Amendment_02_Q_ _A.pdf

Questions and Answers for Solicitation GS-07P-13-HH-D-0055, IDIQ General Constriction, Repair & Alteration Services for the State of

Arkansas

Questions submitted via email as of October 30, 2013: Answers are in Red Text.

Questions regarding the Specifications:

Div 1: Sect 01310-2, 1.5 (B. – D.)

Can one person perform the duties of these three positions? How much time does the Government anticipate to be invested for each role? If that person is qualified to do each job function. As much time needed to address the project requirements.

Div 1: Sect 01310-3, 1.6 B

Are On Site “Pre-installation Conferences” required for every individual order issued? If so, how will the contractor factor in cost for requiring that “all” Subcontractors, installers, manufacturers and fabricators representatives attend each on site meeting? This is not economically functional for very small orders.

Level of attendance is determined by task/delivery order.

Div 1: Sect 01310-5, 1.8 Submittals ( B – D)

How will Contractor factor in cost to provide the required documents? How much time does the Government anticipate the Contractor would need to invest to produce the specified documents per order? Standard overhead rates should apply for needed documentation and is variable per contractor requirements.

Div 1: Sect 01320-1, 1.2 A

How many users are allowed to access this system? Will the Government provide necessary training for e-PM, and when would it be available? It’s our understanding that the e-PM system is not functional at this time. We have revised this portion. There will not be any access to the ePM system. GSA may request an electronic schedule in an acceptable electronic form.

Div 1: Sect 01320-5, 1.6 A

How will Contractor factor in cost to provide the required documents? How much time does the Government anticipate the Contractor would need to invest to produce the specified reports? This is a contract requirement where scope is developed at each task/delivery order; however, no cost adjustments are expected.

Div 1: Sect 01500-4, 3.2 F (2)

Is the Government requiring that a “wash facility” be placed at every location where an order might be issued? If so, how is the contractor to factor in price for the wash facilities at each location? To remain fair and competitive, will the government issue an allowance to provide this equipment at each location?

Refer to 1.1 B

Div 1: Sect 01732, Demolition Submittals

The specifications require submittals for items where no line items exist.

Demolition is included in line item pricing. On bid contracts the specs will be used for bid process.

Questions regarding the 2013 Line Items:

Div 1: General Conditions, Items 1.01 – 1.11 We’re required to provide pricing for the Items #1.01 – 1.11.

Davis Bacon (supplied) dictates pay rates for individual trades and rates vary per local. What rate should be used to help determine costs for these items? The information supplied in the solicitation for “Workload for Arkansas” clearly states that there is no guarantee of where work will be awarded.

Davis Bacon is minimum wages for trades. Company hourly rates billable are much greater as overhead, burden and tax are added. This is a determination to be made by each contractor. We supplied the “Historical Workload for Arkansas” to potentially help in this decision.

Div 1: General Conditions, Items #1.04 & #1.07

We’re required to provide Hourly Pay Rates for Items #1.04 (paper hanger) and #1.07 (carpet installer), but for these particular trades, the industry standard is a price per Square Foot. What is the government’s suggestion for determining a price for these trades?

Davis Bacon is minimum wages for trades. Company hourly rates billable are much greater as overhead, burden and tax are added. This is a determination to be made by each contractor. We supplied the “Historical Workload for Arkansas” to potentially help in this decision.

Div 2: Exist. Conditions – Demolition, Item #2.05

This line item includes the statement “…including cleaning of the wall surface”.

Please define exactly what the government means by “Cleaning of the wall surface”. Also, who will determine what is to be cleaned and how much surface will need to be cleaned for each order?

Clean wall surface simply means clean surface after paper adhesive is removed.

Clean to the point of being ready to re-paint or re-surface. Or prepare surface to allowable surface per manufacturer’s recommendations.

Div 2: Exist. Conditions – Demolition, Items #2.20, #2.21 and #2.23

These line items includes the statement “…includes surface scraping”. Please define exactly to what extent Scraping will be performed. Also, who will determine the amount to be scraped and how much surface will need to be scraped for each order?

Scraping is to scrape floor to ensure all product being removed is removed to expected substrate. Scrape to the point of being ready to re-paint or re-surface.

Div 7: Thermal & Moisture Protection, There is no line item for 6” Un-faced Insulation (R-19) for above Ceilings. We found the item # 7.03 for above ceiling, but nothing for 6” which is most commonly used.

R factor doesn’t pertain to acoustical requirements.

Div 8: Openings, Item #8.01 What type of Hollow Metal Door Frame is to be priced in this line item? Shall we price a welded frame, or a three-piece frame?

Add for welded frame is another line item. Specs call for three piece knock down.

Additional line items for welded add on.

Div 8: Openings, Item #8.30

What type of Access Panel is to be priced in this line item? Shall it be a flush frame or a recessed frame, a Fire Rated Frame or a Non-Fire Rated Frame?

Wording consistent with RS Means.

Div 8: Openings, Item #8.42

What size Aluminum Door Frame is to be priced in this line item?

8.40 and 8.42 nominal 3’x7’.

Div 8: Openings, Item #8.50

This line items states that “…cutting opening into standard partition” is inclusive, but then continues to state “Does not include cutting opening.”? Does this line item Include or Not Include Cutting the Opening?

Also, please clarify what a “Standard Partition” is.

Wording has been revised to remove last sentence. Cutting is included. Standard partition is self explanatory to contractors having completed this type of work.

Div 8: Openings, Item #8.75

What type of Panic Device is to be priced in this line item? Models vary from a couple of hundred dollars to over a thousand depending on Function, Finish and Locking Ability (requirements vary per location). The government provided model numbers for line items #8.77 and #8.78 for pricing. Will more information be provided for this line item?

Wording consistent with RS Means.

Div 8: Openings, Item #8.80 What type of Lockset is to be priced in this line item? Models vary from building to building and pricing also varies depending on Function, Finish and Core Requirement (requirements vary per location). How will we provide a price for the variance between manufacturer costs (ex: Corbin Russwin compared to Yale)?

Div 9: Finishes, Item #9.20 – #9.23

In order that these line items are accurately priced, what is the intended height of the walls in these line items to be? Walls above Ceiling height tend to require considerable more labor to perform than walls up to grid due to obstacles above the ceilings.

Wording consistent with RS Means work is typical 9’to 10’.

Div 9: Finishes, Item #9.20 – #9.23

Is the base to be used on these line items Vinyl, Rubber or Wood?

Rubber is standard.

Div 9: Openings, Item #9.50 & #9.51

What type and size of Ceiling Tile is to be specified on this line item? Neither of these line items specifies whether the tile is 2’ x 2’, 2’ x 4’ or 2’ x 5’ sizes. Costs for ceiling tile are not priced equally per square foot.

Size, Design and Finish all regulate the cost of Ceiling Tile. In addition, there are minimal orders on some ceiling tile (2x5 has to be pre-ordered by the pallet).

Will the government provide clarification on these items?

Div 9: Openings, Item #9.55

In order that these line items are accurately priced, what is the intended height of the Gypsum Ceilings in this line item to be? Ceilings above 10’high tend to require considerable more labor to perform due to the necessity of scaffolding and obstacles.

Wording consistent with RS Means - typical drop ceilings are nominal 9’ to 10’ high.

Div 9: Openings, Item #9.69

Is the ½” referred to in the line item description, the maximum thickness to be applied for leveling?

Correct.

Div 9: Openings, Item #9.70 The description in this line item states that it is for

“…standard office furniture and equipment…”. Oversized Conference Room Tables have to be disassembled and reassembled and some lateral files have to be unloaded to move. What Items does the government consider “Standard Office Furniture” and what items does the government consider “Equipment”?

Typical furnishings do not include disassembly, or loaded lateral files. Rather common office furniture. Negotiated hourly rates could be applied for these other situations.

Div 9: Openings, Item #9.80 & # 9.81

These two line items reference Rubber Cove Base in 4” and 6”. Most of the properties use Vinyl Base.

Will a line item for Vinyl Base be added?

Also, will 4’ sections of Cove Base be acceptable, or will continuous lengths of rolled base be required?

GSA should be using rubber base. Stick vs roll is determined in scope of work per task/delivery order.

Div 9: Openings, Item #9.81

There are two (2) separate line items for #9.81.

9.81: ” Base, cove or straight, rubber, 1/8” thick, 6”high, rubber, standard colors.”

Cove Base in 4” and 6”.

9.81: “Flooring, resilient, vinyl composition tile, 1/8” thick, solid, tile or plank, includes glue.”

Agreed, second line item 9.81 will be removed and added as line item 9.84.

Div 9: Openings, Item #9.81 (the second one)

This line item description states “…resilient, vinyl composition tile, 1/8” thick, solid, tile or plank…”. However the cost range for Solid Tiles and Plank Flooring is significant. Does the government have a range that they can provide?

Wording consistent with RS Means. There are many plank choices within typical VCT costs. Exact materials should be negotiated per task/delivery order.

Div 9: Openings, Item #9.90

Is this line item for new walls or existing walls? Also, what is the anticipated height of walls? Walls above 10’ high tend to require considerable more labor to perform due to the necessity of scaffolding and obstacles.

Wording consistent with RS Means. Painting complete is on any surface.

Preparation includes industry standard caulking, filling, spackling per manufacturer’s recommendations.

Div 9: Openings, Item #9.94 This line item descriptions state “…, paint door two coats latex”. Is this correct? Industry standard within federal facilities has always been Alkyd Enamels for wood and metal substrates. Polyurethanes and Acrylic’s would be an acceptable substitute with new EPA standards. Please clarify.

Correct - GSA’s intent is to use more environmental friendly low VOC paints.

These are typically latex water based.

Div 9: Openings, General Comments

Is this line item for new walls or existing walls? Also, what is the anticipated height of walls? Walls above 10’ high tend to require considerable more labor to perform due to the necessity of scaffolding and obstacles.

Wording consistent with RS Means. A typical partition height is 9’-10’ high.

Div 12: Openings, Items #12.30 - #12.33

These four line items all contain the statement “…, min. quantity two.” And the unit description is for LF.

Does the statement “min quantity two” mean that the minimal is 2-LF or that the minimal is two cabinets? (We assume that it means 2 LF, but would like clarification) Correct min 2 quantity and unit is LF.

Div 12: Openings, Items #12.32 and #12.33

These two line items both contain the statement “…laminate over particle board” in the description. However, the section 12355, 2.3, A.2 & B.2 both state that plywood should be used. Please clarify.

Manufactured cabinets are intent, so plywood construction isn’t typical. Specs refer to other manufacturing methods if needed. “Over particle board” wording has been removed on line item.

Div 21: Fire Suppression, Item #21.03

This line item states that this item “Includes replacement of ceiling tile if necessary”.

o Who will determine if it is necessary to replace a tile? A situation could easily arise where a box would be required to be purchased for the use of one individual tile.

o Would the replacement tile be a 2x2, 2x4 or a 2x5 ceiling tile?

o Will the tile be Fire Rated, Insulated, Glacier Finish or Vinyl Faced?

o How should the contractor factor in these costs?

This line item pertains only to Div 21. Tile replacement is per scope of work.

Div 21: Fire Suppression, Item #21.10

What type of Sprinkler Heads shall be used to factor the costs on the New Sprinkler Head line item?

Wording consistent with RS Means

Div 21: Fire Suppression, Item #21.20 What is the full description of this line item? Is the contractor to provide and install a Horn or Strobe device for this line item? If so, how will the contractor factor a price for this item as most individual federal location are under contract with a Fire Alarm company and therefore prices vary with location.

As described (wording consistent with RS Means) - provide and install horn strobe device.

Div 21: Fire Suppression, General Items

GSA generally requires Engineered Drawings and Calculations for Fire Alarm and Sprinkler work. We’ve seen no mention of this in the line items or Scope of Work.

o Will this still be a requirement?

o How will cost for engineering services be factored into the line items?

Engineered drawings and calculations aren’t done on typical small projects where devices are removed and installed. Design is not part of this contract requirement.

Div 22: Plumbing, Item #22.16 thru 22.19

There is no line item for ¾” Copper Pipe. This is the most commonly used size specified by GSA Engineers. These line items each include types K, L, M and DWV copper pipe in various sizes. Is the intention to price the highest priced materials? Types M & DWV are usually the lowest priced copper, type L is median price and type K at the top of the range.

Example: Grainger’s has ½” Copper x 10’ long priced as follows;

o Type “M/DWV” @ ½” = $17.27 per 10’ stalk (contractors cost w/ no mark-ups) o Type “L” @ ½” = $24.80 per 10’ stalk (contractors cost w/ no mark-ups) o Type “K” @ ½” = $31.25 per 10’ stalk (contractors cost w/ no mark-ups) Types K, M, and DWV have been removed from Line Items. Type “L” only.

Div 22: Plumbing, Item #22.42

This line item specifies that the Water Closet is a Wall Hung unit, but fails to clarify whether the Water Closet has a Tank or Flush Valve. Please Clarify.

Div 22: Plumbing, Item #22.43

This line item specifies that the line item is inclusive of “…supply, waste, vent…”.

How are the contractors to determine what the length of the Waste, Vent and Supply will be for bidding purposes prior to an order being issued? Are we to estimate a minimal amount for each connection, and if so, what amount shall we use to factor our costs? Please Clarify.

This is an additive item to ensure that depending on mount that all associated other connections are also relocated per manufacturer. Note Each (EA) is the unit.

Div 22: Plumbing, Item #22.44

This line item specifies that the Water Closet is a Floor Mounted unit, but fails to clarify whether the Water Closet has a Tank or is a Back-Flush w/ Flush Valve.

Please Clarify.

Wording consistent with RS Means - dependent on scope of work per task/delivery order.

Div 22: Plumbing, Item #22.45 This line item is described as an adder for Water Closet Rough-in. How are the contractors to determine what the length of the Waste, Vent and Supply will be for bidding purposes prior to an order being issued? Are we to estimate a minimal amount for each connection, and if so, what amount shall we use to factor our costs? Please Clarify.

This is an additive item to ensure that dependent on mount the associated other connections are also relocated per manufacturer. Note: Each (EA) is the unit.

Div 22: Plumbing, Item #22.50 This line item is described as an adder for Sink

Rough-in. How are the contractors to determine what the length of the Waste, Vent and Supply will be for bidding purposes prior to an order being issued? Are we to estimate a minimal amount for each connection, and if so, what amount shall we use to factor our costs? Please Clarify.

This is an additive item to add a rough-in connection at location. This is typical of a valve with service and device connections at location per contract.

Div 22: Plumbing, General Items o There are no line items for Valves of any type.

o There are no line items for Connections to Chill Water o There are no line items for Toilet Partitions.

o There are no line items for Toilet Accessories.

o There are no line items for PVC pipe.

o There are no line items for Valve Insulation (mandatory for chill water lines).

o Section 15140, 2.2, A.5 of the Specifications, specifies “Copper Pressure-

Seal-Joint Fittings”. Are these for ProPress Pipe? If so, will ProPress pipe and fittings be added to the line items?

That is correct, as connections, fittings, hangers, etc. are included in the line item for pipe.

Div 23: Heating, Ventilation Air Conditioning, General Items o There is no line item for demolition of Hard Duct.

o There is no line item for new Sheet Metal Duct.

o There is no line item for Insulation for Sheet Metal Duct.

o There is no line item for Duct Patching.

o There is no line item for Balancing Terminals.

o There is no line item for Exhaust Fans (frequently used).

o There is no line item for Hot-Taps (frequently needed for old lines or non-functioning valves) That is correct.

Div 26: Electrical, Item #26.01

The description for this line item is for one single device with the exception of the Quadreplex outlet. A Quadreplex is a double outlet in a 4” or 6” J-Box with a Mud-Ring. Basically two times the work of a single outlet. Is there a reason that the double device is included with other single device demolition? Please Clarify.

Div 26: Electrical, General Items o Line items 26.04, 26.05 26.08 and 26.30 thru 26.34 all state “…to 15’ high”.

What is to be used for work over 15’ high? None on this line item o There are no line items for Conductors larger than #10. How will this be addressed when larger conductors are required (ex: adding a panel or transformer, etc…). None on line item.

o Line items 26.27 and 26.28 both refer to Cat 5e Cable, but there are no Cat 6 line items, which is what is most commonly used now. Unless specified otherwise is included to cover specified deviances. Agree that CAT6 is common.

o Line item 26.42 is a 15A outlet. This is a residential grade outlet. Is this correct? Yes.

o Line item #26.36 describes a Device Box as a 4” Square. A standard Device Box is a 2” x 4” x 2” box. This would be used for any single-gang device.

Typically the industry standard for a Device Box is the 2x4x2 single gang box.

A 4-Square box can be used with a single-gang mud ring to achieve the same goal, but these costs more. Please Clarify. That is correct.

o Line Item #26.40 states that the line item cost is inclusive of (2) –EA, 4” Square Device Boxes, but includes only (1) device. Is this correct? Please explain. Yes, this is correct. We can add a duplex for a quad location. The larger device box allows for duplex or dual box locations, just add conduit, flex, box, etc.

o Line Item #26.41 states that the line item cost is inclusive of a 2” Square Device Box, but we have yet to find the line item for a Standard 2” Device Box.. Is this correct? Please explain. Wording consistent with RS Means.

Div 50: Install Government Furnished Material, Item #50.08

This line item states that is inclusive of both, Direct Glued and Stretched installations. Bonded carpet is most always the most expensive installation.

o Was the correct intent to expect both types of installation to be performed for the same price?

o How will this apply to Double-Stick Carpet?

o Who will determine how much floor prep is to be included? Some projects require significantly more prep and patch than others for the same amount of footage. Floor prep includes cleaning as specified by the manufacturer. No additional preparation needed. Leveling is an additive item.

Correct as shown, the most common is direct glue, but many methods exist as specified per delivery order.

Div 50: Install Government Furnished Material, Item #50.09

This line item states that is inclusive of, Tack Strip in the installation.

o Carpet Tile does not require Tack Strip. Removed from Line item description.

o How will this apply to Double-Stick Carpet? Doesn’t apply o Who will determine how much floor prep is to be included? Some projects require significantly more prep and patch than others for the same amount of footage. Floor prep includes cleaning as specified by the manufacturer. No additional preparation needed. Leveling is an additive.

Div 50: Install Government Furnished Material, Item #50.10

This line item states that is inclusive of both Tile and Plank, in the installation.

o This would not include a Diagonal Layout correct? Custom installation would be a negotiated cost in addition to the base install cost per delivery order.

o Who will determine how much floor prep is to be included? Some projects require significantly more prep and patch than others for the same amount of footage. Floor prep includes cleaning as specified by the manufacturer. No additional preparation needed. Leveling is an additive

Div 50: Install Government Furnished Material, Item #50.12

Please define what “Other Than Normal Working Hours” are;

o What Hours of the Day are inclusive?

o What Holidays are inclusive?

“Normal Working Hours” under this solicitation are defined as Monday through Friday, 6 am to 6 pm. Normally, building access won’t be available during Federal Holidays (New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day).

Questions regarding the Hypothetical SOW Inquires:

Description of Work: 1, Division 2, a Statement says “…no alteration of grid system necessary”, so we assume that the existing walls are 10’ and attached to the bottom of the grid. Is this correct? If not, how tall is the wall to be demolished?

Contractor needs to give us their assumptions since there is not a walk through.

This will be used in the evaluation.

Description of Work: 2, Division 8, a

Are new door frames to be Welded Frames or 3-Piece Frames?

Knock down frames if possible. If not, contractor needs to give us their assumptions.

Description of Work: 3, Division 9

Statement says ”Prime and apply two coats of paint on walls…”, We interpret this to mean 1-Coat of Primer and 2-Coats of Paint. Is this correct?

Correct.

Description of Work: 4, Division 22, Statement says ”Install water closet in new bathroom…”. What type of Water Closet are you requesting?

Price varies drastically per selection (ex: Back-flush with Tank, Back-flush without Tank, ADA Back-flush with Tank , ADA Back-flush without Tank, Back-flush Floor Mounted, Back-flush Wall Mounted, Floor-flush with Tank, Floor-flush without Tank, etc…).

Floor mounted, tanked water closet.

Description of Work: 5, Division 23, a o What types of Diffusers are to be used (Slot Diffusers, 2x2 Grills, 1x4 Grills)?

Wording consistent with RS Means. Specified per delivery order.

o Will these Grills require Dampers? Dampers are an add item if needed.

Description of Work: 6, Division 26, b There is no description for the type of light fixture to use. Price varies drastically per selection (ex: 2x2 Prismatic, 2x4 Prismatic, 2x2 Parabolic, 2x4 Parabolic, New 2x2 Energy Efficient Fixture, New 2x4 Energy Efficient Fixture, Can Light, Compact Fluorescent Can, 3-Lamp or 4-Lamp, Emergency Ballasts, etc…).

What type of Light Fixtures are you requesting?

Wording consistent with RS Means. Per line item as specified.

General Inquiries:

The Table of Contents for the Specifications does not match the internal Divisions (ex: page 2 of the Table of Contents shows Institutional Casework as Division 10, but it is found in Division 12, TOC shows Mechanical as Division 11, but is found in Division 15. TOC shows Electrical as Division 12, but it is found in Division 16) This has been modified.

How will Carpet Allowances for Agencies be addressed? If allowances are different than what the line item calls for, the carpet will be addressed as bid, or

RFQ.

Is “Recycling at No Cost” to be required on every job?

o Who will determine what gets Recycled?

o Most companies charge to Receive/Recycle materials. How will costs that the contractors incur be distributed or absorbed?

o Will GSA provide a location for temporary storage of materials to be recovered/recycled?

Yes, the intent is to recycle as much as possible at no cost with not just recyclers, but through other methods. Yes, we are working on helping with recyclers. We cannot tell you how to dispose of material, but we can make suggestions. There will be no temporary facilities for recovering.

Contractor will need to remove on a regular basis if space they are working in does not allow. Also, contractor can work each individual task order to make arrangement.

How will work be addressed where no line items exist? RFP or Lump Sum.

How will Contractors bid “Apples to Apples” on the Hypothetical, when pricing is up to the interpretation of the individual contractor? Contractor needs to give us their assumptions so that proper evaluations can be made.

How long will the Contractor be required to “Hold their Price”? 120 days.

Will Contractors be required to write each estimate with GSA supplied Scope of Work? If so, will all selections be provided in advance with the Scope of Work?

Yes.

Most Carpet manufacturers have minimal orders established for purchases.

Some have a 125 SY minimal order and others have a 150 SY minimal. When attached pad is included, all carpet manufacturers have a minimal of 125 SY to

150 SY.

In addition, the 2x2 ceiling tiles used in many federal facilities use a 2x5 ceiling tile that has to be purchased by the pallet. Wording consistent with RS Means. If certain locations have unique situations a negotiated agreement can be made for these situations.

How will these typical overages be treated on minimal orders for materials? If certain locations have unique situations a negotiated agreement can be made for these situations.

Will there be Cost of Living increases during the life of the contract? No, see clause FAR 52.222-30 in solicitation.

Could you please advise if a sign-in sheet for the Pre-Proposal Conference for Solicitation: GS-07P-13-HH-D-0055 be listed on the FBO site, or if not could you please provide me with one.

In regards to Submission requirements, Section II.D. Technical Proposal, Item (5) Qualifications and Experience of Key Personnel, for the “List 3 similar projects” requirement, are the 3 projects to be submitted in this section required to three of the projects previously listed under Section II.D. Technical Proposal, Items (2) Experience and Item (3) Past Performance?

You are to submit evidence of experience on 3 projects for each person considered key personnel for this contract (a project may count as experience for multiple key personnel if they each played a key role). You may use the same projects being submitted under experience and past performance as long as the key personnel played a role in those projects. Also, your key personnel may have gained experience while employed in other firms outside the zone, those sample projects are allowed for submission under this factor.

requirement, are the three projects listed required to have been performed within Arkansas, or within a 50-mile radius of this zone?

No, the zone restriction does not apply to “Qualifications and Experience of Key Personnel.”

requirement, are all of the key personnel required to have performed on all three of the listed similar projects?

No.

In regards to Section II.F. Requirements for Joint Venture Offerors, item 4, Is the Past Performance information that must be submitted for each member of the joint venture referring to the past performance information required under Section II.D. Technical Proposal, Item (3) Past Performance?

Page 14 of the RFP (PDF page 14), states “The General Services Administration (GSA) is setting aside the contract under the following clause found in the Agreement: 52.219-18, Notification of Competition Limited to Eligible 8(a) Concerns (Deviation)”. Can the Government confirm if this an 8(a) set-aside

IDIQ?

This solicitation is a Total Small Business set aside. FAR Clause 52.219-18 has been removed from the “Notice to Offerors of Total Small Busiess Set-Aside” section of the solicitation and replaced with FAR Clause 52.219-6 Notice of Small Business Set Aside (Nov 2011).

In regards to Section II.D. Technical Proposal, Item (2) Experience, Submittal Requirements state “Provide samples of five (5) projects successfully completed in the past five (5) years form the date of issuance of this solicitation, and within, or within a 50-mile radius of, this zone.” Does this mean projects should be completed within the last five (5) years of solicitation issuance OR within a 50-mile radius of this zone, or should it read “projects completed in the past five (5) years form the date of issuance of this solicitation, and within Arkansas, or within a 50-mile radius of, this zone”? Please clarify.

The way you re-wrote this section (replacing “zone” with “Arkansas”) is accurate as well. The date and location requirements are both requirements (and), not or.

How many companies will be on the contract?

Please refer to section I.A.(2) of the solicitation.

Will this contract be tax exempt?

Does GSA want a pricing schedule based on a national average pricing because this is in different areas. And then a percent of the City Cost Index based on a national average pricing. Doing it this way can inflate or decrease line items that will be a dispute during the contract on certain line items. Example is line item 8.41, 8.40, 12.32,12.35.12.34,22.41, 22.30. Or do you want the pricing to reflect the area of Ark pricing. The reason for the question is the cost index overall can be different because one shows a national average the other shows a local cost.

The pricing needs to be an accurate reflection of your costs and profit not based only on an index.

Is it going to be required to have an office in Little Rock if we already have an office in Arkansas.

Will there be any preference to SDVOSB or 8(a) or HUBZONE companies.

Is this contract being pull from being set-a-side for 8(a) 52.219-18 No, this zone was never set-aside for 8(a), the clause was input inadvertently.

Special Ordering for Carpet only Task Orders -- Does this mean that you will not use the pricing on the schedule but compete this after award to the IDIQ holders.

This doesn't seem fair because then you can use any price you want on the schedule. Please explain?

The Services Contract Act was included in this solicitation to have the ability to issue task orders for carpet only. These orders will be competed among the awardees of the zone regardless of the dollar value. Even though this is a rare occurrence, we wanted to have the ability to issue these orders if the need arises. There are no line items for carpet so you don’t have to quote those out front.

Will one Security Clearance cover all locations in Arkansas.

Yes

Do you want a performance schedule in the proposal for the Hypothetical Project?

Yes

We have an additional question on the IDIQ for ARKANSAS is the superintendent's rate to be included in the line items or will it be a separate line item by its self. Also how about the Project managers rate. Will the superintendent's rate be a line item? If you don't understand what I am asking please feel free to call.

These rates should be included with the line item. There will not be separate costs added for this type of supervision / project management.

I noticed that just before the Notice of Commercial Package Carriers, there is a Notice to Offerors of Total Small Business Set-Aside. Under that part it includes 52.219-18 Competition limited to Eligible 8(a) Concerns.I thought this was just a total small business (As stated on the cover page FAR 52.219-6). I am not 8(a) and therefore would not qualify if that is a requirement.

Please refer to the answer to question 6.

Also under II.D. Technical Proposal, (6) Evidence of Local Office, it states that an office based out of a private residence would not be considered a bona fide office. Again, I would not qualify if I am reading that correctly. I have always run my office space from my home.

If your firm’s main address in SAM is located within the zone, or within a 50-mile radius of the zone you will be eligible to achieve a satisfactory or higher rating in this evaluation factor.

Could you please verify for me if this project is strictly set aside 8a?

Please refer to the answer to question 6.

Can you please let me know what type of evidence would meet compliance for providing the required "Evidence of Local Office" (Item Number 6 in Section II.D.

Technical Proposal).

For the purposes of this solicitation, an office based out of a private residence or out of office space assigned under a separate contract (i.e. Government furnished office space) is not considered to be a bona fide office. To achieve a satisfactory or higher rating in this factor you must submit evidence of an office in the zone or within a 50-mile radius of the zone. If your firm’s main address in SAM is not located within the zone, or within a 50-mile radius of the zone but you do have a “bona fide office” within that area, please give the address and a brief description of the office (i.e. size, purpose, number of employees at location, months / years at that location, etc.).

The revised solicitation (in amendment 1) show two different dates (Solicitation cover page vs Standard Form 1442, box 13a) for submission of the bid. Please advise of the correct bid date.

The proposal due date is November 13, 2013 at 2:00pm CST. The date stated on the Standard Form 1442 in box 13a was an oversight and has been corrected.