Q As.doc

Pre-Solicitation: HSFEHQ-09-R-0113

TARC Q&A

1. Does the Agency prefer to select a small over a large business? Section F of the Pre-Solicitation Notice provides encouragement but not a clear preference for selection.

Ans: There is no preference and award will be based on best value for the government.

2. Will the Agency consider a small business as a viable prime contractor?

Ans: Yes, the agency will consider a small business as a viable prime contractor if they are found technically acceptable for the requirements as identified in the Solicitation Notice.

3. Will additional points be given in the selection if a small business is the prime contractor or if a certain percentage of the work is subcontracted to a small business?

Ans: This award is not rated on a point scale, so there will be no additional points given to small businesses or subcontractors that are small business.

4. What are the weights assigned to the various selection factors? We understand that the Selection Factors (1-8) in Section E of the Pre-Solicitation Notice are listed “in decreasing importance.”

Ans: There are no weights assigned to various selection factors. The rating scheme used for technical evaluations are based on the adjectival rating scheme of Excellent, Good, Acceptable and Unacceptable. Past performance will use adjectival ratings of Good, Satisfactory, Unsatisfactory and Neutral.

5. Is there an incumbent contractor currently performing this work? If so, who?

Ans: BESTT (a joint venture consisting of: Dewberry & Davis, URS, Greenhorne & O’Mara, and Post Buckley, Schuh & Jernigan).

6. Are prime contractors currently supporting the HMTAP in conflict with bidding on or executing this work?

7. Can a subcontractor on a current HMTAP team execute this work as a prime or sub without a conflict?

Ans.#6 and #7: The government will examine each offeror’s proposal fairly and if it appears that there’s an unfair competitive advantage or another situation leading to an organizational conflict of interest, we will address it with that offeror and decide on an appropriate solution. This is an open competition and any one can submit a proposal.

8. It seems that this work falls within the scope of the HMTAP. Is there a reason why it was not included in the HMTAP?

Ans: It’s the government’s right to determine what course of action is appropriate.

9. In the pre-solicitation it says: “Small businesses are welcomed to form Joint Ventures with other small businesses. Joint ventures consisting of any Large Business will not be considered.” Does this requirement imply that large businesses are not eligible to compete for this contract or that a large business must submit as a prime contractor only and not as a subcontractor to a small business?

Ans: Large businesses can compete. Large businesses CAN NOT form joint ventures if the small businesses is going to be the prime or with other large businesses. Large businesses can incorporate a subcontracting plan for approval by the Government.