Questions - Answers.pdf

Q: I was wondering if you could clarify what competition type is being used for this acquisition. According to the Classification section, this requirement is set aside for Small Business, and according to the Description section, this procurement is unrestricted.

A: Yes, thank you. This is a small business set aside. This correction was made to the Synopsis via amendment which was posted on April 25, 2024.

Q: Can we submit proposals for the occupational safety, and environmental consulting part of this RFP only, or must it be for all?

A: The proposal/SF330 must include all required services.

Q: Are additional documents expected to be released for this solicitation or is all of the information presumed captured in the solicitation posting?

A: All information has been provided in the Synopsis.

Q: The solicitation states under 4. Submittal Requirements "Only the recent projects completed within the past five (5) years from the date of the issuance of this solicitation will be considered." As a small business set aside, many firms may find difficulty satisfying 6-10 projects that meet this criteria as stated.

We kindly request that the duration of projects eligible for consideration be extended to 10 years in order to allow more opportunity to demonstrate relevant project types and design excellence.

A: The requirement for five years of recent experience remains. Five years is the standard timeframe for “recency”. Additionally, GSA’s market research, including the Sources Sought responses to these requirements, indicate that there are a sufficient number of potentially qualified small business firms able to meet this requirement.

Q: Will you be accepting individual submissions for Geotechnical, Environmental, and Material Testing?

Are additional documents expected to be released for this solicitation or is all of the information presumed captured in the solicitation posting?

A: No, the Synopsis is seeking a response from Architect/Engineering (A/E) firms which may include subcontractors for those required services. Submissions for individual services will not be accepted. A/E Contracts are different than most other service contracts and all information needed at this time is posted on SAM.gov within the Synopsis. The most highly qualified firm will be chosen first, and then more information will be requested via an official request for proposal.

Q: Do we need to download the SF330 from the internet?

A: Yes. This is a standard form and can be found by searching online. It is available for download at the GSA Library.

Q: Does this requirement call for a certified Historical Preservationist?

A: This role is not required, however firms may choose to utilize one.

Q: Is there an expectation for clean energy and sustainability? (That is what we do).

A: Sustainability is very important to GSA. We do not require a statement of certification but including information related to experience in sustainability in your response is a bonus. These Synopses are for an Architect and Engineering Firm to perform A/E services. If you are not an Architectural/Engineering Firm you would not meet the criteria and would need to partner with an A/E firm to provide these services.

Q: We are an MEP Engineering firm. Can we be the Prime?

A: Yes.

Q: Can you please confirm the submission deadline? The solicitation says it's due on May 22nd A: Yes, May 22, 2024. The Synopsis is correct.

Q: Is the 5 years recent experience and expertise required or is experience with State and Commercial contracts okay?

A: Experience with State and Commercial contracts is acceptable. We want to make sure firms understand our requirements and know what they’re getting into as a federal contractor.

Q: Are firms required to have a local presence in each zone?

A: No. Local presence of the firm is not required. However, we do prefer it. For example, if two firms were equally qualified, location could tip the scale in favor of the firm with local presence.

Q: The requirement to provide examples within the last 5 years does that include the projects in the portfolio?

A: Yes.

Q: The slides say the size standard for this NAICS is 8 million, but it was increased to 12.5 million A: Yes and the size standard in the Synopsis is correct. This correction to slides will be made via the amendment.

Q: Can you provide the scoring criteria for each section?

A: We will not be providing this information.

Q: Can you share some examples of projects that are more immediate priorities for GSA under these respective contracts?

A: There will be a variety of projects that could be required, such as designs, feasibility studies or eligibility studies. However, we do not know what projects are coming as this depends on what funding will be approved by Congress.

Q: Do all of the subcontractors need to be Small Businesses as well?

A: No, all subcontractors do not need to be Small Businesses. However, the FAR speaks to limitations on subcontracting for set-asides with the great majority of subcontracted work going to “similarly situated entities”. The goal of the set-aside is to help small businesses, including subs.

Q: I know the forms can't be modified. Does that mean we are not allowed to replicate the form in our own template?

A: It is best to stick with the Standard Form template. Editing the form template itself increases the risk that blocks are left out or errors are made. It can also be inefficient for GSA to review these if we are having to search for the required information.

Q: Is there an incumbent for this contract?

A: Yes. The incumbent is PDG Architects. This is public information that can be found on the FPDS website.

Q: Can you confirm the project examples required for section "Quality in Design" (Portfolio) can only be from the last 5 years?

A: Yes, that is correct.

Q: Will you be posting these responses via an addenda?

A: Yes. An amendment to the Synopsis will be posted to SAM.gov.

Q: The GSA PDF form requirement is especially impactful. Most firms utilize their own format (mirroring the SF330 boxes precisely) A: There is a risk to doing this but if the replicated form is the exact same as the GSA form it may be accepted.

Q: During the pre-proposal meeting, it was stated that firms are not required to be local, however, in the synopsis it says "Proposals will address the team’s ability to accomplish at least 35 percent of the required A/E services by a firm located within the geographical delineated area." Can you please provide clarification?

A: To clarify, it is not required that the responding firm be located within the zone. However, the proposal will be evaluated on the team’s ability to accomplish at least 35% of the services by a firm that is located within the zone. Please note that the “team” includes not only the prime A/E firm but also any subcontractors that are included in the proposal.

Q: Regarding the instructions for SF330, Section H: “Other disciplines that are exceptional should follow the ME’s write up.” Do you want to see a portfolio of 3 projects and Design Approach narrative for other disciplines?

A: Only the Lead Architectural Designer and Lead Mechanical Engineer are required to submit portfolios and design approach narrative.

Q: Will there be a sign-up sheet for the pre-proposal conference?

A: We did not take attendance at this meeting, so a list of attendees is not available.