Requests_for_Information_(RFIs)_15_May_2017.pdf

Requests For Information 15 May 2017 FA8501-17-R-0007

Contractor #1

1. On page 40 of the Solicitation document, in the first paragraph of Subfactor 1, the essential components for submittal include the following items: "work plan, quality assurance plan, drawings, specifications, design analysis, and AF Forms". Then, in the paragraphs "a - c" immediately following, the elements to be addressed include: a construction narrative, work plan, and AF Forms. And in paragraph "a" it states that preliminary design at any stage is NOT required and will be removed if submitted. Can you please clarify if we should include quality assurance plan, drawings, specifications, and design analysis as part of Subfactor 1 (as stated in the first paragraph), or if these items are not required for the proposal and we should include items "a - c" only (construction narrative, work plan, AF Forms only)?

RESPONSE: In Subfactor 1 main paragraph it plainly states: “The elements listed below must be addressed in full for the demonstration project.”

2. Paragraph "d" at the bottom of page 40 of the Solicitation document (under Subfactor 1) references the requirement of Attachment 6 AF Form 3052. Then, on page 43 of the solicitation document, item number "2" at the top of the page (which falls under Factor 2

- Volume III Cost/Price) it states that "all data relating to the proposed price must be included in the section of the proposal designated as the Cost/Price Volume". On page 40, it sounds like the Construction Cost Estimate Breakdown (Attachment 6, AF 3052) is to be included as part of Volume II, Subfactor 1; however, on page 43 it is stated that ALL data relating to price must be included in the Cost/Price Volume III. Since Attachment 6, AF 3052 is data relating to price - can you please clarify where we are to include this completed attachment in our Proposal? Is it to be included in Volume II, Subfactor 1? Or is it to be included in Volume III, Cost/Price since it is data relating to price?

RESPONSE: Page 42 Factor 2 Volume III, Cost/Price “5” identifies what to submit for this section; the AF Form 3052 is a Volume II, Subfactor 1 item.

3. Our firm understands and highly values the requirement for exceptional and highly qualified team members/subcontractors. We also understand that time is of the essence as task orders are issued and need to commence immediately in order to fulfill the requirements of the contract. As a Construction Management Expert with great experience in successfully managing complex, simultaneous projects and task orders, we do acknowledge the need for prequalified, professional, experienced and capable team members. With this priority in mind, we have already sought out the highly qualified team members that we would intend to use (knowing that time is of the essence and the high volume of work expected to be awarded under this contract) in the event of an award to our firm. We have a stringent subcontractor selection process that assures that we are seeking out and selecting the best in the industry who also value and understand the requirements of any contract.

That being said, we would like to respectfully request that you would consider accepting Subcontractor Commitment Letters from our highly qualified, pre-screened, and carefully selected Georgia licensed Subcontractor Team Members for the requirements of Professional Engineer/Registered Architect, Asbestos Abatement Contractor, Lead Abatement Contractor, Lightning Protection Installer, Welding Contractor, Fire Sprinkler Installer, and Master Plumber. We are requesting that you would accept these Commitment Letters in lieu of the requirement for a 3-year working relationship with these Subcontractors. In the event of receiving an award resulting from this subject Solicitation, the commitment letters we would provide from our Subcontractors which would be part of our proposal package, would ensure that the relationships are already established for our firm to work with these Subcontractors and would allow us to quickly mobilize these trades at the award of any pursuant task orders. We would not be trying to pre-qualify Subcontractors after a task order award because they would already be ready to mobilize according to the understanding established by said Commitment Letters.

In addition to allowing the Commitment Letters in lieu of proof of 3-year working relationships with the Subcontracts, we would also like to request a time extension to the due date given in the Solicitation. Given our expertise in Proposal Writing, and the large number of Solicitations we have worked with in the past and the requirements we have witnessed for other Solicitations, we do not believe that the 30 days for preparation and submission of a Proposal that is as complex and detailed in nature as this one is fair and reasonable. The requirements given for the written narratives (Subfactors 1 and 2), the Demonstration Project (AF Forms, Schedule of Values, Work Plan), and the Subfactor 3 components (required minimum qualifications / capabilities & trade documentation) are all very involved and detailed. We believe that providing a 60 day allowance for the Proposal requirements would be more reasonable based on the time allotment we have experienced on other similar Solicitations with comparable requirements. We would request that you consider extending the proposal due date in order to allow all firms planning on submitting their proposals to properly prepare and submit the Best Value proposals and allow for fair competition. We thank you in advance for your time and your consideration of these matters and look forward to working with you.

RESPONSE: Request denied to amend the solicitation to allow for Commitment Letters. All Contractors selected for award pursuant to this solicitation will be immediately issued a task order to start performance in accordance with USAF policy.

Those projects must be completed in a timely manner and cannot be delayed for contractors to acquire the required certifications/licenses or build working relationships with subcontractors that do. There simply is not enough time for Contractors to properly locate, evaluate, and negotiate with a qualified subcontractor after issuance of the task order; therefore, a preexisting working relationship must be demonstrated. In addition, each selected Contractor will be expected to provide proposals for additional projects promptly following award. It is estimated, as stated in the solicitation, $19 million worth of work will occur each ordering period. This amount, again only an estimate, could equate to upwards of 40 separate projects per ordering period, if not more. Requiring Contractors to already possess the applicable certifications/licenses or maintain relationships with subcontractors that do, ensures quick and high-quality execution of these projects.

Please note, the years of experience and/or number of projects must be with a company licensed/certified in Georgia, but the years of experience and/or projects are not required to have taken place in Georgia. The Government understands that Contractors are licensed/certified and perform work in multiple states. The Government does not consider this unfair, unreasonable, or in conflict with other Contractor qualifications or capabilities within Region IV. It is likely that offerors capable of performing this work in a timely manner are Region IV eligible offerors which maintain these types of qualifications or working relationships with companies that do for more than one state.

Consequently, the solicitation is open to all Region IV in an effort to maximize participation and competition. Lessening the qualification requirements poses an unacceptable risk for the Government in not being able to execute its roofing program in a timely and high-quality manner. The projects are often vital to ensuring the health and safety of personnel/equipment and cannot be delayed. Similarly, lessening the qualification requirements poses an unacceptable risks to the selected Contractors' businesses. The Contractor(s) who cannot meet these requirements from the start are very likely to require delays in performance potentially resulting in negative CPARS reports along with potential termination for default actions. The Contractors’ minimum qualifications/capabilities in sections L & M of the solicitation are in place to protect both the Government’s interest and the interest of the Government’s future Roofing IDIQ partners.

Request denied to amend the solicitation for a time extension. The current time period allows enough time to fulfill solicitation requirements as most Contractors who complete the applicable work already possess basic quality control, safety, and other project management plans. This also includes existing qualification/capability statements and other documentation. In reference to complexity, the Government requires the completion of work plans, AF Forms 3064/3065, schedule of values against one reasonably sized project on items already identified and/or contained in most, if not all, project planning documents in industry. It is just simply carrying over what industry already does onto these forms and into the required solicitation methodology.

Contractor #2

4. Is it acceptable to provide the foreman's installer certification with a metal manufacturer while the firm provides installer certification for the manufacturer providing warranty and accreditation?

RESPONSE: Accreditation certificate shall be from the same manufacturer as the certified installer’s certificate. Payroll records are to identify the certified installer, who is certified by the accredited manufacturer, has been employed by the prime 8(a) contractor for at least 3 months.

5. How must the engineer/architect and subcontractors document proof of a working relationship? Is it sufficient for them to make a statement certifying that they have worked with the offeror on at least three projects with in the last three years?

RESPONSE: Firm letter must confirm relationship with the prime 8(a) contractor and provide project information that identifies what is required in the acceptable documentation section for these requirements.

6. For clarification, the flute filler and vapor retarder is to be installed over the existing metal roof on Areas A, B, D and E?

RESPONSE: All roof sections will require flute filler and vapor retarder.

7. Is the R-19 insulation to be installed over the new retro-fit framing for Area C?

RESPONSE: All roof sections require R-19 insulation to be installed.

8. For logistical purposes of construction, what part of the building is Dock 1 and Dock 2?

Will the nurse's station area be evacuated during the roofing installation?

RESPONSE: See page 3 of building 49 SOW for dock identification. No.

9. The first paragraph states: "The essential components required for submittal include ...

quality assurance plan, drawings, specifications, design analysis…". However, in section "a" it states that "Preliminary design at any stage is NOT required in the proposal submission". Are the project-specific quality assurance plan, drawings, specification and design analysis only to be submitted after award?

RESPONSE: All Task Orders require all documents be submitted that are listed on the AF 66 for that particular Task Order after a contract has been awarded and an NTP issued for the Task Order. Only submit what the Roofing IDIQ solicitation requires in your proposal.

10. Would the government consider a standing seam metal manufacturer that meets the ASTM requirements of the UFGS specifications in lieu of the IAS accreditation?

RESPONSE: No.

Contractor #3

11. Is the list of names and qualifications required for Key Quality Control personnel?

RESPONSE: Submit in accordance with requirements identified in Roofing IDIQ Solicitation Subfactor 2.

12. Can one (1) foreman meet the roof system requirement for all three (3) roof systems?

RESPONSE: Yes, but this will limit a contractor to working 1 contract at a time and stop a jobsite at any time the individual in not onsite on the roof. Contractors are expected to be able to work multiple projects.

13. Are you willing to entertain the vented roof system installed on Buildings 47 and 48?

RESPONSE: No. Follow all requirements listed for this Roofing IDIQ Solicitation

ONLY.

Contractor #4

14. We understand that the two Hangars across the taxiway from Building 49, namely Buildings 47 and 48, were recently re-roofed using a ventilated metal-over-metal (M.O.M.) retrofit roof system with no insulation as opposed to this project’s requirement to fill the existing roof panel corrugations with rigid insulation prior to the new trapezoidal roof panels being installed. As the three buildings are very similar, would the Government entertain the possibility of us being allowed to submit a bid on a similar ventilated M.O.M. system for this building?

15. If alternate system is allowed, how should Contractor present the alternate system and pricing?

16. Would the Govt consider a valley gutter pvc membrane lining in lieu of retrofit framing at the gutter valley condition?

17. Page 2 of 10 in the Statement of Work calls for new flute filler insulation and vapor retarder. This insulation and vapor retarder appears to be installed over the existing metal roofs. Is there any insulation and vapor retarder to be installed over the existing metal roofs? If so, what is the R value required?

RESPONSE: Question unclear. If you are trying to ask the location of materials, flute filler would be used to infill voids in the existing metal roof you are installing the retrofit framing over. Vapor retarder would be installed over the existing metal roofing after the flute filler has been installed.

18. Page 2 of 10 in the Statement of Work calls for new R-19 insulation. This insulation appears to be installed over the new retrofit metal framing and under the new metal roofing. Is there any insulation and to be installed over the new retro-fit metal framing?

RESPONSE: Question unclear. If you read SOW for building 49, the sequencing shows new retrofit framing being installed before insulation; so yes, there is insulation and it is to be installed over the framing.

19. Are full as-built drawings available for this hangar?

RESPONSE: No. The only drawings available are in the Roofing IDIQ documents labeled as Attachment 14.

20. Are Superintendent/QC/SSHO positions allowed to be filled by one person?

RESPONSE: Question unclear. This depends on contractor’s language of their personnel’s position within their company. Some call the individual over a crew of workers a foreman and some call them a superintendent. If language within the company calls the individual over up to 3 jobs maximum and they have a certified installer on each Task Order then yes would be the answer. The certified installer cannot be the Quality Control since he/she is bound to the roof during roofing system installation for a jobsite.

Quality Control, Site Safety, and the Health Officer can be same person.

21. Please confirm 6 day work week and 10 hour work day.

RESPONSE: See Page 1 / paragraph 1.01 / C in Roofing IDIQ documents, Attachment 3.

22. What is the gauge of metal on existing roof deck?

RESPONSE: A site visit was held. Contractors were to gather information for proposal purposes at that time. Roof access was made available at the time of site visit.

23. Due to the differences in roofing heights and materials, is it possible to "re-phase" the work?

RESPONSE: No.