QA - 6-3-09.doc

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL for the

Nationwide Building Information Modeling (BIM) Services

ATTACHMENT 1

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (Q & A)

DATE: June 1, 2009

TECHNICAL AND CONTRACTUAL QUESTIONS

Q1:

We would like to know what part CMMS procurement will play in the GSA BIM solicitations.

A1:

CMMS procurement is not an intended service for this IDIQ contract. Contractors, however, may be tasked to provide guidance and specifications on BIM-related requirements for a CMMS system.

Q2:

Question DELETED.

A2:

No Answer.

Q3:

Page 3 of 63; Is the listing of Labor Categories in Part B of SF 1449 fixed, or can it be modified, or extended to include the disciplines necessary to complete the SOW as described on Page 25 of 63??

A3:

If additional disciplines are necessary, the contractor may include them in their task order proposal.

Q4:

I was wondering if there was a copy of the responders to the Original Sources Sought available, and if so where would I go to retrieve this information.

A4:

No, this is not public information. However, please see the interested vendor list on FedBizOpps.

Q5:

Does this RFP limit teaming partners to (2) sub-consultants?

A5:

No. There is no limit to the number of teaming partners. If there are additional team members, the proposal shall contain additional columns in the Matrix submissions to accommodate all team members.

Q6:

Please explain what disadvantages the GSA believes will exist of a responder does not have an office in the GSA Regional Office city?

A6:

Some presentations and meetings will occur at GSA Regional Offices. It is considered advantageous if the contractor is within a 50 mile radius of a regional office.

Q7:

The RFP states that it will be considered advantageous for the prime contractor (or subs) to have an office located near the GSA Regional offices. Please define the term “near”.

A7:

“Near” shall mean within a 50 mile radius of a regional office.

Q8:

Please elaborate on the amounts of, types and audience anticipated for "training"? Do you anticipate training to include GSA staff and/or other architects, engineers or GSA consultants?

A8:

Training shall include GSA staff and GSA consultants. Training could range from providing introductory presentations on BIM to in-depth software training.

Q9:

In the objectives, the third bullet states, "To provide GSA personnel with the flexibility to obtain BIM services that meet the needs of individual projects ". What is meant by flexibility? Is it relative to skill, location, etc?

A9:

In this case, flexibility refers to the ability to for GSA personnel to contract BIM services. It is not relative to skill or location of the contractor.

Q10:

If contracted to provide BIM services in support of an ongoing design project with GSA contracted A/E, does the BIM service provider answer to the GSA or the other A/E who might be subsequently using this data for making design decisions?

A10:

The BIM IDIQ contractor shall provide services and deliverables to GSA. GSA shall choose to share this information with the design team. If shared with the design team, it is the design team’s choice whether or not to utilize the results in any future design decisions. All design decisions are the responsibility of the design team.

Q11:

When modeling or preparing BIM models of designs in-progress, will the designing A/E release the BIM consultant from unintended transfer of A/E liability?

A11:

Please see answer to question Q10.

Q12:

Table One - Services Summary Matrix is not included in the attachments to the RFQ posting. Please provide at your earliest convenience.

A12:

When opening the excel spreadsheet, please click on the tab/worksheet to your left.

Q13:

Is it a requirement of the GSA that BIM modeling for the various respective project scopes be conducted under the direct oversight or supervision of qualified/licensed architects or engineers even when the modeling may be for as-built or facility management purposes? We are thinking of situations where BIM modelers might be creating or modeling certain building components such as structure, ductwork, or piping for facility management or conflict resolution purposes not design analysis.

A13:

For some scopes, professional A/Es may not be required. Each individual task order will state whether or not professional licensure will be required for the task.

Q14:

Do you have specific programs, report types, or formats for the requested energy analysis, daylighting, analysis, or computational fluid dynamics analysis mentioned in the RFQ? If so, please identify them.

A14:

No. At this time, GSA does not have specific deliverables for energy analysis, daylightling or computational fluid dynamics analysis. However, when task orders are issued, contractors shall be required to submit deliverables according to the most current specifications.

Q15:

Do you have specific or preferred software platforms either for primary BIM tools or add on analysis tools for which you expect the BIM consultant/contractor to be and remain fluent in?

A15:

No, GSA does not require a specific software platform or analysis tools. GSA requires software that are interoperable with many software platforms.

Q16:

Under Section 3 , Subsection 9 on page 27 the RFP states “Development of new software functionalities to support BIM-Based project implementation and project management”. Please elaborate on the extent and depth you anticipate for vendor’s software development and programming capabilities. Please also site examples of the type of software development and functionality that may be desired.

A16:

Development may include building on current BIM-authoring and analysis tools. For example, prior GSA development projects have included development of model checking software capabilities.

Q17:

Please define "comparable size, scope and complexity as typical GSA projects? (i.e. SF, $, etc.)

A17:

Project examples submitted shall be a minimum of 50,000 GSF and 3-stories or greater. The project examples shall be a multi-space, multi-tenant institutional facility.

Q18:

Is there an assumed or anticipated security clearance level which personnel must be able to achieve?

A18:

All contractors are required to have the ability to handle SBU documentation in accordance with GSA Order 3490.1. All 3D, 4D, and Building Information Modeling-related information is considered to be Sensitive But Unclassified (SBU). The contractor must comply with FAR 52.227 and GSA Order 3490.1. Some task orders issued under this contract will require additional security clearances. All services must be performed in the US.

Q19:

What is meant by "domain expertise" in Section 4 paragraph 1.7? Please elaborate on the meaning of the term domain expertise as it relates to the various disciplines listed?

A19:

Domain expertise shall be a familiarity with the required building elements to be modeled and knowledge of the BIM analyses required to effectively interpret analyses results.

Q20:

In Section 5 "Deliverables", there is a wide variety of software tools/platforms available for the various outputs mentioned. Does the GSA currently have a preference or specific desire to have output or work product in preferred platforms for the various possible types of information? Or is the BIM vendor/consultant expected to be able to output and utilize any/all requested software types?

A20:

For outputs and deliverables, GSA requires applications which are interoperable with other software applications. It is preferred, not required, that the contractor is well versed in a wide variety of software applications.

Q21:

Under Section 6 "Travel". If no travel is required to successfully support the task due to the ability to freely exchange digital information across vast geographical distances, will geography remain a primary selection criterion?

A21:

Travel is anticipated for task orders issued under this contract. Travel is anticipated for kick-off meetings, client presentations and briefings. Travel will be at the discretion of GSA.

Q22:

Question DELETED A22:

No answer.

Q23:

Does the GSA have an estimate as to how much of the BIM work will be for modeling existing buildings and projects and how much will be for preparing models of projects currently in design. Likewise, does the GSA have an estimate of percentage for work for the various respective disciplines, architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing etc.?

A23:

No, we do not have an estimate of these breakdowns.

Q24:

Will estimates of time anticipated to complete the work be provided for the various projects?

A24:

The contractor shall estimate the time to complete the work based on the SOW issued for each task order.

Q25:

If a BIM modeler is working to model designs being developed by other architects and engineering teams how will matters of schedule, workflow and process be managed by the GSA?

A25:

A BIM modeler will have a specific task and schedule for the project independent of the other architects and engineering teams. The coordination and schedule shall be managed by GSA.

Q26:

RFP Section D Attachment I.4 (Minimum Contractor Qualifications), referring to "The Contractor (i.e., prime and subcontractor firms collectively) ,"requires that [paragraph 1.2] "shall have been the principal BIM service provider for at least three projects of comparable size, type, scope, and complexity as typical GSA projects.]

However, in the matrix in RFP Section D Attachment V (Contractor Qualification Summary Matrix), the second line requires that "Prime Contractor was principal BIM service provide for at least 3 comparable projects."

Can you please clarify whether the requirement for experience as "principal BIM servicer" on at least 3 GSA-comparable projects" is a requirement for the Contractor collectively or for the Prime Contractor individually?

A26:

The Contractor (prime and subs) collectively shall have been the principal BIM service provider for at least 3 comparable projects.

Q27:

Question DELETED.

A27:

No answer.

Q28:

Past Performance, page 49 of 63:

If submitting as a large Business is there SDB requirements? And are these requirements identified within this RFP?

A28:

Contractors recommended for award from Phase II Interviews will be required to submit small business subcontracting plans for review and approval. GSA will request large businesses to consider the GSA SB Goals for FY09 when submitting their plans.

Q29:

Page 4 of the RFP, under item 3, refers to Early Concept Design Analysis, constructability analysis, structural analysis / blast analysis. As part of this RFP, are you asking for BIM services related to "Early concept analysis, constructability analysis, etc.", or are you asking the BIM contractor to provide those actual services?

A29:

The contractor shall provide early concept design analysis, constructability analysis, structural analysis / blast analysis using BIM-based tools and methods established or approved by GSA.

Q30:

Does GSA name specific software that complies with its requirements?

A30:

Please refer to question #15.

Q31:

What if any liability do we assume for our services, since we are not working directly on projects, but instead in a consulting role? Are there any special insurance requirements?

A31:

The contractor is liable for the work and deliverables produced by the contractor only. The contractor is not responsible for work or decisions made by the architect or engineer of record.

Contractors recommended for award from Phase II Interviews will be required to submit a certificate of insurance. Insurance requirements are, at a minimum, workers' compensation and employer's liability, General liability, Automobile liability, and commercial/contractual general liabilities.

Q32:

Please explain further about the security clearances that will be required for this solicitation.

A32:

Please refer to question 18.

Q33:

What are insurance terms / conditions required by the selected firm and associated consultants, if any? Will Errors & Omissions insurance be a requirement of the selected firm and associated consultants?

A33:

Please refer to question 31.

Q34:

Will soliciting on a BIM services project preclude a selected firm from doing any additional work on a specific project?

A34:

Firms will be precluded from working on a specific project if the results of the prior BIM Services work directly influenced the scope of work for that project.

Q35:

Do the High Definition Surveys / 3D scans need to be sealed by a PLS licensed in the state of the project?

A35:

The 3D scans need to meet the standards required by GSA but do not need to be sealed by a PLS, unless required by state law.

Q36:

Can the Government provide any insight into anticipated spending under the Nationwide BIM Services Program? Specifically, can the Government provide an estimated percentage breakdown of Task Orders anticipated to support Central Office activities vs. Regional activities?

A36:

No. Tasks will be awarded by both Central office and the Region.

Q37:

Does the PBS Federal Buildings Fund ARRA Spending Plan include funds anticipated for allocation as Task Orders under the Nationwide BIM Services Program? If so, can the Government characterize the anticipated spending?

A37:

ARRA funding is not specifically allocated to the IDIQ. It is up to the discretion of the GSA project teams to issue task orders on a specific project using ARRA funding for that project. For a list of ARRA projects, please see www.recovery.gov Q38:

Are there any bonding requirements to perform any of the projects resulting from this solicitation/award?

A38:

If required, bonding requirements will be included under individual task order requirements.

Q39:

Page 25, “3. Required Services” states, “The Contractor is required to provide its own office equipment and hardware/computer equipment adequate to fully satisfy all operational requirements of this contract using existing resources. This should be considered in developing the fee proposal as no reimbursement is authorized for such items relative to the solicitation or resulting contract.” How should these costs be reflected in our pricing?

A39:

These costs should be built into the negotiated labor rates.

Q40:

BIM-Based Analysis - Paragraph 4, subparagraph 3 (Page 25): Indicates requirements for "BIM-based analysis & applications including, but not limited to: … building performance analysis… facility operations management… circulation and security analysis… blast analysis… emergency management and analysis…". Are we to prepare the model in such a way as to be used by others to conduct those analyses or do we need to include experts in each specific area on the team?

A40:

Please see answer to question 29.

Q41:

Comparable Sized Projects - Minimum Contractor Requirements, Paragraph 4, subparagraph 1.2 (Page 26): You state that “The Contractor shall have been the principal BIM service provider for at least three projects of comparable size, type, scope, and complexity as typical GSA projects.” Are you considering a project a new building, or as-built documentation of multiple existing buildings?

A41:

A project is considered any type of single contract awarded to the Contractor. The scope could vary from a new building or as-built documentation of multiple existing buildings.

Q42:

Security Clearances – Minimum Contractor Requirements, Paragraph 1.5.1 (Page 27): The RFP states that “The Contractor shall ensure that all personnel or subcontract personnel have the required security clearances necessary for the specific task orders issued under this contract. ” Will this clearance be required for staff not working in GSA facilities, or directly with GSA data?

A42:

No. Security clearances are required only for staff that is working directly on the GSA project(s).

Q43:

Question DELETED

A43:

No Answer.

Q44:

Geographic Location - Paragraph 3 Technical Evaluation (Page 47): Ranks geographic location as the most important factor for review. Will this be evaluated by the locations of the prime contractor in combination with the sub-contractor locations or by the prime contractor alone?

A44:

GSA will evaluate the location(s) of the Prime Contractor’s entire team.

Q45:

Please clarify or define the terms ‘BIM simulation’ and ‘BIM optimization’:

· Is BIM simulation defined as (or imply) environmental factors, such wind studies, energy use, etc?

Is BIM optimization defined as (or imply) optimization within the BIM geometry (interference-checking or surface optimization); or does it refer to other areas, such as cost or energy use studies applied to (or extracted from) the BIM?

A45:

BIM simulation refers to any virtual design and construction analysis intended to model real-world conditions. BIM optimization refers to suggesting changes in project design parameters based on BIM-analysis.

Q46:

How will BIM and other information generated by each of the 11 GSA regions (facility assets from each region, for example) be disseminated and exchanged nationally? Who will be responsible for managing and maintaining this national collection of BIM models and BIM-related information?

A46:

GSA will be responsible for collecting and maintaining BIM related information. This task, however, may be awarded to an IDIQ contractor to provide this service.

Q47:

Laser scanning is mentioned several times in the RFP. Since Laser Scanning is a separate RFP, GS-00P-09-CYD-0076, should 3D laser scanning services be part of our proposal?

A47:

Yes. 3D Laser Scanning will be a small portion of the task orders issued under this contract. Therefore, contractors shall have the ability to provide 3D Laser Scanning services. This is intended to ensure that projects that require both 3D Laser Scanning and BIM models will have the services provided by a single contractor.

Q48:

Will there be a shortlist and interview process as part of this RFP?

A48:

Yes. GSA will shortlist teams and invite them to interview in Washington DC.

Q49:

On projects that have already a designated design team, is it anticipated that the services provided pursuant to this contract are to supplement services that are not provided by the project design team?

A49:

The services issued under this contract are intended to provide GSA with modeling analysis independent of the services provided by the design team. The design team of record remains responsible for all design services.

Q50:

Under Section 5. Deliverables, Criteria / Policy Development Services, how will the GSA determine the selection of revised GSA BIM standards, protocols, criteria documents from among potentially 15 selected contractors? Is it possible that this might be a separate assigned task to an individual contractor?

A50:

Yes, revision of BIM Guides and related documents will be issued as a task order to a single contractor.

Q51:

Does the GSA anticipate that all of the services listed be might be required on an individual project?

A51:

While possible, it would be unlikely that all services would be required on a single project.

Q52:

Does the GSA anticipate that multiple contractors could provide different services for the same project?

A52:

No. We anticipate all BIM services for a single project to be awarded to a single contractor. However, follow-on BIM Services could be awarded to a separate contractor if the scope is significantly different.

Q53:

Binding requirements are not clarified. Assuming three-ring binder. Are tabs ok to aide in review? Does one copy need to be loose?

What size notebook does each volume need to be submitted in?

Are there a maximum number of pages permitted in the proposal response?

A53:

There are no binding requirements or page limitations. Three-ring binders and tabs are appropriate. It is encouraged that the package not be more than ½” thick.

No, one copy does not have to be loose.

Q54:

RFP states sealed envelope. Bound or unbound each copy will be quite thick and potentially too thick for an envelope of any size. Are all copies in a sealed and labeled box ok? If not, what is acceptable?

A54:

Your qualifications submittal MUST be labeled sealed. Contractor’s may submit their qualifications package in a box(es), if necessary.

Q55:

Within Evaluation Factor 3: Past Performance, all previous Small Business Subcontracting Plans and all Standard forms 294 and 295 for Small Business Participation submitted for the past three years are requested to be included in our response to Solicitation Number: GS-00P-09-CY-D-0136. If this information is not currently available, what other type of materials would you prefer to evaluate past performance (For Example: Reference letters from previous clients & colleagues, forms outlining under budget/ahead of schedule projects, etc)?

A55:

Evaluation Factor No. 3 is hereby revised to remove the submittal of SB Subcontracting Plans and Standard Forms 294 and 295. Evaluation Factor No. 3 shall NOW read as follows:

Factor 3: Past Performance (25%)

Firms must demonstrate an acceptable past performance history, within the last five (5) years prior to the date of this solicitation. Firms shall submit a minimum of 1 reference information (i.e., project contact and telephone/email address) for each of the project examples submitted in relation to the “Technical Competence & Project Examples” evaluation factor. Since each firm is required to submit a minimum of 3 examples, a minimum of 3 references are required for each firm.

The Firm’s past performance in carrying out the work of a comparable nature will be evaluated under the following factors: a) quality of the services; b) timeliness of performance; c) business relations; d) cost control; and e) compliance with subcontracting plan goals (including the subcontracting plan goals for small disadvantage business (SDB) concerns and monetary targets for SDB participation).

In the case of a firm for whom information on past performance is not available or inadequate to evaluate past performance, the firm will not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably on past performance.

In addition to the above, the following information will be evaluated:

• If the Firm provided higher quality deliverables than expected

• Past project came in under budget/ahead of schedule

• Specific examples of above-and-beyond customer service and support.

Q56:

Pretty much everything is the same as the original proposal except the SF 330 and the Price Proposal Volume Information….right?

A56:

Yes, that is correct except the changes made to Evaluation Factor 3. Please refer to question 55 for revisions.

Q57:

Every project that is submitted and every resume for each firm should be in the SF 330 format….correct?

A57:

Yes.

Q58:

Is it necessary to submit project examples within the 330 format? Can contractors submit examples in addition to the SF330?

Do the example submittals have a size limit?

A58:

Project examples must be a part of the SF330 submittal package. There is no size limit.

Q59:

With regard to your answers to questions about GSA preferences for BIM software to be used in performance of task orders, you indicated only that “interoperability” was important. How does GSA define “interoperability” in the context of this solicitation?

Here’s how I paraphrased your answer – accurately or not – in my summary of the call for interested colleagues:

We mean capabilities to produce the task order deliverables, such as is possible with Revit, Bentley, Archicad;

GSA has previously defined “interoperability” in terms of IFC and/or GBXML capabilities, but in this case we don’t want to exclude any software that is capable of producing the required task order deliverables.

A59:

GSA plans to use the models for multiple analyses so the produced models need to be compatible with existing BIM analysis tools. The modeling software should be able to at least export the model in IFC format and interoperable with several other BIM tools.

Q60:

Page 3, Item 3.h. – “Clash Detection” Please Clarify – most BIM software performs clash detection, as a function of the software. What is the intent of this item - discipline coordination?

A60:

Yes it is mainly for discipline coordination. The intent of “Clash Detection” is to discover the inconsistencies between different systems in building such as structural, mechanical, HVAC, and etc.

Q61:

Page 6, Item 1.5.1 –

“The contractor shall ensure that all personnel or subcontract personnel have the required security clearances necessary for the specific task orders issued under this contract.”

Please Clarify: Is the intent that the proposed personnel have security clearances at the time of the IDIQ award, (and if so, what level?), OR that proposed personnel are capable of obtaining all required security clearances?

A61:

Please refer to question #18.

Q62:

Page 6, paragraph 9, “Design Stage Services” –

“…The Contractor shall take 2D design documents and create BIMs.”

Please Clarify: If this work is anticipated to be the creation of 3D drawings from a built property, will laser scanning be required to create the most accurate as-built?

A62:

It depends on the project and the contractor must be able to produce the BIM models from both sources. The specifics will be explained in the task order.

Q63:

Page 8, “Factor 1: Technical Competence & Project Examples: -

“The team members should have previously worked together. The Prime must list the team members who actually produced the work product. If the firm’s team has not performed together as a team on prior projects, the firm must provide 3-5 examples that best illustrate the skills and capabilities of each firm…”

Please Clarify - What if the teams have worked together, but not all of the team members have worked on the projects shown as the Prime’s 3-5 examples? How do you want that information conveyed and would it require additional project examples showing other projects?

A63:

All the information must be conveyed in SF330 format. Each member’s technical competence must be illustrated at least through 3 projects. For example in a team of 3 members, if the prime and two subs have worked on 2 projects together, in addition to these 2 projects one more project per each member for a total of 5 projects must be submitted.

Q64:

There does not seem to be a section for pricing. Is pricing a part of this proposal?

A64:

No. GSA will request fee proposals for specific tasks from contractors who have been recommended for award after the completion of Phase II, Interviews.

Q65:

Can electronic files, (e.g. .avi) files be submitted on CD as a part of the proposal response, to demonstrate 3D visualization, and 4D experience.

A65:

No, avi files can not be submitted as part of the proposal at this point. The electronic files must be an identical copy of the hard copies.

Q66:

To what level of detail do you want the traffic studies performed? Design evaluation (broad) or traffic engineering and signal design (detailed)?

A66:

The level of detail will vary based on the project and will be specified in the task order. Most likely the studies will be at Design Evaluation level.

Q67:

During the teleconference yesterday I believe it was stated that a registered Architect would be required as prime on this contract. Did I understand that correctly? On the previous RFP it stated that either a registered Engineer, Architect or Land Surveyor was required. Did that change?

A67:

Yes, the prime contractor must have either a registered/licensed Engineer, Architect or Land Surveyor as a key personnel. The remaining registered/licensed personnel, required in the labor categories, may be proposed under the subcontractor. This requirement was incorporated in the new solicitation under the “Brooks Act Procedures.” Please disregard the previous instruction under solicitation No. GS-OOP-09-CY-0073. The solicitation is cancelled in its entirety.

Q68:

If a prime contractor has a sub that is a construction contractor, and he works on a task order that involves future construction, is he excluded from bidding on the project?

A68:

The construction contractor will only be excluded from bidding on the specific construction project for which they have provided a service under this IDIQ.

Q69:

Will a prime contractor in business for a period less than 3 yrs be considered for this award?

A69:

Yes, but the key personnel have to have at least three years of experience.

Q70:

Does a prime contractor that qualifies as a small business have to be a licensed A/E firm or can the prime contractor subcontract to an A/E firm?

A70:

Yes, the prime will have to have licensed personnel in house.

Q71:

The RFP states: NAICS Code. The Primary NAICS Code is 541310, Architectural Services (For small business purposes: $4.5M in annual gross receipts for a period of three years). Does this mean that alternative NAICS Codes are not going to be considered?

A71:

The NAICS code for this project is 541310. No alternative NAICS code will be used.

Q72:

Should information responding to ‘Factor 2: Management Approach’ reside in ‘Section H’, or should it accompany the attached ‘Section D: Organizational Chart of Proposed Team’? Additionally, it is our understanding that resume information should be limited to only fields provided in SF330 (can you please confirm), or should we include full resumes in ‘Section H’ if additional experience/qualifications are relevant? In general, if we are using ‘Section H’ to expound upon information requested in SF330, should the information from the form appear again in ‘Section H’?

A72:

Please include all of the information as required by the standard form 330 in the appropriate sections. Responses to the evaluation criteria must be included in section H.

Q73:

The solicitation says: “The Contractors will submit qualifications and fee proposals in order to be selected for task order awards.” Please explain whether or not task orders will be competed between IDIQ holders.

A73:

Yes, the task orders will be competed between the IDIQ contractors after award. If only one contractor has received a contract for a specific zone, competition is not required.

Q74:

The solicitation says that “Firms shall also provide copies of all previous Small Business Subcontracting Plans and all Standard Forms 294 and 295 for Small Business participation submitted for the past three (3) years to permit evaluation of the subcontracting plan subfactor.” Is this referring to plans where the offeror is the prime on a federal contract? Please be more specific.

A74:

Evaluation Factor No. 3 has been revised to remove this requirement. Please refer to question 55.

Q75:

Can the BIM Modeling services be completed with resources located outside of the U.S.? For example, we would provide access to our partners via a secured web services infrastructure located in our facility in the United States.

A75:

No, all the design and modeling documents are to be produced within the US 50 states and they all have at least a SBU security level.

Q76:

I have a question about the project example requirements and the proposal said to email or mail, not call, with questions. The ‘multiple BIM-authoring and analysis applications from different product vendors’ requirement is similar to the ‘use of multiple software packages using interoperable standards’ requirement, right? Or is there a difference I’m not seeing? I want to make sure I include the most relevant work in the proposal.

A76:

Yes, the contractor has to be able to use multiple interoperable BIM software and produce models that are interoperable with other BIM tools. All models need to be at least compatible with IFC format, but we are open to other types as well.

Q77:

In the RFP for #GS-00P-09-CY-D-0136 BIM Services it states that “some” of the key personnel should be registered.

However, on the laser scanning conference call yesterday you mentioned that all key personnel must be registered.

So for our Nationwide BIM services RFP we still only need “some” of our key personnel registered?

A77:

Please refer to question #67.

Q78:

I didn’t factor in the time zone. In regards to the subcontractors is it necessary for all of them to have a DUNS number?

A78:

Yes.

Q79:

What security requirements must be anticipated for transfer of BIM files and other work product from the contractor to GSA and between team firms on individual task orders?

A79:

The required security level will vary based on the project and will be specified in the task order but as a minimum a SBU GSA 3490.1 security level is required for all projects.

Q80:

Does GSA consider team members spread across the U.S. to be a strength or a weakness on this contract assuming that the contractor demonstrates an ability to manage sub-consultants over a Wide-Area network within the management approach?

A80:

It depends on the teams and whether they have worked together in the past or not. At this phase GSA is more interested in the “technical competence” of the team and their work experience together.

Q81:

The RFP lists "BIM-based analyses & applications” in the Description of Services, but in reality, many of the listed analyses require non-BIM representations and files. For instance, Computational Fluid Dynamics analyses are performed on Finite Element models, not BIMs. In these instances, are we to assume that requested services involve converting data, either automatically or manually, from a BIM format into a format that the analysis can be performed on?

A81:

The contractor is to be able to utilize the information from the BIM model and use it to conduct the analysis.

Q82:

When "Fabrication" is listed in the Description of Services, is this referring specifically to CNC fabrication based on digital data extracted from the BIM? Or does it simply mean the ability to get information to fabricators, in whatever graphical or digital format they need?

A82:

Prime contractor does not need to have a CNC fabricator but must be able to communicate the design to fabricators and provide them with all the necessary information to fabricate the member.

Q83:

Three project examples are required for each consultant on the team. In the solicitation, it limits the number of projects to 15. In covering the services requested, our team is such that we will go over the 15 project limitation if we provide three project examples for each firm on our team. Is this okay, or should we limit the projects to be in compliance with the 15 project limitation.

A83:

Each member’s technical competence must be illustrated at least through 3 projects and you can go over 15 examples if it is necessary to provide such information.

Q84:

For consideration under Solicitation Number: GS-00P-09-CY-D-0136, must the prime contractor have a licensed Architect/Engineers listed as their key personnel, or will it be considered sufficient if the Prime Contractors’ subcontractors have listed a licensed Architects/Engineers? Is this determination passed on the Prime Contractors licenses or the team as a whole?

A84:

Please refer to question 67.

Q85:

Do you have the link for the Standard Form 330?

A85:

http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/formsWelcome.do?pageTypeId=8199