, omissions, or discrepancies and is not intended to provide unlimited construction-phase support services.

Confirmed. If Construction support services are required, they specifically will be identified within the applicable Task Order as Title II requirement. See also Question 21

7 SOW, Section 1.4.3 Financial Liability Please clarify the basis upon which the Government will determine A&E liability for design deficiencies and confirm whether any limitations of liability or liquidated damages provisions will apply under this IDIQ.

This clause" 52.236-23 Responsibility of the Architect-Engineer Contractor." will be included in the

Solicitation and the Contract.

8 SOW, Section 1.5.3. OSHA / SiGeKo Please confirm that OSHA, HSE, or SiGeKo services are not required as part of the base design services and will only be required when specifically identified within the applicable Task Order.

Negative. IAW §3 Baustellenverordnung the SiGeKO must develop a safety and health plan during the planning phase, which is then updated during the construction phase. In addition, the SiGeKO assists in ensuring the safe planning of the construction site facilities and the construction process.

9 SOW, Section 1.5.4 A&E Responsibilities / Scope

Boundaries

Please confirm that the statement "all other aspects of the contract are the A&E's responsibility" is intended to apply only to performance of the contracted A&E services and is not intended to assign responsibility for project-specific enabling activities (e.g., UXO investigations, permitting, utility locates, Government-furnished information, or similar services) unless specifically included within the applicable

Task Order scope.

All additional services, including those mentioned here, are the responsibility of the A/E unless specifically excepted.

10 SOW, Section 1.5.7 QA/QC and ITR Please confirm that compliance with Section 1.5.7 may be demonstrated through the A&E's standard

QA/QC, coordination, constructability review, and peer review procedures and does not require a formal

Independent Technical Review (ITR) or third-party review unless specifically identified in the applicable

Task Order.

Confirmed

11 SOW, Section 1.6 Applicability of Geospatial Scope Section 1.6 establishes geospatial deliverable requirements for projects awarded under the IDIQ. Please confirm that the level of geospatial effort, including field collection, surveying, database updates, and GIS deliverables, will be specifically identified in each Task Order and is not intended as a mandatory requirement for every project regardless of scope.

Confirmed

12 SOW, Section 1.6.2, 1.6.4

Surveyor vs GIS Personnel Sections 1.6.2 through 1.6.4 include survey control monuments, survey-grade utility data, and field collection activities. Please clarify which services require a licensed survey professional and which may be performed by GIS personnel or other qualified team members.

The personnel responsible for surveying and processing GIS data must be qualified. Official certification for the surveyor as a “publicly appointed surveyor (öffentlich bestellter Vermesser)” under German law is not required. The surveyor must have at least completed training leading to the German professional title of

“surveying technician (Vermessungstechniker)”. To place land control markers/monuments, the surveyor must hold a degree as a "surveying engineer".

Re-acquisition of Architect & Engineer Services (A&E) Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) FY27 to support 86 Civil Engineering Squadron

A/E Inquiries

13 SOW Section 1.6.7 and 1.6.11

AF SDSFIE / GeoBase Requirements Please confirm that project-specific AF SDSFIE schemas, attribution requirements, templates, and GeoBase standards will be provided at the Task Order level prior to proposal submission or commencement of work.

Confirmed

14 SOW, Section 1.6.6 English-language GIS data Section 1.6.6 requires all file names and text content to be in English. Please confirm that software-generated fields, system-defined attributes, and source data received from Host Nation authorities may remain in their original format where translation would alter the underlying data structure or functionality.

Confirmed

15 SOW, Section 1.6.7 Existing Database Usage Section 1.6.7 states that an updated database will be obtained from the GeoBase office for each Task

Order. Please confirm that the A&E is expected to utilize and update available Government-furnished geospatial data and is not required to recreate or re-validate existing datasets unless specifically directed in the applicable Task Order.

The data received always needs to be validated.

16 SOW, Section 1.6.10 Utility Accuracy Requirement Section 1.6.10 requires underground utility data to be collected at survey-grade accuracy and obtained at the time of construction prior to burial. Please confirm that this requirement applies only to Task Orders that include construction-phase, utility installation, or as-built services and does not apply to design-only

Task Orders.

Confirmed

17 SOW, Section 1.6.15 Acceptance Criteria Section 1.6.15 makes acceptance contingent upon compliance with project requirements. Please confirm that project-specific attribution requirements, QA/QC criteria, and data acceptance standards will be defined within the applicable Task Order.

Confirmed. If there are any additional, project-specific requirements in addition to those listed in Section

1.6, these will be defined in the applicable Task Order. However, the requirements in this SOW always apply unless otherwise specified in the applicable Task Order

18 SOW, Section 2.3.7 Ramstein Cost Standard Can the Ramstein AB Cost Standard be released with the solicitation? Yes, the template will be released with the solicitation at the task order level.

19 SOW, Section 2.4.1 Fire Protection Qualifications Please confirm that appropriately licensed and qualified Host Nation fire protection professionals may satisfy the Fire Protection Engineer requirement where authorized by applicable Host Nation regulations and project requirements and that a U.S. Qualified Fire Protection Engineer (QFPE) will not be required.

To clarify, it is acceptable provided the HN Fire Protection Professional has the indepth knowledge of both, HN and US regulations and codes. If both, HN Fire Protection Engineer and QFPE are required, it will be specified in the Task Order.

20 SOW, Section 2.4.2 DBTA Responsibility Please confirm that the A&E's responsibility is limited to incorporating Government-provided DBTA requirements into the design and does not include preparation of the DBTA unless specifically identified within the applicable Task Order scope.

Negative.The DBTA will be requested and coordinated either during the PCR 2 or at early stages in the design.

21 SOW Section 1.4.1 and Section 3

Title II Construction Support Please confirm that Title II construction support services will only be required when specifically identified within the applicable Task Order and that the level of effort and construction duration will be established at the Task Order level.

Confirmed.

22 SOW Sections 1.3, 2.3, and 2.3.6

DD1391 Support Please confirm that the scope of DD1391 support, including validation, preparation, cost estimating, and charrette participation, will be specifically defined within each applicable Task Order.

Confirmed

23 SOW Sections 1.3.1, 1.5.1, and 2.3

Charrettes and Stakeholder

Engagement

Please confirm that project-specific requirements for charrettes, workshops, and stakeholder engagement sessions will be identified within the applicable Task Order.

Confirmed

24 SOW Sections 1.3.1, 1.3.4, 1.5.4, and 2.3

Host Nation Coordination and

Permitting

Please confirm that the extent of Host Nation authority coordination, permitting support, and stakeholder engagement will be defined within the applicable Task Order and that third-party review fees will be separately identified where applicable.

A qualified A/E is expected to be familiar with the documentation required for a permitting process and to be able to independently determine the scope of coordination and the necessary documentation for an

ABG2 process. ABG2 requirement will be specified in the applicable Task Order. Fees for third-party reviews are not listed and must be factored into the bid.

25 SOW Sections 1.3, 1.5, 2.4, 3 and 4

Task Order Staffing and Level of

Effort

Please confirm that task order schedules, staffing requirements, and level of effort will be established at the Task Order level and are not intended to require maintenance of a standing full-time staff for all disciplines throughout the IDIQ ordering period.

Confirmed. The key disciplines do not have to be staffed by the prime contractor; they can also be covered by subcontractors. Please note, however, section 1.3: if there is a change in these key personnel, the CO must be notified.

26 Not identified in

SOW

Contract Currency / Exchange Rate

Risk

Please confirm whether the negotiated IDIQ rate table, task order pricing, and invoicing will be established and administered in Euros or U.S. Dollars and clarify how exchange rate fluctuations will be addressed during the ordering period.

All pricing will be in EURO; therefore, exchange rate fluctuations will not apply.

27 SOW Section 1.2 Area of Responsibility / Local

Presence Requirement

The SOW requires the A-E firm to be located in Germany or maintain a branch office in Germany, and contract performance is anticipated to be supported through the contractor's local presence. Please clarify whether the Government anticipates any advantages in contract performance or overall execution through an established Host Nation legal entity as compared to a U.S.-based legal entity maintaining a local branch presence.

The employees working for the A/E firm must have sufficient knowledge of local laws and regulations and the ability to report to the base on short notice. In addition, the working hours of the A/E and the government at Ramstein Air Base should overlap as much as possible to make it easier to hold meetings in person or coordinate telecons.

28 SOW Sections 1.2, 1.3.1, 1.5.1

Personnel Location Requirements Please confirm our understanding that key personnel will be expected to maintain a local presence within

Germany. We further understand that, while the core project team is expected to be supported through the contractor's local German presence, specialized technical staff and subject matter experts may be supported from other European locations or the United States, where appropriate, provided all contract requirements are satisfied.

Confirmed

29 SOW Section 4 Task Order Award Process Please clarify whether all Task Orders will be competed among the awarded IDIQ contract holders or whether the Government anticipates circumstances under which Task Orders may be awarded based on specific qualifications, capabilities, locations, or other project requirements.

This topic will be addressed in the Ordering Procedures, which will be released with the Solicitation.

30 Presolicitation

Notice Section 3

Anticipated Geographic Distribution of Work

The presolicitation identifies the KMC as the primary area of performance while noting that work may occur elsewhere within EUCOM. Please provide any additional information regarding the anticipated geographic distribution of Task Orders within the area of responsibility to assist offerors in developing teaming, resource, and execution strategies.

The primary locations for this A/E IDIQ are the KMC and Spangdahlem AB with all associated GSU's. If additional location are required, it will be specified in the Task Order.

31 SOW Section 1.2 German Registration Requirements Please confirm that the requirement for the A/E firm to be located in Germany or maintain a branch office in Germany applies to the prime contractor. We further understand that specialty consultants and subcontractors may be located elsewhere, provided they satisfy all applicable licensing, registration, qualification, and contract requirements for the services they perform.

Confirmed. See also Question 27

32 SOW Sections 1.3.4, 1.6.7, 2.3

Government-Furnished Information Please confirm that available as-built drawings, utility records, surveys, GIS data, and other facility information will be provided as Government-Furnished Information and that the A/E is not required to recreate or independently validate such information unless specifically identified in the applicable Task

Order.

Negative. The information provided by the government regarding the projects—which may include as-built drawings, survey documents, GIS files, and utility documents—must always be reviewed by the A/E to ensure it is accurate and up-to-date. This applies even if it is not expressly stated in the applicable task order.

33 SOW Sections 2.4.2, 2.4.3

Security-Related Specialized Services Please confirm that requirements for ICD 705 facilities, SCIFs, SAPFs, and other secure environments will be specifically identified within the applicable Task Order scope.

Confirmed.

34 SOW Section 2.4.3 HEMP Support Please confirm that HEMP support is anticipated primarily as subject matter expert consultation and design review support unless detailed HEMP analyses and associated deliverables are specifically identified within the applicable Task Order.

Confirmed.

35 SOW Sections 2.3.6 and 2.3.7

Cost Estimating Formats Please confirm our understanding that planning and programming efforts (HOAI LP 1–2), including DD1391 development and validation, will utilize U.S. Government cost-estimating tools and formats (e.g., PACES), while subsequent design-phase cost estimates will be developed in accordance with DIN 276 and the applicable HOAI Leistungsphasen unless otherwise specified in the applicable Task Order.

Confirmed.

36 SOW Sections 1.3.4, 1.5.4, 2.3

Host Nation Permits and Approvals Please confirm that the A/E's responsibility is limited to preparation of permit documentation, provision of required technical support, and coordination with Host Nation authorities in support of the Government's permitting process, and does not include serving as the permit applicant (Bauherr) or obtaining approvals directly.

Confirmed.

37 Solicitation

Evaluation Criteria

(Not Yet Defined)

Past Performance / Relevant

Experience Recency

Please confirm the anticipated project recency period that will be applied when evaluating past performance and relevant experience submissions. For example, should firms assume projects completed within the last five years, ten years, or another evaluation period? In addition, are there any anticipated requirements regarding project relevance, customer type, project size, geographic location, or the number of project references that offerors should consider in preparing their qualifications package?

This information will be released with the solicitation.

38 Presolicitation

Notice Section 3

Anticipated Geographic Distribution of Work

Can the Government provide an estimated distribution of anticipated task orders between:

- Kaiserslautern Military Community (KMC)

- Spangdahlem Air Base

- Other EUCOM locations?

This information would assist firms in developing appropriate staffing, travel, and resource plans.

The Government cannot anticipate distribution of task orders between locations at this time.

39 SOW Section 1.2 German Design Office Requirement Is a registered German design office required for all design disciplines, or does this requirement apply only to the prime contractor?

The prime contractor or its branch office must have its registered office in Germany (entry in the commercial register).

Note:

For all disciplines that require authorization to submit plans under national law, the necessary documentation (e.g., membership in the Chamber of Engineers and authorization to submit plans for the relevant discipline) must be provided. The location of the company’s headquarters (e.g., a subcontractor) is irrelevant in this context.

40 SOW Section 2.4.3 ICD 705 / Secure Facilities Workload Can the Government provide an estimate of the anticipated percentage of task orders that will involve ICD

705 facilities, SCIFs, SAPFs, or other secure environments requiring cleared personnel and specialized design support?

This cannot be estimated.

41 SOW Section 2.4.3 HEMP Support Is HEMP support anticipated primarily as subject matter expert consultation and review, or should firms anticipate providing detailed HEMP analyses and associated design deliverables?

The current scope identifies HEMP SME support but does not define the expected level of effort.

Design Services that include analyses, specifications,calculations and construction drawings with details are expected.

42 SOW Sections 2.3.6 and 2.3.7

Cost Estimating Formats Is DIN 276 the sole required cost-estimating format, or will U.S. military cost-estimating formats also be required as part of project deliverables?

See Question No. 35.

43 As per the scope of work SCIF planning, ICD 05 projects must have a US Project manager with required clearance, can a US sub-contractor to a German Prime Contractor execute the design for ICD 705 projects?

Yes, that’s possible, but all the communication must be directly between the cleared US contractor and the US Project Manager.

44 For ABG2 approved projects, can the design also be accomplished using HOAI framework, i.e. the specifications format shall include quantities for each item in addition to design and plans etc?

HOAI framework can be used, however, the US standard must be met.

45 Not identified in

SOW

Contract Currency Will the contract be awarded in US$? No, alll Task Orders will be awarded in EURO.

46 SOW Section 1 „During execution of the Work, the A&E shall provide adequate professional supervision and quality control to ensure the accuracy, quality, completeness, and timely progress of all services”

Question:

Can you please elaborate whether this is intended for planning projects, or whether the supervision during the execution will be separate Task Orders?

The passage mentioned here refers to the planning phase of a project. If construction supervision is required, this will be explicitly specified as Title II services in the task order.

47 SOW Section 1.3 “The HOAI […] serves as a binding framework for the provision of all necessary services to produce a design that is eligible for approval and ready for construction.”

Question:

Can you confirm our understanding that the HOAI is used to describe the extent of required Basic Services but not as the basis for the calculation of costs? If required, Special Services (Besondere Leistungen) will be defined in the scope of work of the respective Task Order?

Your understanding is correct. Based on professional knowledge it is the responsibility of the A/E to recognize and include any special services that may be required.

48 SOW Section 1.3 „lf need arises for a change to the (*) Key Disciplines identified above, the firm shall provide the

Contracting Officer (CO) with:

1: a written request indicating the explanation of the necessity for the change, and

2: an updated SF330 Part 1 Section E for the proposed replacement personnel”

Question:

This statement is unclear. Does it mean that a key personnel member must be designated for the key disciplines marked with (*), and that if a personnel change becomes necessary within a key discipline, points 1 and 2 must be fulfilled?

Yes, that's correct. We must always be kept informed throughout the entire term of the contract about which individuals in your team are responsible for the key disciplines.

49 SOW Section 1.4 „Upon notification of a discrepancy, oversight, or omission, the A&E shall have up to ten (10) business days to prepare and submit an amendment or revision”

Question:

Depending on the extent of the required changes, ten days are not enough to process the notice of deficiency, redeploy staff, update documentation and plans, quality control and resubmission. Is it possible to increase the time limit or must this be discussed for the respective Tast Order?

To extend the deadline in general is not possible, but it can be reevaluated wihin the applicable task order.

50 SOW Section 1.4 The A&E shall provide engineering advice during the project construction period in connection with the design, as may be requested by the contracting Officer.”

Question:

The extent to which engineering advice is required during the construction period must be stated in the

SOW for each Task Order

If construction supervision is required, this will be clearly specified in the Task Order as Title II Services.

51 SOW Section 1.4.1 „The A&E shall provide answers to RFI within two (2) business days of receipt of the RFI at no additional cost to the Government”

Question:

Depending on the RFI, two days are not enough to process the request, compile the information, consult with other team members and provide the answer in the correct format. Is it possible to increase the time limit or must this be discussed for the respective Tast Order?

To extend the deadline in general is not possible, but it can be reevaluated wihin the applicable RFI.

52 SOW Section 2.3.5 Please clarify whether the specification should be according to UFGS or VOB/A? This depends on the type of project and is specified at the task order level. By the way, we corrected the

SOW to read VOB.

53 SOW Section 2.3.7 “Construction Cost Estimate. Provide construction cost estimate that complies with the Ramstein AB procurement process. The RamsteinAB Cost standard shall be used for this purpose.”

Question:

Is the Ramstein AB procurement process and cost standard described in the final SOW or provided as an attachment?

Yes, the template will be released with the solicitation at the task order level.

54 SOW Section 2.3.8 „Air Force Form 66 shall be used for this purpose. “

Question:

Will the Form 66 be provided as an attachment to the Final SOW?

Yes, the AF Form 66 will be provided as a seperate Attachment to RFP Package.

55 SOW Sectio 4.2.1 “… cost estimate shall be prepared using PAX as the authorized software.”

Question:

Can you please provide further information about this software?

PAX Programming Administration & Execution System (https://pax.csd.disa.mil/pax/)

PAX is a mission-critical, web-based information technology system utilized by the U.S. Army Corps of

Engineers (USACE) and the Department of Defense (DoD)

The system serves as the primary software suite for drafting, reviewing, and submitting DD Form 1391.

This form is the mandatory document used by the DoD to justify and submit military construction requirements and cost estimates (at 30% design or less) to Congress for funding via the Presidential

Budget Book.

PAX integrates Army requirement data with the federal programming process. It maintains databases for

Area Cost Factors (ACF) and Facility Unit Costs, which cost engineers use as mandatory guidelines to estimate and standardize building expenses across different global regions.

56 SOW Section 4.2.6 “The PCE shall be prepared using PACES as the authorized software.”

Question:

Can you please provide further information about this software?

Parametric Cost Engineering System (PACES 1.6 current version from AECOM)

The Parametric Cost Engineering Software (PACES®) software is used for planning and budgeting facility construction, renovation, and demolition costs. PACES improves project planning by allowing users to estimate costs in the conceptual design phases of facility development and to further refine costs through the final facility design process. PACES is based on a patented parametric approach and uses general parameters about the type of facility, location, size and functional space requirements to accurately predict construction costs with limited design information. The advantage to parametric cost estimating is that it uses general information about the scope and approach for a project to determine specific items and quantities required to construct the project. The system is annually updated with the most current price data.

57 SOW 2.4.3 Company A, an American firm, is in an active Joint Venture with Company B, a German firm. We are looking to pursue this opportunity as the A-B JointVenture. Our question is regarding the A&E having U.S.

citizens with the required clearance; Company A has individuals on staff meeting this requirement, based in the United States. We want to confirm if our U.S. based cleared staff would be allowed to complete this design work on behalf of our JV. We do have the ability to both travel and hold secure video teleconference virtual meetings in our Colorado, United States based SCIF. Or would the cleared staff need to be physically located in Germany?

U.S. employees with security clearances do not need to be physically located in Germany. However, the engineers working in the key disciplines should be based in Germany, and, most importantly, the respective project manager must be located in Germany and available during standard German business hours. See also Question 27

58 SOW I would like to ask a question regarding the subject presolicitation. The PWS indicates that work will include support at Spangdahlem AB, whereas the presolicitation only mentions providing support to KMC. Please could you confirm if Spangdahlem will form part of the primary location for the contract?

There might also be requirements for Spangdahlem, but the government anticipates the majority of requiremets to be for Ramstein and KMC Area.