Amendment1_Q&A.pdf

NIHOF201800002 AMENDMENT #1

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

NOTE - THIS IS A SERVICE-DISABLED SET ASIDE PROCUREMENT. THE PRIME A&E SHALL BE A SERVICE-

DISABLED VETERAN OWNED SMALL BUSINESS.

Question 1:

Can the page limit for the overall submission for Part I be increased to 100 pages? It will be hard to meet the page count since we must include resumes for all of the key disciplines and show that we have adequate number of personnel in each of the discipline areas.

Answer 1:

The Government considers the 75 page limitation reasonable. Resumes are limited to one (1) page for each of the 24 key personnel. The request to demonstrate adequate number of personnel can be satisfied in a matrix/ chart format, as instructed in item 4.E.(4). SF330 Part I sections A through G can be accomplished in 55 pages or less; section H can be satisfied in 20 pages or less with the use of matrices /charts and brief and succinct narratives. Offerors are reminded that elaborate corporate marketing information and other non-requested or extraneous information is not necessary.

Question 2:

Do we really need to show resumes for a scheduler and land surveyor? It might be hard for them to include at least a bio-medical reach or healthcare project on their resumes.

Answer 2:

The requirement that the Scheduler has a bio-medical or healthcare project on his/her resume is waived;

however, a resume is still required. The requirement to submit a Land Surveyor resume is waived;

however, in accordance with the SF330 Section H instructions, the Prime A&E shall describe their proposed Land Surveyor team member’s qualifications for the work.

Question 3:

For the 100 mile radius requirement, is the prime contractor required to be within 100 miles or can this requirement be met with a teaming partner having an office within 100 miles of the Baltimore – Washington, DC area?

Answer 3:

As stated under the Selection Criteria in the Request for SF330s, criteria ‘F' (Location in the General Geographic area of the Project and Knowledge of the Locality) is Secondary and will be used as a tie-breaker among technically equal firms. Firms with a local presence will be given higher consideration.

Over the course of the work, the AE team will be required to maintain some presence on the NIH Bethesda campus and/or other Maryland sites during the design and post design phases. However, routine travel costs to attend meetings, conduct site investigations, and/or perform post design inspections, etc. are not allowed, unless under special circumstances authorized by the Contracting Officer. Therefore, firms outside the 100 mile distance should consider having a local satellite office or teaming with firms with a local presence.

NIHOF201800002 AMENDMENT #1

Question 4:

Can you please confirm that the response date is January 2nd?

Answer 4:

Confirmed; refer to the due date stated in the FBO notice.

Question 5:

Reference: SOW - C.3.3 Location of Facilities: It is anticipated that the majority of the facilities under this requirement will be located on the NIH Main Campus, Bethesda, MD followed by the other surrounding areas. Therefore, the A/E shall maintain an office within one hundred (100) miles of the Baltimore – Washington, DC metropolitan area for the duration of the IDIQ contract.

Reference: Request for SF 330’s: F. FACTOR F – Location in the General Geographic area of the Project (Proximity) and Knowledge of the Locality: Proximity is simply the physical location of a firm in relation to the location of a project, and has very little to do with the technical ability of a firm to perform the project.

The A/E firm shall clearly indicate the primary office where the work will be performed on the SF330. The geographic location of the firm’s office will be considered in order to evaluate the firm’s knowledge of local geographical features, climatic conditions, natural resources, local construction methods, local subcontractor base, and local and State building codes and permit requirements.

Which statement is correct? Additionally, if there is a mile restriction we respectfully ask that be removed.

Answer 5:

The distance restriction is not waived. Refer to Answer 3.

Question 6:

Could you please advise about the NAICS code for this presolicitation? The NAICS for architect should be 541310 however the NAICS listed is 541330. Should an architectural firm be the lead for the contract?

Answer 6:

The use of NAICS code 541330 does not preclude an Architectural (“A”) firm from taking the lead as long as the “A” firm is small business under 541330.