Questions and Answers 4-1-11.docx

Questions and Answers GLNPOCS Solicitation

SOL-R5-10-00008

Q1. a) Please clarify the number of awards EPA intends to make under this procurement.

b) Please clarify the joint total acquisition value of this procurement.

c) Assuming multiple awards are made, please clarify the maximum value of each individual award.

A1. a) Three (3)

b) $450 million

c) $150 million

Q2. a) Is the Executive Summary included in the 100-page limitation?

b) Does the Executive Summary have any specific page limitation?

A2. a) No

b) 1 page

Q3. Are Letters of Intent included within the 100-page limitation? Is the format of these letters at the discretion of the offeror?

A3. Letters of Intent are not included within the 100-page limitation. The format of these letters is at the discretion of the offeror.

Q4. a) Please identify if there are any page margin requirements for the proposal. Are there any page margin restrictions for graphics?

b) Graphics - Is 10pt font size acceptable for graphics so they are not overly large?

c) Is a smaller font size also allowed for tables in addition to charts and graphs?

d) Can a smaller font size that is legible (e.g., 10pt) be used in tables and figures?

A4. a) At least a 1 inch margin is required for all parts of the proposal.

b) Yes.

c) Yes

d) Yes

Q5. a) L10. A. Instructions, Required Format (for the Technical/Business Proposal) specifies that “The 100 page limit … does NOT include …Government required forms.” We assume that this refers to Section K (Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Offeror). Is this assumption correct?

b) The solicitation indicates that Section K should be included "as part of the technical/business proposal." Are Representations, Certifications and Other Statements then included as part of the 100-pg count allotted to the technical proposal?

c) The following items are required (or suggested) to be included in the Technical/Business Proposal. These required items could easily account for at least 10 of the available 100 pages allowed in the Technical/Business Proposal. Are any of the other required items excluded from the 100 page limit?

· First Page of the Proposal (L2 (c)(2))

· Title Page (L2.(e)(1))

· Cover Letter (L10.I)

· Proposal Assumptions (L10.I(6))

· Exceptions or Deviations (L10.I(7))

· Table of Contents (L.10.Technical/Business Proposal, A. Instructions, Required Format)

· List of Figures (suggested)

· Glossary of Acronyms (suggested)

· Letters of Intent for Key Personnel (L10. Technical/Business Proposal B(2)c.)

d) Regarding Reps and Certs included in Volume 1 - Do we include the entire Section K as part of the submission, even if ORCA was completed online? Or can we insert a single signed page indicating no changes. If we are to include Section K, then are the 12 pages included as part of the 100 page count for the volume, and therefore the contractor should renumber the pages to match their position in the proposal?

e) Please clarify if the Representations and Certifications can be submitted as a tabbed Appendix in the Technical Business Proposal.

f) The solicitation states “each offeror shall include a narrative of 1-3 sediment remediation projects completed within the last 5 years. The narrative shall be no more than four pages, double-sided.” Does this mean that a maximum of four physical pages (8 pages double-sided) is allowed for the complete project narrative (including all 3 projects)? Does “four pages, double sided” mean 4 physical sheets of paper that contain double-sided text or 2 physical sheets of paper that contain double-sided text?

A5. a) Yes.

b) No.

c) The 100 page limit does not apply to the enumerated items.

d) If ORCA was completed online, the certification is all that is needed. As indicated above, the Representations and Certifications do not count against the 100 page limit.

e) Yes.

f) “Four pages double sided” means 4 physical sheets of paper that contain double-sided text. A maximum of four physical pages (8 pages double-sided) is permitted for each project for a maximum of 12 physical pages (24 pages double-sided) if the offeror so desires.

Q6. L10. Technical/Business Proposal. B(2)b (Key Personnel) specifies “…resumes not longer than 2 pages double sided in length…” Please clarify: does this mean 2 physical sheets of paper that contain double-sided text or 1 physical sheet of paper that contains double-sided text? Resume page length - Is each resume 2 pages or 4 pages total in count.

A6. “2 pages double sided in length” means two physical sheets of paper that contain double sided text (4 pages double-sided).

Q7. Page 80 permits the use of an 11"x17" foldout. Do these count as one page?

A7. A single 11” x 17” foldout counts as one physical page. If the offeror chooses to include information on both sides to make the page double-sided, then it counts as 2 pages.

Q8. L10. Technical/Business Proposal. B(4), 2nd paragraph mentions “The Past Performance Questionnaire…” Would EPA please provide the referenced questionnaire?

A8. The referenced questionnaire has been posted on fedbizopps.gov

Q9. L17(e) refers to a “…Client Authorization Letter (see Section J)…” Would EPA please provide the referenced Client Authorization Letter?

A9. The referenced letter has been posted on fedbizopps.gov

Q10. It is understood that there is only 1 rate for each labor category and that that rates applies for both the prime contractor and team subcontractors. According to RFP Section L, Cost/Pricing Proposal Instructions (1)(vi), the prime must show the buildup for their proposed rate. If a rate was developed using a team subcontractor's rate, should the team subcontractor provide the buildup (direct rate, fringe, overhead, G&A, fee) for their rate as well? If so, since this information is often considered confidential, is it acceptable for them to submit via sealed envelope?

A10. Any financial confidential business information from team subcontractors may be submitted in a sealed envelope.

Q11. What is to be submitted by team subcontractors in the cost/pricing volume? Financial Statements? Their qualifications for each labor category? Rate buildup? Indirect rate support etc. Or are these prime contractor requirements only?

A11. You should only submit information from subcontractors that affect your proposal as prime contractor. For example, if rates from a subcontractor’s buildup rate are used for labor categories, that information should be submitted to the government and may be submitted in a sealed envelope.

Q13. Which RFP Categories do you consider SCA and which SCA categories correspond to those RFP categories (i.e. Is an RFP driver a light, medium or heavy truck driver? Is an Environmental Specialist an SCA Environmental Technician or non-SCA?)

A13. Information regarding the wage determination to be used for proposal purposes has been posted on fedbizopps.gov.

Q14. Pricing tables have been included in the solicitation for the base period, option period 1, and option period 2. These tables include EPA provided estimates for ODC’s at $74,229,000, $33,100,000, and $16,495,300 respectively in the “total” or “extended” column of each table. Please clarify as to whether or not these line items should be subjected to G&A and/or profit (i.e., if these amounts should be moved to the “rate” or “quantity” column) or if the bidder is to assume that the provided number already include associated burdens.

A14. You should use the numbers as stated for the proposal. These numbers are for proposal purposes, not contractual purposes.

Q15. Does EPA desire to see resumes for contractor proposed “other personnel” that are not referenced in the RFP as Key Personnel (i.e., Project Manager), in addition to the requirements noted on Page 91 section (c).

A15. No.

Q16. a) The solicitation requires that "Plans and Procedures" should be submitted in an individual binder. Is only one copy (the original) required as part of the proposal package and three additional copies should be bound separately?

b) Submission of copies. The SF33 says that the original and three (3) copies of the proposal shall be submitted. The Final Solicitation states that the original and six (6) copies of the proposal shall be submitted. Please clarify the number of copies to be submitted.

A16. a) The three additional copies should be bound separately. However, packaging for mailing purposes is within the discretion of the firm submitting the proposal.

b) The technical proposal must include the original and six (6) copies but only three (3) copies are required for Price, Plans and Procedures.

Q18. When task orders are competed among the contract holders, will cost proposals include the dredging costs, the transportation costs, and the disposal costs, or will the cost proposals exclude these items initially with the intent that they will be competitively bid by the winning contract holder after award of the task order.

A18. Task orders competed among contract holders will include dredging. They will also include estimated transportation and disposal (T&D). T&D will likely be bid after award when actual quantities are better known.

Q19. At the pre-solicitation meeting, the Government stated that Task Orders would be a blend of firm fixed price line items and items bid on a unit cost basis. Please provide clarification on which items will be bid on a unit cost basis.

A19. Please see the answer to Q18 above. Particular items will depend on the task order.

Q38. Can the Cover/Transmittal Letter serve to house the information required in L.2 52.215-1 (c) 2 if placed in front of the title page.

A38. Yes

Q43. Please clarify the 1st paragraph under RFP Section L, Cost/Pricing Proposal instructions (5) Subcontracts (i) “Identify the subcontractors. State the amount of service estimated to be required and the quoted daily or hourly rate. Rates of subcontractors used to fill key personnel must be identified in your description.”

Per the previous RFP paragraph, team subcontractors are part of the labor on Section B. Also, the pricing form in Section B is structured for hourly rates, but not for “daily” rates. Also, since this is a task order contract, the number and types of subcontractors required will depend on the specific scopes of work of the different individual task orders. We are confused with some of the nomenclature used in this RFP paragraph and with what exactly is being requested. Please clarify.

A43. You are correct, the team subcontractors rates will be the same as the prime contractors. Using the overall estimates of labor hours, please provide a description of how much of the work will be accomplished by subcontractors, or if one category (for example, a field engineer or equipment operator) will be primarily filed by subcontractors.

Q44. Please clarify what is meant by the 3rd paragraph under RFP Section L, Cost/Pricing Proposal instructions (5) Subcontracts (i) - “The labor categories are job disciplines the offerors anticipate will be needed to perform the tasks listed in the PWS. Fully burdened hourly rates should be developed for all labor categories (Non-Field Labor, and Non-Level A Field Labor). The base rate is the current rate of individuals or the contractor’s labor categories anticipated on performing under this contract…..”.

We are particularly confused by the reference to “Non-Field Labor and Non-Level A Field Labor”. Please clarify.

A44. This should have been corrected, please contact us if there is still some confusion.

Q49. Please confirm that the Offeror has the option to either self-perform remediation or subcontract that work. If the Offeror is allowed to self-perform work, there are various inconsistencies in the RFP. Specifically, in Section B (Supplies or Services) the number of hours allocated to self-perform work (e.g., # of hours allocated to craft labor…total of 60,000 hours for three-year base period) is insignificant compared to dollars allocated to ODCs ($74,229,000 for three-year base period). Also, in Attachment 1, Statement of Work, Section III. Specific Requirements…under Remedial Action, the following statement is made: “Implement the design remedy, such as dredging or capping, through the procurement of a construction subcontractor(s), construction management activities, and technical and field engineering services.” These requirements seem to indicate that EPA is only interested in a traditional EPA RAC approach versus self perform…can you please clarify?

A49. The EPA will allow self-performing or subcontracting. The purpose of hours in the labor schedule is an estimate of the hours, and not a binding number based upon government estimates. The ODC’s is also an estimate of the additional cost that will potentially incurred under these contracts should the full amount of services be ordered. Section III of the statement of work is not intended to limit contractors to subcontracts only. It remains up to the prime contractor to define their capabilities and those of their subcontractors.

Q50. Please confirm that we are allowed to use 11x17 sized paper…if so, how many pages would the 11x17 represent?

A50. 11x17 paper can be used in limited quantities, and would represent one page, or two pages if double sided. Again, LIMITED quantities will be allowed, and should be mostly for charts, graphs, or other graphics. The main proposal should be on 8 ½ x 11 paper.

Q51. L10. A. Instructions, Required Format (for the Technical/Business Proposal), 5th paragraph mentions foldout pages. Does a foldout page count as 1 page?

A51. Yes

Q52. In the RFP Section L, Cost/Pricing Proposal instructions (2) Direct Labor (i) it requests support schedules for each proposed labor category indicating both proposed hours and rates. Is this a completed Section B?

A52. Yes, however keep in mind we want to also see how your direct labor rates are “built-up”. This will be used in our analysis of fair and reasonable pricing.

Q53. In the RFP Section L, Cost/Pricing Proposal Instructions (2) Direct Labor (iv) it requests a matrix summarizing the effort proposed. Is this just a table showing the anticipated allocation of the total hours from Section B between the prime and team subcontractors?

A54. No, the Environmental Specialist is considered a professional position.

Q55. Section L10, B Technical / Business Proposal Content, Item (4) Past Performance, identifies a Past Performance Questionnaire as Attachment 12. The RFP only has Attachments 1-4 attached. Can you identify any other attachments between Attachment 4 and Attachment 12 that may be missing?

A55. There are no other attachments. The numbering will be corrected in a future amendment.

Q56. Can EPA please extend this proposal due date until April 21? Multiple simultaneous RFPs, and the short time between receiving answers to questions and the due date, may prohibit Offerors from fairly representing their abilities and experience.

A56. At this time, the deadline has not changed. However we are mindful of the impact our responses have on proposals, and are always evaluating any potential extension. Any extension will be announced via Fed Biz Opps.

Q57. “Offeror’s shall submit a list of all or at least 3 contracts and subcontracts completed in the last 5 years. . . “. Please provide a definition of a “completed” contract, e.g., % complete, field work complete, etc.

A57. We will accept projects if they have reached substantial completion.

Q58. In the case of joint venture, does the Gov’t require “all or at least 3 contract/subcontracts” from each JV member, or from the JV as an entity?

A58. We want to see at least one from each JV member. If you have previously worked as a JV, we would also want to see at least one completed project as a JV.

Q59. “Offerors shall submit . . . for subcontracts expected to exceed $1,000,000.00”. Please clarify if the $1M is per year (base period) or for entire contract?

A59. For the base period only. Each period will be looked at individually.

Q60. Hand Carried/Courier Delivery - SF 33 Block 7 - This section instructs that persons hand delivering the proposal contact either the Contract Specialist (Darlene McGary) or the Contract Specialist via the hall telephone on the 10th floor. Please identify who the Contract Specialist is and provide a phone number for the Contract Specialist. Also, if the 10th floor phone uses internal EPA extensions, please identify the proper number to call using this phone to reach the Contract Specialist or the Contract Officer.

A60. The offer should be addressed to Donna Flenard, however anyone in the acquisitions (contracts) section can accept if Donna Flenard, Darlene McGary, or Geoff Krieger is not available. Receipts will be provided by whoever accepts your proposal. A phone is located on the wall as you exit the elevators and instructions will be posted above the phone.

Q61. Compliance with subcontracting plan goals for SDB concerns, monetary targets for SDB participation and notifications. Small Businesses don’t often have SDB subcontracting goals. Please clarify if it is acceptable to note “Not Applicable” in answer to this request if that is the case.

A61. That is acceptable.

Q62. Volume Numbers – Is it acceptable to use the following Volume numbering:

Volume 1: Technical/Business Proposal Volume 2 – Plans & Procedures Volume 3: Cost/Pricing Proposal

A62. This is acceptable.