Additional Answers to Questions 2 Bedroom Park Model.doc

1.

FEMA has four evaluation factors (Past Performance, Experience, Production and Inventory Planning and Control Methodology and Price and Other Related Factors). What is the relevant weight of each factor? In other words, on a scale of 16, is each factor worth 4? If not, what are the objective weights for each factor?

Answer: Award decisions will be made on a “best-value” assessment of proposals based on a trade off between cost and non-cost factors. When combined, all evaluated technical factors will be considered significantly more important than price.

2.

Three factors have four rating designations. Do these designations have a specific weight (1, 2, 3, and 4) or are these designations more subjective?

Answer: No, they do not have a numerical rating, however please see the criteria under each factor.

3.

How does formaldehyde in past products affect Factor 1(Past Performance)? Will the method in which vendors addressed the formaldehyde issue affect their ranking?

Answer: This is a new requirement. However, if a vendor in the past has mitigated formaldehyde concerns, this will be evaluated.

4.

F.A.R. 15.305(2) (iv) states that, “In the case of an offeror without a record of relevant past performance or for whom information on past performance is not available, the offeror may not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably on past performance.” When evaluating for past performance, how will FEMA calculate “Neutral”? Will FEMA drop Factor 1 from the evaluation criteria for any firm evaluated as “Neutral” in accordance with 15.305(2)?

Answer: The Government is looking to make an assessment of the “Best Value”

5.

How does Factor 2 (Experience) differ from Factor 1(Past Performance)? The underlying criteria appear to be identical. Both are based on having done this well before, but neither take into consideration sufficient capacity demonstrated by the team’s current plant size, unique chain capacity, and labor saving techniques.

Answer: Factor 1 evaluates the contractor based on ability to supply items in a timely fashion that satisfies the requirement in terms of quantity and quality. Factor 2 evaluates the contractors own fiscal and physical capabilities, etc. Please see the evaluation factors for a full description of the criteria that will be considered.

6.

Regarding Factor 4, how will you evaluate price? Low bid 4; second lowest 3; third 2; fourth, 1; and everyone else 0? Or $30,000–$35,000 gets a rating of 4; $35,001– $40,000 a rating of 3; $40,001–45,000 a rating of 2; $45,001–50,000 a rating of 1; and over $50,000 a rating of 0?

Answer: Low Bid, but Factors 1, 2, & 3 are considered significantly more important then Price.

7.

Will FEMA weigh price lower than the other three factors to negate always awarding to the lowest bidder?

Answer: Low Bid, but Factors 1, 2, & 3 are considered significantly more important then Price. The Government is looking for the “Best Value”.

8.

Understanding that this solicitation is not set aside for emerging small business, HUBZone small business, or service-disabled veteran-owned small business, will businesses in any of these categories receive additional consideration? If so, how will it be objectively applied to above factors?

Answer: This procurement is set aside for small businesses. No other categories will receive consideration.

9.

The first paragraph on page C-5 says “Minimum order. When the Government requires supplies or services covered by this contract in an amount of less than 100 units, the Government is not obligated to purchase, nor is the Contractor obligate to furnish, those supplies or services under the contract.” Does this obligate FEMA to order at least 100 units if the Contractor chooses not to furnish the units in smaller orders?

Answer: No, this number should be one (1).

11.

Attachment D-1:

a.

On the first page, the third paragraph references a floor plan configuration. However, none is attached to this solicitation. Where is it?

Answer: This is a typo.

b.

On the first page, the fourth paragraph states, “The total air exchange rate of the unit shall be a minimum 0.35.” Is this per hour, or person per hour, or something else?

Answer: 0.35 per hour c.

On the second page, the third paragraph, will certification from a licensed engineer or architect that attests to compliance with ANSI A119.5 suffice or does it require a RPTIA seal?

Answer: RPTIA Seal is preferred.

12.

Procurement Specifications:

a. Page 11, Unit Floor Plan: What is “O.C.”?

Answer: Of center 13.

Delivering 100 units within 60 days of contract award:

Pre-delivery inspection:

i. Does this take place before or after the IAQ testing?

Answer: Both

ii. Does FEMA intend to inspect every unit? Yes How many days will FEMA require for this inspection? Will be inspected at each stage, so if build 20 per day, Answer: 20 per day will be tested.

b.

On page 10 of the Procurement Specification talks about a 14-day pre-test period. Are these 14 days in addition to the 15-day test or are they the first 14 days of the 15-day test?

Answer: 7 days seal, test on day 8, 7 day ventilation, test on day 16 c.

Is it correct that the 60 days includes time required by FEMA to inspect all 100 units, a 14-day pre-test period, a 15-day IAQ test and delivery to FEMA?

Answer: Yes 14.

IAQ Testing:

Are we to seal vents even if the vents consume no electrical power and our air quality design depends upon the vents?

Answer: For the first 7 days, yes b.

We plan to regulate air changes and humidity even when heating or cooling are not necessary. How will FEMA’s testing method account for this benefit? Answer: Please describe this is proposal.

c.

No matter where they manufacture the units, the units will be deployed to the same locations. In that Indiana is cooler and dryer than the test sites in Alabama and Arkansas, how will FEMA compensate for tests that must be conducted in warmer, moister weather?

Answer: This question is unclear.

d.

What happens on day 8?

Answer: Air quality test

e. Does the contractor or the tester select the time of day?

Answer: I advise you to speak with your approved third party conducting the test. However, a timeframe is specified in the IAQ.

15.

Factor 3 (Production and Inventory Planning and Control Methodology) addresses production capacity and resources. At least thirty vendors are named parties in a lawsuit about formaldehyde. In how much detail does FEMA want these vendors to demonstrate that they have sufficient resources to pay the potential settlement while maintaining sufficient production capacity and resources to produce 1,900 units?

Answer: The contractor is to demonstrate their capacity as described.