RFIs_to_CMS_FY17_as_of_18_Sept_17.pdf

31-Aug-17 1 We were reviewing the information posted on the FBO site and the last line reads “Solicitation packages are not provided and no additional project information will be given to firms during the announcement period. This is not a request for proposal.” Please advise.

The synopsis posted on FBO is the Solicitation Notice.

Nothing further will be provided. You, as the contractor, if interested, must submit your SF330 in accordance to the directions prescribed in the synopsis.

MC 11-Sep-17

8-Sep-17 2 In the Solicitation Notification posted, the Response Date Section shows a due date of October 3, 2017 11:59 PM Eastern and the Submission Requirements (Section 4) shows a due time of 4 PM.

Please confirm submittal date and time is October 3, 2017 4 pm EST.

Submittal date and time is Oct 3, 2017 NLT 4PM EST.

MC 11-Sep-17

8-Sep-17 3 In the Solicitation Notification, Submission Requirements (Section 4), please confirm the portion of the statement regarding the 5-page limit for Section G is correct. Should that 5-page limit be for another section in the SF 330?

Language now reads, The SF 330 Part I shall not exceed 50 pages (8.5” x 11”). Offerors may distribute the pages among the Sections at their discretion.

MC 11-Sep-17

8-Sep-17 4

In the Solicitation Notification, 3(c) Past Performance Section, “Past performance on DoD and other contracts with respect to cost control, quality of work, and compliance with performance schedules, as determined by PPIRS and other sources such as past performance questionnaires. The total of past performance questionnaires submitted must be in compliance with the amount of projects allowed, as described under Section 3(a).” Please confirm if we are required to submit past performance questionnaires for the five projects we include in the SF 330 Section F. If past performance questionnaires are required, where in the submittal should the questionnaires be included and are the questionnaires exempt from the page count?

PPQ will be required for all projects submitted under Section 3, a. A form has been provided in case one is required. The forms shall be provided behind a tab specific to section 3, c.

This form will not count towards the page count.

PP 11-Sep-17

8-Sep-17 5 Will contractors working on this effort require security clearances; will the awardee firm need a

FCL?

Security Clearance is not a requirement; however, if the Offeror has a clearance, please indicate as such

PP 11-Sep-17

11-Sep-17 6 Section 3, Selection Criteria, 1st Paragraph. This section notes that “this announcement is open to all businesses regardless of size”. Is that correct given this is an 8(a) set-aside under NAICS 541330?

No, this announcement is only open to 8(a) small businesses.

See revised Synopsis. PP 11-Sep-17

11-Sep-17 7

Section 3a, Specialized Experience. This section notes that “all projects must have a construction completion date no earlier than six (6) years preceding the date of issuance of the solicitation”. Our understanding of this requirement is that the construction completion date must be during the period from August 30, 2011 to present. Is that correct?

No, the six year period will be from August 30, 2011 through August 30, 2017. PP 11-Sep-17

11-Sep-17 8

Section 3a, Specialized Experience. We have a very relevant stand-alone contract providing CMS on multiple construction projects, some of which are not complete. Is this an acceptable project given that at least some of the projects are complete within the last six (6) years? Likewise, we have additional contracts providing CMS to other Corps Districts in which we inspect buildings, some older than six (6) years. Is this an acceptable project given that at least some of the buildings are less than six (6) years old?

Projects may be submitted that meet the synopsis requirements/SOW while being completed within six years of issuance from the date of the RFP. PP 11-Sep-17

11-Sep-17 9

Section 3c, Past Performance. What is to be submitted in this Section? PPIRS, CPARS, and/or Past Performance Questionnaires? Given that a PPQ template was not provided, we’re assuming any format will be acceptable. Correct? If PPQs are required, can we use ones that were prepared for earlier proposals unrelated to this one?

Any evaluation form will be acceptable as long as it is specific to the projects submitted under Section 3, a. A PPQ form has been provided for those that require it. A search of PPIRS/CPARS will also be performed by the Government.

PP 11-Sep-17

13-Sep-17

Under "Specialized Experience and Technical Competence", can experience of subcontractors be used to satisfy the requirement for some of the five (5) projects, or must all five (5) projects come from the prime firm?

The Offeror may utilize the experience of a subcontractor;

however, this subcontractor MUST be a first tier subcontractor and a teaming agreement MUST also be provided. The teaming agreement will not count against the page count. If a substitution is made for the proposed subcontractor, the new subcontractor's qualification MUST be provided to the Contracting Officer for approval prior to the switch being made. In the case of any Prime contractor utilizing the experience of a first tier subcontractor, at least FIFTY PERCENT (50%) of the submitted experience MUST come from the Prime Offeror. With regard to the base contract requirements, the Prime Offeror must perform at least 50% of the work per FAR 52.219-14, Limitation on Subcontracting.

PP 13-Sep-17

CM Support RFI Responses Date

Answered Date Received Spec Number if provided Question Answer Response By

13-Sep-17

Under "Selection Criteria", do the tabs for criteria a through g count toward the 50-page limit? Tabs, table of contents and any teaming agreements will not be included as part of the page count. PP 13-Sep-17

13-Sep-17

Under "Submission Requirements", it is noted that Section G of SF330 is limited to 5 pages.

Section G is typically a one-page chart that correlates Section E resumes to Section F projects.

Should the statement read that Section F of SF330 is limited to 5 pages?

Language now reads, The SF 330 Part I shall not exceed 50 pages (8.5” x 11”). Offerors may distribute the pages among the Sections at their discretion.

PP 13-Sep-17

13-Sep-17

Under "Specialized Experience and Technical Competence", can on-going projects be used or do the projects have to be complete?

All projects must be completed. PP 13-Sep-17

13-Sep-17 14 The FBO posting notice type states that this announcement is Presolicitation. However, the synopsis notice says this posting is considered solicitation notice. I would like to clarify that this FBO posting is an actual solicitation and not pre-solicitation.

The is an AE type requirement that doesn’t have a typical solicitation. The synopsis posted on FBO is the Solicitation Notice. Nothing further will be provided. You, as the contractor, if interested, must submit your SF330 in accordance to the directions prescribed in the synopsis. The SF330s will be evaluated to determine who will advance to the pricing portion of this process. Please review FAR part 36 for more guidance in the AE process.

MC 13-Sep-17

14-Sep-17 15 For provided contract services between alternate work sites, possibly in the same day; will the Gov provide transportation for contractors?

The contractor will be responsible for providing their own transportation. PP 15-Sep-17

14-Sep-17 16 Is STANDARD FORM 330 (REV. 8/2016) the correct form to use for submission; if not what is the correct SF330 revision to submit?

Standard Form 330, rev 8/2016 is the correct form to use.

PP 15-Sep-17

14-Sep-17 17

Please confirm that Past Performance Projects completed under NAICS Code 236220 are acceptable in addition to NAICS Code 541330.

No, this requirement uses only (1) NAICS code that is 541330 for Engineering Services. Any other past performance projects using NAICS codes other than 541330 will not be accepted.

MC 14-Sep-17

14-Sep-17 18

Of the five (5) Past Performance Projects to be submitted, please confirm that projects of our sub-consultants is acceptable.

The Offeror may utilize the experience of a subcontractor;

however, this subcontractor MUST be a first tier subcontractor and a teaming agreement MUST also be provided. The teaming agreement will not count against the page count. Once the task order is awarded, if a substitution is made for the proposed subcontractor, the new subcontractor's qualification MUST be provided to the Contracting Officer for approval prior to the switch being made. In the case of any Prime contractor utilizing the experience of a first tier subcontractor, at least FIFTY PERCENT (50%) of the submitted experience MUST come from the Prime Offeror. With regard to the base contract requirements, the Prime Offeror must perform at least 50% of the work per FAR 52.219-14, Limitation on Subcontracting.

PP 15-Sep-17

14-Sep-17 19

Of the five (5) Past Performance Projects to be submitted, please advise the minimum number of Past Performance Projects that must be from the Prime Contractor.

The Offeror may utilize the experience of a subcontractor;

however, this subcontractor MUST be a first tier subcontractor and a teaming agreement MUST also be provided. The teaming agreement will not count against the page count. Once the task order is awarded, if a substitution is made for the proposed subcontractor, the new subcontractor's qualification MUST be provided to the Contracting Officer for approval prior to the switch being made. In the case of any Prime contractor utilizing the experience of a first tier subcontractor, at least FIFTY PERCENT (50%) of the submitted experience MUST come from the Prime Offeror. With regard to the base contract requirements, the Prime Offeror must perform at least 50% of the work per FAR 52.219-14, Limitation on Subcontracting.

PP 15-Sep-17

14-Sep-17 20 Please confirm that PPQ’s for Past Performance Projects for sub-consultants are required. PPQs are required for each project submitted.

PP 15-Sep-17

14-Sep-17 21

Please confirm that the resumes to be submitted for proposed personnel can be from the sub-consultant.

Resumes are to be provided for all dedicated management staff and key personnel to be considered/utilized on the contract.

PP 15-Sep-17

14-Sep-17 22 Are Part I and Part II to be submitted in separate volumes (two binders) or can they be combined into one?

Part I and II may be submitted in the same binder provided that they are separated by tabs. PP 15-Sep-17

14-Sep-17

Can an 11x17 page be used for Section D – Organizational Chart and if so does it count as 1 or 2 pages?

A folded 11” x 17” format may be used and shall be counted as one page provided the only information presented is the organization chart. PP 15-Sep-17

14-Sep-17

Can previously submitted PPQs be used for Past Performance? Previous PPQs can be submitted as long as there are no headers or footers that reference another soliciation. PP 15-Sep-17

14-Sep-17

Regarding the statement in Amendment 1 “Each criteria (a through g) shall appear behind an associated tab of the same letter”, are these to be subtabs within Section H?

Provide a separate tab for section H; however, subtabs may be used but are not required. See revised Synopsis for submission requirements.

PP 15-Sep-17

14-Sep-17

Are applicable state and local (non-federal) projects acceptable or will federal projects be weighted higher during project evaluation?

Experience other than federal will be accepted should it meet the requirements. It is the Offeror responsibility to submit projects it deems to be most relevant to the requirements. PP 15-Sep-17

14-Sep-17

Will local projects be weighed higher during evaluation? Experience other than federal will be accepted should it meet the requirements. It is the Offeror responsibility to submit projects it deems to be most relevant to the requirements.

PP 15-Sep-17

14-Sep-17

Can resumes and projects from subcontractors be included in the SF330? The Offeror may utilize the experience of a subcontractor;

however, this subcontractor MUST be a first tier subcontractor and a teaming agreement MUST also be provided. The teaming agreement will not count against the page count. Once the task order is awarded, if a substitution is made for the proposed subcontractor, the new subcontractor's qualification MUST be provided to the Contracting Officer for approval prior to the switch being made. In the case of any Prime contractor utilizing the experience of a first tier subcontractor, at least FIFTY PERCENT (50%) of the submitted experience MUST come from the Prime Offeror. With regard to the base contract requirements, the Prime Offeror must perform at least 50% of the work per FAR 52.219-14, Limitation on S b i

PP 15-Sep-17

14-Sep-17

Based on timing with FY end, we respectfully request a 2 week extension No extension is granted. due date for SF330 submittal is 03 October 2017, NLT 4PM EST. MC 15-Sep-17

14-Sep-17

How many PPQ’s do we need as Prime, from our current industry clients? Do we need PPQ’s for al subs as well?

PPQs are required for each project submitted. PP 15-Sep-17

14-Sep-17

Per the FBO Synopsis, we "must submit two copies of SF330 Part 1, and two copies SF330 Part II for the prime firm and all consultants." Also per the FBO Synopsis, the "SF330 Part I shall not exceed 50 pages." Does the 50 page limit encompass the entirety of what is submitted for the prime firm and all consultants, or does the prime get 50 pages and each consultant get up to 50 pages to complete individual SF330 Part I's?

The 50 page limit is the total maximum of pages for the Part I submission for the Prime and any consultants, not 50 pages each. PP 15-Sep-17

14-Sep-17

Per the FBO Synopsis, "The Offeror shall submit on no more than 5 projects." To clarify, is this five project limit a combination of past performances for the prime and the primary consultants? Or does the prime get five projects, and each consultant get up to 5 projects?

The 5 project limit is the total for the Prime and any consultants, not 5 projects each. PP 15-Sep-17

15-Sep-17 33 What method do we submit our SF330 (via email, mail, etc.)? Please submit as instructed in the synopsis. PP 18-Sep-17

15-Sep-17

Connecting via telephone with one of our past performance project Contracting Office (KO) has been unsuccessful. In the event this PPQ (and / or others) is NOT returned to the offeror prior to the SF 330 submittal, will you accept a copy of the completed form submitted to the KO? Please advise.

If the Offeror is unable to obtain a completed PPQ from a client for a project(s) before the proposal closing date, the Offeror must complete and submit with the proposal the first page of the PPQ for projects submitted under the tab for EXPERIENCE IN RELEVANT PROJECTS, which will provide contract and client information for the respective project(s). Offerors are encouraged to follow-up with clients/references (via phone or email) to ensure timely submittal of questionnaires PP 18-Sep-17

15-Sep-17

Per SF330, Part I, Section H, #30 “PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REQUESTED BY THE AGENCY. ATTACH ADDITIONAL SHEETS AS NEEDED.” Is this the correct placement/location to provide the narrative as requested in the pre-solicitation - 3.

SELECTION CRITERIA: (d) Capacity to Accomplish the Work? Please clarify

See revised Synopsis for submission requirements.

PP 18-Sep-17

15-Sep-17

In the SF330 revision I’m using (STANDARD FORM 330 (REV. 8/2016)); Section H has a TABLE OF CONTENTS section with a layout of ‘HEADING 1 HERE’ and ‘HEADING 1 SAMPLE 2’; among other, similar text. What is the relevance of these text, in regard to our submission?

Not able to locate a table of contents or headings in SF300 (Rev 8/2016)

PP 18-Sep-17

15-Sep-17

Under the FBO notice, section 4.SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS; there is the following text:

“Interested firms having the capabilities to perform this work must submit two copies of SF 330 Part I, and two copies of SF 330 Part II for the prime firm and all consultants, to the above address not later than 4:00 PM on the response date indicated above.” Per this text, does each prime and each subcontractor have to fill-in and submit a SF330 completely; or does the prime contractor fill-in and submit a SF330 completely, with each subcontractor’s information, at pertinent areas?

The Prime contractor is to complete the form and submit each subcontractor's information in pertinent areas.

PP 18-Sep-17

15-Sep-17

If the proposing team does not have USACE Past Experience, do we still require to complete the Attachment A?

The PPQ can be used for any project. It does not have to be specific to USACE; however, if the Agency has their own evaluation form, this will be accepted. PP 18-Sep-17

15-Sep-17

Item 1. Contract Information. Could the Government please confirm that this Multiple Award contract will be awarded to up to five (5) 8(a) Small Businesses? The Statement currently states, “USACE Baltimore District (NAB) contemplates the award of five (5) Firm Fixed Price Indefinite- Delivery Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contracts, which includes up to five (5) 8(a) Small Business set aside awards for Architect-Engineer (A/E) Construction Management Services (CMS) with individual capacities of $9.9M totaling $49.5M and each with an ordering period of five (5) years (no option years).” We would appreciate clarification on the number of Awards and whether this is limited to only 8(a) certified Offerors

The current synopsis is an 8(a) set-aside. All awards will be made solely to 8(a) contractors.

PP 18-Sep-17

15-Sep-17

Item 3. Selection Criteria, paragraph b. Professional Qualifications. Will there be any need for Personnel on this contract to have security clearances? If so, who and at what level is anticipated?

Security Clearance is not a requirement; however, if the Offeror has a clearance, please indicate as such.

PP 18-Sep-17

15-Sep-17

Section 3.b Professional Qualifications: The presolicitation states “The firm must have registered and licensed personnel (when required), either in-house or through consultants, to include but not limited to the following list of key disciplines: architect, civil engineer, electrical engineer, structural engineer, mechanical engineer, geotechnical engineer and /or fire protection engineer.”

a. Does this mean specifically that these positions must be shown as key personnel resumes for Section E? These specialties are often not associated with many of the key CM tasks as much as other disciplines (i.e. scheduler, claims analyst, construction manager etc.).

b. May we use other positions (either in place of, or in addition to) the positions listed in Section 3.b?

The synopsis goes on to also say, "Offerors must provide identification and qualifications of dedicated management staff and key personnel on the solicited contract, to include resumes showing relevant experience". The Offeror shall provide resumes for those personnel/disciplines that the Offeror determines will meet the requirements of the synopsis. The Offeror may provide positions/disciplines in addition to those identified. See revised Synopsis, Section 2, project Information.

PP 18-Sep-17

15-Sep-17

Section 3.a Specialized Experience and Technical Competence: The presolicitation states “All projects provided in the SF 330 must be completed by the office/branch/regional office/individual team member actually proposed to manage and perform under this contract.” Does this mean that every project needs to tie directly to one of the individuals of the key disciplines in 3.b? There are many instances where a CM past performance does not have a design aspect to it and, therefore, will not have a connection to the 3.b individuals unless we can note additional CM personnel as key.

Submitted projects must demonstrate the experience of the Prime Offeror or teaming subcontractor (if app.). Offeror will indicate if Key Personnel was involved with any of the submitted projects in SF 330, G. The Offeror will determine how it will select it's projects and personnel to best meet the requirements of the Synopsis.

PP 18-Sep-17

15-Sep-17

Section 3.c states: “The total of past performance questionnaires submitted must be in compliance with the amount of and specific to the projects allowed and submitted, as described under Section 3 (a).” If we have existing CPARs or previous PPQs (in the same format) for these projects, may we submit those documents as opposed to having new PPQs completed? Some of our customers within USACE only complete CPARs as policy or only one PPQ and will not complete additional PPQs.

Previous PPQs or exisitng CPARS can be submitted as long as there are no headers or footers that reference another solicitation.

PP 18-Sep-17

15-Sep-17

Is the 50 page limit for each SF 330 part 1 by each firm or all of them combined together ? The 50 page limit is the total maximum of pages for the Part I submission for the Prime and any consultants, not 50 pages each. PP 18-Sep-17

15-Sep-17

Under section a – Specialized Experience and Technical Competence, its listed that the Offeror shall submit no more than five projects. Is that the limit for the Prime only ? Or is that the limit for projects to be submitted including sub-consultants on the team ? Is it 5 projects each for each firm on the team or 5 overall for entire team ?

The Offeror may utilize the experience of a subcontractor;

however, this subcontractor MUST be a first tier subcontractor and a teaming agreement MUST also be provided. The teaming agreement will not count against the page count. Once the task order is awarded, if a substitution is made for the proposed subcontractor, the new subcontractor's qualification MUST be provided to the Contracting Officer for approval prior to the switch being made. In the case of any Prime contractor utilizing the experience of a first tier subcontractor, at least FIFTY PERCENT (50%) of the submitted experience MUST come from the Prime Offeror. With regard to the base contract requirements, the Prime Offeror must perform at least 50% of the work per FAR 52.219-14, Limitation on S b i

PP 18-Sep-17

15-Sep-17

The 5 projects submitted by the offeror has to be past performance as a prime on the projects or we can submit projects completed as a sub ?

Submitted projects can demonstrate the Prime Offeror's experience as a Prime or a sub; however, the Prime Offeror must submit some experience as a Prime. PP 18-Sep-17

15-Sep-17

In section 4: submission requirements it states “ include no more than 5 pages for section G” is this a typo and it meant to say Section F which will be the 5 projects and 1 page per project ?

Language now reads, The SF 330 Part I shall not exceed 50 pages (8.5” x 11”). Offerors may distribute the pages among the Sections at their discretion. PP 18-Sep-17

15-Sep-17

Is there any requirement to submit a teaming agreement between the prime and sub-consultant for this solicitation ?

A teaming agreement must be submitted if the the Prime Offeror intends to rely on the experience of any of it's first tier subcontractors/consultant firms. See revised Synopsis for submission requirements. PP 18-Sep-17

15-Sep-17

The requirement for the subconsultant is same as the prime to submit 2 copies of their SF 330 Part I and Part II ?

The Prime contractor is to complete the form and submit each subcontractor's information in the pertinent areas. There is not a submission for the Prime and a separate submission for any subcontractors. PP 18-Sep-17

15-Sep-17

Will a Prime 8(a) firm that is teamed with several capable SB & set aside team members be given higher consideration & rating rather than an 8(a) teamed with a single large business firm?"

The Offerors will be rated on how well the individual or team submission meets the requirements of the Synopsis.

PP 18-Sep-17

15-Sep-17

Please confirm that the selection criteria D-G is to be included under the SF 330 Section H and also under a separated out under an associated tab. See revised Synopsis for submission requirements. PP 18-Sep-17

15-Sep-17 52

Are consultants permitted to modify the SF 330 forms to add style elements such as color, spacing and fonts as long as the content of the form is consistent with the standardized forms available from the federal website?

We understand that we need to follow the guidelines set forth in the RFP in reference to font size, etc.

The Offeror may modify the SF 330 to add style elements such as color, spacing and fonts as long as the content of the form is consistent with the standardized form and meets the requirements set forth in the Synopsis.

PP 18-Sep-17