Request for Qualifications (RFQ).pdf

SYNOPSIS

INDEFINITE DELIVERY AWARD TASK ORDER CONTRACT FOR

ARCHITECT-ENGINEER (A-E) LAND BOUNDARY SURVEYING AND LANDLINE

MAINTAINANCE SERVICES

Solicitation No.: 12445221R0027

Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service

Office: U.S Forest Service, Florida District

Location: National Forest throughout the State of Florida.

1. CONTRACT INFORMATION.

a. General

USDA Forest Service, National Forests in Florida has a requirement for Professional Land Survey services. These services are to be provided for lands within, but not limited to, the administrative boundaries of the Nationals Forests in Florida, which includes the Apalachicola, Lake George, Osceola, Seminole, Wakulla Ranger Districts and Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST) lands. The work under this contract is primarily land surveying and landline maintenance and can include, but not limited to, any or all the following:

• Legal Boundary Surveys

• Topographic Surveys

• Control Surveys

• Miscellaneous Surveys

b. Type of Contract

The Forest Service anticipates award of one to three Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity contracts with an ordering period of five (5) years from the effective date of the award or when the aggregate ceiling of $5 million is reached, whichever comes first. Individual task orders will be issued against a contract as program needs arise. Estimated time of performance will vary by task order. The government guarantees to purchase a minimum of $5,000 in services over the life of the contract. The IDIQ contract(s) will have an aggregate ceiling of $5 million. All task orders and subsequent modifications will not exceed $5 million over the term of the contracts.

Contract award is anticipated for the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 2021.

The actual number of IDIQ contracts awarded will be dependent on the qualifications submitted and the overall benefit to the Government.

Only firms with licensed Professional Surveyors and Mappers (PSM) in Florida will be considered. A Florida PSM must be in charge and responsible for work associated with each task order for property boundary surveying and corner establishment

Task orders issued against awarded contract(s) will include a specific statement of work and will be negotiated as individual projects using Brooks Act procedures. The Government makes no representation as to the number of task orders or the actual amount of work to be ordered. Contractors are not guaranteed work in excess of the minimum guarantee.

Award of contract(s) will not restrict the Government from having cadastral/land surveying services performed by Government employees or others during the contract period.

If contracts are awarded to more than one firmthe Forest Service may administratively elect to consider the volume of work previously awarded to an A&E firm and the proximity to the site when determining which firm should be awarded a new task order.

Work will include, but is not limited to:

• Locating, measuring, and marking Forest Service property boundary lines.

• Rehabilitation of previously marked Forest Service property boundary lines.

• Identification and verification, restoration, location and monumentation of property corners.

• Survey of lines to connect, prove, or establish property corners.

• Rights-of-way and easement surveys.

• Topographic Surveys

• Preparation of surveyor’s reports, control diagrams, and survey plats.

• Preparation of Form 7100-52, Corner Record, for each Forest Service property corner.

• Preparation of tract descriptions.

• Other miscellaneous work incidental to the survey profession.

c. Competition

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 541370, Surveying and Mapping (except Geophysical), with a size standard of $4.5 million dollars average annual receipts for the preceding three fiscal years. See 13 C.F.R. § 121.104 for information regarding the calculation of average annual receipts.

This acquisition is a 100% set aside for Small Businesses Only. As required by FAR 52.219-14 (Deviation 2020-O0008), the prime contractor shall not pay more than 50 percent of the amount paid by the Government for contract performance to subcontractors that are not similarly situated entities. Any work that a similarly situated entity further subcontracts will count towards the prime contractor’s 50 percent subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded.

d. System for Award Management

To be eligible for contract award, a firm must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM). Register via the SAM website at https://www.sam.gov or by contacting the Service Desk at 1-866-606-8220. Firms must register prior to the due date for responses to this synopsis in order to enable the Contracting Officer’s review of SAM Exclusions. Note: SAM registration is free, there is no fee to contractors to register in SAM.

e. Service Contract Act

Firms are advised that the resulting contract(s) will require that the wages and benefits of listed (non-professional) services employees (see FAR 22.10) performing under this contract must be at least equal to those determined by the Department of Labor under the Service Contract Act, current at time award, as determined relative to the employee’s office location, not the location of the work. See http://www.beta.SAM.gov for additional information.

2. PROJECT INFORMATION

This is primarily a land surveying to provide real property boundary and topographic surveying services. These services generally fall into the following broad categories:

i. Boundary Surveys involves determine property lines and define true property corners of a parcel of land described in a deed. It also indicates the extent of any easements or encroachments and may show the limitations imposed on the property by state or local regulations.

ii. Topographic Surveys involves locating surface features of a property and depicts all natural features and elevations. In essence it is a 3-dimensional map of a 3-dimensional property showing all natural and man-made features and improvements. Specifically, it shows their location, size, height and any changes in elevation.

iii. Control Surveys provide horizontal and vertical positions of points to which supplementary surveys are adjusted. Control surveys provide the standard of accuracy for subsequent and subordinate surveys to attain.

iv. Miscellaneous Surveys: Surveys not specifically mentioned above which use the same type of measuring equipment. Examples could include but not be limited to the following surveys: American Land Title Association (ALTA) Surveys, Resource/Geographic Information System (GIS) data surveys, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Surveys, or National Geodetic Survey (NGS) user submitted project surveys (Blue Book) or OPUS shared surveys.

v. See the attached Statement of Work and the Specifications for additional information.

3. SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for Award Negotiation

In accordance with 40 U.S.C. Chapter 11 (Selection of Architects and Engineers), the applicable provisions of the Competition in Contracting Act (PUB. L. 98-369, 98 Stat. 1175), the applicable provisions of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act (Pub. L. 103-355, 108 Stat. 3243), and FAR 16.500(d), the Forest Service will select up to three firms for negotiation using the procedures set forth in FAR Subpart 36.6.

• In accordance with FAR 36.602-3(a), the Forest Service will review the Standard Form (SF) 330s submitted in response to the synopsis.

• In accordance with FAR 36.602-3(b), the Forest Service will evaluate those SF 330s in accordance with the criteria listed herein.

• In accordance with FAR 36.602-3(c), the Forest Service will hold discussions with at least three of the most highly qualified firms regarding concepts and the relative utility of alternative methods of furnishing the required services described in this synopsis.

• On the basis of the above, in accordance with FAR 36.602-3(d), the Forest Service will determine the firms most highly qualified to perform the required services described in this synopsis.

• The Source Selection Authority will review the recommendations in accordance with FAR 36.602-3(d) and make the final selection of the most highly qualified firm.

4. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

A. General Instructions

Professional Land Survey firms which meet the requirements described in this announcement are invited to submit the below documents and must follow the instructions set forth in that form except as supplemented below. Do not submit any additional information not required by the SF 330’s instructions as supplemented by the supplemental instructions set forth below. The Forest Service will not consider any such additional information in its evaluation of firms’ SF 330s.:

1. SF-330 Part II, General Qualifications (Submit one SF330 Part II for each firm listed in Part I, Section C),

2. SF-330 Part I, Contract Specific Qualifications, and

3. All requested supplemental data listed in items 1-5, below.

Except as otherwise permitted below, firms must use the fillable version of SF 330 available on the U.S. General Services Administration website at https://www.gsa.gov/forms-library/architect-engineer-qualifications, using the space available and font settings embedded in that document.

Responses must be submitted via email to the contract specialist and contracting officer below no later than 2:00 PM (EST) on 26 June 2021. No hard copy responses will be accepted.

Contact Specialist: Brenda Simmons, brenda.simmons@usda.gov

Contracting Officer: Tiffany Atchison, tiffany.atchison@usda.gov

B. Supplemental Instructions

1. Provide a cover with the following information:

i. Firm name

ii. Firm primary and secondary point of contact

iii. Firm contact information (physical address, mailing address, voice and fax numbers, e-mail

iv. address, web address)

v. The solicitation number, including any and all amendments

vi. DUNS+4 Number

2. Use a 12 point type size for body text and a 10 point type size for tables and charts.

3. The Government will exclude PPQs and CPARS from the page limit.

On each blank page, include the following language: “This page is intentionally left blank.”

5. SELECTION CRITERIA.

The Forest Service will evaluate firms’ qualifications under the selection criteria set forth below.

The selection of firms for negotiation shall be made through an order of preference using Brooks Act procedures, based on demonstrated competence and qualifications for the work, that include the following evaluation criteria in descending order of importance:

1. Professional qualifications

a. The Forest service will evaluate if the firm demonstrates a thorough and professional understanding of proper survey methods, laws, and procedures to meet State and/or Federal survey requirements.

i. The contract will require that a firm have a Professional Surveyor and Mapper licensed in Florida to be in charge and responsible for each project.

ii. The Professional Surveyor and Mapper designated as being in charge and responsible must demonstrate property boundary survey experience with a professional, complete, and thorough understanding of the technical and legal approaches to the proposed https://www.gsa.gov/forms-library/architect-engineer-qualifications mailto:brenda.simmons@usda.gov mailto:Tiffany.Atchison@usda.gov work, as defined by the applicable state standards.

b. SF 330 requirement:

Submit one Part I, section E for up to three (3) Registered Professional Surveyors and Mappers who will be assigned to work task orders issued under this contract. Use a separate Section E for each individual.

2. Location

a. The FS will evaluate the location of the headquarters office and/or branch office(s).

i. Greater consideration will be given to firms located within 50 miles of the Apalachicola National Forest, Ocala National Forest, and Osceola National Forest

ii. If your firm’s office is not located within a 50-mile radius of the relevant National Forest, indicate how you plan to provide services cost-effectively.

b. The FS will evaluate the extent to which prior survey experience indicates specific knowledge of previous surveys in or around the Apalachicola National Forest, Ocala National Forest, and Osceola National Forest.

c. The FS will evaluate the extent to which firms can demonstrate professional knowledge of the National Forests in Florida and FNST (rural, isolated and environment), the ability to successfully perform survey projects on the three Forests and FNST lands being proposed, and logistically handle projects within the geographic areas of these forests. This includes knowledge of the survey history (local and government), local survey records access, and where geographic regions of where these records are maintained (recorded and non‐ recorded).

d. SF330 Requirement: Submit one Part I, Section H demonstrating knowledge and experience with the geographical location. Limit the discussion to three pages for this criterion.

3. Specialized experience and technical competence .

a. The FS will evaluate the extent of the firm’s demonstrated specialized experience and technical competence, as evidenced by successfully completing up to five projects in the subject state.

i. Proficiency in locating, posting, and marking Forest Service boundaries in the State of Florida or similar land management agencies/private entities.

ii. Specific knowledge and familiarity with Forest Service boundary posting standards on the National Forests in Florida and FNST lands..

iii. Greater consideration will be given to those firms who have experience with boundary surveys similar to those in the

National Forest in Florida and firms with highly qualified field survey staff within these Forests

iv. More consideration will be given to offerors, primes and sub-consultants/joint ventures that have demonstrated previous work experience on the same projects.

b. Demonstrate an understanding of proper technical procedures, standards, and quality control procedures as shown by knowledge of the following:

i. Quality control processes or plans used by the firm and the project management approach to perform survey services, including corner search, overcoming logistical challenges, and ensuring compliance with contract specifications.

ii. Description of how a control survey will be accomplished, including field procedures using GNSS as a measuring tool. If possible, sample submissions should highlight projects utilizing GNSS systems on large boundary projects in rural, forested terrain.

c. SF330 Requirement: SF 330 Part I, Section F examples of at least three

(3) and no more than five (5) projects that demonstrate your team’s experience performing work similar to that described in this synopsis. To be considered, each project must have been performed within five (5) years of the date that responses to this synopsis are due. Submit one Part I, Section F for each project. At least three of the examples must be directly attributable to the firm submitting the offer (prime)

Please note: An indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or other similar ordering vehicle is not considered a “project”. A single task order issued under an IDIQ or other similar ordering vehicle may be considered a “project”.

Do not modify the form by providing more than six proposed team members in Section C. Prioritize team members, providing those that are most important to creating a well-rounded team demonstrating the concentrated areas of expertise.

4. Capacity

a. The FS will evaluate the extent to which the firm is able to demonstrate adequate capacity to accomplish work on the National Forests in Florida and FNST lands with the identified personnel and equipment. Firms should demonstrate the ability to provide sufficient capital, personnel, and survey equipment, including survey grade GPS equipment, UTVs, and other specialized equipment, to successfully complete various sized projects in the required time.

i. Provide a personnel list and equipment list as necessary.

ii. Describe how to meet capacity if the maximum amount of work is awarded in one or more calendar year.

b. If greater capacity would be required, describe your process for securing additional personnel and equipment. For example, if using subcontractors, partners, or other associates for part of the project work, specify how they would be secured and what duties they would perform. More consideration will be given to offerors, primes and sub-consultants/joint ventures that have demonstrated previous work experience on the same projects.

c. SF330 Requirement: Submit one Part I, Section H demonstrating the capacity to accomplish the work detailed herein. Limit the discussion to four pages for this criterion.

5. Past performance

a. The evaluation will consider the extent the offeror demonstrates successful past performance on similar projects from the point of view of the client and professional peers. Firms will be evaluated on past performance for quality of products or services, cost control, compliance to project schedules, effectiveness of management/business relations, and regulatory compliance.

Performance evaluations for any sub-consultants may also be considered.

Demonstrated success of collaborative teaming relationships will be positively considered. The relevancy of past performance information will be considered. The more relevant the information, the more weight it carries.

NOTE: if no relevant past performance information is available to evaluate or if the record is so sparse such that no meaningful rating can be reasonably assigned, the offeror will be assigned a rating of neutral and shall not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably.

b. SF330 Requirement: Submit information regarding past performance as an attachment to the SF 330. For each project submitted in Part I, Section F, submit one of the following:

• A completed Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System

(CPARS) evaluation, if available.

• If a completed CPARS evaluation is not available, submit a completed Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) for the project. The PPQ is provided as Attachment 1 to this synopsis. Firms are advised to ensure correct phone numbers and email addresses are provided for the client point of contact. Do not submit a PPQ when a completed CPARS evaluation is available.

If the firm is unable to obtain a completed PPQ from a client for a project(s) before the submission closing date, the offeror should complete and submit the first page of the PPQ, which will provide contract and client information for the respective project(s).

Firms should follow up with clients/references to ensure timely submittal of questionnaires. If the client requests, questionnaires may be submitted directly to the Government's point of contact, Tiffany Atchison, via email at tiffany.atchison@usda.gov, prior to the submission closing date. Firms shall instruct the clients to refer to the synopsis number in the subject line.

PPQs are source selection materials. All successfully submitted PPQs will receive an email confirmation upon receipt. If the firm does not receive the confirmation, it is the firm’s responsibility to follow up to ensure the Government has received the information.

In addition to the above, the Government may review other sources of information for evaluating past performance. Other sources may include, but are not limited to, past performance information retrieved through the PPIRS (Past Performance Information Retrieval System) including CPARS, using all CAGE/DUNS (Commercial and Government Entity/Data Universal Numbering System) numbers of team members (partnership, joint venture, teaming arrangement, or parent company/subsidiary/affiliate) identified in the firm’s SF 330, inquiries of owner representative(s), FAPIIS (Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System), or other databases; telephone interviews with organizations familiar with the firm’s performance, Government personnel with personal knowledge of the firm’s performance capability, and any other known sources not provided by the firm.

While the Government may elect to consider data from other sources, the burden of providing detailed, current, accurate, and complete past performance information rests with the firm. In reviewing past performance information, the Government will take into account the relevancy of the past performed work in addition to how well the firm performed.

6. QUESTIONS AND INQUIRIES ABOUT SYNOPSIS

All inquiries regarding this solicitation are to be submitted via email to Tiffany Atchison at tiffany.atchison@usda.gov, with a courtesy copy to Brenda Simmons at brenda.simmons@usda.gov.

No response will be posted to inquiries after 5:00 PM EST, 16 June 2021. All bidders will be held to have reviewed the questions and responses posted to https://beta.sam.gov prior to bid submission. When an answer is posted to a question, the question and answer is then available for all other bidders to review mailto:Tiffany.Atchison@usda.gov https://beta.sam.gov/