Amendment 3 - Questions and Answers.doc

SOLICITATION NO.: GS11P08MKC0038

August 12, 2008 Amendment 3

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. On page I-B-4 of the pricing sheets, there is a heading titled, “Commissioning Phase Services.” Section C.7.2 is titled, “SCOPE OF COMMISSIONING SERVICES,” which describes the services required in Design and Construction Phases. C.7.1.2 states “The Commission Agent (CxA) shall be involved throughout the project from design development through the warranty phase.” Please clarify intent of the term “Commissioning Phase Services,” also used on pricing sheets on pages I-B-11-17, I-B-25 and I-B-26.

a. Response: “Commissioning Phase Services” is a term meant to cover all commissioning services per the RFP.

2. Section C.7.1.3 refers to LEED 2.2 NC; C.7.2.2 refers to LEED 2.1 (or current version). Please clarify.

a. Response: Reference to LEED 2.2 NC and LEED 2.1 shall be deleted. The Commissioning Agent will GSA P-100 guidance for LEED requirements. The correction will be reflected in Amendment 3.

3. Section H.1.3.2.B references Section C.13.1.(a) in defining “similarly complex.” Do you mean to reference Section L.13.1.(a)? Please confirm.

a. Response: Yes

4. As the base contract scope of services is during the design phase, please clarify whether other direct costs, (specifically Section C.1.6.20 Partnering, Section C.1.6.25 ePM system, and Section C.2.7 Office Facilities and CM Provided Equipment) should be included in the “CORE SERVICES” fee proposal at this time, or included in the options pricing during the construction and post-construction phases.

a. Response: These costs shall be included in “Core Services” fee.

5. The schedule for Bid Package-3/4: Shell and Tenant Improvements, indicates an Actual Start of design as 09/2007, and an Estimated Design Complete of 05/2009 on page I-C-3. Pages I-C-21 and I-C-22 indicate various design reviews of 35%, 75%, 95% and 100%. As we are currently 11 months into the design period, please confirm that all of the listed design reviews are still required.

a. Response: All design reviews (i.e., 35%, 75%, 95%, and 100%) will be required for Bid Package-3/4

6. Section C.3.3.2.d states that the CM is responsible for conducting Constructability Reviews at the mid-point & 95% Construction Document stages. The table in this section shows 4 reviews: 35%, 75%, 95% and 100%. Please clarify.

a. Response: Section C.3.3.2.d shall be changed to:

Constructability Review. The CM is responsible for conducting the constructability reviews at the design completion percentages listed in the table below. The primary elements of a constructability review are listed below: Correction will be identified in amendment 3.

7. Pricing sheets do not list a labor category for a VE consultant, nor for a Commission Agent. Please clarify.

a. Response: A VE consultant labor category shall be included in the pricing sheets. Inclusion will be made in Amendment 3.

8. Per the RFP, the subcontracting plan is to be provided in Volume 1 and also Volume 2 Evaluation Factor 3. Since Volume 2 has a limited page count, can we omit it from Volume 2, and refer the reviewer to Volume 1?

Response: The subcontracting Plan is to be included in the Price Proposal as Tab 5 only.

9. Can we exclude the resumes from the page count?

Response: No.

10. Do we need to provide backup for B.7.1, Bid Items for Phase 1B?

Response: No.

11. Do we need to tie staffing and rate to a fee? If so, not shown. Do we show the top level rate only?

Response: No. Please clarify what it is meant by Top level Rate?

12. Is support required for the subcontracting plan? Or can we assume that rates in I-B.6 takes care of the contractor and subcontractors?

Response: Supplementary support is not required for the Subcontracting Plan. The rates will supplement the prime contractor’s contract only.

13. The final line item for ODC seems to be missing.

Response: There is no line item for Other Direct Costs.

14. Is ODC reimbursable?

Response: See response to number 13.

15. Project references are listed twice (Evaluation Factors 1 and 4). To save on pages, can we provide them in Factor 1 and refer the reviewer to Factor 1?

Response: No. References must be identified where required.

16. Please identify what NAICS code applies for the subject contract’s treatment of CM and Commissioning services; and specifically, the cost threshold to be considered “Small Business.” Is the cost threshold $4.5 million to be classified small business? The reason for posing this question is that the NAICS code that is referenced in the solicitation is for construction, which carries a $31 million small business threshold.

Answer: Under FAR 19.102(d) the CO uses the code that applies to the "greatest percentage of the contract price." Therefore no other NAICS codes are considered. Please use the NAICS code idenitified for this project.

17. If our parent company is Australian, will we be able to get the Security Clearances from the State Department, required for the Harry S. Truman Building CM Services project. I understand that companies that fall into the "ABC" standard, i.e., Australian, British and Canadian, possibly could get cleared. Please let me know as soon as possible.

Answer: US Government has industrial security agreements with a number of countries, to include Australia, Britain and Canada…which simply means that companies owned by companies from any of those countries would be eligible for a facility clearance. They would still have to go through the entire foreign ownership control and influence (FOCI) mitigation required of Defense Security Service (www.dss.mil), which would likely be the establishment of a Special Security Agreement (SSA), which would serve to insulate the company from their foreign.

18. Throughout the RFP reference is made to LEED requirement. What is the LEED requirement? Is the project required to be LEED certified? To what level?

Answer: This project will be LEED certified at the Silver level.

SECTION B

19. Page I-B-2 para B.2 describes the Contract Executive role. Page I-C -4, paragraph C.1.6.4 defines the Construction Executive. Is this the same position?

Answer: Contract Executive will be changed to Construction Executive in Amendment 3.

Additionally, on pages I-B-6 through I-B-24, Supplemental Services Man Hour Rates specifies a Construction Executive. Please verify this is the same as the Contract Executive.

Answer: See answer to question 2 above.

20. Page IV-L-11 para L.13.2 (b) includes the Commissioning Agent (CxA) and Lead Construction Inspector (LCI) as key personnel. However, these positions are not included on pages I-B-6 through I-B-24, Supplemental Services Man Hour Rates. Please confirm Commissioning Agent and Lead Construction Inspector positions are not to be included in Supplemental Pricing.

Answer: Commissioning Agent and Lead Construction Inspector will be added to Supplemental Pricing Sheets. See Amendment 3.

Section C

21. Page I-C-5 para C.1.6.8 specifies the role of a CM Project Architect (PA). However, this position is not included on pages I-B-6 through I-B-24, Supplemental Services Man Hour Rates. Please confirm CM Project Architect is not to be included in Supplemental Pricing.

Answer: Please re-review supplemental sheets. Project Architect-manager is identified.

22. Page I-C-5 para C.1.6.11 specifies the role of a Senior Fire Protection Engineer. However, this position is not included on pages I-B-6 through I-B-24, Supplemental Services Man Hour Rates. Please confirm Senior Fire Protection Engineer is not to be included in Supplemental Pricing. Also please clarify if a Fire Protection Engineer is required for this assignment.

Answer: A Senior Fire Protection Engineer and a Fire Protection Engineer will be required.

23. On the schedule presented on Page I-C-3, Phase 1B Construction Completion is 09/2010 and Phase 1C Construction Start is 05/2012. Please confirm this 20 month downtime and clarify if the CM contractor is required to demobilize during this period. Will the trailer complex be required to be removed and then reestablished at start of Phase 1C?

Answer: There will be a gap between the construction completion of Phase 1B and the construction start of Phase 1C; however, Phase 1C design will be in progress during this time. The CM Contractor may demobilize and remove their trailer, however the trailer supplied for the GSA is to remain on side during this period.

24. On page I-C-3 para C.1.4 does the Estimated Construction Cost Range indicated for Phase 1B include the cost for the abatement and demolition packages?

Answer: Yes

25. On page I-C-5, para C.1.6.6 refers to CM Project Engineer (PE) as the CM’s Project Engineers… and “The PE’s are responsible to the CM for satisfactory completion of all work required of them.” Please clarify their role. Is this position required? Is this the Junior and Senior Engineers?

Answer: The(se) position(s) are required to support technical reviews during design and provide professional expertise during select system installations to assist field inspection staff. The(se) individual(s) are not seen as full time project participants. Can be either a senior or a junior engineer, but must be licensed to practice.

26. Para C.1.6.22 of page I-C-7 defines the CM Quality Assurance/Control Superintendent (QA/CS). The Supplemental Pricing Sheets on pages I-B-6 through I-B-24 refer to a Quality Control Superintendent. While on page IV-L-14 paragraph L.13.5 (b) key personnel refers to the Quality Control Superintendent (QCS). Please confirm this is the same position throughout.

Answer: Yes

27. Paragraph C.1.6.24 page I-C-7 defines CM Testing Engineer/Technician (TET). However, the Supplemental Pricing Sheets pages I-B-6 through I-B-24 requires a “Testing Engineer – Sr.” and a “Testing Technician”. Please clarify the roles of each.

Answer: When the CM is tasked to perform testing for the project the Sr. Engineer will be the individual certifying the test process, procedures, and result; while the Testing Technician will be the one (usually) conducting the test procedures.

28. Paragraph C.1.6.25 page I-C-7 defines the Electronic Project Management System (e-PM) states the ePM “will be reviewed and approved by DOS”. Paragraph C.2.12 page I-C-19 states “the e-PM solution will be chosen ultimately by GSA…” Page I-C-27 section C.5.1 state the CM responsibilities include “Maintaining information on the e-PM site.” Please confirm whether a new e-PM system is to be purchased and maintained by the CM, or, is the CM to add to an existing e-PM system previously approved and installed?

Answer: The CM will be responsible providing a new e-PM system per the RFP.

29. Paragraph C.2.2.1 page I-C-13 states “the individuals proposed for the Design Group and Construction Group shall not be the same persons, (i.e the Project Architect-Manager must not fill that position in both the Design Phase Services and Construction Phase Services).” Please clarify and confirm this is correct . If so, are two Project Managers (PM) required to fulfill the key personnel requirements of para L.13.2 (b) page IV-L-11? Also, since the Design Phase services overlap with the Construction Phase, it is presumed that it is acceptable to have these two positions functioning simultaneously?

Answer: These two positions are to be full time and priced accordingly for both the design and construction phase services. Resume’s are required for both. This will be reflected in Amendment 3.

30. Paragraph C.2.7 Office Facilities on page I-C-16 notes the “CM must provide, within its site office space for use by the government (COR and Project Manager), the items described below….” Will each government position (COR and PM) require a separate private office?

Answer: No. Only one GSA office space will be required.

31. Paragraph C.2.7.1 page I-C-18, Please clarify what level of quality is expected for the fencing and site enclosure.

Answer: The site currently is enclosed with a wood fence. This wood fence will remain in place throughout the CM contract period. The CM is expected to remove and reinstall the wood fence material as part of their new trailer installation in the existing enclosed area.

32. Paragraph C.2.7.1 page I-C-18, Please clarify what permits and approvals are required from Federal Officials.

Answer: No permits are required by Federal Officials.

33. Paragraph C.2.7.2 page I-C-18 notes: “the CM also is to provide a conference room with table and chairs to accommodate up to 10 people which may be shared with the CM.” Please clarify who will be sharing the conference room.

Answer: The GSA, DOS, CM, and Contractor as required to support the Phase 1B and 1C project.

34. Paragraph C.3.4 page I-C-23, states “the CM will prepare a cost estimate review report for each A-E design submission.” Please confirm that a separate cost estimate is not required by the CM. Please clarify the number of cost estimate reviews required.

Answer: Separate cost estimates by the CM will not be required as a basic service. The CM shall anticipate four (4) cost estimate reviews for Phase 1B and eight (8) for Phase 1C.

35. Paragraph C.3.9 Value Engineering (pg I-C-24) further states “Such VE studies will be conducted by a VE consultant engaged by the CM.” Please confirm the CM is to provide the VE consultant and the consultant will conduct the VE studies. Also, can the “VE consultant” be an employee of the CM firm?

Answer: The CM will provide the VE consultant and conduct the VE studies. And, the CM can be an employee of the firm. A VE Consultant will be added to the Supplemental Rates in Amendment 3.

36. Per Par C.3.10 (pg I-C-25), how many design progress meetings should be assumed for this scope?

Answer: Fourteen (14)

37. Paragraph C.5.4 page I-C-28 requires the CM to review the contractors schedule to provide a “manual or automated schedule”. Please clarify whether a “manual” schedule would actually be acceptable, or if an automated schedule will be required.

Answer: An automated schedule will be required.

38. Paragraph C.6 Post Construction Phase Services (pg I-C-37); for what duration should we assume such services are required?

Answer: Plan for six (6) months or Post Construction Phase Services.

39. Paragraph C.6.1 page I-C-37 states CM services for Post Construction lists meetings, monitoring safety, RFI, schedules, etc. typically associated with construction phase activities. Please clarify if construction activities will be on-going during Post Construction Phase services.

Answer: GSA does not anticipate construction activities, unrelated to the Phase 1B and 1C projects, will continue after substantial completion. However, minor construction activities are not uncommon for work associated with the Department of State.

40. Paragraph C.7.1.3 page I-C-39 states the Commissioning Agent will provide commissioning services required by LEED 2.2…” Does this project have a LEED requirement? If so, what is the level?

Answer: This project is focused on achieving LEED Silver.

41. Paragraph C.7.2.4.26 on page I-C-44 states "Oversee the videotaping of this training." Does this mean that the Construction Manager is responsible for the cost and operation of the videotaping equipment or that the Construction Manager acts in a supervisory role only?

Answer: As part of the CM responsibilities per paragraph C.5.16 “Photography” the CM will have video equipment for this contract. GSA expects the CM to provide a record of training for the DOS as indicated in C.7.2.4.26.

42. Paragraph C.7.2.4.28.e page I-C-45 states the “Commissioning Record shall include all documentation required for LEEDS Certification regarding commissioning.” Please clarify the LEED level.

Answer: Silver

43. Section C.7.5, page I-C-47 defines the Commissioning Authority Desired Qualifications. Please clarify if the Commissioning Authority is the same as the Commissioning Agent provided by the CM. Please define role of Commissioning Authority if different than Commissioning Agent.

Answer: The “Commissioning Authority” and “Commissioning Agent” are the same.

44. Paragraph C.7.7.1 page I-C-49 states “does the Commissioning (Cx) meet LEED criteria”. Please clarify criteria.

Answer: The LEED certification process requires independent review of the LEED component measures for validation per the LEED performance criteria. The CM’s Commissioning Agent will provide the verification per the U.S. Green Building Council’s requirements for commissioning.

45. Paragraph C.7.7.1 on page I-C-49 describes commissioning agent focused design review scope and states: “Review is to occur at concept design, at the beginning of design development, and near the end of construction document phase.” This review scope is inconsistent with the design reviews outlined in Section C.3.3.2 and the table on I-C-22. Please clarify.

Answer: The Commissioning Agents review schedule is to be conducted per paragraph C.7.7.1.

46. Paragraph C.9 Close-out Services (pg I-C-51): Scope states that CM will continue to perform record keeping, progress reporting, scheduling, problem resolution, meetings, inspections, etc. Please clarify the duration of these services. Please identify number of meetings and frequency of progress reporting.

Answer: The duration will be six (6) months from substantial completion; the number of meetings will be twenty four (24); and the frequency will be weekly.

Section H

47. Please clarify paragraph H.1.3.2B on page I-H-3 where it states “Acquired architecture, engineering, Construction management, and/or Construction experience of at least 5 years on at least 2 construction projects, completed no more then ten (10) years prior…” Would it be acceptable to have 5 years total experience on only one similar project? Do the projects have to have lasted 5 years each?

Answer: One must have a cumulative of five years experience on at least 2 construction projects.

48. Please clarify in paragraph H.1.3.2.A and B that “performing the work” and “experience” means as an Agency Construction Manager.

Answer: The experience must be in the type of work that the key person will perform under the contract.

Section L

49. Evaluation Factor 1 Past Experience of Firm as defined in Section L.13.1 on page IV-L-10 states “offerors must submit information that demonstrates past experience as a Prime Construction Management (CM) professional…” Please clarify that this is work performing the work as an Agency Construction Manager on a similar modernization project.

Answer: Yes

50. Paragraph L.13.1 (a).11 on page IV-L-10 states the project to be similarly complex if “Total building commissioning required including LEED certification.” Please clarify LEED level.

Answer: Silver

51. Paragraph L.13.1 on page IV-L-11 states “the Government will evaluate whether the offeror has construction management experience involving” similar projects. Confirm this required experience is as an Agency Construction Manager.

Answer: Yes

52. Page IV-L-11, Section L.13.2 Evaluation Factor 2 describes the experience and qualifications of Key personnel. Confirm that similar responsibilities and experience is performing Agency Construction Management services.

Answer: Yes

53. Paragraph L.13.3.a states “demonstrate that these services are routinely performed by your firm, and your firm is primarily in the business of providing construction management services”. Please clarify firm must be primarily in the business of providing Agency Construction Management services.

Answer: Yes

54. Paragraph L.13.3.(b) page IV-L-12 states “Supply an organizational chart (staffing plan) for the project team…” We typically consider organization charts to be different than staffing plans. We typically consider an Organization Chart to be a diagram showing staff positions and relationships, with lines of communication and authority of the team, where a staffing plan typically identifies which team members specifically will be on the project on a full or part time basis and for what duration. Please clarify the definition of both an Organization Chart and a Staffing Plan so that we can be sure to meet your requirement.

Answer: The organizational chart shall, in addition to the general organization, show the team proposed for this project and their place within the organization. As a sub-component of the Organizational chart show a detailed staffing plan for the project.

55. Paragraph L.13.3.(d) page IV-L-12 states “explain how you plan to prepare for Partnering, Value Engineering and Estimating meetings for budgeting of the total project.” Please elaborate on the meaning and intent of this question so that we can be sure to answer properly

Answer: Provide your strategy and approach to setting up and conducting the events identified in paragraph L.13.3(d) to indicate you are well versed in conducting these type of activities.

56. Paragraph L.13.3(f) page IV-L-13 states “Provide a schedule of the assignment of CM personnel…” Please define the requirement for this. Could this also be considered as a staffing plan?

Answer: Yes, this is equal to a staffing plan.

57. Please confirm that two references per person are required for each key personnel as described in Para L.13.5.(b) on page IV-L-14. Can two references from the same project be provided?

Answer: Yes, two references per discipline are required. The two eferences per person shall not be from the same project.

58. Page IV-L-14 (b) Evaluation Factor 4 – Past Performance of the Firm and Key Personnel says we need at least two references from similarly complex projects for each of our Key Personnel. It does not give a required number of references for the project references. In Evaluation Factor 1 – Past Experience requests two references. Please clarify number required.

Answer: Two references are also required for Past Performance of the Firm. This clarification will be made in Amendment 3.

59. Can we provide the same references in Past Performance evaluation Factors 1 and 4.

Answers: Yes,

60. On page IV-L-9 para L.12.2.5 specifies “the technical proposal shall not contain more than 80 numbered pages..” Are resumes included in this page count?

Answers: Yes

61. Can Resumes and the Reference Information in the Past Performance be single spaced?

Answers: Resumes may be single spaced past performance information may not.

62. Page IV-L-13, paragraph (k) of Evaluation Factor 3 – Management Strategies requires a written Subcontracting Plan. However, paragraph L.12.2.4 Price Proposal on page IV-L-9 requires the Subcontracting Plan be included as TAB 5 of the Price Proposal. Please clarify where the Subcontracting Plan should be provided. If Subcontracting Plan is required in the Technical Proposal, is this Subcontracting Plan included in the 80 page count of the Technical proposal?

Answer: The subcontracting plan is to be placed in the price proposal. It therefore does not count toward the 85 pages of the technical proposal. See Amendment 3.