RFI questions 002 Answered -.docx

The Pre-solicitation Notice calls for a Geographical Engineer discipline. That term isn’t commonly used, so I’m wondering if it refers to either “geotechnical engineer” or “geographic information systems (GIS) engineer” instead? Please clarify and advise.

Yes, it is a typo, we need geotechnical engineer for potential new addition of stair tower.

What is the magnitude of construction for this project? (per VAAR 836.204).

Between $10,000,000 and $20,000,000.

Is there an actual start date for the project?

Project start date will follow after NTP is issued.

Would you please change the NAICS Code for this submission to 541310 NAICS since it is primarily Architectural in nature? Given the description of this project, this is a Community Living Center project which are driven mainly by Architectural design given the special needs of the Veterans who use these facilities. The age and mental health issues that we see in our several CLC projects necessitate proper planning and design to ensure Veteran safety in a “home-like” atmosphere; keys to a successful CLC. Thus, this lends itself to be primarily an Architectural project and not an Engineering project. Thus, we respectfully request that the NAICS code for this project be re-evaluated and changed to NAICS code 541310 as it should be due to the nature of the project.

541310 Architectural Services takes into account basic design.

but 541330 Engineering Services (what is currently listed) opens up the pool to a wider level of competition, as well as focusing on engineering elements in the CLC, which include load bearing, SHPO(State Historic Preservation Office), general building flow, utilities, and patient care. Therefore 541330 Engineering Services will remain.

There are contradicting directions for returning PPQs for the subject solicitation; need to know in which manner they should be handled. On page 7 of the solicitation, "Offerors are responsible for collecting and submitting past performance questionnaires with the final packages to the Veterans Affairs (VA) Network Contracting Office (NCO) 23 Contracting officer before the closing date of this synopsis." On the PPQ, the last sentence in 'Instructions to Reference Contract' on page 1 reads, "Once completed, send form directly to the Contracting Officer via email at eric.reis@va.gov" Once completed, send form directly to the Contracting Officer via email at eric.reis@va.gov" is the correct directions.

· In order for firms to describe their qualifications more accurately and effectively, as well as for ease of the government’s review, please confirm that the SF330 form may be tailored so long as the content remains consistent with the fillable PDF.

Please utilize the SF330 form and adhere to the page and other limitations laid out in the synopsis

· The list of disciplines found in Criterion A includes Geographical Engineer, which seems inconsistent with the work to be performed. Did the government intend to list Geotechnical Engineer instead?

Yes, it is a typo, we need geotechnical engineer for potential new addition of stair tower.

· In order to adequately answer Criterion C. Capacity, please provide the anticipated start date and period of performance for design.

Project start date will follow after NTP is issued and period of performance is 404 calendar days. Contracting might be best able to estimate the award date.

· Is it acceptable for firms to submit one person for more than one role under Criterion A. Professional Qualifications?

Yes, it is acceptable for firms to submit one person for more than one role under Criterion A. Professional Qualifications.

· Is it acceptable for firms to submit additional resumes beyond those listed in Criterion A. Professional Qualifications?

Sure, unless there is a page limit.

· Criterion E. Past Performance - is the requirement for a single page narrative that includes all projects in Section F on one page, or a single page narrative for each project in Section F?

We would prefer single page but could go either way.

· A PPQ was attached to the Notice, however it was not referenced in the Notice. Please clarify how the government intends for firms to use the PPQ form - are firms to submit CPARS for each project in Section F, and a PPQ if a CPARS is not available for that project?

3 PPQ per firm. The VA can pull CPARS manually if necessary.

· There is no due date listed on sam.gov electronic SF 330 and attachments (if any) no later than (NLT) 10:00 AM (CT) June 02, 2025.

· Resumes Required- What is the difference between Fire Protection Engineer and Fire/Life Safety Surveyor?

We need Fire Protection Engineer.

We do not need Fire/Life Safety Surveyor.

· What is a Geographical Engineer? What university issues this degree and what state provides license for a Geographical Engineer?

It is a typo; we need Geotechnical Engineer for potential new addition of stair tower.

· Engineering I.T. Infrastructure- Are you asking for an RCDD, that is required by the PDRSM Manual on the VA til? There is no college degree for Engineer IT Infrastructure.

We need an I.T Engineer. An engineer with experience in data and communications cabling – could be another of the engineers that they already have included.

We do not need RCDD.

· **For the Structural Engineer - “licensed professional” for purposes of this evaluation factor shall mean a registered professional engineer (P.E.) who has passed the 16-hour P.E. structural written examination administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveys (NCEES). Proof of passing the examination and (4 years) required experience shall be submitted with the proposal or it will be assumed the Structural Engineer does not meet these qualifications.

The state of Minnesota doesn’t require a structural PE pass a 16 hour PE structural written examination to be a structural PE in Minnesota. Why is the VA making up this requirement? Here are the regulations for a structural engineer in the state of Minnesota. https://mn.gov/aelslagid/index.html Does the VA understand what a licensed structural engineer is in the state of Minnesota? Please read these requirements carefully before issuing structural engineering instructions.

NCEES Does not issue licenses. Individual States Issues licenses.

The VA want structural engineer to be licensed in the state of Minnesota.

16-hour PE structural written examination requirement is not required.

· For Fire Protection Engineer - *For the Fire Protection Engineer (FPE) - “licensed professional” for purposes of this evaluation factor shall mean a registered professional engineer (P.E.) who has passed the fire protection engineering written examination administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveys (NCEES). Proof of passing the examination and (4 years) required experience shall be submitted with the proposal or it will be assumed the FPE does not meet these qualifications.

The state of Minnesota doesn’t require this exam to be a Fire Protection Engineer in the state of Minnesota. Please read the Minnesota PE board regulations and update this requirement to meet Minnesota State Law. https://mn.gov/aelslagid/index.html

NCEES Does not issue licenses. Individual States Issues licenses. Mechanical Engineers with experience with fire protection can design, sign and seal drawings in the State of Minnesota for Fire Protection- please read the state laws provided.

The VA want fire protection engineer to be licensed in the state of Minnesota.

The fire protection engineering written examination requirement is not required.

· What would the scope of work for an Environmental Engineer, who works outside in the Environment, be for a building renovation project-inside the building? Are you looking for an Industrial Hygienist like most VA projects ask for?

Correct, we are looking for an Industrial Hygienist, not for an Environmental Engineer.