GS-07P-10-HH-0011 Solicitation Questions-Final.pdf

GS-07P-10-HH-0011 Solicitation Questions

1. The solicitation requires the offeror submit the “Standard Form 33 (section A) with items 12 through 18 completed; however, the solicitation PDF begins with Section B. There is no Section A or Standard Form 33 provided. Will a Standard Form 33 be posted?

The SF33 is not required as part of your proposal package. The SF33 will be executed upon award of the IDIQ contract. The solicitation will be revised to reflect this.

2. The Solicitation starts with Section B. Is there a Section A?

See answer above.

3. Need SF33 Form provided, if other than the typical blank form we can download?

4. Will an active design service contract with GSA or DHS prevent a firm as a prime or subcontractor award on future design contracts for GSA Faculties including Land Ports of Entry?

Each situation will be evaluated on a case by case basis in accordance with FAR 9.5.

5. Does all or part participation by a consultant to the prime contractor on this contract conflict out the consultant firm from participation on “downstream” design or design-build projects?

6. In the event there are offerors/contractors presently working in government-provided offices under other GSA contracts, will GSA allow these contractors to work on the subject contract (Sol. GS-

07P-10-HHD-0011A) from those offices?

7. The “Release of Information and Conflicts of Interest” statement does not address conflicts of interest in terms of situations where firms may be precluded from proposing on this RFP. If a firm has done previous, or is currently doing work as a Prime Consultant/Contractor for USVISIT PMO, will they be precluded from bidding on this contract?

The Release of Information and Conflict of Interest form is required after award of the contract. It deals with the dissemination of information and potential conflicts if called upon to assist in proposal evaluation. It does not deal with organization conflicts for award of this contract. If a potential conflict of interest exists, it will be evaluated at the time the issue is raised and on a case by case basis.

8. Can a Microsoft Word version of Section B.9 be provided?

Yes. Included with the amendment.

9. Can a Microsoft Word version of Attachment 3, Key Personnel Resume be provided?

10. Can a Microsoft Word version of Attachment 2, Performance Reference Statement/Questionnaire be provided?

11. Can a Microsoft Word version of Section K be provided, and can the government clarify what it would like offerors to provide as proof of completion of Representation and Certifications and current registration at the Central Contractor Registration?

Yes. Included with amendment. However, offerors are encouraged to complete the Reps and

Certs online at http://orca.bpn.gov in lieu of submitting the forms with the proposal.

The reps and certs and CCR registration is a prerequisite for award of the contract. We will be verifying both have been successfully completed prior to selection and award.

12. Can the government confirm whether Attachment 1 is to be completed by each offeror and clarify when/how it is to be submitted?

The Document Security Notice is required when handling sensitive but unclassified information (SBU) in accordance with Section H.3 of the solicitation. The solicitation, however, does not contain any SBU information. As such, the Document Security Notice is not required at this time.

Upon selection for award, each person performing under this contract that will handle SBU information will be required to complete the Document Security Notice.

As a result of this, the first paragraph in Attachment 1 will be removed with this amendment.

13. Please clarify whether the Small Business Subcontracting goal of 37% is the goal for subcontracted dollars or the goal for total contract dollars.

The goals included in the solicitation are the goals for subcontracted dollars, not goals based on the contract value. Accordingly, of the portion of work you anticipate subcontracting, the goals are as follows:

Overall Small Business - 30%

Small Disadvantage - 5%

Women Owned - 5%

HUBZone - 3%

Veteran Owned - 5%

Service Disabled Veteran Owned - 3%

The socio-economic groups are not to be added to the Overall Small Business Goal, as some dollars may be counted more than once if the vendor qualifies under more than one socio-economic category; therefore, the goal is 30% of subcontracted dollars be awarded to a small business.

The goals have been changed to reflect the new numbers in the solicitation.

14. Can the government give clarification in writing about sub-contracting goals?

See the answer to question number 13.

http://orca.bpn.gov/

15. In the pre-solicitation, it was noted that 50% of all of the work has to be performed by the Prime. In the solicitation we do not see similar language. Can you please clarify?

This language was included with the pre-solicitation notice, but was erroneously excluded from the solicitation. As such, the following language has been added to Section B.1. of the solicitation:

The contractor shall perform at least 50% of the work with its own forces. The contractor shall be able to continuously handle multiple complex, high-profile, projects of various sizes in multiple locations at any given time. The contractor shall be able to respond rapidly on an emergency as-needed basis throughout the contiguous United States.

16. Similarly, it was indicated that the prime/team have offices throughout the country and be able to respond to needs within a 24 hour period. Once again, we do not see that language in this solicitation.

That language is not included in the solicitation. There may be situations that arise, however, that require a rapid deployment. These situations are extreme situations and will be handled as the situation presents itself.

17. Where would a CORE Staff be located?

A specific location within the United States has not been specified and is not required.

18. At the bottom of attachment 2 is a request to the project owner who fills out the attachment to send the completed questionnaire in a sealed envelope to the offeror. GSA requires the offeror to submit

4 copies of their proposal, thus requiring the project owner to send 4 completed questionnaires in sealed envelopes to the offeror for submission. Would it be acceptable to GSA if a single set of questionnaires in sealed envelopes be included in a proposal marked as “original”, and the other 3 copies of the proposal reference the original proposal as the location of the questionnaires?

While four copies of the proposal are required, only one copy of the past performance forms need to be submitted.

19. How many copies are required concerning past performance documents?

See the answer to question 18 above.

20. The chart b. for Option Rates calls for the Sr. Project Manager to be allocated for up to 11,712 hours, this equates to six people. Are all six people considered to be Key People? This is similar for the Strategic Planning Manager with up to 3,904 hours or two people. Are both considered to be

Key People?

Only one individual will be assigned to each of the five key personnel positions. As stated in the solicitation, the hours in section b.9 are for evaluation purposes only. However, as requirements arise, it may require more than one person per discipline. In that case, we may ask for additional resumes for review when negotiating the task order.

21. While it is understood that the number of hours listed in Section B.9/Offer/Price Schedule are for evaluation purposes only, the number of hours provided for all key personnel job classifications listed indicate that more than 1 FTE has been allocated per year. Is this correct? If yes, please provide explanation.

It is very likely that more than one person is needed per discipline, which is dependent upon the requirements. However, we are only reviewing one resume for each of the key personnel positions identified.

22. On page 17 of 55 of the RFP (C.9.b), reference is made to a sole Senior Project Manager who is to be included as a key position under this contract. However on page 4 of 55 (B.9) of the RFP (Base

Year Option Rates) it lists 3,904 hours next to every key personnel (KP) job classification, with the exception of the Senior Project Manager category where it lists 11,712 hours. For pricing consistency, can the Senior Project Manager position be allocated 3,904 hours so it is aligned with the number of hours estimated for the other key positions?

The hours are for evaluation purposes only and by applying more hours to certain disciplines, it provides a weighting for disciplines that have historically been utilized more and disciplines we anticipate relying on more heavily in the future.

23. The price schedule table on page 4 indicates 3,904 to 11,712 hours each for several of the key personnel roles. Under Factor 2: Qualifications of Key Personnel on page 46, the total members requested are five, and the only resumes requested are for the Key Personnel. Is it the intent of GSA to limit the Key Personnel roles to five people, each providing 3,904 hours for base year 1? Or may consultants propose more than one person for the roles of design manager, strategy planning manager, senior project manager, and senior construction coordinator?

See answers to questions 20, 21 and 22 above. We will only be evaluating one person per key personnel position identified.

24. Factor 1, Submittal Requirement indicates that we are to identify “responsible positions on the examples cited and provide a matrix indicating the participation in a similar capacity, if any, of each of the firms and specialty consultants proposed for this project, on the referenced projects.” Factor

2, Submittal Requirements indicates that we are to “identify key personnel roles in supporting program/project management of those listed as “Experience and Past Performance” projects if applicable. It appears that both requirements are requesting the same information. Please clarify matrix requirements for Factors 1 and 2.

As it relates to your question, it will be similar information under both factors.

25. In Section M.4, Factor 2 , Submittal Requirements, page 46, the RFP states “on summary sheet, identify key personnel roles in supporting program/project management of those listed as

'Experience and Past Performance' projects if applicable.” Was a summary sheet to be provided in the RFP? If so, please provide it with the next amendment. If not, in what format would the government like this information to be provided?

A summary sheet will not be provided. There is no preferred format for this requirement.

26. Factor 1, Experience and Past Performance of the firm On Similar Projects, states the requirement to submit similar large complex programs each exceeding $5 million within the past 8 years. Does this $5 million figure refer to consulting fees or construction value?

The dollar value for past projects is referring to the value of the program managed, not the value of the consulting contract.

27. Factor 1 of the Submittal Requirements states we are to provide information on “project size.”

Please define project size.

Factor 1 considers the offeror’s experience with similar projects. This factor requires the offeror to submit three projects that demonstrate similar experience. The project size means the scope and dollar value of the program managed.

28. How would the past performance of Joint Venture be technically reviewed? By team or Joint

Venture?

Past performance will be evaluated on the team as a whole. The collective team must meet the requirements of the solicitation.

29. Are Joint Ventures considered? Do you look at this the same as teaming arrangements? Would they be reviewed the same technically?

Joint Ventures will be considered. See question number 30 for the discussion on Teaming

Arrangements. Joint Ventures and Teaming Arrangements will be evaluated in the same manner (see question 28).

30. How does the government view teaming agreements?

In accordance with FAR 9.603 The Government will recognize the integrity and validity of contractor team arrangements; provided, the arrangements are identified and company relationships are fully disclosed in an offer. The Government will not require or encourage the dissolution of contractor team arrangements.

The teaming arrangement must identify a prime contractor to receive the award of the contract. Only the prime contractor will have privity of contract with the Government.

31. Are past performance evaluations required for team as well as individual?

Past performance evaluation forms are only required of the offeror/company.

32. Would an email version of past performance be considered and/or acceptable?

An email copy of the past performance evaluations is acceptable, provided the forms are submitted by the date and time specified in the solicitation.

33. Are the reference questionnaires due to GSA on the same day as the proposal?

The forms are due in by the same date and time as the proposal.

34. What has been the funding level of incumbent contractors?

We have utilized roughly 65% of the current contract. However, the Special Programs

Division has taken on increasingly more work over the last couple of years.

35. Is this project a multiple or single IDIQ award?

This will be a single award.

36. Can a small business win?

Absolutely.

37. Section M.4, Evaluation Factors for Proposals, page 45, states that “all technical evaluation factors when combined are significantly more important than cost or price.” Does this also mean that factors 1, 2, 3, and 4 are of equal value? If not, how will the factors be weighted?

The factors are weighted and are listed in the order of importance.

38. Section C.9 of the RFP states the following for all five key personnel: “A minimum of ten (10) years’ experience serving in a similar capacity on two similar contracts or programs valued at not less than $5 million.” However, Section M.4, Factor 2, Submittal Requirements, page 46, states, in regard to completing Attachment 3, “Resumes should describe…work over the last 10 years.” This seems to be a contradiction in the requirement since section C.9 indicates a minimum 10 years of experience in a similar capacity, but the timeframe is limited to the “last 10 years” in Section M.4, Factor 2. Please clarify the requirements such that both indicate “a minimum of 10 years of experience.” In addition, considering the format of Attachment 3 and the years of experience to be presented, can the attachment be excluded from the 100-page limit?

The minimum requirement for each of the key personnel is 10 years of similar experience. As such, the resume should demonstrate this and the Government will evaluate the last 10 years to ensure it meets the minimum requirements. If you decide to detail more than 10 years, that will be your decision and it will be considered.

The forms are included in the 100-page limit.

39. Section M.4, Factor 2, Submittal Requirements, page 46, requires the inclusion of personal awards and training received on Attachment 3. Please confirm whether this information is to be presented in Item 5 in Attachment 3 or somewhere else in the attachment.

Yes, please include person awards in Item 5 in Attachment 3. Training should be included in

Item 6. The attachment has been updated to include this language.

40. Attachment 3, Item 7, positions held information, requires a supervisor’s name and telephone number. However, in presenting over 10 years of experience, in cases where the original supervisor has moved on and/or is unreachable, can company/agency HR contact information for employment verification be provided?

Yes, that is acceptable.

41. When counting the 100 page limit of the A&E proposal do the reference questionnaires (two pages a per reference), dividers for section separation, the price schedules (which in total is 6 pages), and cover letters count against those 100 pages?

Past performance questionnaires and dividers do not count towards the 100 page limit. All remaining items should be included in the 100 page proposal.

42. In Section M, Factor 4: Subcontracting Plan, there is a reference to a “Subcontracting/SDBU plan” to be submitted. We are assuming SDBU refers to Small Disadvantaged Business Utilization. Please clarify if there is a requirement for a separate Subcontracting Plan and SDBU Plan. If there is a separate requirement, can the pages for the Subcontracting Plan not be included as part of the 100-page limit?

The SDBU is the Small Disadvantaged Business Utilization plan. This is only required for small businesses that submit a proposal in response to this solicitation. The Subcontracting

Plan is required for other than small businesses. Which plan you submit is dependent upon your business classification. Both are to be included in the 100 page limit.

43. In Section C.10 it is stated that “Architects and engineers shall have at least five (5) years specialized experience in the work they are to perform under this contract…”. In Section C.12-

Definitions for Professional Job Classifications it is stated that the junior level (Jr. Level) is required to have zero (0) to one (1) years of experience or training. In the Section B.9 Offer/Price Schedule offerors are required to propose rates for Architect Jr., Civil Engineer Jr., Electrical Engineer Jr., Fire/Life Safety Engineer Jr., etc. Are junior level architects or engineers required to have at least five years of experience in accordance with the Section C.10 requirement or zero to one years of experience or training in accordance with the Section C.12 requirements?

Sections C.10, 11, and 12 will be amended to correct this ambiguity. The intent is to define the minimum requirements for professional job classifications that are not identified as key personnel. The revised scope issued with this amendment will address this issue.

44. In Attachment 2, at the top of the document is a space to include a “Key Personnel Name.” Is this a request to include the name of an individual who worked on the project associated with the

Attachment, and is proposed to the GSA SPD PM/CM services contract as a key personnel? And, if more than one individual from the project associated with the Attachment is being proposed as key personnel, may we list more than one name? If no individual from the project associated with the

Attachment is being proposed, does the government wish the line left blank, or is it acceptable to put in “N/A”?

As a result of this amendment, the Key Personnel Name in attachment 2 is removed and an updated copy is provided with this amendment.

If the forms have already been sent to your reference, we will disregard this portion of the form when it is received.

45. Which ODCs, travel, subcontract, and consultant costs will be covered under either Section C.14

“Consultants, Subcontractors, Special/Additional Services” or Section F.3 “Other Direct Costs”, and therefore should not be included in the Section B.9 “Offer/Price Schedule” fixed hourly rates?

When a task order is issued, subcontractors and consultants are expected to utilize the rates in

Section b.9. In the event you need to subcontract a requirement that cannot be completed by in-house or by your team, then it would be subject to Section C.14. An example of this might be construction testing services.

Other direct costs is referring to any direct cost that are required for the successful completion of a task order. An example of this is project specific travel and shipping costs for reports generated under a task order.

46. For special/additional services will the prime contractor be held responsible for errors & omissions in the design or for the services provided?

The prime is responsible for all work conducted under this contract.

47. In reference to Section C.13, if someone who is a Key Personnel is promoted or transferred to a different position within the offeror’s organization, would these qualify as acceptable reasons to request substitution by another person, of equal or greater qualifications and experience, for that

Key Personnel position?

In accordance with Section C.13, changes to the key personnel is generally not allowed, unless the change is beyond the control of the contractor. Consistency among team members is critical to the success of the programs and this is a requirement the Government does not take lightly.

48. Will the fully loaded rates include government field office furniture?

The fully burdened rates need to include everything needed for successful performance under this contract in accordance with Section B.8 of the solicitation.

49. Reference Section C, Page 14, Paragraph 9 and Section C, Page 18, Paragraph 11. Can more than 5 team member be designated as Key Personnel? Please clarify if more than 5 positions can be recognized as Key Personnel. Paragraph 9 lists five positions and Paragraph 11 appears to allow for

Key Personnel that are “not identified above”. Paragraph 11 also lists different minimum qualifications for Key Personnel (“All such Key Personnel shall possess the following…”) than those outlined for the 5 designated positions.

Only five key personnel are being requested for evaluation and award of this contract.

Additional key personnel may be required under each task order, but that will be requested in the RFP for the task order.

As such, the language in Section C.11 will be changed to clarify this.

50. Reference Section B, Page 2, Paragraph 8d. Paragraph 8d makes reference to Section B and Section

C with respect to travel and other direct costs. Please identify the paragraphs in B and C that are referenced. Should Section F, Paragraph 3 be referenced instead? “

Section F should have been referenced. Section B is corrected with this amendment to reference the appropriate section.

51. Reference Section F, Page 28, Paragraph 3d Please clarify how this paragraph is to be understood.

If the location is more than 50 miles from the local employee’s home or office will mileage and car rentals associated with travel to the site be allowed? For example, will a car rental in North Dakota related to travel to and between locations be dis-allowed if the employee is on assignment for more than 30 days? If the employee was not local to the area will all other travel expenses be allowed as if the assignment was less than 30 days?

If the Government requires the contractor to travel to a site, then the Government will be reimbursed accordingly. All travel under this contract is subject to review and approval of the

Government and will be reimbursed in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulations. In addition, reimbursement for on-site services for an extended period of time will be evaluated on a task order by task order basis. As always, reimbursement for travel will be for the reasonable costs incurred.