Frequently_Asked_Questions.docx

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is NIST looking for a word version of the SF 330 or looking for the version with an excel spreadsheet?

RESPONSE: As offerors are to provide hard copies (# of copies noted in the solicitation), there is no preference to how the SF 330 is prepared. The following URL is offered for two types of SF 330 - http://www.gsa.gov/portal/forms/download/116486

2. Is a site visit available for this requirement?

RESPONSE: A site visit is not being offered to perspective offerors. Offerors shall follow the requirements in the solicitation for items to include in your proposal.

3. How can we obtain a “Guide for Architect-Engineering firms performing professional services for the plant division at NIST”?

RESPONSE: The Guide for Architect-Engineering firms performing professional services for the plant division at NIST is posted as an attachment on the FedBizOps website at www.fbo.gov

4. Is there any particular way proposals should be delivered? Given the secure nature of your facility, which delivery methods will work best;

RESPONSE: NIST does not have a preference for method of delivery. However, if hand delivery is chosen, you will need to email the contract specialist listed in the solicitation 2 days in advance of delivering your proposal and provide your full name, the date of your visit, the building number to be visited, and indicate if you are a US Citizen in order to obtain a visitors badge at the visitors center. Official visitors must present photo identification (driver’s license) and a vehicle registration upon arrival at the visitor’s center. Visitors will then access the visitor center and provide their driver’s license and vehicle registration in order to obtain a visitor’s badge. Visitors can access to the NIST Gaithersburg campus from the NIST main gate at 100 Bureau Drive only. Visitors must wear a visitor badge at all times while on the NIST campus.

5. Is the intent of the Sources Sought for a small business to team with a large business?

RESPONSE: There is no intent of the Sources Sought for small business to team with a large business. Any teaming arrangements are strictly a business decision of the interested party.

6. Are offerers permitted to personally drop off proposals for the A&E IDIQ submission in person, or is this discouraged?

RESPONSE: NIST does not have a preference for method of delivery. However, if hand delivery is chosen, you will need to email the contract specialist listed in the solicitation 2 days in advance of delivering your proposal and provide your full name, the date of your visit, the building number to be visited, and indicate if you are a US Citizen in order to obtain a visitors badge at the visitors center. Official visitors must present photo identification (driver’s license) and a vehicle registration upon arrival at the visitor’s center. Visitors will then access the visitor center and provide their driver’s license and vehicle registration in order to obtain a visitor’s badge. Visitors can access to the NIST Gaithersburg campus from the NIST main gate at 100 Bureau Drive only. Visitors must wear a visitor badge at all times while on the NIST campus.

7. We want to respond to the solicitation requirements directly, however, having done work with NIST in the past we know there are other disciplines that may be required that are not specifically mentioned (i.e. Cost Estimating, Structural Engineering and Civil Engineering).

a. May we address these disciplines in our response? and

b. If yes, in what section of the response should we do so?

RESPONSE:

1. The respondents are encouraged to provide whatever documentation they deem necessary to show they are capable of meeting the requirements of the solicitation. The solicitation indicates that estimating is included in the requirements:

“Document preparation includes engineering feasibility studies, conceptual designs and reports, contract drawings and specifications, design calculations, cost estimates, and project schedules.”

For the structural engineering and civil engineering disciplines identified, offerers are encouraged to provide information to the Government that meets the solicitation requirements.

2. All responses should be addressed via SF330 and narrative form as noted in the solicitation.

8. Is SF330 Part I – Section H – Additional Information to be used to answer requirements 3-5 (Time, Past Performance, and Location)?

RESPONSE: Part I –Section H – is to be used for any part of the requirement.

9. Is SF330 Part I – Section H – Additional Information the section with a 20 page limitation?

RESPONSE: The 20 pages limitation refers to section H #29 where it states attach additional sheets as necessary. These sheets are not to exceed 20 pages.

10. Is there a page limitation on the SF330 Part I – Sections A-G? Or a maximum number of pages you would like to see in total?

RESPONSE: There is no space limitation on the SF330.

11. Is it acceptable to NIST that team members be part of multiple teams?

RESPONSE: Please refer to the solicitation and FAR 52.219-14

12. Is there any MBE participation requirement? If there is, what would the percentage requirement for MBE sub-consultants be?

RESPONSE - This requirement is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. There is no requirement of Minority Business enterprise participation

13. For the Special Notice, it is currently 100% set-aside for Total Small Business. As a small business that plans to be the Prime Contractor on this submission, is NIST looking to have ONLY small businesses as subcontractors on a team?

RESPONSE: No, the prime must be a small business and must perform 50% of the work and must follow SBA guidelines for small business.