RFI_Questions_for_Solicitation__RESPONSES_4-21-15_(1).docx

USAID MOBILITY DESIGN LAB – PHASE 2 PROJECT

RFI Questions for Solicitation # GS-11P-15-YM-C-0030

QUESTION #1:

Under Evaluation Factor 1 - Past Experience of the Firm on Similar Projects, the Solicitation states that the “Offeror must demonstrate successful experience as a prime General Construction (GC) Contractor responsible for the construction of at least two (2) but no more than five (5) building projects that meet all of the following minimum requirements…”

On one of our similar projects we successfully served as a prime General Construction Contractor for a building project that meets all of the evaluation factors except that the cost of the construction contract at the time of substantial completion was at least $5 million versus at the time of award. This project was not $5 million at the time of award because it was completed in two phases (similar to the USAID project) and the client wanted to award each phase separately but still as part of one contract. Please advise if the language in this Evaluation Factor can be changed to:

- “The project was at least 30,000 gross square feet and the cost of the construction contract at substantial completion was at least $5 million”

Question #1 Response: There will be no change in the language for this evaluation factor.

QUESTION #2:

Pages 15-16 of the Solicitation dealing with “II.F. Requirements for Joint Venture Offerors” states that:

(4) Representations and certifications, financial information, and past performance information must be submitted for each member of the joint venture

If a response is submitted by a Joint Venture (JV), the JV is considered the Offeror, and as such, the past performance of the Offeror (JV) is what is required. As such, please confirm that reps and certs and financial information are required to be submitted for each member of the joint ventures, BUT past performance could be submitted by one or more of the members of the Joint Venture.

Question #2 Response: Yes, reps and certs and financial information are required for each member of the joint ventures. Secondly, past performance can be submitted by one or more of the members of the joint venture.

Question #3: Evaluation Factor 1 calls for work performed in high- end office space. Will that work in schools and libraries suffice to satisfy the requirement as being defined as high end office space construction?

Question #3 Response: The definition for a high-end office space is spelled out in the solicitation in evaluation factor number 1. In order for a project to qualify as a high end office space, it must meet all the characteristics (a.b and c) as spelled out in the factor.

a. The project involved extensive interior finishes and custom millwork;

b. The project involved unusual architectural features such as curved walls and/or raised flooring and uniquely designed ceiling work or similar items;

c. The project involved state-of-the-art physical access security and monitoring systems

Question # 4: Spec sections 2.7D and2.7E on page 271000-6 call for blue Category 6 cable. Section 2.12D on page 271000-9 indicates that cable jackets should match outlet colors. Please confirm Category 6 cable and jack coloring guidelines.

PSE Question #4 Response: Cable jacket and jack colors shall be as specified in 2.7.D and 2.7.E.

USAID MOBILITY DESIGN LAB – PHASE 2 PROJECT

(Con’t)

Question #5: Are Wireless Access Points to terminate on RJ-45 jacks and placed in a surface-mount box, or left coiled with male modular end plugs?

PSE Question #5 Response: Per the symbol definition on TD0101, each WAP location shall be provided with two (2) CAT-6 cables terminated at the WAP location in a surface mounted box.

Question # 6: What, if anything, is the telecom contractor to provide at VTC locations?

PSE Question #6 Response: Per drawings TD0101, AV0101, and specifications 274116, the contractor shall provide a network connection for all unclassified VTC locations. The contractor shall physically install and wire the equipment provided by the Government for all VTC locations.

Question # 7: Please provide a description for the EPA outlet shown on page TD0104.

PSE Question #7 Response: Refer to drawing TD0101 Tele/Data Outlet Identification symbol definitions. See subscript E for EPA outlets. The following is the definition replicated from the drawing: “Backbox, conduit, and cover plate only for new EPA outlets. Coordinate with the EPA’s telecom group.”

Question # 8: Drawing TDB0103 shows two new cabinets are to be provided in IT Workroom 7.06.351. Please verify that these are the only two cabinets required for the project.

PSE Question #8 Response: The equipment racks in IT Workroom 7.06.351 are not the only equipment racks in the project. Equipment racks required for audio/visual systems are described in the AV and AVB series drawings and specifications section 274116. Equipment racks required for tele/data systems are described in the Generalized Description of Work on TD0101 and TDB0101 as well as specifications section 271000. These items in the documents indicate that tele/data equipment racks are also required in each of the telecom rooms. Please refer to the documents listed for descriptions of additional locations.

Question # 9: Section 2.7E on page 271000-6 describes one green and one purple jack but the drawings show four (4) Category six cables and jacks. Please confirm jack colors for OFDA outlets.

PSE Question #9 Response: Drawing TDB0101 defines the ‘4A’ tele/data outlet type as including two (2) USAID data outlets and two (2) OFDA data outlets. Refer to specifications section 271000 items 2.7.D and 2.7.E for category-6 cabling and jack colors. According to 2.7.E, the two out of four outlets in a type ‘4A’ location that are specific to OFDA data shall have blue cabling with one green and one purple jack. The other two outlets are for USAID data and shall follow the colors as required in 2.7.D.

USAID MOBILITY DESIGN LAB – PHASE 2 PROJECT

(Con’t)

Question #10: Is new pathway (sleeves, conduits, basket tray, grounding, etc.) to be provided by the telecom contractor? If so, please provide a drawing showing existing pathway.

PSE Question #10 Response: Yes, the contractor shall provide all pathways i.e, “Bundled” not “Loose Laid” required for all new cabling. Drawings of the existing pathways in the existing raised floor systems are not available.

Question #11: I am the Specification Manager for Panolam, the parent company of Pionite and Nevamar. I received a call from a sub-contractor, pertaining to bidding for the USAID Phenolic Bathroom partitions (GS-11P-14-MK-C-0006.) The only information he had was Nevamar “matrix” to be determined, phenolic. Is there any updated information as well as specification on the partitions? The information I am looking for to assist in pricing is the actually color that will be used on the phenolic, the thickness, how many bathrooms as well as who the architect and general contractor is for the project.

Edifice Question #11 Response: The color of the laminate is still TBD by USAID. The ceiling hung partitions are to be of panels, 1/2” solid core phenolic and doors, 3/4“ thick solid core phenolic. The Nevamar “matrix” is a speckled laminate that is to cover the solid core phenolic material. Its color is still TBD. There are 4 bathrooms on the seventh floor is typical of 8, 6, 5, 4, 3 (2 men’s and 2 women’s) however 2nd floor has an additional 1-Mens & 1-Women’s restroom. This includes standard toilet stalls, ADA stalls and urinals. The Architect is Edifice Solutions and the General Contractor is currently TBD. Custom Graphics are no longer required on Phenolic Panels. Specifications are available through the GC Offeror’s.