Responses to RFIs - Request for SF 330s VISN 9 FCA.pdf

Responses to RFIs for Request for SF330s (Qualifications) for VISN 9 FCA

1. In reference to: Selection Criterion 1 – Specialized Experience and Technical Competence (Page Limitation - 1 Page per Project); Request past performance range for projects be extended to the past 7 years rather than 6 years. As you know, FCA projects were cancelled or put on hold last year, FY 23 and 24 by OCFM and the VISNS so many FCA work was completed more than 6 years ago [ ].

A: Because past performance information is required for projects submitted under Section F/Criterion 1, six years has been determined to be more appropriate and consistent with FAR 42.1503(g) which states agencies shall use past performance information in CPARS that is within six years of completion of performance for A-E contracts. As such, no change to the performance range will be made.

2. Can you please provide some input about the project budget?

A: The anticipated magnitude of the contract is between $1,000,000 and $2,000,000. Note, this is for informational purposes only and does not represent a commitment by the Government.

3. Will the selected contractor be required to enter FCA data into a VA-owned system such as CAIS, VFA, facility, or any other internal platform? If so, can the government clarify the expected level of effort, access requirements, and whether training or templates will be provided?

A: Yes, the contractor will need to enter data in the CAI database. There contractor will be expected to update serval hundred records depending on facility size and age.

4. Can the selected A/E firm utilize FCA technology platforms such as AkitaBox or similar tools to conduct assessments, manage data, and generate reports, provided all deliverables meet the VA’s required format and content standards?

A: Yes, except all data must be updated in the CAI database per the scope of work.

5. Can the government provide a detailed breakdown of the 164 buildings by site, including square footage per building and facility type (e.g., hospital, clinic, administrative)?

A: This information will not be provided at the qualifications stage. This is not a Request for Proposal (RFP). This is a Request for A-E Qualifications (SF330s) only. As noted in the Request for SF330s paragraphs F.2. and F.3., once the SF330 evaluations are complete, only the highest rated firm selected to engage in negotiations will receive the solicitation and SOW attachments, to include this information.

6. Will the government provide a standardized assessment template or reporting format?

A: The top ten format will be provided the highest rated firm selected to receive the solicitation and SOW attachments, to include this information.

7. Are there specific codes, standards, or tools (e.g., ASTM E2018, VFA.facility) that must be used for the FCA?

A: The guidelines are in FCA 101 to be provided to the highest rated firm selected to receive the solicitation and SOW attachments.

8. Will escorts or facility personnel be provided at each site to facilitate access and interviews?

A: Yes, local facility staff will be available.

9. Are there any known access restrictions or security clearance requirements?

A: There are some areas off limits due to patient and life safety. These will vary by each station but should be minimal.

10. Will existing facility documentation (e.g., drawings, maintenance logs, previous assessments) be made available prior to or during site visits?

A: Yes.

11. Can the government provide a preferred or required schedule for site visits across the seven locations?

A: The schedule is developed with the stations after award.

12. Are there any blackout dates or operational constraints we should be aware of?

A: There are no set blackout dates.

13. Will there be interim deliverables or review checkpoints during the 480-day period of performance?

A: Deliverables will be reviewed after each station assessment

14. What is the process for requesting approval to include additional disciplines not listed in the RFP?

A: Additional disciplines may be included in the SF 330 submission. The inclusion of any additional disciplines not listed in the Request for SF 330 will be negotiated with the firm that is selected as the most highly qualified that will receive the solicitation and engage in negotiations.

15. Preferred Report Format or Templates - Is there a preferred or required format/template for the FCA report deliverables (e.g., Excel-based, PDF, database upload)? If so, can a sample be provided?

A: The templates for the set reports will be included with the SOW attachments issued to the most highly rated firm selected to receive the solicitation and SOW attachments.

16. Digital Submission of Data - Will the VA require or accept digital submission of FCA data into a centralized system (e.g., VFA facility, TRIRIGA, or other VA platforms)?

A: The CAI database is where all the data is recorded.

17. Photographic Documentation Requirements - Are there specific requirements for photographic documentation (e.g., resolution, labeling, quantity per deficiency)?

A: There are no photographic requirements.

18. What level of detail is expected for the ROM cost estimates (e.g., system-level, component-level, or line-item)?

A: The cost guidelines are in the scope and guidelines that will be included with the SOW attachments issued to the most highly rated firm selected to receive the solicitation and SOW attachments.

19. Could you please confirm whether there are any specific professional licenses, registrations, or certifications required for each discipline listed in the minimum field team composition (e.g., licensed PE, RA, etc.)? If so, would PMP, CEM, or LEED AP be accepted? Should these credentials be current in a particular state (e.g., Kentucky or Tennessee), or is national licensure acceptable?

A: The minimum licensure requirements are noted in the Request for SF 330s paragraph E.2.

Selection Criterion 2 - Professional Qualifications/Team Qualifications. Additional credentials may be evaluated more favorably, but failing to meet the licensure requirements indicated in the Request for SF 330s may result in a deficiency. For the Architect and each Engineer, a current professional license must be from any of the 50 states of the United States of America but does not need to be in the particular state(s) where the assessments are located.

20. Regarding the SOW attachment, FCA For Southeast District VISN 9, at the end of that document there is an “I. Attachments” list. Would you provide us with those referenced documents, and most critically, the FCA 101 Report??

A: This is not a Request for Proposal (RFP). This is a Request for A-E Qualifications (SF 330s) only. As noted in the Request for SF 330s paragraphs F.2. and F.3., once the SF 330 evaluations are complete, only the highest rated firm selected to engage in negotiations will receive the solicitation and SOW attachments.

21. What is the expected format and level of detail for the final FCA reports?

A: The minimum requirements are in the scope. The report should be in .pdf and .xlxs files depending on the deliverable.