OHIO AE IDIQ QA.docx

OHIO AE IDIQ QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

Q - My question is, would it be viewed as a benefit to include multiple consultants that are located in different areas of the State and then we would be able to select the most appropriate team to meet a project’s specific needs. For example, we have MEP consultants in Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, Akron and Youngstown and we have Structural engineers in Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus and Cleveland, All consultants would be part of X’s design team, but by having multiple consultants, it would give our team more flexibility in being able to provide better service to your agency.

A - Yes

Q - My question is: Are you soliciting separately for architectural services and engineering services, or are you soliciting A/E teams, i.e. an architectural firm takes the lead, and provides sub-consultants for engineering services to form an A/E team in pursuit of this work?

A – A/E teams

Q - X is interested in pursuing the Ohio AE IDIQ. The NAICS code 541330 is for Engineering Services however, the solicitation is requesting Architect and Engineering Services. Are you looking for an Engineer to lead the project with an architect on our team as a sub-consultant?

A - Either

Q - Are interested firms to submit a 330 response featuring that firm’s credentials and expertise only, or do you expect A/E firms to include information and credentials for a proposed team including sub-consultants?

A - A proposed team including sub-consultants

Q - I have a question relating to the font type and size requirements for the Ohio A/E IDIQ submission. Arial is listed as an allowed font, but is Arial Narrow acceptable?

A - Yes

Q - The solicitation for this sources sought lists that the NAICS code is 541330 Engineering Services. Is the prime firm responding to this proposal required to hold that NAICS code or is it sufficient as long as one of the sub-consultant firms on the team holds that code?

A - Yes

Q - In reading through the solicitations for these three opportunities, I did not see any specification for the type of binding required. Do you have a preference? Is any binding system not allowed?

A – Any binding is allowed. 3-ring is preferred.

Q - In above solicitation the size standard is specified as $ 4.5 Million, which is a small business. In the later part of the solicitation it states “Large Firm if selected…”. Does this mean this solicitation is open to small and large businesses? Will the small business be competing against the larger business? This clarification is important for small business so that they can consider teaming opportunities with larger business if it is an open for all. Clarification in this regard is appreciated.

A – The sources sought notice is unrestricted.

Q - Under submission format for this solicitation, it indicates that "Section H shall not exceed fifteen (15) pages. Indication of favorable performance ratings, awards, and repeat clientele in Section H is recommended." Can letters of recommendation and completed client evaluation forms for reference projects be included at the end of Section H without being counted against the Section H page limit?

A - No

Q - Can the prime professional services contractor be an engineering firm who subcontracts for architectural services?

A – Yes

Q - Do both the prime professional services contractor and any subcontracting firms each need to comply with the $4.5 million size standard for NAICS code 541330?

A - No

Q - The submission format indicates that resumes in Section E may be two (2) pages each. Will we be allowed to include as many projects on a person’s two-page resume as space and font size permits, provided that we do not exceed the 2-page limit?

A - Yes

Q - Is there a page limit for Section E?

A - No

Q - If we have Performance Evaluations, Letters of Appreciation, Awards or similar past client information, may we assume that they will be discarded if this means the 15-page limit for Section H is exceeded?

A - Yes

Q - Would it be possible for you to provide a more specific listing of the types of projects that you are anticipating so that we can provide a more “dialed in 330” submittal that will address your needs.

A - The Architectural and Engineering Services for which Delivery Orders may be issued may include: a). Design of new facilities or utility systems of various types, sizes, and complexities; b). Rehabilitation of existing facilities or utility systems of various types, sizes, and complexities; c). Design of projects on Army or Air Force installations; d). Application of Anti-Terrorist/Force Protection criteria; e). Sustainable design utilizing LEED rating tools; f). Preparation of the development of the technical information for design-build Request for Proposals; g). Development of construction cost estimates and schedules; h). Design of Demolition; i). Comprehensive planning that is related to future construction requirements on military installations; and j) Construction phase services including commissioning, shop drawing review and preparation of O&M manuals.

Q - Please advise if you will be accepting SF330's from NAICS 541310 or if this solicitation is strictly limited to 541330.

A – Either will be accepted

Q - Is there a time or “age” limit on projects we can show in the proposal? SF330 guidelines usually limit the project “age” to no more than five years old.

A – 5 years

Q - If there is no “age” limit given to projects, are older projects scored or rated lower than newer projects?

A – 5 year age limit

Q - Is this project considered a new requirement?

A - Yes

Q - If this project is not considered a new requirement; who is the incumbent and what is the contract number?

A – Not applicable

Q - Why not consider the Service Disabled Veteran program for this requirement?

A – In accordance with the FAR, Architect-Engineering services are purchased using the Brooks Act, which states the project is awarded to the most qualified contractor. Price and social economic status are secondary.