CHILDCARE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.doc

Request for Proposal: GS-00P-08-CY-0094 National IDIQ Professional Services Childcare Center Program

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (Q & A)

DATE: August 21, 2008 Q1:

a) I am writing for an electronic copy of the following solicitation: Nationwide Architectural/ Engineering Childcare Center Program, solicitation number GS-00P-08-CY-0094.

b) Our firm is interested in submitting a proposal and I hoped we might obtain a complete RFP from you.

A1:

The FEDBIZOPPS announcement is a combined synopsis/solicitation. There is no hard copy of this RFP.

Q2:

In your announcement for the Child Care Program, you reported that 22 Small Business firms responded to the Sources Sought announcement. Is it possible to get a list of those firms?

A2:

This information is not available to the public.

Q3:

a) We would like to know what we will need to do to be involved with the interior design of the facilities in Region 2.

b) How would the successful 8 architectural firms be expected to be selected to service the 11 regions? Would the geographically closest be approached? More than one firm will be approached and asked to re-qualify?

c) When we submit our qualifications for the Childcare Center Program (GS-00P-08-CY-0094), do we specify which regions we are submitting for? Or is it simply defined by the location of the sub-consultants we select?

d) I am writing in regards to Solicitation #GS-00P-08-CY-0094, Nationwide Architectural/ Engineering (A/E) and Expert Professional Services for the Childcare Center Program. Could you please tell me if the selections will be regional?

A3:

All contractors must demonstrate that can fulfill the requirements nationally, as a prime-contractor or through teaming arrangements. The Government will select the contractors that are most qualified for specific regions during Phase II of the evaluation.

Q4:

Are we eligible to submit our qualifications for this contract even though we did not submit a response to the earlier Source Sought Notice (GS-10115) in June 2008.

A4:

Yes, all firms may submit their qualifications to this RFQ, even if you did not respond to the Sources Sought Notice No. GS-10115.

Q5:

a) The solicitation states that up to 5 awards will be rewarded to unrestricted businesses, and up to 3 awards will be 100% set-aside for small businesses. Now does this mean that the whole team including prime and subconsultants need to be small businesses, or only the prime consultant needs to be a small business?

b) My firm would fall under the small business category, however some of our regular subconsultants would not. So my question is what category would we fall under, unrestricted or small business?

A5:

Small business firms may propose large and/or small subcontractors/subconsultants under this project and still be considered for the SB set-aside; however, 51% of the work must be accomplished by the small business firm (throughout the life of the contract) as required by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Q6:

a) We would like to request a clarification of the paragraph on Pg. 5, second paragraph, Issuance of Task Orders. It states that “Evaluation criteria shall also be included in the task order request, if necessary. The Contractors will submit qualifications and fee proposals in order to be selected for task order awards.” Does this mean that when a Task Order for a child care center project is issued, it will be issued to two or more firms who have term contracts and further qualifications and fee will be required to be submitted and be a basis for selection to do the actual work? Or will most Task Orders be issued to one firm who has been awarded term contracts. Could you please clarify?

b) After the contract is awarded - what would be the extent of re-qualifying when a proposal is requested for issuance of a task orders for specific project(s)?

A6:

If the Government decides to award multiple award contracts for specific regions (instead of a single award contract), the Fair Opportunities Procedures in FAR Part 16.505 will apply and the multiple award contractors would have to compete for the task order based on the evaluation criteria. The Government will decide which contractor is the most highly qualified firm for that specific task order.

Q7:

Is each consultant on a proposed team required to fill out a complete 330 form? Or do they just need to complete the resume section for key personnel?

A7:

YES, each contractor (including subcontractors/subconsultants) is required to fill out a complete the Standard Form 330.

Q8:

For cross states situation how should we resolve the professional licenses required? Our firm holds three types of registration but no active licenses outside of our state – would we be required to secure some additional licenses? For 8 firms covering 11 regions the cross states situation is a logical assumption.

A8:

Yes, if the services require licensed and/or registered architects and engineers.

Q9:

Will Washington DC be the location for the interview for the successful firms advancing to Phase 2? Would the successful participants be reimbursed by GSA for the costs involved?

A9:

Washington, DC will be the location for the interviews. The Contractor will not be reimbursed by GSA for the costs.

Q10:

Why is PPT site www.projectplanningtools.org inaccessible?

A10:

The following sentence in “Required Skills” and “Factor 1, Subfactor A”, is hereby removed:

· Maintained familiarity with GSA's Project Planning Tools (PPT) website (www.projectplanningtools.org) is essential.

Q11:

a) Factor 1, Subfactor A: Can some of this information be a narrative supplement to the SF330?

b) Factor 2: Is the information limited to that supplied in the SF330?

c) Factor 3: For sub-consulting disciplines, many possible areas are noted in the RFP. Should the information provided in our proposal be limited to the major areas of expertise: architecture, MEP engineering, structural engineering, landscape, civil and cost estimating. Or is as SF330 also requested for specialty areas like food service, security, and acoustical?

A11:

The Standard Form 330 is a requirement. Contractors may include attachments/supplemental pages in MS Word, Adobe or Excel formats to further describe the contractor’s qualifications.

Q12:

Is any supporting documentation required to show we are a small business, or will that be in the interview phase?

A12:

All contractors must be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) before being considered for award. Further information will be required, after Phase I.

Q13:

Our Design Team has designed many Child Care Centers, but does not have experience with GSA. Will this jeopardize our chances to be awarded a Contract? …………. We would appreciate knowing that our submittal will be considered equally along with others who may have more extensive GSA Experience.

A13:

Demonstrating expertise in child care facilities that meets or exceeds the standards of the GSA Child Care Facility Design Guide, will qualify any submittal. Contractors must also meet the requirements and evaluation criteria outlined in the FEDBIZOPPS.

Q14:

Are you accepting more than 1 consultant in the same discipline to satisfy the geographical needs of this project? Please advise.

A14:

Contractors may propose more than 1 consultant for a discipline.

Q15:

Please confirm if we would be able to apply for Region 9 – Pacific Rim only. If so, may we request a list of interested vendors for teaming opportunities here in Hawaii.

A15:

The Government will determine what Contractor is most qualified for a region. We do not have a list of interested vendors to provide to the public.