RFIs_4.pdf
PDF 196 KB Posted
- Attached to
- WATER TANK INSPECTION & ASSESSMENT WORLDWIDE
- Solicitation number
- N3943025R0018
About this file
This document contains a set of questions and answers regarding a water tank inspection and assessment solicitation worldwide. The key areas of inquiry include potential conflicts of interest for inspection firms, inspector qualifications, and proof of eligibility for architecture-engineering (A-E) services.
The first question addresses whether a firm performing inspections would be precluded from subsequent rehabilitation or repair work, with the contracting officer indicating significant concerns about potential organizational conflicts of interest. The second question seeks clarification on required certifications (AWWA, NACE, API), with the response directing bidders to review solicitation documents for specific qualification requirements. The third question pertains to FAR 36.601-4(b) eligibility, with guidance that firms must provide documentation proving their legal permission to practice architecture or engineering, including state-specific registration certificates where applicable.
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Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| RFIs_5Revised.pdf | ||
| RFIs_5.pdf | ||
| RFIs_3.pdf | ||
| RFIs_2.pdf | ||
| RFIs_1a.pdf | ||
| A-E Synopsis_Solicitation.pdf | ||
| SF330-21a.pdf | ||
| Past Performance Questionnaire.docx | DOCX document |
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Questions Regarding Water Tank Inspection & Assessment Worldwide
1. Inspections vs. Follow-on Work
Could you kindly confirm whether a firm that performs inspections under this requirement would be precluded from bidding on any subsequent rehabilitation, recoating, or repair work generated from those inspections?
Answer:
While the solicitation does not explicitly prohibit a firm from performing both the A-E inspection and the subsequent rehabilitation, recoating, or repair work, doing so would likely result in an organizational conflict of interest (OCI) under FAR Subpart 9.5—specifically, "preventing the existence of conflicting roles that might bias a contractor’s judgment." As the
Contracting Officer, I would have significant concerns about such dual involvement and would advise against it absent a formal legal counsel opinion. It is therefore highly unlikely that the same firm would be permitted to perform both the inspection services and the follow-on construction or repair work.
2. Inspector Qualifications
The solicitation references AWWA, NACE, and API certifications. Could you please confirm:
Whether all three certifications are required, or if one of the three is sufficient.
The specific level of NACE certification required.
As stated in the solicitation, qualified personnel must possess relevant certifications. Please refer to the solicitation documents for specific requirements related to certifications and ensure your proposed personnel meet all listed qualifications.
3. FAR 36.601-4(b) – Proof of Eligibility
The solicitation references FAR 36.601-4(b), which specifies that contracts for architect-engineer services may only be awarded to firms permitted by law to practice architecture or engineering. Could you kindly confirm what would be considered acceptable proof of eligibility under this requirement for this solicitation? For example:
If AE firm registration is required in a jurisdiction, would a copy of the registration certificate suffice?
In accordance with FAR 36.601-4(b), firms must demonstrate that they are permitted by law to practice the professions of architecture or engineering. To satisfy this requirement, please provide documentation that clearly establishes your firm’s eligibility to perform such services.
Additionally, for each state in which your firm is providing services and where AE firm registration is required, please submit a current copy of the registration certificate for that specific state. The government will review all documentation provided and determine its acceptability.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .