Request for Information Responses Update 20260210.pdf

Requests for Information Responses

CFM A/E IDIQ

The following questions and answers are consolidated from RFIs received in accordance with the Request for SF 330s. If a question was asked by more than one firm, the intent of the question is only included below once. Therefore, the wording of submitted questions may not be exactly as received.

1. Should the SF330 resumes be limited to the 13 disciplines listed under “Professional Qualifications” on page 4 of the RFQ, or should resumes also be provided for the additional disciplines identified in Attachment A? (for example:

Transportation Engineer and Historic Preservation)

A: Yes; only the 13 positions listed under Criterion 2 require submission of resumes.

The Attachment A positions will be included in the Request for Fee Proposal for submission of rates but are not required to be evaluated as part of this SF 330 evaluation. Additional positions may also be requested and evaluated as part of individual Task Order requirements.

2. It is understood that a resume needs to be provided for each of the 13 key positions listed. Is dual-hatting allowed? Is it permissible that one person can fulfill more than one key position?

A: Each position listed under Criterion 2 must have a resume submitted. Dual-hatting is not prohibited but may not be evaluated as favorably as a submission with dedicated personnel.

3. Will a proposal be considered less relevant if it only provides resumes for the required roles in the solicitation rather than providing resumes for the full list of key personnel in Attachment A?

A: Only resumes for the 13 positions listed under Criterion 2 are required.

4. Would the government consider the following key positions be added to the professional qualifications/resumes (Blast consultant, Physical Security Specialist, Low Voltage/RCDD, Commissioning Agent)?

A: Only the 13 positions listed in Section 2 require submission of resumes.

Additional required positions and position descriptions will be included in the Request for Fee Proposal for submission of rates but are not required to be evaluated as part of this SF 330 evaluation. Additional positions may also be requested and evaluated as part of individual Task Order requirements.

5. Would providing all the resumes found in Attachment A (and meeting all the relevant criteria) increase the chances of receiving a higher grade?

A: No; only the resumes for the 13 positions listed under Criterion 2 are required and will be evaluated in accordance with the Request for SF 330s.

6. The submission requirements state that the formatting of the SF 330 submission shall follow that of the standard fillable form on GSA.gov (12-point Arial, single-spaced, prescribed margins, etc.). Please confirm whether offerors are required to use the GSA.gov fillable SF 330 form exactly as provided, or whether offerors may use their own SF 330 template or formatting layout, provided it mirrors the structure of the standard form and complies with all stated formatting requirements (e.g., 12-point Arial, single spacing, prescribed margins, and page limits).

A: Use of the GSA fillable SF 330 is not mandatory but is recommended. While use of a different version is acceptable, offerors are required to submit a complete SF 330 that is fully compliant with the form's instructions and all solicitation requirements.

7. Referencing the solicitation section 5. Submission Requirements: Please confirm that the mere mention of a cover letter, section divider pages, table of contents, etc., is NOT an indication that these are required for a compliant submission. (see 5.c.1.)

A: Confirmed. Cover letters, title pages, section dividers, table of contents, etc. are not required. Reference to them in 5.c.1 was to clarify that submission of such items will be counted against the page limit if submitted, regardless of content.

8. If responses to offeror questions result in material clarifications or changes in submission requirements, would the Government consider extending the proposal due date to allow offerors adequate time to incorporate the information into their submissions?

A: The due date has been extended to 3:00PM EST February 26, 2026.

9. For the definition of “recent” experience, the notice states that services must have been “provided and ended within five (5) years of this pre-solicitation notice close date.” Could you please confirm whether “ended” refers to the completion of the firm’s A-E contract or task order (i.e., the design services period of performance) and whether substantially complete projects be allowed? If we are doing a project that includes both AE services (and design is complete) but we're finishing up CPS can we submit this project since design is complete?

A: This refers to completion of the firm’s A-E contract or task order services, not when the construction was complete. Substantial completion of A/E services is not acceptable under this Request for SF 330s. Only A/E services completed within the past five years will be considered. If A/E services are complete but construction is not, please provide the awarded construction amount since the actual construction amount is not available.

10. Would the Government consider reducing the minimum font size to 11-point for narrative text? Additionally, may graphics, tables, and figures use a 10-point font provided they remain legible?

A: The minimum font size is changed by amendment to Arial 10-point.

11. What is the anticipated total value and ordering period of the IDIQ MATOC?

A: Refer to Request for SF 330s paragraph 2. Contract Information, "Each basic IDIQ contract within the MATOC will have a 5-year ordering period (one 1-year base period and four 1-year option periods). IDIQs within this MATOC will share a $790 Million capacity."

12. Is there an estimated number of annual task orders or projected workload distribution across awardees?

A: There is no estimate at this time; task orders and projected workload are contingent upon multiple factors including appropriations, funding approval, and strategic prioritization; additionally, task order awards will be qualifications-based IAW the Selection of Architects and Engineers statute (formerly the Brooks Act), so an estimate of distribution across awardees is not possible or appropriate.

13. Will task orders be competed among MATOC awardees using standard VA selection procedures?

A: Task orders will be solicited and awarded as detailed in the Request for SF 330s for this requirement in accordance with the Selection of Architects and Engineers statute (formerly the Brooks Act), as implemented by FAR Part 36 and applicable VA supplements and will follow fair opportunity requirements of FAR Part 16, applicable VA supplements, and paragraph 3.0 Task Orders, of the MATOC SOW.

14. Could the Government please elaborate on the specific systems, functional requirements, or design responsibilities associated with the Transportation Engineer role to ensure proposed personnel have appropriate experience?

A: Services anticipated include but are not limited to design and specification of elevators, escalators, and material handling systems (AGVs).

15. The solicitation states that firms demonstrating experience with a greater number of listed elements “may be given greater weight”. Can the Government clarify whether this additional weight is applied through defined scoring increments or through qualitative evaluator judgment without predetermined scoring thresholds?

A: In this context, “greater weight” means an item may be evaluated more favorably.

Submissions will not be numerically scored and weight/favorability is a qualitative evaluator assessment and will be in accordance with the criteria outlined in the Request for SF 330s.

16. Will commissioning need to be included in our submission package?

A: We are not expecting anything regarding commissioning to be included in this submission package.

17. In the attachment titled “Request for SF330s_CFM Healthcare A-E IDIQ_20260114.pdf” on Page 3 under “4. SELECTION CRITERIA” and “1.

Specialized Experience and technical competence (sections F, G, and H)” would the Government consider allowing for Past Performance project submissions that include healthcare facilities planning to accommodate point 1.f. “Experience with assessments, studies, analyses as defined in paragraphs 2.1, 2.4, 2.5, and 2.6 of the Scope of Work.”? For example, “Submissions shall include no less than three (3) but no more than five (5) recent and relevant projects with A-E fees at or above $250,000.00 or comprehensive healthcare facilities planning engagements with fees of over $1,000,000.00.”

A: The criterion remains unchanged.

18. Could the government confirm that each task order is FFP and can be invoiced as FFP versus invoicing as T&M and being paid for hours worked?

A: Task orders will be FFP but may be FFP level of effort. Individual task orders will detail the required services to be performed.

19. As the AE must designate a company officer as a Program Manager, will the government consider this role as a separate billable CLIN?

A: CLIN structure will be determined at the task order level.

20. How will this contract vehicle be utilized in light of the similar-seeming VHA

PCAC Nationwide $5B AE MATOC contract vehicle? Is there an expected/planned delineation of type of work, for example?

A: The CFM Healthcare A-E IDIQ is focused primarily on the major construction program, while the PCAC's set up capacity to support VHA minor and NRM programs. As with any strategic vehicle, an acquisition strategy will be determined at the task order level to determine which IDIQ is best suited for a particular project.

21. Are previously completed Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs) acceptable for use in support of the Section F projects, provided they were completed for the same contract or task order and meet the solicitation’s PPQ requirements?

A: Yes, the Government will accept previously completed PPQs (including those using other federal formats such as NAVFAC or GSA) so long as they include the contract and task order number (if applicable), current Point of Contact Information (including phone numbers and emails), and are complete and signed.

22. Concerning Joint Ventures, could the government confirm that "13 CFR Part

128.402 (b) Size" applies?

A: Yes, the Government confirms that "13 CFR Part 128.402 (b) Size" applies. Note, the JV managing partner must be SBA-certified as SDVOSB and must be listed under the JV UEI in the SAM Reps and Certs section under FAR 52.219-1, Small Business Program Representations.

23. JV compliance is addressed, but document submission timing is not. Are Joint

Venture or formal teaming agreement documents required to be included with the SF330 submission, or will they be requested separately after selection? If included, do they count toward the page limit?

A: The JV entity must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) and have a Unique Entity Identifier at the time of SF 330 submission. Any documentation not specifically excluded from the page count will be counted against the page limit.

24. The solicitation addresses JV compliance requirements but does not address exclusivity of participation. For firms participating as part of a Joint Venture submission, may individual JV member firms also participate on other teams as subcontractors, or are they restricted to participation on a single JV submission?

A: A firm that participates in a JV prime proposal cannot also be a subcontractor to another prime in response to this Request for SF 330s. The Request for SF 330s will be revised in a forthcoming amendment.

25. The solicitation confirms that only one composite labor rate per labor category will be negotiated and that separate rates for teaming partners will not be negotiated. However, the SOW includes highly specialized services (e.g., blast, physical security, GIS, commissioning). Can the Government clarify whether any task-order-specific pricing flexibility will be permitted for specialized subconsultants whose services are required by scope but are not reasonably captured under the negotiated composite labor rate structure?

A: Yes, task-order-specific pricing flexibility will be permitted for specialized subconsultants whose services are required by scope but are not reasonably captured under the negotiated composite labor rate structure.

26. All the engineering and architecture positions require professional licensing. If a group of FTEs are needed for an on-site project effort, will a single licensed professional at the site suffice?

A: This will be determined at the task order level.

27. Would the Government consider experience and certifications in lieu of strict education requirements for the following positions: Project Manager, Historical Preservationist, Cost Estimator, and Environmental Engineer(s).

A: Evaluation criterion 2 will be revised in a forthcoming amendment via amended requirements listed in Attachment A.

28. Would the Government consider allowing broader education requirements for engineers if they meet the licensure and experience requirements?

A: Evaluation criterion 2 will be revised in a forthcoming amendment via amended requirements listed in Attachment A.

29. Can the Government confirm whether there are any preferred disciplines or specialized expertise (e.g., structural, MEP, fire protection, medical planning) within the A/E team for this MATOC?

30. In the attachment titled “Attachment A – Key Personnel and Minimum

Qualifications_20260114.pdf” one of the key personnel roles identified is that of a Construction Inspection/Specifications expert. Could the Government please elaborate on the anticipated functions, deliverables, and phase(s) of involvement associated with the Construction Inspection/Specifications role to ensure proposed personnel have appropriate experience?

A: Please refer to paragraph 2.22 in the Statement of Work.

31. The SOW states in section 5.1 that the AE must designate an AE Program

Manager. Does a resume need to be included for the AE Program Manager as well?

A: Paragraph 5.1 will be revised in a forthcoming amendment to "Regional Project Manager"; only the positions listed in the Request for SF 330s Criterion 2 require resume submission.

32. Given this contract will cover the entire country, would providing multiple resumes for each discipline that show geographic capability be evaluated favorably? If so, would an increase in page limit beyond 50 pages be considered?

A: Only one resume per discipline is required; locality information should be submitted under Section H; the page limit remains unchanged

33. Under criterion 1, the information required for a project includes an AE cost estimate vs. actual construction cost. AE firms have no control over the construction schedule, VA decisions related to construction funding, whether the VA proceeds with construction at all, or the AE may not have access to construction award data. Please confirm that actual construction cost can be considered optional and provided if available to the AE.

A: Construction costs are not optional. If A/E services are complete but construction is not, you may provide the awarded amount of the construction contract in lieu of actual construction costs.

34. Criterion 2 Professional Qualifications requires the inclusion of the statement for SDVOSB compliance. Please confirm the appropriate location for this statement (eg, with the Organizational Chart in Section D, in Section H, or other location).

A: The statement of SDVOSB compliance may be included with an organizational chart in Section D.

35. Will Building Information Modeling (BIM) be required on all design task orders or only when specifically stated?

A: BIM requirements will be determined at the task order level.

36. OCFM has adopted Kahua as its enterprise PMIS. Will the government consider vendor proficiency in Kahua as a preferred capability?

A: No, the Government does not consider this a preferred capability.

37. The solicitation requires demonstration of rapid response capability but does not define expected timelines. Can the Government clarify the typical notification windows or response timeframes anticipated for rapid-response actions under Criterion 4 (e.g., 24 hours, 48 hours, one week)?

A: This will be on a project-by-project basis. However, the VA anticipates following the full task order process for every action.

38. Given that this is a nationwide IDIQ and we have a limited number of pages we can provide, at a task order level, are we able to use teaming partners that are included in our package (Organizational Chart, Section H, Part IIs) but not necessarily listed as the primary for a specific role? For example, on the task order level, if a project is located closer to our secondary structural engineer, would we be able to utilize them?

A: Yes.

39. The solicitation limits total page count but does not clarify flexibility in organizational representations. Will the Government permit submission of more than one organizational chart to illustrate alternate team structures for different task order types or regional deployments, provided the overall page limit is met?

A: Yes, as long as it’s within the page limit.

40. In the interest of demonstrating capacity and incorporating SDVOSB subcontractors, is it permissible to list more than one subcontractor/firm as key personnel within the same discipline, as needed?

A: Yes, as long as your submission is within the page limit and meets all Request for SF 330 requirements.

41. Are we allowed to show multiple resumes per discipline?

A: No, only one resume per discipline meeting all requirements of the SF 330 should be submitted.

42. Do all projects submitted need to be performed by the prime, or can some projects be included from key teaming partner consultants?

A: Not all projects submitted need to be performed by the prime; however, relevant projects performed by the prime may be evaluated more favorably than similarly relevant projects performed by a subconsultant.

43. Are there any expected facility types (inpatient vs outpatient vs specialty clinics) that will be prioritized under the anticipated task orders?

A: All facility types are anticipated, but there is no prioritization.

44. Does the Government require any specific security clearances or background checks for personnel performing work on the task order or for performing onsite work?

A: This may vary and will be communicated at the task order level.

45. Is there a standard VA quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) process the

A/E must follow beyond normal industry standards?

46. Can the Government clarify whether environmental services (NEPA, hazardous materials assessments) are expected under this IDIQ?

A: Environmental services may be required and will be addressed at the task order level.

47. Capacity criteria require firms to demonstrate reserve capacity and rapid response, but it is unclear how contingent resources may be presented. May firms include on-call or contingent personnel (beyond permanent staff) when demonstrating reserve capacity, and if so, must those individuals be specifically named in the SF330?

A: Yes, firms may include on-call or contingent personnel; no, those individuals need not be specifically named in the SF 330, subject to all other Request for SF 330 requirements.

48. Is there a requirement for physical proximity to specific VA facilities, or will remote work be acceptable unless otherwise stated in the task order?

A: The MATOC does not require physical proximity to specific VA facilities; however, the Government may request information regarding Location and Knowledge of Locality as part of the qualifications evaluation for an individual task order requirement.

49. Given the number of evaluation criteria and qualification requirements across the solicitation documents, would the Government consider increasing the total page limit by 15 pages (from 50 to 65 pages) to allow offerors to fully address the state requirements?

A: The page limit is unchanged.

50. With the wide variety of departments going to use this contract, can you provide some guidance on what type of projects/studies will be viewed more favorably in Section E and F of the SF330?

A: Projects/studies that are healthcare related may be viewed more favorably, along with experience with VA or other federal entities.

51. Will medical equipment planning be required?

A: Medical equipment planning may be required on a task order basis.

52. If each task order will be issued to those in the pool; will competitive pricing be obtained from each contract holder?

A: No. For each project, the Task Order Request for Qualifications will be issued to all firms in the IDIQ pool but only the firm rated and selected as the most highly qualified will receive the RFP and be requested to submit a fee proposal.

53. Would you be requesting Audited Hourly rates by a CPA? Or could certified rates be accepted ?

A: DCAA audit rates may be used if completed within the past fiscal year; otherwise, the VA will audit rates using a third party CPA.

(End of RFIs)