Questions_ _Answers.xlsx

XLSX spreadsheet 21 KB Posted Apr 7, 2014

Attached to: Architect-Engineer (A-E) Services IDIQ
Solicitation number: IBM14R0006
Issued by: International Boundary and Water Commission U.S.-Mexico

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Amendment A001 Attachment 1 Questions Answers

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File	Type	Posted
A002.pdf	PDF	Apr 9, 2014
Evaluation_Factors_(FINAL).doc	DOC document	Apr 7, 2014
A001.pdf	PDF	Apr 7, 2014
SF_330_Architect-Engineer_Qualifications.pdf	PDF	Mar 13, 2014
Evaluation_Factors_(FINAL).doc	DOC document	Mar 13, 2014
SOW_(Final).doc	DOC document	Mar 13, 2014
IBM14R0006.pdf	PDF	Mar 13, 2014

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Q&A

IBM14R0006, Architect-Engineer Services IDIQ
	Question	Answer
1	Does the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation under solicitation number IBM14R0006 contain requirements similar to a current contract? If possible, please provide the current contract number. Or, is this a new requirement for the government?	IBM09D0006 and IBM09D0008
2	Will this submittal required the inclusion of a Mexican National Architect & Engineers for work on the Mexican side of the border?	Mexican firms are not required at this time. A licensed Professional and/or Engineer in the State where the work is to be performed is required. If a requirement arises and the Task Order Statement of Work requires a Mexican Firm then the inclusion of that firm will be handled in accordance with Contract Clause 52.244-4.
3	Can you tell me who the incumbent is on this IDIQ?	Tetra Tech & URS Group
4	In Section J, attachment 2, Evaluation Factors, Number 5, sentence 2 states - The SF 330 shall be the cover page with the Merit Factors submitted in the same sequential order as provided

a. Is IBWC requesting both SF 330 Part I, including each section A-H, and Part II as a part of this submittal?

b. Is IBWC expecting to see SF 330 Parts I and II from each team member?

c. May team members’ data be incorporated into the full SF 330?

d. Is IBWC expecting to see all SF 330 documentation prior to the first tabbed element (Tab 1 – Merit Factor 1) in our proposal?

e. Does the IBWC expect to see our responses to Merit Factors 1-5 as part of section H of the SF 330? a. Yes

b. Part I, Section C. Proposed Team is to be completed to include "all key subcontractors". Additionally, "prepare a separate Part II for each firm that will be part of the team proposed for a specific contract and submitted with Part I. If a firm has branch offices, submit a separate Part II for each branch office that has a key role on the team." This includes subcontractors.

c. Yes

d. Yes

e. Merit Factor information is not required under Section H.

5	Does the IBWC have a preference for single-sided or double-sided pages?	Double-sided
6	Will IBWC accept projects from subconsultants in addition to the prime consultant in our response to Merit Factor 2, Question 1?	Yes.
7	Will IBWC accept projects from subconsultants in addition to the prime consultant in our response to Merit Factor 2, Question 2?	Yes.
8	Will IBWC accept quality awards from subconsultants in addition to the prime consultant in our response to Merit Factor 2, Question 3?	Yes.
9	Merit Factor 2, Section 1. What types of representative experience will IBWC accept

a. IDIQ contracts?

b. stand-alone contracts?

c. task orders under IDIQ contracts?

d. subconsultants experience?	Yes to all Questions, however, for part (d) we will accept subconsultants' experiences in addition to the prime consultants' experience.
	10	Please clarify Merit Factor 3, Professional Qualifications, Question 1. Is the IBWC looking for

a. A description of the professionals included in the SF 330 Section E?

b. A description of corporate resources for each position?

c. A table or listing of all professionals on the team?	Yes to all Questions.
	11	In Clause H.08 (b) Task Order Awards (2), Ordering Procedures - Request for Task Order Proposal, on the top of page 14 of 35 of the IBM14R0006 Solicitation document, it states that ‘Unless the Contracting Officer applies one of the exceptions to the fair opportunity process as noted in FAR 16.505, each Task Order will be awarded based on the following: Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) or Best Value.’ It is our understanding that this type of award is inconsistent with an award for Architect-Engineer services per FAR 36.6. Specifically, FAR 36.601-4 prescribes that A/E services are subject to Quality Based Selection procedures. Please clarify.	Clause H.08 of the Solicitation has been revised to be consistent with FAR SUBPART 36.6.
	12	Regarding the age of projects included in response to this solicitation, can you please confirm the time frames for projects in the following sections?

SF 330, Section F: no age requirement

SF 330, Section H (Evaluation Factors), MF 1: 10 years or older?

SF 330, Section H (Evaluation Factors), MF 2.1: 5 years or less

SF 330, Section H (Evaluation Factors), MF 2.2: no age requirement

SF 330, Section H (Evaluation Factors), MF 5: 5 years or less The information presented in Section F needs to be relevant. Relevant information is considered to be within the past six (6) years

The Evaluation Factors are to be addressed in accordance with Attachment 2.

The number of years specified in MF 1 is confirmed as correct.

MF 2 is revised to reflect six (6) years to be consistent with FAR 42.1503.

MF 5 is revised to reflect six (6) years to be consistent with FAR 42.1503.

A revised Attachment 2 is included with this Amendment.

13	What is the deadline date for publishing answers to questions?	Answers to questions will be posted in a timely manner after the cut-off date for receipt of questions.
14	If we have personnel licensed to do work in Mexico, is it still required to have a Mexican firm on the team?	Mexican firms are not required at this time. If a requirement arises and the Task Order Statement of Work requires a Mexican Firm then the inclusion of that firm will be handled in accordance with Contract Clause 52.244-4.
15	How many projects are required for Section F? (SF330 Section F)	The instructions for the SF 330 state: "present 10 projects, unless otherwise specified by the agency".
16	Is there a limit to the number of resumes to be submitted for Section E (SF330 Section E)? At least one for each key discipline listed under Merit Factor 3.1?	No limit to number of resumes or Section E (SF330) however provide at least one resume for each key discipline listed under Merit Factor 3.1.
17	Does the 12 point, Times New Roman font, left 1 inch, right 0.75 inch, top 0.4 inch, and bottom 0.5 inch requirement applies to the Merit Factor 1-5 responses which will be included on Section H of the SF330 (SF330 Section H)?	The font and margins apply to the Merit Factor response. Responses on Section H of the SF330 shall be the "as is" font and margins.
18	In the Evaluation Factors document, page 1 of 4, first paragraph, please clarify the following statement: Only list experiences of minimum ten (ten) years your firm has for each Category listed under each Merit Factor. Is the Team required to have a minimum of 10 years of experience in each of the items per each category	Yes Team is required to have a minimum of ten (10) years of experience in each of the items listed under Merit Factor 1. Merit Factor 2 and 5 are being revised to reflect six (6) years to be consistent with FAR 42.1503. A revised Attachment 2 is included with this Amendment.
19	Merit factor 2, question 2: Can the examples requested be chosen from the same list provided in Merit factor 2, question 1? or is it required to provide different examples for each category?	Yes, examples can be chosen from the same list provided in Merit Factor 2.
20	Is there any way you can send me more information on the attached RFQ?	All information required is contained in the posting, IBM14R0006 on FBO.
21	Is there a formal submittal deadline?	This information is contained in the posting, IBM14R0006 on FBO.
22	Can we submit an individual team for just Civil Engineering work?	Yes. To maximize Merit Factor points, it is essential to identify the qualified individual, team, or firm that has experience on the type of work or skill being requested.
23	Approximately how many awards will be made?	This is a multiple award IDIQ, the IBWC may award to as many firms as necessary to satisfy our requirement.
24	Will the contract value be a total pool or limited to $9,000,000 per contract?	If all Options are exercised, each contract has a limit of $9,000,000.00.
25	The instructions state, “The SF330 shall be the cover page . . .” Does this mean the first page of the SF330 Part 1 should be the first page of the submittal?	Offerors may include a one (1) page cover letter and table of contents prior to the SF 330. A revised Attachment 2 is included with this Amendment.
26	We assume the Merit Factors can be addressed in Section H of the SF330 Part I, is this acceptable?	Information from Merit Factors can be used in Section H of the SF330 Part I, however responses to Merit Factors 1-5 must be complete and scoring, listed on Page 1 of 4, will be based on information provided in the Merit Factor document.
27	Other than the direct response to the Merit Factors, how will the other parts of the SF330 be evaluated, such as SF330 Part 1 Sections A through G	Scoring, listed on Page 1 of 4, in the Evaluation Factor will be used for information under each Merit Factor. IBWC reserves the right to review any additional information in the SF330 that may assist in selecting the best qualified firms.
28	Does the 12 point Times New Roman Font requirement apply to charts, graphs, figures, maps, and other graphical information?	No. Use best judgment to assure charts, graphs, figures, maps and other graphical information are clear and legible.
29	Does the 12 point Times New Roman Font requirement apply to the entire SF330 (i.e. not just the responses to Merit Factors)?	No. Font applies to Merit Factors. The font in the SF 330 as provided and attached to the Solicitation shall be used "as is".
30	Given the volume of information required and the potential for answers to questions to be as late as the week before the submittals are due, would the IBWC consider extending the due date by one week (to 23 April 2014)?	At this point in time the IBWC will not be extending the deadline.
31	In the Evaluation Factors under Merit Factor 3.1, can you please clarify what is meant by “Central Office (network and communication) Engineer”? Is this an IT person. If not, please give a job description so we can ensure we understand the guidance.	This is considered to be an Information Technology (IT) professional. Refer to Question and Response #48.
32	Document entitled SOW_(Final), under Section I. Statement of Work:, Subsection B. Design services, it notes in part – Provide design services for rehabilitation, renovation, repair, and new construction for civil works associated with surface and subsurface water deliveries and accounting, ...... flood control and hydropower, such as ..... hydro-electric power plants .... However, in Document entitled Evaluation_Factors_(FINAL), under MERIT FACTOR 1, Section 6. Studies, Analysis and Design of Hydroelectric Plant Systems, specifically for rehabilitation and upgrades of existing plants, there are three items listed: a. Instrumentation and Controls, b. Automation and c. Structural. Is there a requirement to also provide qualifications in the area design for the hydroelectric equipment, i.e. – turbines, runners, and other elements of the electric generation equipment? If yes, where or in what section of the proposal does IBWC want to see presentation of those qualifications?	No. There is no requirement to provide qualification in the areas of hydroelectric equipment.
33	In Document entitled Evaluation_Factors_(FINAL), under MERIT FACTOR 1, Section 6. Studies, Analysis and Design of Hydroelectric Plant Systems, specifically for rehabilitation and upgrades of existing plants, there are three items listed: a. Instrumentation and Controls, b. Automation and c. Structural. Can you explain or contrast what you are looking under Item a. Instrumentation and Controls and under b. Automation? These two elements of work are similar so it would be beneficial for the presentation of our qualifications if we understood better what different aspects IBWC is considering under each of these two work elements.	Merit Factor 1, Item 6 (a) Instrumentation and Controls includes, but is not limited to, valves, lubrication equipment, actuators, instrument air lines, and other related hydroelectric equipment. Merit Factor 1, Item 6 (b) Automation includes, but is not limited to, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Supervisor Control and Data Acquistion (SCADA), and other related hydroelectric systems.
34	Attachment J2, Evaluation Factors for AE Services Instructions. On page 1, in the first paragraph, it states to ‘Only list experiences of minimum of 10 years your firm has for each Category listed under each Merit Factor.’ On page 2, Merit Factor 1, in the first paragraph, it states ‘experiences less than 10 years for any Item listed below will not be considered.’ On page 4, Merit Factor 2, Item 1, it states ‘Provide a list of projects performed during the last 5 years similar in nature to the work described for each Category under Merit Factor 1. Would IBWC consider projects under Merit Factor 2, item 1 that have been completed within the last 10 years?	No. Projects provided shall have been performed within the last six (6) years. (NOTE: Merit Factor 2 and 5 are being revised to reflect six (6) years to be consistent with FAR 42.1503.)
35	In the Evaluation Factors under Merit Factor 5, can you please clarify if this list of international projects needs to reflect all 9 categories listed under Merit Factor 1 (ex: 1 page of international projects reflecting studies, analysis and design of hydraulic structures; 1 page int’l projects showing analysis of hydraulic/hydrologic systems; etc.), therefore resulting in 9 pages total for Merit Factor 5?

Or is the requirement asking for 1 page max, listing a general overview of international projects (as specified in Merit Factor 5)?	International projects listed under Merit Factor 5 may be any combination of the nine (9) Categories listed under Merit Factor 1. If firm has international experience and expertise in each of the nine (9) Categories, then yes, up to nine (9) total pages may be submitted.
	36	Please clarify the difference between Merit Factors 1 and 2. In Merit Factor 1, is this intended to be more of a project approach for each item or project sheets that pertain to the items under each category? If Merit Factor 1 is in fact project sheets, then please clarify how it is different from Merit Factor 2.	Merit Factor 1 is listing projects, firms have engaged in for the past ten (10) years. Merit Factor 2 provides more information based on such factors as contract value, past performance, modifications, timely completion, and other factors listed.
	37	We have submitted questions for which the response may substantially require a revision of our proposal. We are concerned about the amount of time between when responses to questions are made available and the current proposal due date. In order to address responses to questions, XXX respectfully requests an extension of the deadline to be 10 days after the response to all questions are answered.	At this point in time the IBWC will not be extending the deadline.
	38	As a large business, please confirm whether we will we need to submit a Small Business Plan with our proposal submission?	All Large Business are required to submit a subcontracting plan. This can be included in the "Additional Information" section to be presented after Evaluation Factor 5. Please refer to the revised Attachment 2 included with this Amendment. Tab 6 is a new category.
	39	Section J.02 Evaluation Factors – Item 5 requests the SF330 to be the cover page. Please clarify what is expected with this requirement and if the SF330 includes all Part I (Sections A-D, E, F, G, and H/I). May we include a Cover Letter or Table of Content as well?	In the three ring binder, a one (1) page cover letter and table of contents may be included followed by the SF 330. After the SF 330, there shall be seven (7) tabs with responses for the five (5) Evaluation Factors, "Additional Information", and "Attachments". The SF 330 is to be completely filled. Merit Factor information is not required under Section H. Please refer to the revised Attachment 2 included with this Amendment for updated submission instrucutions.
	40	Section J.02 Evaluation Factors – Item 5 – Please confirm whether our responses to the Merit Factors are meant to be provided in Section H of the SF 330. If they are not part of Section H, please confirm proposal organization is as follows:

· Cover, Cover Letter, TOC

· SF 330 Part I (Sections A-I)

· SF 330 Part II

· Merit Factors 1 - 5

· Attachments	Responses to Merit Factors are not required to be provided in Section H of the SF 330. Proposed organization you have listed are acceptable. Please refer to Question and Response #39.
	41	Section J.03 A-E Qualifications (SF 330 template) – Please confirm that we are required to submit only a Part II from our named subcontractors and that we can include resumes/projects at our discretion.	In accordance with the instructions on the SF 330, Section C. Proposed Team is to be completed to include "all key subcontractors". Additionally, "prepare a separate Part II for each firm that will be part of the team proposed for a specific contract and submitted with Part I. If a firm has branch offices, submit a separate Part II for each branch office that has a key role on the team." This includes subcontractors. Resumes/projects may be submitted for subcontractors if used to demonstrate only of the Merit Factors as identified in the Solicitation.
	42	Section J.02 Evaluation Factors - Please confirm that the margins and font requirement provided in item 1 and item 6 of the evaluation factors are only for the Merit Factors response. We can use the margins provided in Section J.03 A-E Qualifications (SF 330 template) “as is.” For the SF330 templates, may we use the form’s standard font size of 10 point.	The margins and font only apply to Merit Factor responses. The margins and font in the SF 330 as provided and attached to the Solicitation shall be used "as is".
	43	Paragraph 2.b of item 52.209-7 (listed on page 30 of Section K) - “The offerer _has _ does not have current active Federal contracts and grants with total value greater than “$10,000,000.” Please confirm if we are to provide response as an Attachment.	This can be included in the "Additional Information" section to be presented after Evaluation Factor 5. Please refer to the revised Attachment 2 included with this Amendment.
	44	Section J.02 Evaluation Factors provides point values for how reviewers will rate each Merit Factor. It does not provide point, rating, or evaluation criteria information on how the SF 330 sections will be reviewed. Will you please provide more information on how the reviewers will be using the SF 330 Part I and Part II portions to evaluate best value to the IBWC. Specifically, how will the projects provided in Section F be evaluated? How will the org chart (Section D) and resumes (Section E) be evaluated?	Refer to Question and Response #27.
	45	Will you allow ½ page Resumes in Section E?	As long as information requested in the SF 330 is submitted, there is no page limit.
	46	Will you allow a smaller font (10pt min) in tables and graphics?	Refer to Question and Response #28.
	47	Section J.02 Evaluation Factors – The first paragraph says to list experiences “of minimum 10 years your firm has for each Category under each Merit Factor.” However, Merit Factor 2 (page 3 of 4) states last 5 years and Merit Factor 5 (page 4 of 4) states last 5 years. Please clarify the years of experience required for each Merit Factor.	Refer to Question and Response #12
	48	Merit Factor 3, item 1 lists a requirement for Central Office (network and communications) Engineer. Please provide further information about the qualifications and contract responsibilities for the Central Office (network and communications) Engineer discipline?	The Engineer shall be familiar with and have experience in design, construction, and modifications to temporary and permanent connectivity infrastructure and services for telephone, data communication media, satellite, fiber optics, wireless systems, and other IT related connectivity methods that are found in commercial type operations in federal buildings
	49	Can you disclose if the Nogales International Outfall Interceptor sewer project is included as one of the Task Orders in this IDIQ?	This requirement falls under the IBWC's current IDIQ contracts.

&"Times New Roman,Regular"&10Amendment A001 Attachment 1

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated Nov 14, 2017.