Questions_Answers_Construction_Management_Services.docx

NOTE: The solicitation is changed in the following way: Wherever the solicitation currently says “ONLY LEGALLY BINDING JOINT VENTURES, AS APPROVED BY THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION” it is changed to “ONLY LEGALLY BINDING JOINT VENTURES, AS DEFINED BY THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS. SBA spells out what types of joint ventures may bid on a contract and still be considered ‘a small business’ for that procurement. When submitting as a joint venture, an offeror, must include a copy of the joint venture agreement in volume I of the proposal.

NOTE: The solicitation is also change to instruct offerors to inform their references to email the past performance questionnaire to brian.johnson@nist.gov by the due date of proposals, instead of clarion.miller@nist.gov and put the solicitation number in the email subject line.

NOTE: For the experience section of the evaluation criteria, the OFFEROR must demonstrate the experience required. This is demonstrated by self-performance or being the prime contractor on projects on which this work performed. The work could have been performed by a subcontractor, if the offeror was the prime contractor on that project.

Q1: Task order Price Proposal format provided as attachment 8 is only for Base Year Prices. How do we provide our labor rates for the entire scope of ID/IQ Contract(Including all the labor categories) for base year as well as option years A1: Attachment 8 will be used for determining fair and reasonable pricing if there is not sufficient competition to determine reasonable pricing through other means. Each individual project will be competed on a task order basis; IDIQ contract holders (awardees) will propose and compete with other IDIQ contract awardees on an individual project basis

Q2: Should we assume that all the labor categories listed in attachment 8 are required for the Building 101 Turnstiles task order? Usually task order pricing is derived from the broad ID/IQ contract pricing, It is also not clear to us how this task order pricing will be expanded and evaluated for the purpose of the entire ID/IQ contract.

A2: Not necessarily; this is where we will evaluate an offeror’s proposal in accordance with Section M of the RFP. This will be utilized if the government is unable to determine fair and reasonable pricing through other means.

Q3: It is stated that contractor may use subcontractors as required for each task order while Section L-1 page 67 it is mentioned that Teaming arrangements will not be considered. Pl clarify A3: You may use sub-contractors in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation guidance; but evaluation will be based on the evaluation criteria in the RFP; with the requirements for the offeror. An offeror is the legal entity submitting the proposal, individual company (prime) or a joint venture as defined by Small Business Administration Regulations. For the Experience Section of the evaluation criteria, an offeror must have either self-performed or been the prime on contracts that involved those disciplines listed under the evaluation criteria.

Q4: Qualifications: Most of the labor categories are required to have a degree from an accredited ABET University. It will restrict the availability of otherwise qualified people. Can this be amended to have a degree from any recognized university A4: The solicitation will remain unchanged for educational requirements.

Q5: Technical: It is not clear what exactly is to be provided under Technical Section. Can you clarify which areas are to be specifically addressed in our technical response and how those areas match with the evaluation factors and statement of work.

A5: The technical standards are addressed in Section “M”, pages 75-796 of the RFP. You must provide sufficient documentation to demonstrate meeting those standards. (i.e. – EMR rating from NCCI, technical approach to the Task Order, documentation on previous relevant projects for experience, etc.)

Q6: Past Performance: Questionnaire is to be e-mailed to our reference who is required to return the completed questionnaire to the contracting officer. However what information is required from the offeror in the proposal under Past Performance or just sending the questionnaire to the reference is sufficient for the purpose of providing Past Performance.

A6: The offeror is to submit the information requested in section “M”, (3)(A) on page 77 of the solicitation.

Q7: Technical: The evaluation criteria for technical section does not match with the technical response required in section L-1 ( Page 67-68) . It is also not clear how the vendor’s capability for performance as per SOW will be evaluated.

A7: Section L-1 is instructions on preparation of the volumes (i.e. – font size, markings, number of pages, etc.). The Technical evaluation criteria is provided in Section “M” of the solicitation. Please follow the requirements in this section.

Q8: Do we have to complete section K even if our certifications and representations are entered in SAM A8: System for Award Management (SAM) is sufficient, please ensure it is updated and active

Q9: Can you provide a fillable format for the offeror portion of form 1449 section for inserting prices A9: The SF 1449 will not have any pricing, your pricing for the seed project/task order will be evaluated in accordance with Section “M” of the solicitation

Q10: What is the purpose of providing attachment 1 A10: Attachments 1, 2, and 3 provide all the data necessary for the Task Order. Your pricing is based on the Task Order. In addition, part of the technical proposal requirement is the offeror’s technical approach to the Task Order.

Q11: Which of the labor categories are subject to SCA

A11: Any that are listed (or similar job description/title) on the SCA Wage Determination provided.

Q12: How many resumes are required to be attached with the proposal

A12: Per pages 74 to 76 of section “M”, the offeror does not have to submit any resumes. If and when the sample task order is awarded, the lowest price technically acceptable offeror will have the resumes checked against the IDIQ contract educational and experience requirements. Key personnel will be requested at the Task Order level. The positions referred to as Key Personnel for the Base IDIQ and the sample Task Order are removed.

Q13: Can you confirm that the pre-award site visit is not a required condition for award?

A13: It is not required, but please refer to the Federal Acquisition Regulation and FAR Clause 52.237-1

Q14: Is this where we discuss the Staff/Key Personnel (page 18 of 78, item 10)? Do we discuss for the entire contract or only for the Turnstile project? Do you want an organization chart?

A14: See Question 12.

Q15: Is this a new requirement?

A15: Yes

Q16: If this is not a new requirement, who is the incumbent contractor?

A16: See Question 15

Q17: How many awards does the Government expect to make?

A17: Maximum of 5

Q18: Do any incumbents exist for this effort and if so, could you please provide the incumbent vendors and the corresponding contract\agreement numbers?

A18: No. This is a new requirement

Q19: How do we determine the level of effort for pricing?

A19: Pricing will be based upon individual task orders

Q20: Paragraph 10.1 indicates that the selected contractor shall utilize the personnel named and / or otherwise identified in its technical proposal, as well as any additional personnel as maybe necessary in order to meet the performance requirements in this section. However, in the technical proposal requirements (page 75-77) we cannot locate a section that asks for an organization chart, resumes, or listing of key personnel. Please clarify where we are to include this information in the technical proposal.

A20: See Question 12. Named key personnel for the Base IDIQ and sample Task Order are removed.

Q21: Is the pricing for the Task Order (Attachment 8) the same as the total price that is entered on the Schedule in the SF1449?

A21: Pricing will be based on individual task orders, no total is required for the CLIN on the actual 1449; rather just Attachment 8

Q22: The 5 key personnel listed in Paragraph 6 of Attachment 2 (Task Order PWS) are different than listing in Attachment 8 Task Order Labor categories (14 total); why?

A22: See Question 12

Q23: How can bidders anticipate the number and type of task orders under this IDIQ contact in order to complete the 1-year LS/Unit Pricing schedule in SF1449?

A23: As identified earlier and stated within the RFP work will be released on individual task orders which will be competed to the selected awardees. No pricing/units is being filled in on the SF1449.

Q24: Some of the labor categories will not be used for the Turnstile Task Order. Therefore, an estimated number of hours cannot be included in the pricing OR be reflected in the Schedule in the SF1449. Correct?

A24: That is correct

Q25: As BACnet was designed to allow communication of building automation and control systems for applications such as heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning, as well as other systems, will this experience requirement be a part of the current task order? The qualifications in the evaluation factor do not appear to support the turnstiles project. Please clarify.

A25: Please note that the solicitation evaluation technical criteria are independent of the sample task order being priced within the solicitation. The parts that address the task order are the technical approach to the task order and the price. The other factors are more expansive and address the overall IDIQ.

Q26: Could the Government please confirm that only the Task Order PWS tasks (4. Construction Phase; 4. Post Construction Closeout Phase) will be evaluated in the Volume II - Technical Standard?

A26: The Task Order approach is part of the evaluation criteria. The offeror will be evaluated on everything in Section M – Evaluation Criteria

Q27: Does the Offeror have to provide its Technical Approach to the SF1449 Statement of Work (C.1 page 8-15) tasks? If yes, could the Government clarify where it should be addressed?

A27: No. The technical approach is for the Task Order. The Elements of the Solicitation SOW is describing the types of requirements that may come out of this IDIQ and the offerors ability to perform these tasks will be evaluated by the experience and past performance areas of the evaluation criteria.

Q28: Does the Offeror have to provide its Technical Approach to the SF1449 Statement of Work (C.1 page 8-15) tasks? If yes, could the Government clarify where it should be addressed?

A28: See Question 27

Q29: Would the Government consider excluding the Price Proposal Volume from the total page count (100 pages)?

A29: No. The offeror should be able to provide all 3 volumes in well under the 100 page limit.

Q30: Are Cover, Cover Letter, and Table of Contents, List of tables or figures, and List of Appendices included in the total page count?

A30: No. These are exclude from the total page count

Q31: Could the Government please provide the SF1449 document in a workable file (e.g. Microsoft Word)

A31: No

Q32: We do not see a Memorandum For box or a cover letter to the questionnaire.

A32: This was an error in the instructions. It is not necessary, since it will be sent electronically. You may provide your own cover letter to your reference if needed. Please contact your references and inform them to send to brian.johnson@nist.gov instead of clarion.miller@nist.gov, since Mr. Johnson has taken over this procurement. Also state that the email should have the solicitation number in the subject line.

Q33: Page 1 of Attachment 6 indicates that we are to include completed forms with the proposal. Does this include Part II from the Reference?

A33: Yes, Part I is included in Volume 3 – Past Performance and Part II is filled out be the reference and emailed directly to the Contracting Officer at brian.johnson@nist.gov

Q34: The cited NAISC Code is referenced for construction. Wouldn’t NAISC code 541350, Building Inspection, be more appropriate for the nature of this work?

A34: The contracting officer completed a comprehensive review of appropriate North American Industry Classification System codes. The code selected for this procurement was and remains - 236220

Q35: Does reference to 100% set aside for Small Business refer only to the prime contractors? Does this require that all subcontractors be small business as well?

A35: No. 100% small business set-aside means the government will award all the work to a small business prime contractor. The awardee may subcontact some of the work. FAR Clause 52.219-14 Limitations on Sub-Contracting is included in the solicitation. This states the amount of work that must be self-performed. Any work beyond that may be subcontracted out to Large or Small Businesses.

Q36: What are basis are Option Years 1-4 pricing?

A36: Work will be released and competed on a task order basis. No pricing will be entered into the SF-1449 form.

Q37: Will the basis of award for all or the majority of the Tasks issued under this contract be lowest price? (see also Section F.2.a).

A37: Correct. The majority of the Tasks will be awarded Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA)

Q38: Can direct relevant experience be substituted for professional engineering or architectural degrees for the Project Manager, Cost Estimator, and/or Safety Specialist if properly certified?, A38: The solicitation will remain unchanged for educational requirements.

Q39: Page 27, Section E, paragraph 2 states The government will develop a Performance Requirements Summary to perform surveillance to contractor performance under each task order. Is there a Performance Requirements Summary for the seed project?

A39: Please see Performance Requirements Summary attached to this amendment.

Q40: On page 28, Section E, paragraph 3.a., the reference to “solely the responsibility of the contractor” Does this refer to the Designer of Record or the CQM contractor? If it refers to the CQM contractor, please clarify the Designer of Record’s responsibility with regard to the coordination, sufficiency {of Design} as opposed to the CQM contractor.

A40: The Contractor refers to the CQM contractor. The CQM contractor is not responsible for the design.

Q41: In the same section as Question 40, reference is also made to the Statement “It is intended that solutions shall flow from the Contractor and not directed by the Government”. Please define the context of solutions. Does this relate to technical solutions? If so isn’t this the responsibility of the Designer of Record; or if means and methods, shouldn’t this be the responsibility of the GC? The CQM can make recommendations as so the appropriate solution, but the actual solution would need to come from the A/E or Contractor as appropriate.

A41: This is in reference to your duties under this contract. If the CQM is not performing, the government is not going to direct the CQM contractor on how to fix its non-performance. The CQM contractor is expected to offer solutions to the government.

Q42: Page 31, Section F, paragraph 2.a., requires that the Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) be submitted with the Proposal. Section E para. 1 on page 27 requires the QAP to be submitted by the successful Contractor for Each Task Order and not as part of the proposal. Which is correct?

A42: Please reference answers 71 to 77 on what the solicitation requires offerors to submit with their proposal. The potential offeror is correct that the solicitation does NOT require a Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) to be submitted with the proposal. Therefore, the requirement for a QAP to be submitted by the successful Contractor for the Task Order applies on this Task Order. Future Task Orders, may ask for a QAP as part of the proposal at the Task Order RFP level. If not asked on the Task Order RFP, the requirement to submit after award of a Task Order remains in affect.

Q43: Page 32, Section F, paragraph 2.b., states that the response to proposals will typically be 5-7 days from the date of the RFP. Section C, para.5.4) pg. 16 states that the contractor shall have 15 days to respond to the RFP. Please clarify.

A43: 15 days are the anticipated period for future task orders

Q44: Page 37, Section G has both paragraphs 8 and 9 related to billing instructions. Which section applies to this solicitation?

A44: Paragraph 9 – NIST Local-40 Billing Instructions for Delivery/Task Orders applies. Paragraph 8 of this section is deleted in it entirety.

Q45: Are copies of the NIST Security Directives available?

A45: Please reference in the solicitation clauses:

A. I.11 – 52.204.2 (by reference) B. I.14 – 52.204.9 (by reference) C. I. 75 (page 60)

The following URL has additional information on access - http://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/visitor/index.cfm

Q46: Who May Submit –Are Subcontractor/Consultants precluded by the Teaming restriction?

A46: This is referring to the company submitting the proposal, as identified in Block 17a. of the SF-1449. This is a small business set-aside. The offeror must be a small business under this NAICS code. The Offeror is either a company on its own as a Prime Contractor or a Joint Venture that meets the SBA’s regulation of a Joint Venture that is considered a small business for set aside procurements. The Joint Venture language is changed to “JOINT VENTURES, AS DEFINED BY THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS” SBA regulations on Joint Ventures describes the requirements to be considered a small business as a joint venture. A subcontractor/consultant cannot submit the proposal on the offerors behalf.

Q47: Matrix at the top of page 69 – Please verify that the intent is to have Volumes I, II, and III all on separate CDs?

A47: No. The instructions under this matrix states, “One copy on CD-ROM of Volumes I, II, III is to be submitted with the proposal. This is one CD with 3 separate file folders marked Volume I, Volume II, and Volume III

Q48: Please clarify what is required for the Task Order Technical submission. Are the “labor/hours mix” taken from the Task Order Proposal in Appendix 8? Please describe what is required for the Technical Approach.

A48: Page 75, Paragraph (2)(B)(2) describes the requirements for the Task Order Technical Submission. Give a narrative of the offerors technical approach to accomplish the requirements in the Task Order SOW. This will include the labor mix and hours the offeror is proposing to accomplish the Task Order. It will also explain your approach and demonstrate your understanding of all major elements necessary to accomplish such a task and your proficiency in planning and performing such work. This task will be evaluated on a reasonable labor mix and identifying all major elements necessary to fulfill this requirement.

Q49: Our firm has the capability of using both P-6 and Contract Manager. However, our clients have requested that we use MS Project and Prolog as the scheduling and contract management tools. Can this experience be used to satisfy the requirements of this section? If awarded we would use P6 scheduling and Contract Manager software.

A49: Page 76 paragraph 3) a. under experience clearly states, “Prior relevant and recent performance using Oracle Primavera P-6 and Contract Manager. The work under this IDIQ requires experience with both programs. The offeror must demonstrate the relevant experience with both programs as described in the evaluation criteria.

Q50: We generally contract separately for Commissioning Services. Can the Commissioning Firm’s experience be considered for consideration in evaluating this item?

A50: See Question 3

Q51: There are 8 projects identified for meeting the requirements of sub paragraphs a-d. Can the same project be used as an example project to satisfy 2 or more evaluation criteria if the project is relevant?

A51: Yes, projects from one section may be used in another if it meets the requirements. (i.e. a project from paragraph a may be used for paragraph b as well, if it meet the requirements listed to be considered relevant for both.)

Q52: Appendix 2, page 2, paragraph 4.1.b) - Inspections - Is the contractor required to provide full time daily inspection or daily inspections to the extent required by the nature and activities of the field construction?

A52: The offeror is required to meet the requirements of the statement of work for the turnstiles. Please reference the revised statement of work dated 4.29.2015. Please note paragraph 4.1.i. The CM firm is required to have personnel on site whenever the contractor is present at the worksite (NIST).

Q53: Appendix 2, page 2, paragraph 4.1.c) - Inspections - Other than information generated by the contract management program, is there a way to quantify the nature or volume for the “preparation of information”?

A53: The information referenced is a result of the required activities outlined in the sample task order.

Q54: Appendix 2, page 7, paragraph 1.c) As-Built Drawings - Please explain the nature and scope of “electronic documentation”.

A54: This has been deleted

Q55: Appendix 2, page 8, paragraph 4.c) Warranty periods generally extend one year after acceptance by the Government. Some products are required to have extended warrantees. For example, the Warrantee period for the turnstile is 5 years. Since the nature and quantity of warranty claims are not known and may be result of a latent defect or faulty part , unknown to the CQM firm, can this requirement be an option to the contract and priced for each item repaired or replaced under Warranty or eliminated altogether.?

A55: The potential offeror is reminded that the period of performance for the task order is 210 days. All work outside the 210 days is not within the confines of the task order.

Q56: Appendix 2, page 4, paragraph 4.e) Since the contractors will be selected based on the Lowest Price of the Technically acceptable firms, can the Government estimate the number of hours required for the Change Orders so that everyone is bidding on the same scope?

A56: Please reference the revised sample task order statement of work dated 04/29/2015. Paragraph 3.d (page 2) was added to the scope of work to address the period of performance and time on site for the construction contractor so offerors are able to estimate the level of effort.

For change order estimates, please reference the revised sample task order statement of work dated 04/29/2015. A new section was added to paragraph 4.1.i (page 3) to address this issue.

Q57: Appendix 2, pages 6-9 – Are there Sections missing from the Task Order Scope of Work (Sections 5,7-10)? Numbering jumps from 6.0 Personnel Qualifications to 11.0 Required Deliverables and Submittals.

A57: The attachment related to the sample task order statement of work is complete. The potential offeror identified there is a numbering sequence issue with the document. Nevertheless requirements in the sample task order are complete.

Q58: Please confirm that the Government will provide to the Contractor for CQM a computer, office space and connectivity in order to use Government furnished contract management software packages in accordance with the SOW.

A58: Page 1 of attachment #2 of the solicitation states:

“…During construction (field work) NIST will provide a desk phone, workstation, chair, and computer for the QA inspector. NIST computer will access NIST network to gain access to programs outlined in this task order….”

Q59: Page 11, Paragraph 8)(a) states, “ The Contractor shall prepare Guidelines and procedures for facilities determined to be sufficiently complex in nature.” Please clarify whose responsibility it is to determine whether facilities meet the "sufficiently complex" measurement.

A59: The individual Task Order would identify if the facility is sufficiently complex. The sample Task Order facility is not.

Q60: Page 16, SOW 5.4. states “upon receipt of RFP for an individual task order, the contractor shall have 15 working days to prepare a proposal for the requested work.” However, page 32 Section F.2.b. states, “All proposals submitted to the government in response to an RFP shall be submitted no later than the date specified which may typically be within 5 to 7 calendar day.” Please clarify how many days from RFP receipt the Contractor shall submit a proposal.

A60: 15 days are the anticipated period for future task orders

Q61: Page 36, Section G.5 - Please clarify whether the amount of all orders when combined shall not exceed $9.8M or each order shall not exceed $9.8M.

A61: The amount of all orders shall not exceed $9.8M combined for all task orders across all contracts.

Q62: If the amount of all orders when combined shall not exceed $9.8M, then recommend removal of this clause since it is triggered at $10M.

A62: That is not correct. There is no dollar amount to trigger this clause. 48 CFR 1316.506(a) states, “Insert clause 1352.216-75, Minimum and Maximum Contract Amounts, in all indefinite quantity contracts, including requirements contracts, if feasible.” As such this clause remains.

Q63: Prohibiting potential Small Business Offerors from submitting a proposal with subcontractors may inadvertently limit competition. Please confirm that potential Small Business Offerors may a) submit an offer with no subcontractor(s) b)team with a subcontractor or c) submit a proposal as a SBA-approved Joint Venture.

A63: See Questions 3, 35 and 46. This solicitation does not keep a company from subcontracting.

Q64: Please confirm that the max page limit is exclusive of resumes, cover pages, Table of Contents and Cover Letters.

A64: Correct

Q65: Please confirm that one CD is required and that the one CD shall include Volumes I, II and III.

A65: One CD that includes volumes I, II, and III.

Q66: At the Pre-proposal meeting it was stated that this RFP is to be 100% small business set aside, and as such different firms would not be allowed to propose in a traditional Prime-Sub Consultant teaming arrangement. Rather if two different firms wished to submit as a team, they must enter into a Joint Venture which has been approved by the small business administration, and they must all be small businesses.

We have proposed for years on these type services to a wide variety of different governmental agencies. While we have encountered contracting officers who do require all participating teams to be individual small business entities on a 100% small business set aside contract, we have never been advised that a traditional Prime-Sub consultant teaming arrangement was unacceptable for submission. Is this restriction permitted by the F.A.R.?

Further, SBA approval of joint ventures is a very time consuming venture, which has no chance of approval within the time constraints of this RFP. In effect, NIST is requiring that either a single small business firm provide all the services, or two or more small business firms that wish to combine already have a SBA approved JV in place. Either way, the result is a limitation placed on those eligible to respond with a full service response.

Please provide conditions so that multiple firms can team together in a Prime-Sub consultant arrangement without needing to joint venture. In this manner we will be able to fulfil the service requirements of the RFP.

A66: See Questions 3, 35 and 46 - Utilizing sub-contractors is allowed. The Government requirement is for a prime contractor who has performed this type of requirement as a prime contractor; in this instance prime contractor may have sub-contracted to Company X to complete part of the work and therefore successfully completed the work, as the fact remains the prime contractor was just that the prime contractor. The prime contractor in this instance has experience and past performance at the specified task.

Q67: The RFP indicates that this procurement is a 100% small business set aside. Please clarify—Is it permissible for a small business and a large business to team together in a Prime-Sub Consultant teaming relationship as long as the Prime is a small business and does 51% of the work?

A67: See Questions 3, 35 and 46 Q68: If we subcontract the commissioning services, can we use the subcontractor's past experience in our Technical Proposal?

A68: If you were the prime contractor on a project that involved commissioning services and sub-contracted the commissioning services, then yes NIST would view that as successfully completing the services. You would be considered to have experience on a project that had commissioning. If you have never been self-performed or been the prime on a contract that had commissioning, you would not be considered to have experience, even if you have a subcontractor for this proposal. You cannot just shop for a sub and use their experience as your own. You must have experience either self-performing or as a prime on the contract.

Q69: Can projects used to satisfy the requirements of Paragraph 3A be used to satisfy the requirements of Paragraph 3D?that was completed; yes.

A69: See Question 51 Q70: Who May Submit: We note that teaming arrangements will not be considered. Most, if not all, small businesses, will not be able to provide all required services, and in particular Commissioning is a service that would typically be provided by a subconsultant. Therefore, may we add a subconsultant for Commissioning services?

A70: See Questions 3, 35 and 46.

Q71: The RFP indicates that this procurement is a 100% small business set aside. Please clarify—Is it permissible for a small business and a large business to team together in a Prime-Sub Consultant teaming relationship as long as the Prime is a small business and does 51% of the work?

A71: See Questions 3, 35 and 46.

Q72: RFP mentions not clarifying subs, if we don’t do testing as indicated, what is process for getting sub approval when needed?

A72: This question does not make sense. The RFP does not mention ‘not clarifying subs’ Q73: 2.2.11.a states that the Contractor (in this case we interpret this to be the CQM) via the COR is to coordinate and work closely with the construction contractors Commissioning Coordinator/Agent. The paragraphs that follow describe the CQM’s activities for this service.

Under the CQM Scope of Services for the seed task, para. 2 lists “Commissioning of the turnstiles”

This paragraph states that “The CQM shall coordinate and ensure completion of all commissioning.

This states that the Contracting Officer will engage the CxA under separate contract.

A review of the seed project specifications finds requirements for testing, instruction, operation and maintenance under individual sections. No requirement for “commissioning” was found.

Please advise:

· Who, for this seed project, is to employ/contract the Commissioning Agent?

· Is the Commissioning Process required for this seed project, and if so, for which particular specifications?

A73: Page 12 of 78 of the solicitation states in part the following:

11) Commissioning Services :

(a) The Contractor via COR will be coordinating and working closely with the construction contractors Commissioning Coordinator/Agent. The following commissioning activities may be included:…

The contractor referenced above in the first section of the paragraph is the solicitation offeror.

The sample task order on page 1 it states the offeror is to provide commissioning services. Per page 8 it also states the key personnel for commissioning. It is the requirement of the sample task order for the offeror to provide commissioning of the AEROTURN turnstiles. The construction specifications and the drawings for the turnstiles were furnished in order for potential offerors to understand the level of effort needed for this solicitation.

Q74: Page 76, paragraph 3) a. – experience with Primavera P6 and Contract Manager - Can the projects requested in this section be construction projects where we were the Prime?

A74: As long as it meets the requirements in paragraph 3) a.

Q75: Attachment #2, Page 5, paragraph 4.5.b); This paragraph calls for the CQM to take minutes at each meeting and distribute them. Also, to take minutes of all meetings attended unless directed otherwise by the COR.

Attachment 1, Section 013100, pages 8-12 - Throughout this section, it calls for the Contractor (in this case the Construction Contractor) to take the minutes and distribute them.

Please advise who is to take the meeting minutes and distribute them – the CQM attending the meeting or the Construction Contractor?

A75: Offerors per the sample task order are required to take minutes as specified in the requirements. As noted in answer 118, this solicitation included the construction drawings and specifications for the turnstiles. These drawings and solicitations were offered for the level of effort in preparing the pricing proposal – Volume I. Potential offerors shall propose a price inclusive of all the requirements within the sample task order statement of work.

If potential offerors believe there is a duplicate of efforts between the construction contractor and the offer (CM firm), the potential offeror is reminded that the sample task order specifies the requirements the potential offeror has to provide.

Q76: After the end of Section 099100 (page 10) is a section entitled “Guide for Contractors and A/E Firms Performing Site Investigations and Fieldwork (including construction) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology Gaithersburg, Md Revised date: July 28, 2008” The pages that follow this have Interior Painting and 099123 on the footer and the page numbers are confusing. The Table of Contents does not list 099123 – Interior Painting.

Please advise if this “section” is supposed to be in the specifications and/or is there a section 099123 – Interior Painting, that is missing.

A76: Correct, this is the interior painting requirements.

Q77: Attachment #2, page 7 Section 4, paragraph 2. a) and b) - Is the “Contractor” referred to in these paragraphs supposed to be the Construction Contractor?

A77: Yes, the construction contractor will submit the O&M manuals and the CQM in coordination with the A/E shall review the construction contractor’s O&M submission.

Q78: Attachment #2; page 6, paragraph 12.b) Please clarify the intent of this sentence.

A78: Attachment #2 is the sample task order. The paragraph in question (page 2) is as follows:

a) Daily inspect work performed by the Contractor for conformity with requirements of the construction contract. Promptly report to the COR, via email, observed variances from the construction contract requirements. Variances shall be within 1 business day.

The offeror’s requirement is to surveil the construction contractor’s efforts constructing the turnstiles and infrastructure.

Q79: Will the government reconsider the limitation on teaming arrangements considering the variety of the anticipated project scopes and labor mixes?

A79: See Questions 3, 35 and 46.

Q80: Will the government reconsider its requirement for SBA approved joint ventures? This occurs primarily for 8(a) ventures only. Qualified joint ventures initiated by HUBZone businesses and other small business classifications are not normally pre-approved by SBA.

A80: This has been modified. See Questions 3, 35 and 46.

Q81: Are table of contents, appendices, resumes, etc included in the 100 page maximum?

A81: No Q82: Will the government consider a two week extension to the proposal due date to provide sufficient time to accommodate the responses to all questions?

A82: The due date is being extended.

Q83: In reference to Schedule section, #3- “Sections K, L & M will be physically removed from the resultant award……..” Please clarify?

A83: These sections contain only information related to the solicitation phase. During the award process sections K, L & M are removed from the solicitation to create an award.

Q84: Is the pricing for the Task Order (Attachment 8) the same as the total price that is entered on the Schedule in the SF1449?

A84: See Questions 9 & 21.

Q85: The 5 key personnel listed in Paragraph 6 of Attachment 2 (Task Order PWS) are different from listing in Attachment 8 Task Order Labor categories (14 total); why?

A85: Attachment 8 is a list of all the labor categories that might be necessary in the Task Order. The key personnel are just the positions that are key to this Task. A Contractor must get prior approval from the government before substituting key personnel in the key positions after award. Naming the Key Personnel for this Task Order has been removed. However, on future task orders, you may be asked to identify key personnel, which will be fewer than all the personnel required for a task.

Q86: How can bidders anticipate the number and type of task orders under this IDIQ contact in order to complete the 1-year LS/Unit Pricing schedule in SF1449?

A86: Not Required. See Questions 9 & 21.

Q87: Some of the labor categories will not be used for the Turnstile Task Order. Therefore, an estimated number of hours cannot be included in the pricing OR be reflected in the Schedule in the SF1449. Correct?

A87: See Questions 9 & 21.

Q88: Are there incumbent CM contract awardees; and if so, who are they?

A88: No. This is a new requirement.

Q89: The RFP states that “NOTE FOR ABOVE INFORMATION: THIS IS THE ONLY PLACE THAT SHALL HAVE ANY IDENTIFYING FACTOR OF THE OFFEROR'S COMPANY AND/OR LOGO. NO OTHER PAGE SHALL CONTAIN THIS INFORMATION. The terms identifying factor/or logo, mean a company logo or company name imposed into the background of the pages of the proposal. This is only authorized on the Cover Page of Volume I. The offeror may use their company name as texted on all pages of all "Original Volumes" of the proposal. However the Government asks that copies of the offerors proposal shall sanitize/redact/omit or blackout any reference to the offeror’s company name in the copies for evaluation process.

Could the Government confirm that this means: only the Original Volumes (including Technical, Past Performance, Price) of the proposal CAN have a logo and name of the offeror and partners, but that the Copies of the Volumes CANNOT?

A89: Correct Q90: The RFP states that the Past Performance Information must include “Percent complete as of the date of submission of the proposal.” In addition on pg. 77, Section M-2(3) (A), 1st paragraph, the proposal states that relevant is defined as “successfully completed within the previous four (4) calendar years”. Can the Government please clarify if it is acceptable to provide a past performance that is not complete, if the percentage complete is also provided?

A90: Projects for past performance must be completed. ‘Percent complete’ is removed from past performance. Page 70, L-4, line (7) “Percent complete as of the date of submission of the proposal” is deleted in its entirety.

Q91: The RFP states that the Offeror must provide relevant and recent performance information for requirements A, B, C, and D. In each requirement, the RFP states that the projects have to be “successfully completed within the previous four (4) calendar years (April 2011 – April 2015). Can the Government please clarify if it is acceptable to provide information on “ongoing” projects?

A91: See Question 90 Q92: The RFP states “Information shall include, but not limited to, dates of contract action, dollar amounts and documentation, to include POC name and contact number, on performance details”. Could the Government please clarify what they mean by documentation?

A92: Documentation to include POC name and contract number, on performance details.

Q93: For Past Performance, can the period of performance be aligned with those defined on page 76 of Section M (April 2011 – April 2015)?

A93: Page 77, Section (3)(A) – Past Performance – where it reads “April 2010 – April 2014” is changed to “April 2011 – April 2015”.

Q94: For personnel qualifications will the client accept professional certifications in a related field, such as CCM or PMP, be used in lieu of a BS in Engineering from an accredited ABET University or college for the project manager and senior project manager classification?

A94: The solicitation will remain unchanged for educational requirements.

Q95: For personnel qualifications will the client accept professional certifications in a related field, such as PSP, be used in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree for the scheduler position?

A95: The solicitation will remain unchanged for educational requirements.

Q96: Clarify if the requirement for a Bachelors in Science in applicable discipline can be waived from the qualifications of the Safety Specialist?

A96: The solicitation will remain unchanged for educational requirements.

Q97: In writing up experience, verify that experience of sub-consultants can be used for specific scope items within the scope, or does all experience have to be specific to the prime?

A97: See Questions 3, 35 and 46 Q98: Page 76, Paragraph 3)b. - Under experience could a project (Government or private) that involved a facility that supported a lab space within the facility be acceptable?

A98: Must Page 76 of 78 of the solicitation states in part the following:

b. Prior relevant and recent past experience in performance of daily construction inspection services representing the owner will be evaluated. Relevant being defined as at least two (2) interior construction contracts involving an occupied patient hospital and/or Government or Private Sector Research Building (active research)(high school or elementary school laboratories shall not be considered, whereas University and/or colleges shall be considered) with a construction cost of at least $750,000.00 each and successful completed within the previous four ( 4) calendar years (April 2011 -April 2015, defining recency)

The potential offeror asked in part “….a facility that supported a lab space….”. If the potential offeror is intending the term “supported” to mean a facility that does not have any laboratory space within the facility, it would not qualify. The way the potential offeror proposed the question it leads NIST to believe this is a facility that somehow provides services or utilities to a facility that houses research.

If the potential offeror is implying the facility referenced in the question has active research and is not a high school or elementary school lab, the facility would then qualify.

Q99: Under experience would NIST also consider a facility that included high end building, communications, data and industrial operations systems?

A99: As noted in answer 98 the solicitation evaluation criteria is listed. The potential offeror is requesting NIST modify the evaluation criteria to include facilities other than those listed in the solicitation. NIST is not modifying the evaluation criteria.

Q100: This list of Key Personnel does not match the list of Key Personnel included in the Task Order scope for the turnstile project. Please clarify which positions should be considered Key Personnel for the purposes of evaluation.

A100: See Question 12

Q101: The RFP states that only the cover page of Volume I should include the specific company information requested. Does that mean the information should be on the cover for the original and the two copies of Volume I or just the original of Volume I?

A101: It may be on the cover page of Volume I (original and copies) Q102: Do you want one (1) CD-ROM containing Volumes I, II, and III? Or do you want each volume on a separate CD-ROM?

A102: See Question 47 Q103: Section A requires a completed copy of SF 1449. Should that only be included in Volume I of the original or should it be included in the copies as well with company name, contact information, and signatures redacted?

A103: Volume I of the original only.

Q104: The way the SF 1449 is worded with base and option years it appears that you are looking for pricing that encompasses more than the Turnstile task order. Please clarify what pricing should consist of for inclusion on the form SF 1449.

A104: See Questions 9 & 21 Q105: For pricing of the turnstile task order should we include rates for all labor categories listed even if we have no hours associated with some categories for that task, or should we only include labor rates for labor categories that we propose to use to meet the requirements of the task order?

A105: Only include labor rates for labor categories that you propose to use to meet the requirements of the task order.

Q106: Please confirm that you want Section K (pages 63-66 of the RFP) to be filled in and included in Volume I or clarify what this refers to. Also, if we are to fill out Section K can you indicate where a signature is required as specified in L-2(c). And if there is something to sign, should those sheets be included in the copies and redacted or not included at all?

A106: The requirement to include section K in the Volume I is removed from the RFP. You must have updated your reps and certs in SAM.gov at time of proposal submittal. The online reps and certs will satisfy this requirement.

Q107: Will hours per labor category or some other metric for level of effort be provided for the turnstile task order? If other pricing is required on the SF 1449 beyond the task order pricing, will hours per labor category or other metric for level effort be provided?

A107: No. It is the offerors responsibility to develop the appropriate level of effort for their bid on the Turnstile Task Order to show their expertise and understanding of the requirement in putting together their bid. This is a firm, fixed price requirement. No pricing is inputted in the SF-1449.

Q108: Page 74, M-2, paragraph 1 - This section suggests that only the price for the Task Order will be evaluated. Is that the case?

A108: The price portion of LPTA will be from the Task Order. The data from the labor categories may be used to determine fair and reasonable pricing.

Q109: Please clarify how many past projects you are looking for. It looks like (a) asks for 2, (b) for 2, (c) for 1, and (d) for 3, for a total of 8? Is this correct? What is the minimum number of projects required to meet the evaluation criteria? Can a project satisfy multiple criteria?

A109: That is correct for each category. Yes, a project could satisfy multiple criteria, if it meets the requirement of each criteria.

Q110: Please confirm that the design for the turnstile project is complete and that the 210-day period of performance is for construction and close out only.

A110: Offerors are to use the Bldg 101 turnstiles as the sample task order as the basis of Volume 1 of the offeror’s proposal to the RFP. Please reference answers 81 to 95 for additional details on Volume 1 requirements.

The offerors are proposing their pricing (Volume 1) on the documents attached to this solicitation which include the turnstile construction drawings and construction specifications.

Q111: Do you require that the QA Inspector to be full-time for the turnstile project? Do you require any of the positions to be full-time for the turnstile project?

A111: See Question 52 Q112: Please indicate the level of effort (full time or part time) for each of the Key Personnel listed for turnstile task order.

A112: See Question 12 Q113: The solicitation states that the contractor “shall provide its CURRENT insurance Experience Modification Rating (EMR) of 1.0 or less”. One of our JV partners has an EMR of 1.25, but has a letter explaining incidents where subrogation was sought and was successful, but the subrogation dollars have yet to be included into EMR calculation. The EMR is only calculated annually by NCCI. Since this is factor is evaluated on a pass/fail basis, will NIST take into account this information.

A113: The solicitation states the following:

1) The offeror shall provide its CURRENT insurance Experience Modification Rating (EMR) of 1.0 or less from the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) or its calculating State Agency. An offeror that is a Joint Venture shall provide proof to demonstrate the CURRENT EMR of each of its constituent members are 1.0 or less. If not eligible for NCCI rating, then the offeror must explain why and present other proof from their insurance company. Any communications from the insurance company must be signed, dated, and be on letter head from the insurance company.

After careful review, the solicitation requirement will remain unchanged. Their current NCCI rating as shown on their most recent form from NCCI, must be 1.0 or less.

Q114: Will NIST consider adding the following statement to the relevant EMR section referenced above? “The Government may deem an EMR rating greater than 1.0 acceptable, provided the Offeror provides a detailed letter from the insurance company as to why the Offeror’s higher EMR is beyond the control of the Offeror.”

A114: No. See Question 113.

Q115: Can subcontractor past performance experience count towards the solicitation requirements for relevant performance?

A115: Subcontractor information may be used for past performance criteria, but not the experience criteria.

Q122: This is an ID/IQ contract and Government intends to select at Least 5 Vendors. However the entire Technical evaluation criteria are focused on one Task order which does not cover the entire scope of ID/IQ contract. Moreover the criteria under Technical standards are very specific as against general scope of the ID/IQ contract. This will exclude many small businesses from the competition. Since this is an ID/IQ contract the specifics can be asked during the issue of task orders. It will not be possible to demonstrate corporate level experience in all the specific areas as listed under evaluation. The specific qualifications can be met through the supply of qualified technical persons in that field. I will suggest moving the task specific criteria to the key person qualifications section. Since Government intends to select 5 Vendors those specifics can well be met at task order level by bringing technical people having required specific qualifications. It is our observation that while the technical qualifications listed under appendix A are very generic, but the technical standards for the purpose of evaluation are very specific.

For example criteria at 3(a) asks for…