RFP_No._SOL294-17-000002_Building_Foundations_Program_Q&As.pdf

Solicitation Number: SOL-294-17-000002 - Building Foundations Program

Questions Received from Prospective Bidders

Contractual Questions:

1. Reference to the Building Foundations RFP, Section F.6.1.3-Request for Task Order Proposal (RFTOP), Para. C, which states that: “All Task Order statements of work and performance periods must be within the statement of work and effective period of this Contract”, please confirm that the effective period of this contract is seven years from the date of Contracting Officer signature.

Answer: Yes, the period of performance, or the “effective period”, for the IDIQ contract, including all Task Orders, is seven years from the date of Contracting Officer signature.

Please refer to Section F.2 “Performance Period” of the RFP for further details.

2. Reference to the Building Foundations RFP, Section I.5, 52.216-22 Indefinite Quantity, Para. D, which states that: “…..the Contractor will not be required to make any deliveries under this contract after one year from the expiration date of the IDIQ contract”, please provide the expiration date of the IDIQ contract (i.e. 5 or 7 years).

Answer: Please refer to Section F.2. In addition, please refer to Amendment No. Four to the RFP which amends the stated FAR clause.

3. Reference to the RFTOP/Task Order, Program Standard Specifications, Volume 1 of 3, Section 01025-Measurement and Payment, 3.01. Mobilization, which states that: “Costs of Mobilization, Demobilization, and Day Works are excluded from the firm fixed unit prices for various items of Work, and shall be priced and paid for separately”, please confirm that the costs of Mobilization or Demobilization, shall be paid in monthly progress payments at the completion of the related activities.

Answer: Mobilization and Demobilization payments are paid upon completing all mobilization and demobilization requirements listed in specifications Section 1025.

4. Please clarify whether past experience of subcontractors or joint venture or affiliation or teaming agreements with the offeror will be considered as part of the offerors’ past experience.

Answer: In Section L.7 II "Offeror Experience," the experience of those firms that form teaming arrangements in line with FAR Subpart 9.6, as described in Section L.8, Part 7 “Joint Venture Information”, may be considered.

5. Please clarify, Section L part 6, subcontractor’s plan and small business concerns, especially that attachment J.7 is not included in the documents.

Answer: This requirement applies to Offerors who are not small business. The plan outlines the small business targets and goals of the prime offeror. Attachment J.7 is provided as a link in Section J and is copied below for convenience.

http://www.usaid.gov/business/small_business/subcontracting-program

6. Cover Letter, F-12 - Para 3 Small Business Reserve The cover letter states, “(1) additional IDIQ contract award will be reserved for small business.” Page F-12 states, “Note: This section only applies to the Small Business Reserve awardee, i.e., does not apply to other Small Business awardees. All Task Orders issued under this IDIQ greater than $3,500 but less than or equal to $2,000,000 must be competed first with any category of small or small disadvantaged business contract holders. All contractors must be given a fair opportunity to be considered for Task Orders over $2,000,000, unless the TOCO determines that one of the above statutory exceptions applies.” Does this mean that USAID intends to sole source all task orders less than or equal to $2,000,000 to the Small Business Reserve awardee?

Answer: Yes, as provided for under the Appropriations Act.

7. C-4 - C.6.2

Please clarify/elaborate on “providing overall direction” by CMC versus “technical directions” by the COR.

Answer: For clarity on the CMC role please refer to section C.6 "A&E Contractor's Role and Responsibility in the Performance of Task Orders."

8. C-9 L-9 - C.8.8 L.8, Part 2

Section C.8.8. states that the contractor will be responsible, at no cost to USAID, for developing and implementing their own security plan to safeguard all project operations.

Page L-9, Section L.8, Part 2 “Proposed Prices” states that the contractor will provide a written and signed statement with its Price Proposal confirming that all prices associated with safety, including labor, equipment, procedures……..have been included in the prices entered by the Prime Contractor and each of his sub-contractors. Please clarify 1) The difference between C.8.8 and L.8 Part 2 and 2) What does “at no cost to USAID” mean?

Answer: Amendment No. Four deletes reference to “…at no cost to USAID.” All costs, including costs associated with the Contractor’s security plans, should be included in the total price proposed by IDIQ awardees for any task order.

9. E-1 - E.2

USAID is the Owner. The AE contractor, AECOM, will provide design and construction management – i.e. inspection, acceptance, etc. However, E.2 states that TOCO is responsible for acceptance of all deliverables under Task Orders – how will this work?

Would AECOM clear and USAID does final acceptance? Are there time limits?

Answer: Yes. The CMC will first review and comment on and final acceptance will be completed by USAID.

http://www.usaid.gov/business/small_business/subcontracting-program

10. F-2 - F.5.1.1

The last paragraph on p. F-2 states, “Where there is failure to meet the goals of the small business subcontracting plan as stated in Section H, Subcontracting, of the contract….” We are unable to locate Section H, Subcontracting. Can USAID please clarify this reference?

Answer: Please refer to Amendment No. Four which deletes the reference made to "Section H, Subcontracting."

11. F-3 - F.5.2 The first paragraph refers to Section A.1 and Section A.2 which could not be located. Please clarify if this is a typo or if those sections will appear on Task Orders.

Answer: This is a typo. Reference to Section A.1 and A.2 are replaced with references to Section F.5.2.1 and Section F.5.2.2. Please refer to Amendment No. Four to the RFP.

12. H-5 - H.10

H.10 states, “The contractor must comply with all environmental requirements under the approved IEE (attached).” Would USAID please provide the approved IEE as we did not see it as an attachment to the RFP?

Answer: The approved IEE is included as Attachment J-9 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE). Please refer to Amendment No. Four to the RFP.

13. H-10, H- 11 - H.12.8

Since Task Orders are expected to be competitive Fixed Price – what kind of audit is expected since no incurred cost audit is allowed for Fixed Price Task Orders? For sole source Fixed Price Task Orders over $2,000,000, we expect a cost and pricing audit only per DCAA Audit guidance?

Answer: This requirement refers to USAID/WBG’s statutorily mandated audit procedures.

Please see Section H.12.8 for more details. Please note that USAID/WBG will be contracting this work out. There is no need to account for any costs towards this effort.

For Fixed-Price types of contractual arrangements, the Mission performs examination engagements. These engagements are performed in accordance with U.S. Government Auditing Standards and the AICPA Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements (SSAE) with the specific objective of determining whether the contractor(s)/sub-contractor(s) complied, in all material respects, with “specific agreement terms” and applicable laws and regulations related to USAID-funded programs and projects that have a direct effect on the use of funds paid to them.

14. J-1 - Atch. J-4

SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities is not available at the link provided in the RFP.

Will USAID please provide the form Offerors are required to complete?

Answer: Please refer to Amendment No. Four which includes Attachment J-4

15. L-5 and L-6 - L.7(a), L.7(b)

Per L.7(a) on pg. L-5, the Acronym List is not included in the page count, however, it is not listed in L.7.(b) on pg. L-6. Will USAID please confirm that an Acronym List should be submitted in Vol I as Annex e?

Answer: The Acronym List does not need to be referenced as an Annex and will not be included in the page count. See Section L.6 (a) "Organization of Technical Proposal Volume I" which lists the Acronym list as not to be included in the page limitation.

16. L-5 and L-6 - L.7.(a) L.7.(b)

Per L.7.(b), the Subcontracting Plan (Atch. J-7) is to be included as an Annex in Volume I.

We assume this means a redacted version of the Subcontracting Plan (minus any pricing data), correct? Section L.7.(a), however, does not exempt the Subcontracting Plan from the 30 page limit for Volume I. Given that the Subcontracting Plan may be lengthy, and is an Annex to Volume I, will USAID please exclude it from the 30 page limit?

Answer: The subcontracting plan is part of the price/business proposal, see Section L.8, Part

6. The reference to the subcontracting plan under the technical proposal submission instructions has been removed. Please refer to USAID Subcontracting Plan template, Attachment J-7 as well to Amendment no. Four to the RFP.

17. L-5 - L.7 L.7.(a)

L.7 refers to, “Volume I: Building Foundations IDIQ RFP Technical Proposal.” L.7.(a) refers to, “Volume I: Technical Proposal for Building Foundations RFP IDIQ.” Will USAID please clarify how Volume I should be labeled?

Answer: Volume I of the technical proposal should be labeled “Volume I: Building Foundations IDIQ RFP Technical Proposal”. Amendment No. Four to the RFP clarifies this.

18. L-5 L-8 - L.7 (c) L.7 refers to, “Volume II: Building Foundations IDIQ RFP/Task Order Technical Proposal”. Item (c) on pg. L-8 refers to “Volume II: Technical Proposal for Building Foundations IDIQ RFP Task Order”. Will USAID please clarify how Volume II should be labeled?

Answer: Volume II of the technical proposal should be labeled “Volume II: Building Foundations IDIQ RFP/Task Order Technical Proposal.” Amendment No. Four to the RFP clarifies this.

19. L-6 - L.7.(a) The RFP states, “All information from appendices must be referenced in the technical proposal and summarized and included in the annex section.” Will USAID please clarify this guidance? It is unclear which appendices are being referenced.

Answer: This statement has been revised to the following:

“All critical information from appendices should be summarized in the technical proposal.”

Please refer to Amendment No. Four of the subject RFP.

20. L-6 - L.7(a) The first bullet on the page references, “past performance report forms.” A past performance report form was not included in the RFP Attachments. Will USAID be providing this form?

Answer: The Past Performance matrix is included as Attachment J-8 to the RFP and is provided as a link. Past Performance Report forms refer to reports available in PPIRS. All contracts listed under the Past Performance section that are not in PPIRS need to follow the instructions provided in Section L.7 b.III.2.

21. L-6 - (b) Content of the Technical Proposal Volume I The Subcontracting Plan (Atch. J-7) is listed as an Annex for the Technical Proposal Volume I. The Subcontracting Plan (Atch. J-7) is also listed as Part 6 of Volume III. Would USAID please confirm that the Small Business Subcontracting Plan should be submitted with both Volume I and III?

Answer: The Subcontracting Plan is to be submitted as Part 6 of Volume III. The reference of it being an annex to the Technical Proposal Volume I has been deleted. Please refer to Amendment No. Four.

22. L-7 - II. Offeror Experience Offeror Experience relates to the type of work similar to the one solicited under this RFP performed by the Offeror, its personnel and subcontractors. We believe that $7MIL threshold for relevant experience is not representative for the type of experience contemplated under this IDIQ. Please consider including definition or relevant experience or lowering the threshold to $2,000,000 (level of TO to be competed unless exclusion applies).

Answer: USAID appreciates the question. The RFP remains unchanged in response to this question. Please note that amendment no. four renumbers this section to “IV”.

23. L-7 - II. Offeror Experience In line with our request under Past Performance requirements, please confirm that USAID will consider currently implemented projects and projects completed in the last 6 years as relevant for Offeror Experience evaluation (42.1503(g) “Agencies shall use the past performance information in PPIRS that is within three years (six for construction and architect-engineer contracts) of the completion of performance of the evaluated contract or order […]” (emphasis added)).

Answer: The requirement under Section L.7 II is for completed projects. The time period has been revised to reflect a 6-year relevancy period. Please refer to Amendment No. Four.

Please note that amendment no. four renumbers this section to “IV”.

24. L-7 - L.7.(b).II- Offeror Experience Please confirm that “projects” relate to work performed also under cooperative agreements and grants.

Answer: Projects may include similar work in accordance with the evaluation criterion’s instructions performed under Cooperative Agreements.

25. L-7 - II. Offeror Experience

In line with our request under Past Performance requirements, please consider allowing Offerors to include subcontractor (as defined in the next question) experience for consideration in the Offeror Experience evaluation.

Answer: In Section L.7 II "Offeror Experience," the experience of those firms that form teaming arrangements in line with FAR Subpart 9.6, as described in Section L.8, Part 7 “Joint Venture Information”, may be considered.

26. L-7 - III. Past Performance (a)

This section requests Past Performance information for all contractor teaming arrangements AND major subcontractors under IDIQ (with major subcontractors defined as 20% of the total proposed price). Since IDIQ does not have a total proposed price, hence no major subcontractors can be defined, please clarify if the Past Performance Information should be included only for those subcontractors with whom the Offeror has concluded a Teaming Agreement for the purpose of this procurement (at IDIQ or TO level)?

Answer: Amendment No. Four deletes the reference made to major subcontractors under the Past Performance information section. See Amendment No. Four to the RFP. Please also refer to Section L.8, Part 7 for guidance on Joint Venture and Partnership Agreements.

27. L-7 - III. Past Performance (a).1 Will USAID please confirm that “contracts” can include work performed under cooperative agreements and grants?

Answer: Confirmed.

28. L-7 - III. Past Performance (a).1 We understand that Subpart 15.3 generally gives agencies broad discretion in their use of the past performance evaluation factor. See 48 C.F.R. §15.305(a)(2) (requiring that the “currency” and “relevance” of past performance information be considered, but not prescribing what is meant by either of those terms). While agencies may define what constitutes “past performance” for purposes of the procurement, including any subfactors that comprise the past performance evaluation factor, FAR Subpart 42.15 does require use of evaluations prepared pursuant to Subpart 42.1503(g) ( “Agencies shall use the past performance information in PPIRS that is within three years (six for construction and architect-engineer contracts) of the completion of performance of the evaluated contract or order, and information contained in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS), e.g., terminations for default or cause.” (emphasis added))

In order to encourage maximum competition, agencies are also given broad discretion what performances qualify as “recent” and “relevant” for purposes of the procurement, as well as whose performances are considered when past performance is evaluated (e.g., prime contractors, subcontractors, key employees). Agencies are encouraged to consider past performance information regarding predecessor companies, key personnel who have relevant experience, or subcontractors. Would USAID consider lowering the threshold for eligible past performance projects to be evaluated to $2,000,001, increasing the “recent” past performance period to the last 6 years, and confirm that subcontractor and Offeror personnel experience may be used to demonstrate the past performance within these standards?

Answer: The Past Performance period has been increased to reflect the last 6 years (see Amendment No. Four.) Past Performance information is to be submitted in accordance with Section L.7 III and will be evaluated in accordance with Section M.2 IV. Please also refer to USAID responses to Question 23 and 26.

29. L-7 - III. Past Performance (a).2 Re: “For all contracts listed above that are not in CPARs, provide….” Given that the matrix in Atch. J-8 is very restrictive, can the Offeror provide the same information as identified in this section for ALL contracts submitted for Past Performance Evaluation and not only the ones for which CPARs are available?

Answer: Additional information for those contracts that are NOT in PPIRS may be provided as described in Section L.7 (b) V(a)2.

31. L-7 - III. Past Performance (b), (c), (d)

Items (b), (c) and (d) under Past Performance information are not included in Atch. J-8, the Past Performance Matrix. Should Offerors add these items to the matrix or should past performance report forms, with these items, be submitted for each contract in addition to the Past Performance Matrix? If so, will USAID provide the past performance report forms that it references at the top of p. L-6 of the RFP?

Answer: There is no specific format to capture items (b), (c) and (d) under the Past Performance information. This information should be a supplement to the Matrix. The past performance report forms that are referenced at the top of page L-6 of RFP refer to the past performance reports available from PPIRS.

32. L-10 – L.8 Part 4 – Policies and Procedures

“…submit a copy of its personnel policies, especially regarding salary and wage scales, fringe benefits, merit increases, promotions, leave, differentials, travel and per diem regulations, etc.” Will USAID please define “etc.” in terms of policies Offerors are required to submit?

Please confirm if the RFP refers only to Personnel Policies.

Answer: This section has been removed. Please refer to Amendment No. Four to the RFP.

33. L-10 – L.8. Part 3 - Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Offerors

“(1) Offerors and proposed subcontractors must ensure they are registered in SAM (www.sam.gov) per FAR part 4.” FAR 4.11 System for Award Management only requires prime contractors (unless exempt under FAR 4.11 (a)(3)(ii)) to be registered in SAM). Please confirm that subcontractors do not have to be registered in SAM in order to be included in Offeror teaming arrangements.

Answer: Prime Offerors need to be registered in SAM per FAR 4.11. Subcontractors do not need to be registered in SAM. Offerors that are part of a teaming arrangement in line with Section L.8 Part 7 need to be registered in SAM per FAR 4.11.

34. L-10 – L.8. Part 5 Please confirm that the Information Concerning Work-Day, WorkWeek, and Paid Absences must be provided for all potential subcontractors with whom the Offeror has concluded a Teaming Agreement for the purpose of this procurement (at IDIQ or TO level)?. Given that this information is requested in order to “fix” the practice for duration of the IDIQ, should only the Offeror’s information be submitted and not all potential subcontractors?

35. L-10 – L.8. Part 5 1. (i) If the Information Concerning Work-Day, Work-Week, and Paid Absences must be provided for all subcontractors (including local and regional subcontractors), then please confirm that the definition of “overseas” will vary based on the subcontractor’s location.

36. L-11 Part 9 is missing. Is this intentional?

Answer: Yes. Amendment No. Four reflects this correction.

37. L-11 – L.8. Part 8 Please clarify whether the Evidence of Responsibility and Reps and Certs must be provided for all subcontractors with whom the Offeror has concluded a Teaming Agreement for the purpose of this procurement (at IDIQ or TO level).

Answer: This information is requested for the Prime Offeror and Offerors proposed under a Teaming Agreement in line with Section L.8 Part 7.

38. M-2 –M.2. I.B.

Re: "B. Resources: The extent to which the Offeror’s resources and approach to the use of local and regional resources demonstrates a through and sound comprehension of the requirement." Will USAID please define what countries and/or geographic areas are considered "regional", per M.2.I(b)?

Answer: Please refer to Amendment No. Four of the RFP.

39. M-4 - M-4 M.4 states, “…the Government will conduct a Price Analysis based on the Task Order proposal utilizing the following techniques: 1. Deviations from the Original BOQ”. Will USAID please clarify what it means by “the Original BOQ”?

Answer: The Original BOQ is Attachment J-3 “Task Order Bill of Quantity.”

40. Atch J-6 - RFTOP Cover Page/Section A item 9 Will USAID please provide the IQC Task Order Number required for item 9 on Section A?

Answer: This information will be filled by USAID at the time of award.

41. Atch J-6 - L.4 on pg. 28 And H.2 pg.17 L.4 states, “Neither pages that exceed the page limitation, nor any additional annexes other than Annex A will be evaluated.” Only Annex A Branding Plan is included on Page 29 as allowable. Section H.2 on Page 17 requires Key Personnel submission. Please clarify if Key Personnel Resumes should be submitted as a separate Annex B under the Task Order Proposal.

Answer: Submission of Task Order Key Personnel is not required at this proposal stage.

42. Atch J-6 - L.4 p. 28 Will USAID please exclude the cover page (Section A of the RFTOP) from the 10 page limit given that the title page and cover letter are excluded from page count in Volume I?

Answer: Section A of the RFTOP which is referenced as the Cover Letter is included within the 10 page limit.

43. Atch J-6 Attachments to the RFTOP are marked as authored by various contractors (for example Black and Veatch). Are the companies who provided these products disqualified from competing as a prime, subcontractor or joint venture partner or in any way restricted in bidding for this IDIQ or Task Order?

Answer: All Offers submitted will be reviewed and a determination of its eligibility will be made in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations.

44. Atch J-7 Are Offerors required to address every small business category in their Small Business Subcontracting Plan?

Answer: Yes

45. Atch J-8 Will USAID please clarify the definition of “Activity” for the “Activity Name” column on the past performance matrix? How does this differ from the term “project” used in RFP Section L.7.(b).II- Offeror Experience and “Contract” used in RFP Section L.7.(b).III - Past Performance?

Answer: They are interchangeable.

46. Are US Companies allowed to Joint Venture with foreign entities to submit a qualification package and consequently a bid if qualified? If the answer is yes, is there a minimum percentage of US Company ownership in the JV required?

Answer: Please see the RFP for eligibility information. Required Joint Venture information is outlined in Section L.8, Part 7.

47. Please confirm the response date and time. The Federal Business Opportunities announcement specified a Delivery Date of Feb 21, 2017 4:00 pm Eastern; the cover letter specifies a date of Feb 21, 2017 14:00 local Tel Aviv Time; and Standard Form 1442 specifies a due date of 1400 hours local time.

Answer: The closing date and time of the RFP has been amended and is now established as March 13, 2017 14:00 local Tel Aviv Time. Please see Amendment No. Four.

48. In order to adequately analyze and price the RFTOP, we kindly request a three week time extension to the submission date.

Answer: The closing date and time of the RFP has been amended and is now established as March 13, 2017 14:00 local Tel Aviv Time. Please see Amendment No. Four.

49. Section M.2 of the Solicitation states “The Offeror’s technical proposal for the Basic IDIQ will be evaluated, as will technical proposals for the accompanying Task Order, based on the criteria specified herein” (emphasis added) and then provides a listing of the major factors and sub-factors that the government will consider (pages. M-1 and M-2). However, Section M.2 TECHNICAL PROPOSAL EVALUATION CRITERIA of Attachment J-6 Request for Task Order Proposal lists “two equally weighted sub-factors” that will be considered in evaluating the Task Order Technical Approach (See pg. 31 of Attachment J-6). Please clarify.

Answer: The “equal in weight to each other” sub-factors under Attachment J-6 Request for Task Order Proposal are reproduced in the Basic IDIQ. The weighting of each criteria is stated in Section M.2 of the RFP.

50. Attachment J-6: We note that the Section L Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors goes from subsection L.4 to subsection L.6. Was it intentional to omit a subsection L.5?

Answer: Amendment No. Four corrects this error.

51. Attachment J-6: RFTOP, Section H.11 SUBCONTRACTORS: It states that “Major subcontractor is defined as any subcontractor other than those implementing specialized crafts such as plastering, carpentry, installation of curb stones and tiles, painting, pipe and culvert work installation and suppliers of equipment, goods and materials.” It then states that “Each major subcontractor must have performed at least three similar water construction projects, each valued at over $1,500,000 over the past five years.” We consider firms implementing SCADA works as either specialized subcontractors, or suppliers performing technical service as excluded from the definition of major subcontractor, and therefore not subject to the stated requirements. Please confirm.

52. Section F.6.1.2 Fair Opportunity Exceptions (Page F-12)

Right after exception g the below states : " Note: This section only applies to the Small Business Reserve awardee, i.e. does not apply to other Small Business awardees." What is the difference between small business reserve awardee and small business awardee?

Answer: See Section M.7 for clarification. Under the subject RFP, one IDIQ contract will be set aside for a small business Offeror (“the small business reserve contract”). Small Business awardees may also be selected for award of one of the approximately four to six contracts to be awarded on an unrestricted basis.

53. The following statement comes after "All Task Orders issued under this IDIQ greater than $3,500 but less than or equal to $2,000,000 must be competed first with any category of small or small disadvantaged business contract holders. All contractors must be given a fair opportunity to be considered for Task Orders over $2,000,000, unless the TOCO determines that one of the above statutory exceptions applies." The above statement is not clear, for example: are all contractors competing on orders between $35,000 and $2,000,000? Or is it reserved for small business? Also, will small business compete on orders over $2,000,000? Perhaps we misunderstood and would appreciate clarifications.

Answer: Please see USAID Response to Question No. 6. Also, all contractors will be given a fair opportunity to be considered for Task Orders over $2,000,000, unless the TOCO determines that one of the exceptions per Section F.6.1.2 applies.

54. Section L.7 (b) Content of Technical Proposal Volume I (Page L-6) states that: Offerors must organize the technical proposal to adhere to the following outline using roman numerals I through VI for the various sections Table of Contents, listing all page numbers and attachments Executive Summary Offeror Capacity Offeror Experience Past Performance Annexes:

Then, following the above numbering sections are repeated with different sequence for example Offeror Capacity is I, Offeror Experience is II and Past Performance is III, which numbering is correct?

Answer: Amendment No. Four clarifies the sequencing and numbering.

55. Section L.8 Part 3- Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Offerors (PageL- 9, L-10, L-11) Item (1) states: “(1) Offerors and proposed subcontractors must ensure they are registered in SAM (www.sam.gov) per FAR part 4.

a- Does the above requirement includes local Palestinian contractors?

Answer: Registration in SAM needs to be in accordance with FAR part 4.

b- Item (4) indicates: (3) The Offeror must complete and submit Attachment J-4 of this RFP.

Attachment J-4 is not included, kindly provide.

Answer: Please refer to Amendment No. Four which includes this referenced Attachment.

c - Part 6(Page L-10) references attachment J-7 which appears to be missing. kindly clarify

Answer: Attachment J-7 is included via a link under Section J of the IDIQ RFP.

d- Part 9 (page L-11) appears to be missing or numbering is out of sequence. Kindly clarify.

Answer: Amendment No. Four to the RFP addresses this error in numbering.

http://www.sam.gov/

56. Section M.7 ( page M-5) Small Business Reserve, second paragraph reads:

“ If one or more small businesses are selected for award of one of the approximately four to six contacts to be awarded on an unrestricted basis, the small business reserve contract shall be awarded to the next highest ranked technically acceptable small business Offeror.” Will USAID award more than one small business? The intent of this statement is not clear to us, kindly elaborate and clarify.

Answer: In accordance with Section M, USAID may make awards to more than one small business. However there will only be one Small Business Reserve award.

57. Under part 8 – evidence of responsibility (pages L-11) it reads “The Prime Contractor and subcontractor(s) must submit sufficient evidence of responsibility….However, in the case of a small business Offeror, the Contracting Officer will comply with FAR 19.6.” According to FAR 19.6 a certificate of competency from SBA is required, SBA stated that they no longer issue certificates for small business, the business classification is in accordance with data within SAM. Are small businesses (other than 8-A and others) required to submit such certificates?

Answer: USAID will comply with FAR part 19.6. That section references the procedure that the Contracting Officer must take upon determining an apparent successful small business offeror to be nonresponsible. No Certificates of Competency are required at proposal submission.

Technical Questions:

1. YATTA TRANSMISSION MAINS & DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS:

In reference to B.O.Q line items 2.2.1.3, 2.2.1.5 and 2.2.16; “threaded Gate Valve and fittings” are required as stated in the description, while tables in the design drawings sheets G-010, G-011 and G-012 show that all 100 mm Valves and larger are flanged, please advise.

Answer: Refer to attached BOQ Rev 02 for associated changes.

2. YATTA TRANSMISSION MAINS & DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS:

B.O.Q line item 1 “Trench Excavation and Backfill. Trench dimensions and backfill zones are shown on details C-201, C-202, C-203, C-204, C-210, C-211, C-212 and C-213”, kindly clarify the following:-a- C-204 was not found applicable or mentioned on the drawings.

Answer: Refer to attached B.O.Q. Rev 02. Reference to Detail C-204 has been deleted.

b- BOQ Line item 1.1.2 stated “Triple line trench excavation for DN200, DN150 and DN50 mm pipes for Beit emra Reservoir”, and according to Design drawing sheet P&P-038, for triple trench detail, refer to sheet M-TD-081. It is understood that the DN 50 mm is for distribution network, and according to detail C-213 type B of the program standard details

C-DT23 shows different trench detail for water main and water distribution pips in the same trench, please advise.

Answer: Detail C-213 Type B is deleted in its entirety. Note 6 is added to Drawing No. M- TD-081. Refer to Amendment No. 4 Annex A, Addendum Items.

c- BOQ Line item 1.1.3 stated “Double line trench excavation for DN150 and DN 50 mm pipes for Beit emra Reservoir” and according to Design drawing sheet P&P-039 to Sheet P&P-044, for double trench detail refer to sheet M-TD-081, It is understood that the DN 50 mm is for distribution network, and according to detail C-213 type B of the program standard details C-DT23 shows different trench detail for water main and water distribution pips in the same trench, please advise.

Answer: Refer to Answer to Question 2b above.

d- Same as above but for B.O.Q line item 1.1.6, 1.1.7 and 1.1.8

Answer: Refer to Answer to Question 2b above.

e- In design drawing sheet P&P-043 and Sheet P&P-044, contractor was directed to design drawing sheet M-TD-081 detail X, which described concrete encasement for one pipeline within double trench and shows 50 mm thick blinding. On the other hand, details C-DT23 detail C-213 type D in the program standard details, it shows different details (reinforcement & dimensions) for the concrete encasement. Please advise which detail to consider and which BOQ line item will cover the blinding concrete works and the reinforcing steel.

Answer: Drawing M-TD-081, Detail X is in reference to concrete encasement. Drawing C- DT23 is in reference to concrete trench dams. Both are covered under BOQ item 6. BOQ item 6.4 has been added to cover blinding concrete. Refer to attached BOQ Rev 02.

3. 500 Mᶟ BEIT EMRA RESERVOIR – ELEVATED:

B.O.Q line item 1.2.1: “Fence around site perimeter, galvanized steel as shown on detail C- 117 Sheet C-DT12…etc.” According to Program standard detail C-117 on sheet C-DT 12, it shows metal fence with boundary wall, please clarify if this item covers reinforced concrete boundary wall or it only covers the Metal fence only.

Answer: BOQ Line Item 1.2.1 covers only the fencing. Boundary and/or Retaining wall concrete is covered under BOQ item 3.

4. 500 Mᶟ BEIT EMRA RESERVOIR – ELEVATED:

Refer to Design drawing sheet SITE-013 Detail A/013 its show a layer of structural backfill, please provide us with specific requirements of the structural backfill and under which BOQ item to be covered.

Answer: Structural backfill is specified in Volume 1, Specification Section 02200, subsection 3-4.02. BOQ Item 1.1.4 has been modified to include structural backfill.

5. 500 Mᶟ BEIT EMRA RESERVOIR – ELEVATED:

Which BOQ item will cover the backfilling for Retaining walls?

Answer: Backfilling of Retaining walls is covered under BOQ Item 3.1.2. The BOQ item has been clarified. Refer to Attached, BOQ Rev 02.

6. 500 Mᶟ BEIT EMRA RESERVOIR – ELEVATED:

BOQ line item 3.1.5: “Furnish and install base course (150mm in depth) with selected backfill material in layers” Kindly clarify where this item is to be used and does this item is to include all the backfilling layers. Moreover, if the response is yes, how we can estimate the unit price since the BOQ item unit is Sq.m.

Answer: The BOQ item description is revised and shall remain in Square Meters. Only a single 150 mm layer is required unless the contractor over excavates at which point the contractor would be required to provide additional backfill in layers at its own expense.

Refer to Attached BOQ Rev 02

7. 500 Mᶟ BEIT EMRA RESERVOIR – ELEVATED:

Reference to BOQ line item 3.1.4: “Furnish and install filter fabric and drain rock” Kindly provide us with the specification for drain rock and the layer width.

Answer: Filter fabric is specified in Volume 1, Specification Section 02202, Paragraph 2-

1.01.01. The drain rock is a Granular fill as specified in Section 02200, Paragraph 2-1.04.

The rock layer width is defined on Drawing No. S-RW02.

8. 1000 m³ SCHOOLS RESERVOIR - AT GRADE:

B.O.Q line item 1.2.1: “Fence around site perimeter, galvanized steel as shown on detail C-117 Sheet C-DT12…etc.”

According to Program standard detail C-117 on sheet C-DT 12, it shows metal fence with boundary wall, please clarify if this item covers reinforced concrete boundary wall or it only covers the Metal fence only.

Answer: Refer to USAID’s answer to technical question No. 3.

9. 1000 m³ SCHOOLS RESERVOIR - AT GRADE:

BOQ line item 1.1.9: “Concrete side walk as shown on detail C-418” Please confirm that this item covers the reinforced concrete sidewalks only, in addition 200 mm granular fill layer will be paid under BOQ line item 1.1.5 and curbstone to be paid under BOQ line item 1.1.8.

10. 1000 m³ SCHOOLS RESERVOIR - AT GRADE:

Answer: Refer to USAID’s answer to technical question No. 5 and Attached BOQ Rev 02.

4- BOQ line item 3.1.5: “Furnish and install base course (150mm in depth) with selected backfill material in layers”

11. 1000 m³ SCHOOLS RESERVOIR - AT GRADE:

Kindly clarify where this item is to be used and does this item is to include all the backfilling layers. Moreover, if the response is yes, how we can estimate the unit price since the BOQ item unit is Sq.m.

Answer: Refer to USAID’s answer to technical question No. 6 and Attached BOQ Rev 02.

12. 1000 m³ SCHOOLS RESERVOIR - AT GRADE:

BOQ line item 3.1.3: “Furnish and install drain piping” Kindly provide us with details and location where this item is to be used.

Answer: BOQ Item 3.1.3 falls under BOQ Item 3, Retaining Walls, and is intended for that purpose as shown Drawing S-RW02.

13. 1000 m³ SCHOOLS RESERVOIR - AT GRADE:

Answer: Refer to USAID’s answer to technical question No. 7.

14. 5000 m³ KHALLET SALEEM RESERVOIR - AT GRADE:

In drawing sheet SEC-010, it shows

• Compacted base course under reservoir foundation

• Subbase material under reservoir foundation,

• Structural Backfilling Please advise under which BOQ items these works will be covered. In addition, provide the specifications of the structural backfilling materials to be used.

Answer: Subbase Material and Structural Backfill are covered under BOQ Item 1.1.4. The BOQ item has been clarified. Compacted base course is covered under BOQ Item 1.1.5.

Refer to Attached BOQ Rev 02.

15. 5000 m³ KHALLET SALEEM RESERVOIR - AT GRADE:

B.O.Q line item 1.2.1: “Fence around site perimeter, galvanized steel as shown on detail C- 117 Sheet C-DT12…etc.”

According to Program standard detail C-117 on sheet C-DT 12, it shows metal fence with boundary wall, please clarify if this item covers reinforced concrete boundary wall or it only covers the Metal fence only.

Answer: Refer to USAID’s answer to technical question No. 3.

16. 5000 m³ KHALLET SALEEM RESERVOIR - AT GRADE:

BOQ line item 1.1.9: “Concrete side walk as shown on detail C-418” Please confirm that this item covers the reinforced concrete sidewalks only, in addition 200 mm granular fill layer will be paid under BOQ line item 1.1.5 and curbstone to be paid under BOQ line item 1.1.8.

Answer: Refer to USAID’s answer to technical question No. 9.

17. 5000 m³ KHALLET SALEEM RESERVOIR - AT GRADE:

Answer: Refer to USAID’s answer to technical question No. 5.

18. 5000 m³ KHALLET SALEEM RESERVOIR - AT GRADE:

BOQ line item 3.1.5: “Furnish and install base course (150mm in depth) with selected backfill material in layers” Kindly clarify where this item is to be used and does this item is to include all the backfilling layers. Moreover, if the response is yes, how we can estimate the unit price since the BOQ item unit is Sq.m.

Answer: Refer to USAID’s answer to technical question No. 6.

19. 5000 m³ KHALLET SALEEM RESERVOIR - AT GRADE:

BOQ line item 3.1.3: “Furnish and install drain piping” Kindly provide us with details and location where this item is to be used.

Answer: Refer to USAID’s answer to technical question No. 12.

20. 5000 m³ KHALLET SALEEM RESERVOIR - AT GRADE:

Answer: Refer to USAID’s answer to technical question No. 13.

21. M-CD-076 shows a tee labeled as both a 300x300x250mm Tee and a 250x250x250mm Tee.

It also shows a 250mm Flanged Dismantling Joint attaching to a 300mm Butterfly Valve.

Please clarify.

Answer: Drawing M-CD-076 Legend has been revised to indicate a D’ for the 250mm Tee, and also item B has been revised to indicate a 300mm dia. Flanged Dismantling Joint. Refer to Amendment No. 4 Annex A, Addendum Items.

22. On the site plans for Beit Emra Reservoir, it shows the site being surrounded by proposed dirt road 5M. Please clarify if this is part of the contract.

Answer: The dirt road is existing. The contractor’s activities are limited to any associated site restoration/leveling as the result of its activities.

23. Water Services: are all of the water services incidental to the main line pipe? Could we be provided with a rough quantity of services and what size of services need to be provided?

Answer: BOQ item 7 was added to quantify the water services activities. Refer to revisions in Drawing G-003 as shown in Amendment No. 4 Annex A, Addendum Items, and Attached BOQ Rev. 02.

24. Page E-003 is referring to manhole detail (ES-672/E-DT08) which is showing concrete encased ductbank and Note 3 is referring to a pull box which is showing direct buried conduits. Is it the intent to use concrete encased electrical ductbank as shown on page EDT08 (E-672 manhole details) or just a direct buried conduits as shown on page E-DT04 (E-101 Pull box detail)?

Answer: The 80mm dia. pull box outside of the reservoir boundary shall be provided by the utility. Direct buried conduits are to be provided for onsite buried electrical cable and is covered under BOQ Item 1.4.1 for the respective reservoirs.

25. Sheet Site-015 is showing an elevation to the top of the tank of +744.90m and an elevation of the ground level at +734.45 for an approximate 10M of elevation. Same sheet is showing

14600mm from the ground to the bottom of the tank and 5800mm from the bottom of the tank to the top of the tank for a total of 20M. Which should be the elevation of the tank 10M or 20M?

Answer: The correct tank elevation is +754.90 m. Drawing Site-015 has been corrected accordingly.

26. The BOQ for At Grade Khallet Saleem Reservoir seems to be missing a line item for Furnish and install slab-on-grade concrete. Please confirm that this item is not needed.

Answer: Confirmed. Please refer to Drawing No. S-GR53.

27. BOQ for Yatta T. Mains & Dist. Networks: Pay items 2.2.1.3 – 2.2.16, call for threaded Gate

Valve and directs you to detail C-530, which calls for flanged gate valves. The pay item description for 50mm GV (2.2.1.2) states that it is to have flanges, detail C-507 shows threaded. Please clarify.

Answer: Detail C-507 and BOQ Items Nos. 2.2.1.2 through 2.2.1.6, and 2.2.1.9 through

2.2.1.13 have been revised. Refer to Amendment No. 4 Annex A, Addendum Items, and to Attached BOQ Rev 02.

28. BOQ for Yatta T. Mains & Dist. Networks: Kindly explain the method of payment for the supply and install items pipes and chambers. Please clarify if partial payments will be allowed.

Answer: No partial payments will be allowed for items with units defined as “ea” or “lm”.

Linear meter items are paid as installed, measured, and cleared by the CMC.

29. Please specify the accepted working hours for the School reservoir.

Answer: It is the contractor’s responsibility to coordinate with the appropriate local authorities to determine acceptable working hours including extra shifts if necessary to accomplish the work within the contract period.

30. Kindly confirm the availability of needed permit to work at the 5000 m3 reservoir area since it is an archaeological area.

Answer: Refer to Attachment J.6, Annex No. 2 of the Environmental Documentation and Review Report which includes a letter from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

31. Kindly supply us with the list of needed control instrument for SCADA with its details

Answer: Refer to Attachment J.2.B, Supplemental Specifications, Appendix A and B.

32. Program Standard Specifications, Volume 2 of 3, Section 13562 – page 4 - 2-2.02.02.

Magnetic Flowmeter Signal Converters; it is mentioned that: “The signal converter shall be housed in a corrosion-resistant, weatherproof NEMA Type 6P/IP 68 housing”. Can we offer signal converter with IP67 housing?

Answer: Provide as specified. Requirements remain unchanged.

33. Program Standard Specifications, Volume 2 of 3, Section 13562 - page 3 - 2-2.02.01.

Magnetic Flowmeter; it is mentioned that “Flow meters shall normally be provided for 220 V AC, 50 Hz power supply” and “One source shall be the normal ac power source of 220 VAC, 50 Hz and the second source shall be the back-up power source from a battery supply”; Is this option also required in the reservoirs? What is the needed backup time for the battery?

Answer: Section 13562 has been clarified and Note 6 has been added the drawings I-001 through I-006. Refer to Amendment No. 4 Annex A, Addendum Items.

34. Is the GSM/GPRS communication for RTU’s in Reservoirs accepted?

Answer: Provide radio communications as indicated in Drawing Nos. I-001 through I-003, General Note No. 5.

35. What is the required Fade margin in the communication method between the RTU’s and control center?

Answer: Specification Section 13590 has been revised to clarify fade margin requirements.

Refer to Amendment No. 4 Annex A, Addendum Items

36. What is the maximum accepted Latency in the communication method between the RTU’s and control center?

Answer: Specification Section 13590 has been revised to clarify accepted latency requirements. Refer to Amendment No. 4 Annex A, Addendum Items.

37. Several drawings indicate cathodic protection components (wall penetration modular Link seals, wall sleeves, flange insulation kits) while cathodic protection is not mentioned under project scope of work (SOW) and/or BOQ. Please clarify.

Answer: Cathodic protection is not required beyond that shown in the drawings such as wall penetration modular link seals, wall sleeves, and flange insulation kits.

38. Based on Pipelines schedule table (drawing G-009) items no.13, 14, 15, and 16; DN150 pipes are requested with minimum thickness of 6.35mm in accordance with section 15065, while the aforementioned section specified SCH20, SCH40, and 80 schedule only. Please clarify.

Answer: The pipe schedule in drawing G-009 has been revised. Refer to Amendment No. 4 Annex A, Addendum Items.

39. Standard specifications section 15062 article 2-2 required supply and installation of ASTM A193 Grade B8M bolts with ASTM A194 Grade 8M nuts, while section 15065 article 2-1.02 specified the supply of B7 bolts with ASTM A194 Grade 2H nuts. Please confirm and specify the needed type to be used inside chambers and above ground.

Answer: Specification Section 15062, part 2-2, requires bolting made from ASTM A193 and is in reference to restrained joint tie bolts, and Section 15065 paragraph 2-1.02 is in reference to flanged connection bolting.

40. Please provide the proposed specifications, wall thickness, and estimated length of the

DN500 steel pipes required in drawing CP-070, and under which BOQ item this should be budgeted.

Answer: The callout for the ZIF Service Connection has been revised. Refer to Amendment No. 4 Annex A, Addendum Items.

41. Please clarify under which BOQ item Butterfly valve (TAG -141) chamber and fittings in project drawings CP-070 should be budgeted.

Answer: The butterfly valve is included in BOQ Item 2.2.4.1.3. Refer to the associated BOQ item description.

42. Regarding the 500m3 BEIT EMRA Reservoir, the SOW segments of BOQ items 1.3.1, 2.4.1, and 2.4.2 are not clear. Please confirm which BOQ item covers a) the internal of mechanical works inside the reservoirs, b) which covers the valves vault and c) which covers the yard piping.

Answer: BOQ item 1.3.1 has been revised to include former BOQ items 2.4.1 and 2.4.2.

43. Drawing M-GR31 and M-GR33 does not reflect the 500m3 elevated reservoir mentioned in the notes of DWG SITE-013 (sheet 139 of 158). Please clarify.

Answer: Drawing No. Site-013 has been corrected to reflect the appropriate drawing references. Refer to Amendment No. 4 Annex A, Addendum Items.

44. Please indicate the yard piping limits, i.e., is it the boundaries of the reservoirs?

Answer: Refer to USAID’s answer to technical question No. 42 above.

45. Subject: Trench dimensions and typical section detail for Triple and Four lines According to project BOQ item 1.1: “ Trench excavation for pipelines: Excavation of trenches in all earth types (soil and / or rock) and disposal of excess materials to locations acceptable to the Engineer and local authorities. Trench dimensions are shown on details C-DT21 & C- DT23” and after reviewing the program standard details ( C-DT21 and C-DT23 ) it is noted that triple line trench has no detail / typical section showing trench dimensions and details, this typical section is required for project BOQ items ( 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.7, 1.1.8)

The same is for the Four pipeline trench BOQ item No. 1.1.6 – no typical section detail provided in (C-DT21 and C-DT23). Kindly provide the required details, or advise otherwise.

Answer: In addition to C-DT21 and C-DT23, Refer to Drawing No. M-TD-081as referenced in the associated piping plans.

46. Subject: Pipeline Reinforced concrete encasement, BOQ item No. 6 After reviewing BOQ line item 6 (Pipeline reinforced concrete encasement) and referring to Detail C-DT23/C213 it is noted that steel reinforcement is not shown for BOQ items 6.1 and 6.2, in addition for BOQ item 10.2 the shown detail (C213) Type D – Trench dam @10M in excessive slope (>10%) no reinforcement is shown.

The only detail showing reinforced concrete encasement is shown in (C-DT23 – TYPE E) Trench Section in Drainage Ditch, kindly provide the required details or advise otherwise.

Answer: BOQ items 6.1 and 6.2 have been clarified to include reinforcement. BOQ Item

10.2 has been corrected to read 6.3. Reinforcement is not required for trench dams.

47. Considering the limited time for tender reviews and hence the establishment of prices, please consider the revision of BOQs in order to classify the pressure rating of valves’ chambers.

Answer: Refer to valve and equipment schedule G-010 through G-013 for pressure ratings.

48. For Samou’ Service connection chamber, there is mismatch between the designated valve sizes (mainline and bypass) between Drawing sheet CP-071and I-007, moreover, Sheet No.

G-013 is listing a PRV size 250mm within this chamber, while in sheet CP-071 there is no PRV and within Sheet I-007 there is 100mm ND PRV, please advise and clarify.

Answer: Drawing No.