Questions_Answers Geotech Amend.pdf

Questions & Answers

Solicitation No. NIST-RFQ-23-7302958 Geotechnical Investigation Support Services for

Champlain Towers South NCST Teams

1. Would it be acceptable if the Key Expert(s) get support from other technical personnel for the scope of work provided that the Key Expert will be the direct supervisor at all times?

Yes, key personnel may be supported by other technical personnel. However, key personnel are required to meet all minimum qualifications identified in the Performance Work Statement and to perform the duties identified for them in the Performance Work Statement.

2. Can you please clarify if the 2D SSI numerical analyses are to be done by NIST in Optional Task 6 (Detailed Geotechnical Evaluation - Adjacent Construction) after the contractor develops the model(s)? If that is the case which software will NIST be using? Is the same approach planned for Optional Tasks 4 and 5 (contractor develops 2D models and NIST performs the analysis)?

For Optional Tasks 4 - 6, NIST requires the Contractor to independently perform the analyses using the models it develops. The PWS has been updated for clarity.

3. Is there any preferable software for the Optional Tasks 7 and 8 (Full 3-D Soil-

Structure Interaction (SSI) Model)?

The Contractor is expected to propose its recommended solution and rationale, including the software platform. There is not any specific preferred software.

4. Optional Tasks 7 and 8 require unit prices for 2D SSI analyses also. Can you please clarify what is meant by the 2D SSI analyses? Are they the same ones in Optional Tasks 4 to 6?

For Optional Tasks 7 and 8, NIST requires the contractor to perform 2D soil-structure interaction (SSI) analyses on a yet-to-be-determined number of scenarios.

Therefore, NIST requires unit pricing per analysis.

Unit pricing is not required for Optional Tasks 4 through 6.

5. We are anticipating linear SSI analyses for the Optional scopes. Can you please confirm?

No. The Contractor is expected to propose its recommended solution and rationale.

6. The RFQ states that the response shall include all software and laboratory certificates needed to complete this effort. The selection of the appropriate software and/or laboratory equipment is dependent on the quality of the Government Furnished Information. Can this section be completed in a general sense to state broad types of software or laboratory equipment (to include the most probable items specifically) or is the intent of NIST to identify specificity as an evaluation criterion?

NIST requires that quotations include verification that the laborator(ies) to be used have valid certification to operate for the duration of the expected period of performance and that they meet requirements to perform the tests identified in Table I. List of Additional Potential Laboratory Testing on page 16 of the PWS. NIST also requires that quotations include verification of ownership of the software packages proposed to be used in relation to this requirement. These two items will be evaluated specifically.

7. Are we allowed to provide options within the fixed price line-item breakdown that NIST could exercise beyond those specifically listed in the RFQ?

No. Please only propose the services required by the solicitation.

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