RFQ 6982AF20R000005.pdf

6982AF20R000005

Construction Inspection

9/22/2020

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

Construction Inspection Support Services for the States of:

AZ, CA, CO, HI, KS, NE, NV, NM, ND, OK, SD, TX, UT, and WY

Multiple Award Task Order Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contracts

Central Federal Lands Highway Division 12300 W. Dakota Avenue, Suite 360

Lakewood, CO 80228

Solicitation Number: 6982AF20R000005

SUMMARY OF WORK:

This announcement is being issued as a RFQ for Architect and Engineering (A-E) firms interested in being evaluated to receive an A-E IDIQ contract to provide onsite construction inspection and contract administration A-E services to Central Federal Lands Highway Division (CFLHD), a Division of the Federal Lands Highway Office of the Federal Highway Administration.

Selected firms must comply with Equal Employment Opportunity requirements in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 22.8. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 541330 (Engineering Services); the small business size standard is $16.5 million.

A. PRIMARY REQUIREMENTS & DUTIES

The principal firm, including its subcontractors, will provide post-award onsite construction contract administration and inspection support services for transportation related construction projects. The primary requirement is to provide staff at assigned project locations, on a short term basis (approximately 3 to 24 months), typically with short notification of need, that are experienced with construction inspection and construction contract administration. Duties will be in accordance with CFLHD construction policy and procedures. On occasion, isolated tasks may require experienced onsite materials laboratory management, on-site clerical or regional claim support. The principal firm will be responsible for daily management of its staff and the staff of its subcontractors.

B. PROJECT LOCATIONS

The principal firm, including all subcontractors, must be capable of providing qualified staff in the CFLHD 14-state area. CFLHD construction projects are primarily located in remote areas.

PERSONNEL CLASSIFICATIONS, DUTIES AND QUALIFICATIONS:

A. CLASSIFICATIONS

(1) Contracting Officer’s Technical Adviser. Personnel assigned as Contracting Officer’s

Technical Advisor (COTA) are required to provide on-site construction contract oversight within limited delegations as well as construction inspection. Duties include contract administration, principle contact or liaison between CFLHD clients and the CFLHD Division Office; oversight of other contract or federal, or both, project personnel; and all of the duties listed under On-Site Construction Inspector. This work is performed primarily at the project location. Special circumstances may require additional time after project completion to prepare contract documentation for submittal to the CFLHD Division Office.

(2) On-Site Construction Inspector. Construction inspectors (CI Inspectors) are required to provide on-site construction contract inspection and other project related administrative duties. Specific duties will include, but are not limited to, providing technical guidance to the construction staff for construction inspection, contract record keeping, and performance of quality assurance. In some cases, materials sampling or witnessing of sampling will be required. Based on experience and technical knowledge, the CI may be classified as a CI-I and CI-II. This work is performed at the project location.

(3) On-Site Project Office Clerical Personnel. Assists the on-site Government

Representative or the COTA in day-to-day construction contract administration. This work is performed at the project location or regional area office.

(4) On-Site Project Office Clerical Personnel. Perform material sampling, testing, and administration and oversight of a materials laboratory. This work is performed primarily at the project location in a government provided field materials laboratory.

(5) Corporate Contract Manager. Services pertain to those required at the Offeror’s home office. Duties include administration and management of the overall A-E Construction Support Service staff for project specific Task Orders (TOs), and oversight of CI staff training.

(6) Clerical. Services pertain to those required at the Offeror’s home office. Duties include miscellaneous correspondence, invoicing, and other office administrative duties.

(Duties and/or qualifications not specified)

(7) Other Services. This term refers to other Construction Management Services that may be required. These services will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.

B. DUTIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

(1) CONTRACTING OFFICER’S TECHNICAL ADVISOR (COTA)

a) Duties

1. Function as the Government’s technical advisor for administering and enforcing compliance with the terms of the contract within delegated authorities.

2. Manage a construction team including oversight of project inspection staff including contract or federal, or both.

3. Monitor, document, and advise the Government on contract actions.

4. Provide clarification to the Construction Contractor regarding contract questions.

5. Review Construction Contractor’s work for compliance with the contract.

6. Respond to inquiries from the traveling public, landowners, FHWA clients, and other interested parties after coordination with the Government Representative.

7. Delegate daily work assignments.

8. Review the construction schedule for compliance with the construction contract and for reasonableness.

9. Enforce safety regulations in coordination with the contract and the Government

Representative.

10. Facilitate and attend meetings with the Construction Contractor, CFLHD Client

Agencies, and the Public (when requested).

11. Maintain accurate contract records and follow established CFLHD records maintenance processes.

12. Process submittals from receipt through approval and return to the Construction

Contractor.

13. Process the Construction Contractor's Invoice (Progress Estimate) in accordance with established CFLHD processes.

14. Provide assistance to the Government Representative with preparation of construction contract modifications, independent cost estimate, records research, etc.

15. Perform the duties of CI-II if needed.

b) Qualifications

1. Registered Professional Engineer; or Bachelor Degree in Civil Engineering, or;

a. Construction Management with 3-years on-site project administration, or;

b. A minimum of 10 years’ experience as an on-site construction inspector with at least 1 year as a Project Engineer or Construction Manager.

2. Demonstrate the ability to function as the Government’s technical advisor for administering and enforcing compliance with the terms of the contract within delegated authorities.

3. Demonstrate the ability to manage construction team including the supervision of construction inspectors to monitor, document and advise the Government on contract status.

4. Possess excellent communication skills both verbally and written.

5. Demonstrated ability to: prepare contract modifications; develop independent cost estimates; review Construction Contractor progress payments for accuracy; obtain field measurements of construction materials and products; review and assist the CO in preparing contract dispute and claim responses; document project progress (including videography and photography); develop special reports; and review contract submittals including shop drawings for compliance with the contract.

6. Demonstrated ability to analyze Construction Contractor critical path and bar chart schedules.

7. Demonstrated ability to manage time effectively between administrative duties and inspection duties.

8. Demonstrated ability to monitor the contract overall costs including potential overruns and underruns.

9. Demonstrated experience with construction oversight of environmental mitigation for wetlands; threatened and endangered species; sensitive species; cultural and historical resources; hazardous materials; wild and scenic rivers wildlife and fisheries; noise; visual, water, and air quality; and interagency coordination of environmental concerns.

10. Demonstrated proficiency with interpretation of transportation construction contracts, specifications, and plan interpretation.

11. Demonstrated knowledge and experience with context-sensitive design principles;

safety and labor laws and requirements; value engineering proposals; quality control/quality assurance principles; traffic control; materials and construction methods.

12. Demonstrated proficiency with the use of computer software programs including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and OneNote.

13. Provide past experience of previous work in environmentally sensitive areas such as National Forests, Fish and Wildlife Refuges, National Parks.

(2) ON-SITE CONSTRUCTION INSPECTOR (CI-II)

1. On a limited basis, may function as the COTA in the absence of the Government Representative or COTA.

2. Perform duties of a CI-I when required.

3. Assist CFLHD in administration of the construction contract.

4. Notify CFLHD of non-complying of construction activities or materials.

5. Assist with the inspection of all phases of work and construction contract compliance.

6. Document work of the Construction Contractor and subcontractors.

7. Monitor construction operations for compliance with contract provisions, drawings, and specifications.

8. Identify changes, errors, or field adjustments to the contract documents and recommend action to CFLHD.

9. Assist with monitoring quality control operations for contract compliance.

10. Perform materials inspections.

11. Assist with monitoring on-site traffic control and safety according to contract and other legal requirements.

12. Report safety and health deficiencies to the Construction Contractor, and CFLHD.

13. Assist with monitoring compliance with environmental and erosion control requirements.

14. Report inspection and administration performance of other project construction inspection staff.

15. Train on-site personnel as required in the performance of inspection and testing responsibilities.

16. Prepare daily construction inspection reports.

17. Assist with performing off-site plant fabrication or material source inspection or certification as assigned.

18. Proficiently use computer software programs including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and OneNote.

19. Assist the COTA or PE with preparation of contract modifications, development of independent cost estimates; review of contractor progress payments for accuracy; field measurements of construction materials and products; preparing contract claim responses; documentation of project progress (including videography and photography); development of special reports; and review contract submittals including shop drawings for compliance with the contract.

20. Monitoring construction schedules and advising the Government Representative or the COTA of corrective action required.

21. Assist with preparation of material samples for shipment to the designated testing lab, include all required transmittals.

Classification level of CI –II to be based on Government need and the individual’s demonstrated proficiency in the following:

1. Possess one of the following:

a. Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management or professional engineer registration or;

b. Associates Degree in Engineering Technology or;

c. Ten years of highway construction experience as a Project or Resident

Engineer, Assistant Project Engineer, Chief Inspector, or equivalent on State or Federal highway or bridge construction projects.

2. Demonstrate proficiency in highway construction inspection services for:

a. hot asphalt concrete paving;

b. concrete structures;

c. pavement preservation/rehab;

d. aggregate base;

e. drainage culverts;

f. retaining walls; earthwork; rock excavation; foundation piles; soil nails;

g. guardrail and other safety appurtenances;

h. re-vegetation;

i. traffic control systems; and

j. soil erosion and sediment controls.

3. Possess good communication skills, both verbally and written.

4. Possess excellent mathematical skills.

5. Demonstrate excellent proficiency with CPM construction schedules.

6. Demonstrate experience in environmentally sensitive areas such as National

Forest, Fish and Wildlife Refuges, and National Parks.

7. Demonstrate knowledge of general design principles; safety and labor laws and requirements; quality control-quality assurance principles.

8. Demonstrate proficiency in interpretation of transportation construction contracts, specifications, and plans.

(3) ON-SITE CONSTRUCTION INSPECTOR (CI-I)

1. Function as a junior level inspector.

2. Witness sampling. May be required to correctly perform materials sampling.

3. Verify the testing equipment used on site is calibrated.

4. Prepare daily construction inspection reports.

5. Inspect and monitor work for compliance with the contract requirements.

1. Possess one of the following minimum qualifications:

a. Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or professional engineer registration or;

b. Associates Degree in Engineering Technology or;

c. Two years of highway construction experience as an Inspector or equivalent on

State or Federal highway or bridge construction project(s).

2. Possess good communication skills, both verbally and written.

3. Possess excellent mathematical skills.

4. Demonstrate basic knowledge in transportation construction contracts, specifications, and plan interpretation.

5. Demonstrate proficiency with materials sampling;

6. Documented proficiency in highway construction inspection services for:

a. Aggregate Base;

b. drainage culverts;

c. guardrail;

d. re-vegetation;

e. basic traffic control operations; and

f. soil erosion and sediment controls.

g. minor hot asphalt concrete pavement.

h. Pavement preservation.

(4) ON-SITE PROJECT OFFICE CLERICAL PERSONNEL

1. Assist the COTA or Government Representative with development of contract modifications.

2. Assist field inspectors with field measurements when required.

3. Assist with development and preparations of independent estimates, special reports, and final records.

4. Maintain office files to comply with standard business practice and CFLHD processes and procedures.

5. Assist the PE or COTA with safety and labor laws and requirements.

6. Assist with contract claim support and project documentation (including videography and photography).

7. Provide logistic support as needed for project field office.

8. Review progress payments for accuracy under the guidance of the PE or COTA.

9. Assist with review of submittals and shop drawings for accuracy and completeness under the guidance of the PE or COTA.

10. Assist with the preparation of materials samples for shipment.

1. Possess a minimum of 3 years’ experience in an on-site construction project office as a senior project clerical assistant or entry level civil engineer.

2. Proficiency in the use of basic computer software programs including Microsoft OneNote, Word and Excel.

(5) ON-SITE MATERIAL LABORATORY MANAGER

1. Set up field material laboratory and verify calibration of testing equipment.

2. Maintain laboratory journal, control charts, calibration documents, statistical analysis, and test report forms.

3. Perform material sampling and testing using and in compliance with American

Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

4. Provide instruction to Government personnel and others in sampling, testing, and operation of a field lab.

5. Prepare samples for shipment to off-site testing laboratories to include all transmittals.

1. Demonstrate the ability to perform AASHTO and ASTM sampling and testing procedures for highway and bridge materials.

2. Possess excellent communication skills, both orally and written.

3. Demonstrate experience in independent management of a field or centralized transportation materials laboratory.

4. Possess Individual Technician Certification in the soils, aggregates, concrete and asphalt materials discipline in at least one of the following:

a. NICET Level II or greater Certification in Construction Materials Testing for asphalt, concrete and soils, or;

b. In lieu of NICET Level II Certification in Concrete, the American Concrete Institute (ACI) Certification as Field or Laboratory Testing Technician, Grade I or higher, constitutes acceptable certification pertaining to the concrete discipline; or

c. Western Alliance for Quality Transportation (WAQTC) in Asphalt and Concrete and Aggregate and Embankment and Base, or;

d. Equivalent certification in a similar program(s) endorsed by a State Department of Transportation.

5. In lieu of certification, have at least 5 years’ experience in sampling and testing of highway construction materials, preferably in an AASHTO accredited laboratory or a State Department of Transportation laboratory, in the materials disciplines of soils, aggregates, Portland cement concrete and hot mix asphalt.

(6) CORPORATE CONTRACT MANAGER

1. Serve as the primary point of contact for contract and task order management.

2. Provide personnel resumes for task orders on short notice.

3. Provide personnel able to work in remote locations.

4. Oversee contract and multiple task order scope, schedule, budget, invoice, and quality assurance/quality control.

5. Review resumes of potential candidates to meet CFLHD needs. Recommend and submit candidates for approval to CFLHD.

6. Serve as supervisor for tasked employees on issues of personnel management.

7. Communicate/coordinate with on-site employees in a manner that does not impact CFLHD operations. On-site visits must be as agreed to in the task order or as approved by the CO.

8. Submit invoices for task orders as stated in Section C, Article V.

9. Insure compliance with the terms and conditions of the contract and each task order.

10. Administer performance of sub consultants.

1. Registered Professional Engineer; or Bachelor Degree in Civil Engineering, or;

a. Construction Management with 3-years on-site project administration, or;

b. A minimum of 10 years’ experience as an on-site construction inspector with at least 1 year as a Project Engineer or Construction Manager.

2. Demonstrate the ability to manage construction team including the supervision of construction inspectors to monitor, document and advise the Government on contract status.

(7) OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS

Tasks in the transportation field to be defined and negotiated upon identified need.

To be established based on TO requirements.

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION OF WORK:

Task Orders under this contract will be issued primarily for selected construction contracts awarded by CFLHD, and located in, but not limited to, remote areas of Hawaii, Arizona, California, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. It is imperative that the principal firm or its subcontractors be able to provide local resources to support CFLHD program.

MINIMUM/MAXIMUM ORDERS, CONTRACT TERM:

There may be two or more awards made under this solicitation. Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts will be awarded for a base year with four option periods for a total not-to-exceed 5 years. Options may be exercised within the time frame specified in the resultant contract at the sole discretion of the Government. Task orders issued under the basic contracts will include a specific statement of work and will be negotiated individually. The minimum order guarantee is $25,000 per each individual contract, with a shared maximum contract value not to exceed 5-year total of $70,000,000. 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.

EXTENT OF COMPETITION:

This requirement is being advertised on a full and open basis with a partial small business set-aside.

SELECTION PROCESS

This RFQ is the only notification that is required or that will be made for this Brooks Act acquisition. The A-E Firm as used in this RFQ means an individual, firm, partnership, corporation, association, or other legal entity permitted by law to practice the profession of architecture or engineering that will have contractual responsibility for construction management and other services identified in the Statement of Work. The A-E selection will be completed in two stages as follows: In the first stage, represented by this request for qualifications, the interested A-E firms will submit portfolios of accomplishments and qualifications in response to the submission requirements and Evaluation Factors 1-5 identified below. The government will evaluate submissions and develop a short-list of the highest qualified firms.

In the second stage, the short-listed firms and representatives from their teams will be invited either virtually or in-person at Central Federal Lands Highway Division located in Lakewood, Colorado for the presentation and interview process that will occur November 17-19, 2020.

Evaluations from both stages will be used by the government to select the highest qualified firm(s) for negotiations. Offerors should be prepared to discuss all aspects of the evaluation factors and demonstrate their ability to fulfill all project requirements. Key representative staff from the offeror’s team (prime and subconsultants) should attend the interview. Emphasis will be placed on the firm’s understanding of the unique aspects of CFLHD projects, providing qualified personnel, personnel management process, and internal quality assurance processes.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATIONS:

Firms that have the qualifications to perform the services described above and wish to be considered for these contracts shall submit a qualifications package to include a Standard Form (SF) 330 Architect-Engineer Qualifications, parts I and II, as well as a response to the evaluation factors 1-5 outlined below. Provide one (1) original and five (5) copies of each qualifications package. The SF 330 may be obtained from http://www.gsa.gov/forms/far.htm. Failure to submit a package with all required documentation outlined in this synopsis may result in disqualification of the firm. All documentation will be in an 8.5 x 11inch format using a minimum 10 pt. Times New Roman Font when responding to evaluation factors. It should also be spiral bound, and developed and assembled in a manner that chronologically corresponds to and addresses the technical Evaluation Factors. The entire qualification package should not exceed 35 double-sided pages for a total of 70 pages. Only page numbers 1-70 will be considered during evaluations.

Cover letter, tabs and back cover will not be counted toward the page limit. SF 330’s will be counted towards the page limit. SF 330’s are NOT required for all subcontractors, sub consultants or joint firms. Submissions received via e-mail or facsimile will NOT be considered.

As an attachment, provide an organization chart of the proposed team showing the names and roles of all key personnel listed in Section E with the associated firm as listed in Section C of form SF 330. Please include DUNS, CAGE and state registration numbers in Block 30 of the SF

330. Registration in the System for Award Management is required to be considered for this acquisition (https://www.sam.gov). Information may not be incorporated by reference into the SF 330.

Questions regarding this acquisition must be received via e-mail no later than October 15, 2020 4:00 pm, MST, addressed to CFLContracts@dot.gov. Answers to all offeror questions will be posted as soon as practicable.

ALL SUBMISSIONS ARE DUE BY 2:00 PM MST, October 22, 2020. to Federal Highway Administration, Central Federal Lands Highway. Send one (1) original and five (5) copies to Central Federal Lands Highway Division, Attention Craig Holsopple, Contracting Officer, 12300 West Dakota Avenue, Suite 360, Lakewood, CO 80228.

EVALUATION FACTORS

In the first phase of the evaluations, potential contractors will be evaluated in terms of the factors/criteria identified below. Submissions will be evaluated against the factors below as they relate to the requirements of the solicitation, as well as evaluated for meeting mandatory responsibility criteria per FAR Subpart 9.1. A detailed evaluation will be made of the submissions. Submissions must demonstrate a thorough understanding of and the capability to accomplish the overall requirements as stated in the evaluation factors stated below.

In the second phase of the evaluations, oral presentations/interviews will be required for the short-listed firms notified by the government. Interviews will be conducted with the offerors determined to be the most qualified based on evaluation of SF-330’s and Evaluation Factors 1-5.

Offerors should be prepared to discuss all aspects of the evaluation factors and demonstrate their ability to fulfill all project requirements. Key representative staff from the offeror’s team (prime and subconsultants) should attend the interview. Emphasis will be placed on the firm’s understanding of the unique aspects of CFLHD projects, providing qualified personnel, personnel management process, and internal quality assurance processes.

Firms will be evaluated on the following factors listed in descending order of importance:

Evaluation Factor 1 – Professional Qualifications and Experience

The Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP) will consider education, training, registrations, professional certificates, awards, peer recognition, overall relevant experience, and longevity of the offeror’s key personnel, and proposed on-site inspection and contract administration personnel. Provide the following:

Experience of the management and proposed on-site staff. Relevant experience as defined in Section B Duties and Qualifications; for COTA, CI-II, CI-I, On-Site Project Office Clerical Personnel, On-Site Material Laboratory Manager, Corporate Contract Manager, and Clerical; and other work experience typically encountered with federal, state, and local agencies involved in the construction and administration of road and highway projects including roadway construction and inspection, government contract administration, materials sampling and testing, and other pertinent experience.

The qualifications of personnel responsible for evaluating and training personnel proposed for CFLHD construction projects. Include the names and qualifications of those personnel who will manage and perform this function; and

Provide a narrative explaining the education, training, registrations, professional certificates, awards, peer recognition, overall and relevant experience, and longevity of personnel included in the offeror’s organizational structure. Include the experience of key subcontractor staff available for CFLHD construction projects.

Evaluation Factor 2 – Capacity to Accomplish the Work

The TEP will consider the offeror's capacity for accomplishing the work requested. Provide a detailed summary of the following:

The process for providing qualified on-site personnel for short term periods and on short notice, for projects located in remote locations;

Provide a narrative which explains the general processes for task order administration and billing; and

Provide the size of the offeror’s current workforce (prime and current subcontracts), current workload (number of projects and dollar value), and ability to absorb additional work. Include the full potential value of any current contracts. Describe the process and policy of managing demands from multiple clients to provide personnel in excess of the offeror’s workforce.

Evaluation Factor 3 – Proximity Factor

The TEP will consider the geographic proximity of offeror’s field offices, management personnel, project field personnel and subcontractors within CFLHD’s 14-state region.

Provide a narrative which details:

The branch office(s) located in within CFLHD’s 14-state region for both the prime firm and each subcontractor;

The processes for providing construction inspectors and contract administration support in remote areas of the overall CFLHD 14 state region; and

Each offeror’s ability to provide local support in terms of management and project staff to CFLHD projects.

Evaluation Factor 4 – Corporate Approach to Task Order Staffing, Management and Personnel Training

The TEP will evaluate specialized corporate experience of the prime offeror with regard to managing and providing experienced personnel for road and bridge construction projects.

Provide detailed information regarding the following:

The corporate past experience of task order management (Technical, administration, and processes and procedures), and personnel management; use/management of subcontractors. Specifically, include corporate experience with road and bridge construction on government construction projects; and experience of on-site personnel management;

The offeror’s policy for recruiting, retaining, training and supporting qualified personnel during normal and increased workloads. Explain the policy, if any, for recruiting locally or using qualified resources obtained from local industry, small businesses or local individuals;

QA/QC plan to assure qualified personnel are submitted. Include training, scheduling, placement, supervision, resolving personnel challenges, evaluating staff, security and background clearance processes and administration and safety program.

Corporate philosophy regarding management of staffing projects under pressure of conflicting client needs; and

Corporate policy regarding use of subcontractors. Include policy for soliciting and utilizing local industry, small business, individuals within CFLHD’s 14-state region.

Evaluation Factor 5 – Past Performance

The TEP will evaluate the past performance of corporate management. Provide a detailed summary of the following:

Project construction inspection and construction administration services contracts awarded to the offeror which have been completed in the past 5 years for contracts of similar size, scope and location as proposed in this solicitation. Provide a list of construction contract administration and inspection services contracts completed within the last 5 years that verify successful performance of the proposed offeror. Successful performance is defined as receiving a satisfactory score for managing task orders, providing trained personnel on short notice, supporting personnel during periods of normal and increased workloads, and performing corporate functions such as task order cost proposals, task order tracking and billing in a manner that keeps within the provided task order funding amount. In addition, provide the contract number, award date of contract, period of performance, point of contact, phone number, and email address for each personnel services contract client;

Documented past performance of the offeror and subcontractors in the Government’s Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS), a government database for Civilian Agencies; and

The trend of repeat business of clients to the offeror. Also, provide letters of recommendation for on-site project personnel provided by your firm, assigned project names, client names, and contact information for both assigned project personnel and clients for at least 3 but not more than 5 road and/or bridge projects where personnel were provided under the contract.