2026.03.25_PR15515497_Q&A.pdf

U.S. Embassy, Quito Avigiras E12-170 y Eloy Alfaro

Quito, Ecuador E-Mail: ruedavj@state.gov

March 25, 2026

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

RFQ Number: PR15515497

1. Could you please clarify whether contractor personnel working inside the facilities will be required to be accompanied or monitored by an escort provided by the Government or by a third party external to the contractor while performing their duties on site? In particular, we would appreciate confirmation as to whether such escort supervision will be mandatory at all times within the premises.

Contractor personnel working inside the facilities will not be required to be continuously escorted or supervised while performing their duties on site, as the end user will be the ENP.

The contractor is responsible for supervising and directing its staff.

2. Considering the short duration of the work, could you please clarify whether the contractor would be permitted to establish any temporary on-site camp, rest area, or accommodation arrangement for workers. If on-site lodging is not allowed, please confirm whether there is any existing residence, designated housing area, or other facility within the compound where contractor personnel could stay temporarily during the execution of the works.

Temporary on-site camp, rest area, or any accommodation arrangements for workers will not be permitted within the ENP facility. Contractors are fully responsible for arranging off-site housing for their personnel.

3. Could you please clarify whether the financial security requirements under this solicitation must be issued exclusively by a financial institution, or whether an insurance company/surety company may also provide the required bonds, guarantees, and related policies, provided that such instruments are legally valid and acceptable under the applicable regulations?

Regarding the Irrevocable Letter of Credit, and according to RFP-Amendment 0001, page 18, Section H, Clause 52.228-14, which states the following: “(a) Irrevocable letter of credit"

Embajada de los Estados Unidos de América

Avigiras E12-170 y Eloy Alfaro – Quito – Ecuador ec.usembassy.gov

(ILC), as used in this clause, means a written commitment by a federally insured financial institution to pay all or part of a stated amount of money, until the expiration date of the letter, upon presentation by the Government (the beneficiary) of a written demand therefor.

Neither the financial institution nor the offeror/Contractor can revoke or condition the letter of credit.

(b) If the offeror intends to use an ILC in lieu of a bid bond, or to secure other types of bonds such as performance and payment bonds, the letter of credit and letter of confirmation formats in paragraphs (e) and (f) of this clause shall be used…”. If the contractor decides to use option (b), please refer to the indicated formats in the link to the following FAR clause -https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_228_14.

Regarding the Performance and Payment Bonds-Construction, and according to the RFP- Amendment 0001, page 18, Section H, please refer to the following FAR clause -https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_228_15. And please note that the Performance Bond and Payment Bond shall be issued by a surety company in accordance with the forms included in the solicitation, specifically Standard Form 25 (Performance Bond) and Standard Form 25A (Payment Bond). These bonds must be provided on behalf of the Prime Contractor in compliance with the solicitation requirements.

4. Please confirm whether the work areas will be occupied or operational during construction, and whether there will be any access restrictions, noise limitations, or phased work requirements that the contractor must consider in its schedule and pricing.

The work areas will be available and unoccupied during construction. There are no specific access restrictions anticipated. However, contractor personnel must comply with the site entry procedures prior to accessing the site, and access must be coordinated in advance with the COR and the ENP Officials.

5. Please clarify whether the contractor may perform work outside regular working hours, including evenings, weekends, or holidays, if necessary to meet the contract schedule, and whether any prior approvals or special conditions would apply.

As stated in the RFQ, Section E – Deliveries and Performance, “Working Hours”, normal working hours are from 08:00 to 17:00 (40 hours per week). Work outside these hours may be approved by the COR with at least 24 hours advance notice. Extra labor expenses and costs shall be assumed by the contractor. INL will not cover any additional costs related to work after normal working hours.

6. Please clarify the required amount and acceptable form of performance/payment protection, as Section G refers to payment protection in the amount of 50% of the https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_228_14 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_228_15 contract price, while the sample bank guaranty references 20% during performance and 10% during the guaranty period.

• Regarding the payment protection, yes, the protection amount is 50%, as stated in the RFQ, Section G, G.1.0:: “PERFORMANCE/PAYMENT PROTECTION - The Contractor shall furnish some form of payment protection as described in 52.228-13 in the amount of 50% of the contract price.”.

• Regarding the Performance and Guaranty Bond and Payment Bond, please refer to Attachments One and Two of the RFP.

7. clarify whether the Government will allow the contractor to use any existing on-site facilities during contract performance, such as restrooms, office space, or other support areas within the premises. If such facilities may be used, please confirm under what conditions, limitations, or access restrictions they would be made available to contractor personnel.

Restroom facilities available on site may be used by contractor personnel during contract performance. Office space or other support areas can be adapted in the same project’s building. The contractor shall make its own arrangements for any additional facilities required for the execution of the work. INL will not cover any additional or extra costs related to this question.

8. Please clarify whether the contractor will be permitted to use existing on-site utility services during contract performance, including water and electricity. If such services are available for contractor use, please confirm under what conditions they may be used, whether any restrictions or coordination requirements will apply, and whether the contractor will be responsible for any associated consumption costs.

Water and electricity will be provided by the ENP-GOE during the contract performance period and during the contractor’s working hours.

9. Please clarify the site departure requirements at the end of the approved working hours. Specifically, please confirm whether contractor personnel must stop performing work at the established end time only, or whether they must also have fully exited the premises by that time.

As stated in the RFQ, Section E – Deliveries and Performance, “Working Hours”, normal working hours are from 08:00 to 17:00 (40 hours per week). Work outside these hours may be approved by the COR with at least 24 hours advance notice. Extra labor expenses and costs shall be assumed by the contractor. INL will not cover any additional costs related to work after normal working hours.

10. The solicitation states that the magnitude of the project falls within the range of USD 60,000 to USD 85,000. Does this price range include the estimated cost of Defense Base

Act (DBA) insurance and Value Added Tax (VAT), or are these costs out and not considered in this range of prices?

The estimated project magnitude of USD 60,000 to USD 85,000 includes all project costs, including labor, materials, overhead, profit, Defense Base Act (DBA) insurance, and Value Added Tax (VAT).

11. Is it acceptable for the quotation and required forms to be signed using an Ecuadorian electronic signature issued by a certified local provider? Please note that in some cases these signatures may not be automatically recognized by standard PDF readers but can be verified using official Ecuadorian validation software such as “FirmaEC”.

Yes. Quotations and required forms may be signed using physical (handwritten), digital, or electronic signatures, provided that the signature clearly identifies the authorized representative of the offeror and results in a legally binding submission.

12. Considering the contract performance period of 60 days, has coordination already been established with the Ecuadorian National Police to ensure that the GOE Zone 4 building will remain unoccupied during the refurbishment works, in order to avoid delays caused by continued use of the facility?

Yes. Coordination has been conducted with the ENP-GOE to ensure that the building will be vacant and available for construction activities during the contract performance period.

13. Given the relatively small size of the project and its price range, would it be acceptable for a Sole Proprietor offeror to also serve as the project superintendent?

Yes. A Sole Proprietor offeror may serve as the project superintendent, provided that the individual meets all the qualifications required under the solicitation and is able to fulfill the responsibilities associated with that role during contract performance.

14. In Attachment #5 “Breakdown of Price by Division of Specifications”, some item numbers appear to be repeated (for example items 19 and 23). Should offerors maintain the numbering as provided, or adjust it to avoid duplication? Additionally, Item 28 (“1-inch valve”) lists the unit as meters (m). Should this item instead be considered as units (u), similar to the other valve items?

The breakdown provided is just a reference. For the cost analysis the contractor can use any methodology, therefore the breakdown is just an example of how the contractor must elaborate his offer. Remind that this is a firm fixed price. If the contractor use the breakdown it does not exemt the contractor for his responsibility of delivering the complete project according to the SOW and drawings. The quantities and cost are a reference, and it is Contractor responsibility, any mistake in the Contractor’s cost estimation will not be considered for an additional payment and the Contractor shall perform all the required work.

Therefore the Contractor has to include in his offer the quantities a the items that he considers necesary to complete the work according the SOW and the drawings.

15. In Section J – Instructions on How to Submit a Quotation, Part A – Qualifications of

Offerors, point 8 refers to the requirement for performance/payment protection. During the quotation phase, what form of evidence is expected from the offeror to demonstrate the ability to provide this requirement? For example, should the offeror submit a commitment letter from a bank or insurance company, draft bond forms from a surety, or would it be acceptable to provide a signed statement confirming that the offeror will furnish the required security if awarded the contract?

At the quotation stage, offerors are not required to submit the actual performance/payment protection instrument. However, offerors must demonstrate their ability to obtain the required security.

Acceptable evidence includes a commitment letter or letter of intent from a bank or insurance/surety company confirming the offeror’s ability to obtain the required performance/payment protection in the event of contract award.

The actual performance/payment protection must be submitted after contract award, within the timeframe established in the solicitation.

16. In Attachment #5 “Breakdown of Price by Division of Specifications”, should offerors include additional columns indicating the unit price for each item and its total cost?

This clarification would help address potential variations in quantities during construction.

• Yes. Offerors may include additional columns indicating unit prices and total costs for each item in Attachment #5. Providing unit prices and corresponding total costs is acceptable and may assist the Government in understanding the cost breakdown of the proposal. The overall total price submitted must remain consistent with the total firm-fixed price proposed in Section A – Pricing.

• Regarding the quantities, Offerors are responsible for including all quantities and items necessary to complete the entire scope of work as defined in the SOW and associated drawings. As this is a firm-fixed-price contract, no additional compensation will be provided for variations in quantities encountered during construction.

17. In Section L – Representations, Certifications and Other Statements, paragraph L.2

(52.204-8 Annual Representations and Certifications), references are made to small business size standards such as USD 38.5 million in annual revenue and employee thresholds related to NAICS code 541519. Could you please confirm whether these provisions are applicable to this solicitation?

The clause FAR 52.204-8, Annual Representations and Certifications, is included in the solicitation as a standard FAR provision. The references to NAICS code 541519 and associated small business size standards are part of the standard regulatory language of that provision and do not establish a size standard requirement for this solicitation. Offerors should complete the representations and certifications as required, but the referenced size standards are not intended to limit eligibility for this requirement.

Reference:

FAR 52.204-8 – Annual Representations and Certifications.

18. Section G – Special Terms and Conditions states:

18.1. The contractor shall provide performance/payment protection in the amount of

50% of the contract price. Could you please confirm whether this security must be submitted with the quotation or only after contract award within the period mentioned in the solicitation?

At the quotation stage, offerors are not required to submit the actual performance/payment protection instrument. However, offerors must demonstrate their ability to obtain the required security.

Acceptable evidence includes a commitment letter or letter of intent from a bank or insurance/surety company confirming the offeror’s ability to obtain the required performance/payment protection in the event of contract award.

The actual performance/payment protection must be submitted after contract award, within the timeframe established in the solicitation.

18.2. Additionally, would alternatives such as an irrevocable letter of credit issued by a local bank be acceptable in place of a traditional Performance Bond and Payment Bond?

Alternative instruments, including letters of credit or other forms of financial guarantees, will not be accepted. The required instruments are the Performance Bond (Standard Form 25) and the Payment Bond (Standard Form 25A) as included in the solicitation.

• Reference:

Standard Form 25 – Performance Bond and Standard Form 25A – Payment Bond.

19. Please confirm whether the entire building must be painted, including areas that are not directly intervened, both interior and exterior.

Painting work shall be performed in the hole building according to section C.1.4 of the SOW this includes exterior and interior walls and the ceilings.

20. The Terms of Reference mention the need to provide an office for the COR and restroom facilities for personnel and staff. However, it is also indicated that spaces within the same building may be adapted for this purpose.

Please confirm whether we may allocate a space within the building for the COR office and contractor offices, as well as use the existing restrooms to meet this requirement.

Yes, the Contractor is allowed to use the same building to adapt spaces for offices and bathrooms in coordination with the COR.

21. Please confirm that at the start of the works the building will be free of furniture and equipment.

Yes, the building will be free once the NTP is delivered so the Contractor can start the work.

22. If a COR office must be provided, please confirm whether the contractor must provide furniture. If so, kindly specify the type and minimum requirements.

The minimum furniture is one desk and a chair so the COR or the INL-CES can use it to work on the site during inspections.

23. Will the Government provide site utilities such as water, electricity, and staging areas, or should the contractor include temporary utilities in the proposal?

Water and electricity will be provided during the contract performance period and during the contractor’s working hours by the ENP-GOE. The use of these utilities must be coordinated in advance with the COR. The Contractor shall coordinate with the COR and the ENP-GOE to identify and utilize appropriate staging areas within the building and in the adjacent patio.

24. Based on our assessment of the building’s current condition, we understand that:

New walls will receive plastering, skim coating, and paint.

Existing walls will receive surface preparation before repainting.

Please confirm that this interpretation is correct.

Offerors are advised to refer to Section C.1.2 of the Statement of Work (SOW) for the complete scope of wall-related requirements. The work is not limited to the items identified in the question. In addition to plastering, skim coating, painting, and surface preparation, the contractor shall repair wall cracks in accordance with the specifications outlined in Section C.1.2.

25. Please confirm whether gypsum wall works correspond only to:

Installation of gypsum board at door openings in areas 111 and 112, and

The opening of a window in the storage room.

This item is not specified in the documents, therefore please confirm whether it should be included separately.

Please see section C.1.2 in which is detailed the work to be performed.

26. Please provide the specifications, quantities, and locations of the handrails indicated in the drawings.

Handrails are not part of this solicitation

27. Please confirm that no modifications or interventions are required for existing sanitary fixtures or faucets.

Offerors are requested to develop only the work described in the SOW, for this intervention is not included intervention on the sanitary fixtures or faucets.

28. Please confirm that no electrical works or electrical interventions are required within the scope of this phase.

No additional electrical work is required beyond what is specified in the Statement of Work (SOW). However, the Offeror shall include in their proposal all electrical connections necessary for the hydro-pneumatic pump system. The contractor is responsible for ensuring that the system is fully installed, properly connected, and operational upon completion.

29. Please clarify whether painting is required for the existing exterior metal grilles of the building.

The SOW does not include the paint for the existing exterior metal grilles, it only includes the metal grille for the new window.

30. Please confirm that no intervention is required for existing doors and windows, except for:

Installation of the new MD1 door.

Installation of two NW3 windows for the pump room.

Removal of doors and windows indicated in Drawings A-01 and A-03.

Offerors have to include anly the work requested in the SOW, no intervention is required for existing doors and windows

31. The specifications establish a trench for the pumping system. Since the pumping system appears to be located within the building, please clarify the exact scope and location of this trench.

Section C1.6 of the SOW states the following:“ To improve the building’s potable water service, the Contractor shall design and install a new hydro-pneumatic system to ensure continuous and reliable water supply. Based on the conceptual drawing HS-01, the Contractor shall implement the new system and is required to review and verify the existing water supply lines serving the building to determine appropriate connection points.

Drawing HS-01 presents an alternative layout for the hydro-pneumatic system installation.

During the construction and demolition phases, the Contractor must identify the existing pipe(s) supplying water to the building to integrate the new system effectively. Important:

This project does not include the renovation or replacement of the internal piping that distributes water to individual fixtures or appliances. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that the potable water system remains fully functional and that there is no interruption to the building’s water service at any time during the works.

For the implementation of the new hydro-pneumatic system, the Contractor shall supply and install one 2 HP pump and a 450-liter hydro-pneumatic tank, in accordance with the specifications provided in Section C.3.8.

This system shall be installed in the new pump room, which will require the removal of the existing toilet. The associated sewage outlet shall be replaced with a siphon and a stainless steel grate to provide a drainage point for water evacuation in the event of a leak.”

As stated in this section the contractor has to define the route of the water pipes for the new hydro-pneumatic system during construction, consequently the required trenchs required for the installation of the water pipes of the hydro-pneumatic system are defined by the contractor in site, and all these work has to be included in the offer.

32. The terrace waterproofing works appear to require preliminary activities not described.

Additionally, the terrace seems to have limited slope for proper drainage, which may require mortar treatment and drain verification. Please clarify whether such work is required so they may be properly priced.

The contractor shall perform the terrace waterproofing in accordance with the requirements set forth in Section C.3.6.4 of the Statement of Work (SOW).

The Offeror must include in their proposal all labor, materials, and ancillary work necessary to ensure the waterproofing system is properly executed in accordance with industry best practices. This includes any preparatory work required to achieve effective drainage and long-term performance of the waterproofing treatment.

33. Please clarify the exact scope of work required for the stairs, including:

• Surface repair and plaster application.

• Removal and replacement of the superficial layer.

• Installation of a new finish (panels or ceramic).

• Casting of new concrete steps.

The Solicitation does not include any work for the building’s existing stairs, except for the paint of walls in taht areas. Please limit the offer for only the work required in the respective SOW.

34. During the site visit, moisture was observed on some walls, possibly caused by defective water piping. Since the scope for existing walls appears to include only painting, please clarify how such conditions should be addressed if encountered during construction.

Offerors shall limit their proposals to the work specified in the Statement of Work (SOW).

Any issues related to the existing water system, including potential repairs, are not included in the current scope of work. Such conditions will be evaluated during contract performance, and if necessary, addressed through a contract modification. Any modification must be reviewed and approved in writing by the Contracting Officer (CO).

The contractor shall not perform any work outside the scope of the SOW unless and until a formal modification is issued and approved by the CO.

35. Please clarify how existing walls requiring localized plaster repair should be handled, given that plastering is only described for new walls.

Existing walls shall be repaired as necessary as stated in the SOW sections C.1.2. and the respective specifications C.5.5.1, C.5.5.3.

36. The second-floor restrooms currently appear to be used for washing machines and dryers. Their discharge may be generating moisture due to possible piping deficiencies or slab leakage. Our understanding is that this issue is outside the scope of the current contract. Please confirm.

Offerors shall limit their proposals to the work specified in the Statement of Work (SOW).

There are not reparations incleded in the SOW for the water or sanitary piping.

37. Some activities observed on site such as:

• Removal of a toilet.

• Replacement of the siphon and pump room drain grate.

• Removal of defective ceramic tiles or chipping/removal of the existing underlayment prior to installation of new ceramic tiles.

Offerors shall limit their proposals to the work specified in the Statement of Work

(SOW).

38. Will construction materials require submittal review and approval prior to installation as part of the Embassy’s submittal process?

Yes. Construction materials, equipment, and finishes proposed for the project may be subject to review and approval by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) prior to installation to ensure compliance with the specifications outlined in the Scope of Work.

Materials that do not meet the contract requirements or are not approved by the COR must be replaced at the Contractor’s expense.

39. Could the Government clarify whether the project will follow local construction standards or guidelines established by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO)?

This project is not subject to the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) construction standards. The project shall be executed in accordance with the technical specifications and requirements established in the Scope of Work and the associated drawings included in the solicitation. Where applicable, construction practices and materials shall comply with relevant Ecuadorian construction regulations and standards referenced in the specifications.

40. Please confirm which close-out documentation will be required upon project completion.

Final completion of the work report will be required and any documentation reasonably required to confirm completion of the work in accordance with the Scope of Work may be requested by the COR prior to final acceptance.

41. Please confirm that the Performance and Payment Bonds will only be required after contract award and prior to issuance of the Notice to Proceed, and not at the time of proposal submission.

Confirmed. Performance and Payment Bonds will only be required from the successful offeror after contract award and prior to the issuance of the Notice to Proceed. At the time of proposal submission, offerors shall provide evidence of their ability to obtain the required bonds, such as a commitment letter or letter of intent from a bank or insurance/surety company.

42. The solicitation indicates that alternative forms of performance security may be acceptable. Would the Government accept an irrevocable standby letter of credit issued by an international bank as an alternative to a standard surety bond?

No. The acceptable forms of performance and payment protection for this solicitation are the Performance Bond (Standard Form 25) and the Payment Bond (Standard Form 25A), as included in the solicitation. Alternative forms of performance security will not be accepted.

Reference:

Standard Form 25 – Performance Bond and Standard Form 25A – Payment Bond included in the solicitation.

43. If a standby letter of credit is provided, must it be issued by a U.S. financial institution, or would an international bank with U.S. correspondent banking relationships be acceptable?

Standby letters of credit will not be accepted. Regarding the Irrevocable Letter of Credit, and according to RFP-Amendment 0001, page 18, Section H, Clause 52.228-14, which states the following: “(a) Irrevocable letter of credit" (ILC), as used in this clause, means a written commitment by a federally insured financial institution to pay all or part of a stated amount of money, until the expiration date of the letter, upon presentation by the Government (the beneficiary) of a written demand therefor. Neither the financial institution nor the offeror/Contractor can revoke or condition the letter of credit.

(b) If the offeror intends to use an ILC in lieu of a bid bond, or to secure other types of bonds such as performance and payment bonds, the letter of credit and letter of confirmation formats in paragraphs (e) and (f) of this clause shall be used…”. Please refer to the indicated formats in the link to the following FAR clause -https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_228_14.

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_228_14

44. Can the Government confirm whether the required penal sum for the Performance Bond must be 100% of the contract value, or if a reduced percentage would be acceptable?

The penal sum of the Performance Bond shall be 100% of the contract value. Reduced percentages will not be accepted.

Reference:

Standard Form 25 – Performance Bond included in the solicitation.

FAR 28.102-2 – Amount of Bonds.

45. Would the Government accept a Performance and Payment Bond issued by a financial institution or insurance company on behalf of the Prime Contractor but backed or guaranteed by the locally licensed subcontractor responsible for the construction works?

No. The Performance Bond and Payment Bond must be issued on behalf of the Prime Contractor that will enter into the contract with the Government. The Government does not have a contractual relationship with subcontractors; therefore, bonding arrangements backed or guaranteed by subcontractors will not be accepted. Offerors shall comply with the bonding requirements specified in the solicitation using Standard Form 25 and Standard Form 25A.

Reference:

Standard Form 25 – Performance Bond and Standard Form 25A – Payment Bond included in the solicitation.

46. Regarding the price breakdown, should APU’s (unit price analysis) be submitted as part of the offer?

No. The submission of APU’s (unit price analysis) is not required as part of the quotation.

Offerors shall complete Attachment #5 – Breakdown of Price by Divisions of Specifications, including unit prices and total costs for each item, consistent with the total firm-fixed price submitted in Section A – Pricing.

47. Should technical data sheets of materials or equipment to be used be submitted? During execution, how much time will be allowed prior to the submission and COR approval of such technical data sheets?

Technical data sheets are not required as part of the quotation submission.

During contract performance, the contractor shall submit technical data sheets and other material submittals for COR review and approval prior to installation. As a general guideline, contractors should allow approximately one (1) week for Government review and approval of submitted technical data sheets.

48. Should editable files such as MS Project or XLS be submitted, or can all documents be in PDF format?

Offerors may submit all required documents in PDF format as part of their quotation.

Submission of editable files such as MS Project or XLS is not required at the quotation stage.

References

RFQ Section J – Instructions on How to Submit a Quotation (submission requirements and format) (pages 40–41)

49. What are the working hours allowed at the site, and will vehicles be permitted to enter the remodeling area?

• As stated in the RFQ, Section E – Deliveries and Performance, “Working Hours”, normal working hours are from 08:00 to 17:00 (40 hours per week). Work outside these hours may be approved by the COR with at least 24 hours advance notice.

Extra labor expenses and costs shall be assumed by the contractor. INL will not cover any additional costs related to work after normal working hours.

• Vehicle access to the site will be permitted during the same working hours (08:00–17:00) and must be coordinated in advance with the COR and comply with all applicable site security and access procedures.

References RFQ Section E – Deliveries and Performance, Working Hours (page 9) RFQ Section F – Contract Administration Data (page 11) FAR 52.236-6 – Superintendence by the Contractor.

50. For the submission of the offer, will the resume of the superintendent with supporting documents be sufficient, or should operational staff also be included?

• For the quotation submission, the resume of the proposed superintendent with supporting documentation is sufficient.

• The contractor shall remain fully responsible for ensuring that all personnel employed under the contract comply with applicable labor laws, security procedures, and U.S. Government regulations, including those related to trafficking in persons and labor protections.

51. During the site visit, several structural and hydro-sanitary pathologies were identified, as well as works not contemplated. Prior to the initial report, how much time will be allowed for approval or rejection of any quotation or proforma to address these issues?

• Offerors shall prepare their quotations based on the scope of work, specifications, and drawings provided in the solicitation.

• If conditions are encountered during contract performance that differ materially from those indicated in the contract documents, the contractor shall promptly notify the Contracting Officer through the COR for evaluation. Any additional work, if required, will be addressed in accordance with the contract modification procedures.

• No specific timeframe is established in advance for the review or approval of quotations related to potential additional work.

References

• RFQ Section C – Scope of Work and Technical Specifications.

• FAR 52.236-2 – Differing Site Conditions.

• FAR 43.103 – Contract Modifications.

52. For the submission of the technical-economic offer, will commitment letters for general liability insurance and materials/equipment insurance be acceptable?

Yes. At the quotation stage, a commitment letter from an insurance company confirming the offeror’s ability to obtain the required insurance coverage will be acceptable.

The successful contractor will be required to submit the actual insurance certificates after contract award and prior to contract performance, in accordance with the insurance requirements established in the solicitation.

References

RFQ Section G – Special Terms and Conditions (Insurance requirements).

FAR 52.228-5 – Insurance—Work on a Government Installation.

53. For the offer to be valid regarding mandatory guarantees, will it be sufficient to submit the Performance Bond (SF-25) and Payment Bond (SF-25A), or should additional documents be included?

No bond instruments are required to be submitted with the quotation.

At the quotation stage, offerors must demonstrate their ability to obtain the required performance/payment protection, which may be evidenced by a commitment letter or letter of intent from a bank or insurance/surety company.

The actual Performance Bond (SF-25) and Payment Bond (SF-25A), or other acceptable forms of payment protection, will be required after contract award and prior to contract performance, in accordance with the solicitation.

54. In this type of contract, is there a phase for error validation to correct any formal mistakes or missing documents?

No, this solicitation is for a Firm-Fixed-Price contract. Offerors are responsible for submitting complete and accurate quotations by the deadline established in the solicitation.

The Government does not establish a formal phase for correcting errors or submitting missing documents after the quotation submission deadline.

55. Instead of IESS coverage, would it be acceptable to contract personal accident insurance policies with an Ecuadorian insurance company?

No, the contractor is responsible for ensuring that all personnel employed under the contract are covered in accordance with applicable Ecuadorian labor - IESS and social security laws.

Any insurance arrangements, including personal accident insurance policies, must comply with applicable Ecuadorian legal requirements.

References

RFQ Section G – Special Terms and Conditions.

FAR 52.236-7 – Permits and Responsibilities.

56. Regarding the Defense Base Act (DBA) insurance, should a letter from the U.S.

insurance company providing this service be submitted, specifying the premium cost for this process, or is there any other additional document that must be attached to validate this requirement?

At the quotation stage, offerors are not required to submit the actual Defense Base Act (DBA) insurance. However, offerors should provide evidence of their ability to obtain DBA insurance coverage, such as a letter from a DBA insurance provider confirming the availability of coverage and the applicable premium rate.

The contractor awarded will be required to obtain and maintain DBA insurance coverage for all covered employees prior to contract performance, in accordance with the requirements of the contract.

57. Based on site visit, waterproof treatment in terrace may include leveling before placement the new waterproofing membrane; this leveling activity is not included in cost breakdown, should it be included?

The provided cost breakdown is for reference purposes only. Offerors may include additional items and quantities in their proposals as they deem necessary to fully complete the work described in the Statement of Work (SOW) and drawings.

The Government’s internal cost estimate may present this work as a single line item encompassing all associated activities, such as repairs, leveling, plastering, and waterproofing. However, Offerors have the discretion to structure their cost breakdown either as a single item or as multiple line items.

Regardless of the format, it is the contractor’s responsibility to properly quantify the work and develop a complete and accurate firm-fixed-price proposal that includes all elements required for the waterproofing treatment.

The cost breakdown provided in the solicitation is for reference purposes only. Offerors are responsible for including in their proposal all labor, materials, equipment, and preparatory work necessary to complete the waterproofing treatment of the terrace in accordance with the Scope of Work and technical specifications. The contract is Firm Fixed Price, and the Contractor shall account for any surface preparation required to properly install the waterproofing system.

58. Will the building be completely vacated by the time the renovation work begins?

Yes. The building will be vacated by the beneficiary prior to the commencement of renovation work.

59. Should we include a leak test in the cost breakdown? And if leaks appear after that test, what will be the procedure for including the additional work needed to seal the water leaks?

Offerors are not required to include the repair of pipe leaks in their proposals, as this work is not part of the Statement of Work (SOW).

However, the contractor is responsible for identifying and reporting any conditions that may impact the execution of the work. If leaks or other issues are detected during performance, the contractor shall document the condition and submit a proposed technical solution for Government review.

Any work related to the existing water system, including leak repairs is out of the required work detailed in the SOW, and will be evaluated during contract performance. If such work is deemed necessary, it will be addressed through a formal contract modification. All modifications must be reviewed and approved in writing by the Contracting Officer (CO).

The contractor shall not proceed with any work outside the SOW unless and until a formal modification has been issued and approved by the CO.

60. If, once the water pumping equipment is installed, a new leak appears, will the repairs (new pipes, wall repairs, painting, etc.) be the responsibility of the Police force, or will they be the responsibility of the INL and included in a future amendment?

The contractor is responsible for thoroughly inspecting and verifying the condition of the existing water system to ensure that the new hydro-pneumatic system will operate properly.

The contractor must identify and address any leaks or deficiencies before installation, as the system delivered must be fully operational and warrantable.

If the contractor fails to detect existing issues and new leaks or failures occur after installation, all necessary repairs, including pipes, wall repairs, and painting, will be the contractor’s responsibility. Therefore, it is important that the Contractor reports all the leaks during construction. Repairs to the existing piping system shall be performed only through a formal contract modification approved by the Contracting Officer (CO). No additional work outside the SOW may be performed without such written approval.

61. If, after the water pumping equipment is installed, the bathroom faucets and water pipe fittings do not function correctly, what will be the procedure for including the additional work needed to replace those fittings?

The offer shall include only the work requested in the solicitation, the works described in this question is out of the requirement, so it will be treated with a contract modification and approved only by the CO before the work is done.

62. Is there the possibility to use the existing facility as a warehouse?

The contractor can use the same building to adapt a space for warehouse

63. On site visit, humidity under concrete slab and near to sanitary sewer is shown, sewer pipes must be repair before ceiling paint. Please inform us if this repair work shall be included into the Cost Breakdown?

The cost breakdown provided in the solicitation is for reference purposes only. This is a Firm-Fixed-Price contract. Offerors shall prepare their quotations based on the Scope of Work, drawings, and specifications included in the solicitation, and are responsible for including in their proposal all labor, materials, and work necessary to complete the project in accordance with the contract requirements.

64. Has any inspection of the sanitary networks been carried out to ensure that they are not obstructed or leaking?

No, during construction process the Contractor shall evaluate the leaks and report it to INL.

65. Please, provide the list of project site attendees.

Nro. Enterprise

1. Xavier Macias (Individual/Sole Proprietor)

2. EE.II. S.A.S

3. Heron Inghercon S.A.

4. Marco Asimbaya (Individual/Sole Proprietor)

5. PSC Incorp (Project Services International Corporation Inc)

6. Fausto Bolaños (Individual/Sole Proprietor)

66. Clarification:

Section G - Special Terms and Conditions, numeral G.2.1 GENERAL LIABILITY, number

(2) PROPERTY DAMAGE, ON OR OFF THE SITE, IN U.S. DOLLAR, states: Per Occurrence As per Ecuadorian legal obligations / Cumulative As per Ecuadorian legal obligations.

The contractor shall present a formal letter signed by an authorized person from the company indicating that in the event of some damage on or off the site, the contractor will be fully responsible for all the expenses to fix the damage, until this has been accepted by the CO, INL Personnel, and ENP Officers.