A0004.pdf

Solicitation GS-08P-09-JA-C-0089 RECOVERY—Tier III Data Center Design/Build Amendment 0004

A. This Amendment revises the RFQ as follows:

1. REMOVE and DO NOT USE Part IV of the Design Team Personnel Questionnaire, incorporated by Amendment 0003.

2. REMOVE Paragraph “a. Project Team organizational Chart” in the Request for Qualifications, Phase I – Request for Qualifications, Evaluation Factors – Design Builder, Qualifications/Experience of Key Personnel as follows:

From:

Qualifications/Experience of Key Personnel

Description: This factor considers the experience and qualifications of the proposed staff and how the offeror organizes and manages the project team. Project Manager’s experience directing similar project work and that the key personnel and subcontractors identified have the qualifications and experience in all areas necessary to effectively perform the required work.

Standard for Evaluation: Each Offeror shall submit an organizational chart and resumes for each key person on the proposed Project Team as defined below:

a. Project Team organizational chart

b. Project Manager

c. Project Superintendent

d. CPM Scheduler

To:

Qualifications/Experience of Key Personnel staff and how the offeror organizes and manages the project team. Project Manager’s experience directing similar project work and that the key personnel and subcontractors identified have the qualifications and experience in all areas necessary to effectively perform the required work.

Standard for Evaluation: Each Offeror shall submit an organizational chart and resumes for each key person on the proposed Project Team as defined below:

a. Project Manager

b. Project Superintendent

c. CPM Scheduler

Amendment 0004

3. REMOVE “Design Team organizational chart” from the Request for Qualifications, Phase I – Request for Qualifications, Evaluation Factors – Design Team Qualifications/Experience of Design Team Personnel and REPLACE with “Project Manager” as follows:

From:

Qualifications/Experience of Design Team Personnel

Description: This factor considers the experience and qualifications of the proposed staff and how the offeror organizes and manages the project team.

Standard for Evaluation: Each Offeror shall submit an organizational chart and resumes for each key person on the proposed Design Team as defined below:

a. Design Team organizational chart

b. Project Architect

c. Engineers (mechanical, structural, civil, electrical, fire protection)

d. Security Consultant e LEED Consultant

f. High Performance Green Building Consultant

g. Data Infrastructure Consultant

h. Telecommunications (Data/phone cabling) Consultant

To:

Qualifications/Experience of Design Team Personnel staff and how the offeror organizes and manages the project team.

Standard for Evaluation: Each Offeror shall submit an organizational chart and resumes for each key person on the proposed Design Team as defined below:

a. Project Manager

b. Project Architect

c. Engineers (mechanical, structural, civil, electrical, fire protection)

d. Security Consultant e LEED Consultant

f. High Performance Green Building Consultant

g. Data Infrastructure Consultant

h. Telecommunications (Data/phone cabling) Consultant

Amendment 0004

B. This Amendment also provides the questions received through October 13, 2009 with responses as follows:

1. Will interim SECRET Clearance Levels be sufficient for one or more team member or key subcontractors?

Response: Interim facility clearances which have already been issued by Defense Security Service will be sufficient for this phase of the procurement. At this time it is not our intent to sponsor any uncleared firms for facility clearances.

2. Our local PTAC is of the understanding that we could still have enough time to get security clearance if given an endorsement to DISCO. What is your perception of chances without an FCL in place and would you think a proposal on our part would be futile?

Response: Interim facility clearances which have already been issued by the Defense Security Service will be sufficient for this phase of the procurement. At this time, it is not GSA’s intention to sponsor any uncleared firms for facility clearances.

3. Will Security Clearances be required of the Design team members in preparing the RFP response?

Response: Security Clearances will not be required until after contract award, when access to classified information will be necessary to execute the project.

4. Can you release the DD 254 for the project? If not, can you identify portions of the project that will be classified requiring designers to hold security clearances? What level of security clearances will be required of the design team?

Response: A DD Form 254 will be included with the RFP during Phase II of the selection process. It will note that a SECRET facility clearance is required for contract performance. It will also outline the specific disciplines/subcontractors who will require clearances. A classification guide will be provided at that time as well.

5. Please confirm proposals are due at 2:00 PM MT on the 29th.

Response: Proposals for Phase I are due at 2:00 PM MT on October 29, 2009.

6. In Amendment #2 evidence of current SECRET facility clearance for the design/build contractor and specific subcontractors is listed as a mandatory requirement, to what extent does this apply to the personnel listed in our qualifications package, or does it strictly refer to the firms mentioned? Do the personnel also need to possess an active SECRET Clearance?

Response: For purposes of the RFQ (Phase I, Current Phase - responses due 10/29), the Prime Contractor must have a SECRET clearance as evidenced by its CAGE Code.

During the proposal process with the short-listed firms (12/09), when the Bridging Documents are released, the Prime Contractor must have a SECRET Clearance.

After award (current estimate is late March 2010), the A/E and security subcontractor must have SECRET Clearance. Any person who will have access to the information after award must have Clearance.

7. I cannot find where question No. 1 of Amendment #3 refers to the RFQ I have downloaded, are there other versions available? My page nine is the cover sheet of the Past Performance Questionnaire?

Response: This question and answer was inadvertently included in an amendment to this solicitation. It will be included in an amendment for the Tier III Data Center Construction Management as Agent solicitation.

8. Page 5 of the RFQ, under “Project Experience on Similar Projects” paragraph b., requests interior and exterior photos on each project. Several of our clients will not allow interior or exterior photos for security purposes. Can this requirement be waived for that reason?

Response: Provide the best information you can to illustrate and support your Qualifications Statement.

9. Please clarify a physical address where the RFQ can be delivered.

Response: The responses to the RFQ may be hand-delivered to the following address:

GSA

One Denver Federal Center Building 41, Room 240 W. 6th Avenue & Kipling Street Lakewood, CO 80215 Attn: Beverly Carey, Contracting Officer

10. Evidence of SECRET facility clearance – this requirement that came out via amendment.

Is this requirement necessary of all parties involved or if one of the team members (i.e.

architect or contractor) has this clearance, is that sufficient?

the Prime Contractor must have a current, active SECRET clearance as evidenced by its CAGE Code.

During the proposal process with the short-listed firms (12/09), when the Bridging Documents are released, the Prime Contractor must have a SECRET Clearance.

After award (current estimate is late March 2010), the A/E and security subcontractor

11. There is a Questionnaire for the Design-Builder, but not for the Design Team. In the RFP (pg 5) you have requested a minimum of two references for each design team member.

Does our Design Team use the Questionnaire for Design-Builder for their projects?

Response: A Design Team Personnel questionnaire was provided in Amendment 0003.

12. You requested references for all key personnel…the questionnaire is provided “Questionnaire Team Member”. Behind this is a section called Part IV Projects. Where you are asking about project information. Is this information suppose to also be included on our project sheets? Because it did not mention this in the RFP.

Response: Disregard Part IV of the Design Team Member Questionnaire.

13. For the Past Performance questionnaire for the Design-Builder, it appears that the Design-Builder should complete Section 1 and 2, while the respondent should fill out Section 3 and 5 only. There is no Section 4.

Respond: Section 4 is a Narrative Section on Page 4 of the Design/Builder questionnaire.

14. For the Past Performance questionnaire for the Design Team, it appears that the Design Firms should complete Section 1, 2 for their personnel and associated projects, while the respondent should fill out Section 3 and 5. in section 4, it appears the Design Team should fill out project details, but the respondent should fill out the project challenges and design quality questions at the end of this section. Please confirm.

Response: Correct.

15. We also appear to be missing the Past Performance Questionnaire cover sheet with your contact information for the Design Team questionnaire. May we use the cover sheet provided for the Design-builder?

Response: Please use the Design Team questionnaire as a template to provide contract information for the reference.

16. On page 4, the RFQ requests 2 references for 4 projects and also requests the offeror to demonstrate achieving items a-e. Is it intended that the references are used to demonstrate items a-e, or are we to include a narrative for each of the projects that address items a-e and if so, is there a page limit on this?

Response: Ideally, your references and project description will complement and support each other. The total page limit is 150 pages. The references will not be included in the page count.

17. On pages 5 and 6, the list of required resumes and required minimum experience do not match. Are we to include a resume for the Design Project Manager?

Response: Yes – provide a resume for the Design Project Manager. A revision to the RFQ was provided in this amendment, above.

18. Is the General Contractor required to have current SECRET facility clearance?

19. Is the Mechanical Engineer required to have current SECRET facility clearance?

20. Is the Electrical Engineer required to have current SECRET facility clearance?

21. Is the Fire Protection Engineer required to have current SECRET facility clearance?

22. Is the Structural Engineer required to have current SECRET facility clearance?

23. Is the Civil Engineer required to have current SECRET facility clearance?

24. Is the Landscape Architect required to have current SECRET facility clearance?

25. Is the LEED Consultant required to have current SECRET facility clearance?

26. Is the High Performance Green Building Consultant required to have current SECRET facility clearance?

27. Is the Data Infrastructure Consultant required to have current SECRET facility clearance?

28. Is the Telecommunications Consultant required to have current SECRET facility clearance?

Response 18 - 28:

As noted in Amendment 0002, “the specific subcontractors which must also possess current SECRET FCLs include the architectural/engineering firm, the security consultant/designer and the security system installer”. Other subcontractors will not require facility clearances, because their personnel will not require access to the classified portions of the design.

For purposes of the RFQ (Phase I, Current Phase - responses due 10/29), the Prime Contractor must have a current, active SECRET clearance as evidenced by its CAGE Code.

During the proposal process with the short-listed firms (12/09), when the Bridging Documents are released, the Prime Contractor must have a SECRET Clearance.

After award (current estimate is late March 2010), the A/E and security subcontractor

29. I understand that Commercial and Government Entity codes for each design build team member are sufficient at this point in the RFQ process. Is this correct?

Response: Providing the Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code for the Prime Contractor is sufficient at this point in the RFQ process.

30. When if at all, will you require an individual to provide documentation of current SECRET facility security clearances (FCLs)? In what form would you like this documentation?

Response: During Phase I of the selection, Offerors should provide a CAGE Code in the cover letter of the Qualifications Response. Offerors may include a copy of the letter provided by Defense Security Service (DSS) noting the issuance of the facility clearance. If the Government is unable to verify the SECRET Clearance using the CAGE Code and the DSS Industrial Security Facility Clearance Database, a copy of the letter provided by DSS will be required.

31. It is our understanding that design team personnel are required to submit a minimum of two references. These references can be for a single project or different projects. Is this correct?

Response: Correct.

32. The principal in charge of our design team has an inactive/archived secret clearance level. We are in the process of re-activating this clearance. If our cage file shows this is in process, will that be sufficient for this submission?

the Prime Contractor must have a current, active SECRET clearance as evidenced by its CAGE Code. At this point, confirmation of the facility clearance is required, not confirmation of individual personnel security clearance information for team members.

33. Is the third party commissioning agent part of the design/builder’s scope?

Response: The third party commissioning agent has already been selected.

34. Will there be security clearance requirements for personnel?

During the proposal process with the short-listed firms (12/09), when the Bridging Documents are released, the Prime Contractor must have a SECRET Clearance.

After award (current estimate is late March 2010), the A/E and security subcontractor

35. Is there a current overall schedule for procurement, design and construction that is available for review?

Response: The schedule is not currently available for review.

36. Will Phase II of the solicitation address subcontracting goals for the project?

Response: Subcontracting Goals will be addressed after the contract is awarded.

37. If the design/builder is a joint venture and one member of the joint venture company has current SECRET facility clearance does the joint entity qualify under the amended mandatory requirements?

Both entities of a joint venture must have the requisite facility clearance.

During the proposal process with the short-listed firms (12/09), when the Bridging Documents are released, the Prime Contractor must have a SECRET Clearance.

After award (current estimate is late March 2010), the A/E and security subcontractor

38. Amendment No. 2 has added the mandatory requirement for current SECRET facility clearance by all key team members. If one of the team members currently possesses this clearance, can they sponsor other team members for this procurement and have those team members pursue the SECRET facility clearance during the procurement?

Response: During the proposal process with the short-listed firms (12/09), when the Bridging Documents are released, the Prime Contractor must have a SECRET Clearance.

After award (current estimate is late March 2010), the A/E and security subcontractor

39. In reviewing the RFQ, it is stated that the data center "shall be built utilizing the Performance Optimized Datacenter (POD) concept." Are we to assume that the data center will be designed and built to support a containerized data center solution vs. a traditional raised floor computing environment?

Response: The Design Bridging Documents will be provided to the firms included in the competitive range during Phase II of the procurement.

40. Reading the responses to Q6, Q12, Q15 and Q31 in Amendment No. 3, we see still feel we need clarification of these requirements. The responses to Q6 and Q31 regarding past performance evaluations seem to indicate evaluations are required for the lead design firm (response to Q6 “…the first statement refers to the firm that will be providing services for the various disciplines within the Design Team” and response to Q31 “yes – 4 projects are sufficient for the Design Team section”). However, the responses to Q12 and Q15 state that the “questionnaires should be provided for individuals.” To try and be as clear as possible on this requirement, we submit the following questions:

40a. Are past performance evaluation questionnaires required for the builder only (two references for four projects - total 8)?

Response: Yes.

40b. Are past performance evaluation questionnaires required for the design/builder entity, i.e. the builder and the designer combined, if they have performed previous projects together (two references for four projects - total 8)?

40c. If the builder and designer have not performed previous projects together, are past performance evaluation questionnaires required for the builder and the lead designer each (two references for four projects each - total 16) – i.e. the same as the instructions for similar experience?

40d. Are evaluation questionnaires required for builder personnel? All questions, instructions and forms for personnel seem to refer to design team personnel only.

Response: No. The Builder should be evaluated as a company. Only Design Team individual personnel require questionnaires.

41. If a team through its major partner can demonstrate adequate security/classified information for the project, will the GSA consider the submission of the subject team member’s CAGE code as being responsive to the requirement for demonstrating “Evidence of current SECRET facility clearance?”

During the proposal process with the short-listed firms (12/09), when the Bridging Documents are released, the Prime Contractor must have a SECRET Clearance.

After award (current estimate is late March 2010), the A/E and security subcontractor

42. Please define the role and/or qualifications of the “High Performance Green Building Consultant”.

Response: The Green Building Consultant must have at least 10 years of sustainability/green building experience and provide examples of project experience facilitating integrated design and successful delivery of green building goals.