B.08 Amend 0004 24R0010 QA Svcs EAA Solicitaion Released.pdf

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30-105-04EXCEPTION TO SF 30

APPROVED BY OIRM 11-84

STANDARD FORM 30 (Rev. 10-83) Prescribed by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

The purpose of this amendment to Solicitation W912EP24R0010 is to:

1. Provide changes to 52.212-1 under subfactor 3: Past Performance Questionnaire, on how to submitting the PPQ document. Changes are highlighted in yellow .

2. Extend the Solicitation offer due date to 13 March 2024 at 12:00 PM EST.

3. Provided answ ers to bidders questions #68-80. All answ ers are highlighted in yellow .

All other Terms and Conditions remain in effect.

See Summary of Changes.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

J 1 20

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

16C. DATE SIGNED

BY 01-Mar-2024

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA15C. DATE SIGNED15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of Contracting Officer)(Signature of person authorized to sign)

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., Street , County, State and Zip Code) X W912EP24R0010

X 9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

05-Feb-2024

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

X The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offer X is extended, is not extended.

Offer must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning 1 copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN

REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS.

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE

CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(B).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

10A. MOD. OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO.(If applicable)

6. ISSUED BY

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

01-Mar-2024

CODE

USA ENGINEER DISTRICT, JACKSONVILLE

CONTRACTING DIVISION

701 SAN MARCO BLVD

JACKSONVILLE FL 32207-8175

W912EP 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than item 6)

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.

CODE

See Item 6

FACILITY CODECODE

EMAIL:TEL:

W912EP24R0010

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

SECTION SF 1449 - CONTINUATION SHEET

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

The required response date/time has changed from 06-Mar-2024 12:00 PM to 13-Mar-2024 12:00 PM.

The following have been modified:

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. Are the following items included in the page count for Volumes 1 and 3?

a. Covers

b. Table of contents

c. Compliance matrix

d. Tabs, section dividers, other organizational separators

No, it will not count towards page count.

2. Only the contract manager is listed as key staff and we can provide a resume for such. What other positions does the government want to see on an organization chart? Our Procedures Manual and Technical approach relies upon others for project delivery, how will resumes be evaluated for this opportunity? And does the government want to see resumes for the senior level staff for each of the identified positions?

The Government wants to see all positions on an organization chart. The Government also want to see resumes for all positions. Resumes will be evaluated accordingly.

3. Are resumes also to be provided for staff that would be shown on the project-specific Mock Task or chart? if so, will they be counted within the 50-page count of Volume 1?

Yes, Resumes are required and will not count towards 50-page count.

4. Will resumes count within the 50-page limit in Volume 1?

Resumes will not count towards 50-page count.

5. Is the “established Procedures Manual” to be included in Volume 1 part of the 50-page limit? Yes

6. We have successfully used USACE manuals and procedures for this exact work in the past. Do we meet the criteria if we can provide the name of those manuals’ vs provide the entire manuals?

Contractors can provide the Manual names.

7. If the contractor’s role is to provide staff support, what is the intent of requesting a written procedures manual? And how is this different than a Project Execution Plan? Or from the also requested Staffing and Quality Plans? The intent of the written procedure’s manual is because the Contractor will be responsible for writing some reports. One of these reports will be the geological report from the Geotechnical Engineer (Refer to Part 5 Specific Tasks of the PWS).

The difference between Quality Plan and Project Execution Plan is while Quality Plan is the planning document, capturing the entire project end-to-end, covering all project phases, from initiation through planning, execution and closure. The project execution plan describes what the Contractor will do.

8. In the Volume 1 submittal, is the government looking for the offeror to present information on the project team, and Base PWS requirements?

Yes.

9. Will the government accept CPARs (or a formal state project evaluation form) in lieu of PPQ forms?

Yes.

10. For our past USACE QA and CEI contracts we have labor categories for project/task order managers. Will the government add positions for project manager and task manager for project execution so they can provide management and task order delivery oversight for each task order?

A Contracting Officer Rep (COR) will be assigned at each task order level.

11. For Attachments 3 and 4, please confirm only the prime contractor needs to provide this information.

Only Prime

12. Please confirm contracts/programs may be listed for past performance and project experience. As written, this is permitted and would allow us to identify relevant past performance for all work areas.

Confirmed.

13. Please confirm that no more than 5 contracts/projects are to be included from the Prime? Or can more than 5 projects be submitted.

Max is 5

14. Past USACE Quality Assurance contract RFP allowed for contract/project experience to reach by 7 years vs the 5 years in this RFP. Would the government allow past experience to be within the past 7 years of release of RFP?

Within 5 years is recent and relevant.

15. Please confirm whether the government will consider contracts/projects within 75%-100% completion?

Yes, within same or similar NAICS.

16. Please confirm the government will accept contracts/projects where our inspection work is 100% complete, but the overall project has not been completed?

Yes, within same or similar NAICS.

17. For Volume III Past Performance, it says 25 pages are allowed for the prime for their past performance information and up to 5 projects. Are there any other requirements for how pages are to be used to present past performance? And if, for example, 2 subcontractors are included on the team, this would allow for 10 additional pages (35 total) to be used for including subcontractor team members for the total presentation of past performance, correct? Are there any other requirements for how the pages are to be used or distributed between prime and subcontractor(s)?

Prime in main 25 pages Subs added 5 pages (up to 5)

18. Will the government clarify the Daily reports to Field COR requirement?

Daily reports shall meet contract requirements.

19. Will the government. clarify the limits of professional liability because professional engineers will not be performing the tasks?

The contractor DOES NOT HAVE any professional engineer responsibility.

20. As this is not a SF330 submittal, per the Volume III instructions, please confirm when the project information is provided that we only need to include the costs of services for our relevant quality assurance/construction inspection/program management costs? It is not required for us to include overall construction costs for the project which the quality assurance/inspection services were being provided?

Only include quality assurance/inspection services cost.

21. There is not enough detail to estimate level of effort in the Mock Task Order. In order to have an apples-to-apples comparison across all vendors when evaluating the Mock Task Order, can the Government provide the number of positions and hours per position for pricing to be developed for the pricing? And identify where more than one individual is needed for a position? (This approach would benefit the Government by allowing the price evaluation to focus on the price comparison vs a difference in staffing and technical delivery approach that does not appear to be covered by this scope of services?)

Level of effort will be provided with the RFP for each Task Order.

22. Please verify that the government will provide all testing equipment (the testing equipment was not included in the requirement equipment provided)? Contracted inspectors are to calibrate equipment used for testing, please identify who will provide the equipment to be used on the contract.

This is a Quality Assurance Services Contract. No testing equipment will be needed.

23. The skills to run/perform field tests are identified in requirements for personnel in the RFP, but it is not clear who will process those tests. Please identify who is responsible for performing laboratory testing of field samples taken by the quality assurance inspectors during the contract delivery?

The laboratory testing will be performed by the Government or another contractor.

24. If nuclear density testing is to be performed, and the contractor is not to provide the equipment, will the equipment provider be responsible for managing the required monitoring and safety programs for the device(s) and the inspector(s) using the device(s)?

The nuclear density testing will be performed by the Government or another contractor.

25. When does the government anticipate responding to questions from the Q&A?

ASAP

26. Attachments 2, 3 & 4 mentioned in solicitation. Please let us know, in which Volume does these attachments go? Also, we are producing PPQ’s and Performance references under attachment 4, is it mandatory to produce Trade references too?

All attachments in volume 4 PPQ are what is requested.

27. Past Performance: PPQs: The POCs shall be instructed to electronically complete Part II of the questionnaire and e-mail the entire questionnaire to the Contracting Office no later than the proposal due date. Is the approach same for offeror’s clients like USACE/ SFWMD?

Yes

28. Volume III Past Performance states: This volume shall contain past performance information regarding similar contracts. Offerors shall submit, up to 5, Government and/or commercial contracts. Does the government request overall contracts OR task orders performed under an IDIQ to be considered for this section?

As long as it is similar work being performed.

29. Volume III Past Performance states: This volume shall not exceed 25 pages plus five pages for each major subcontractor. Offerors shall submit, up to 5, Government and/or commercial contracts for the prime offeror and each major subcontractor in performance or awarded during the past five years, from the issue date of this RFP. To confirm, a major subcontractor is also required to submit up to 5 contracts not to exceed the five additional pages. Also, is these five pages in total or five pages per example?

initial 25 should be all primes past performance.

addition 5 pages for each sub. Up to 5 subs.

30. Volume III Past Performance requests Past Performance Questionnaires to be completed. We have received feedback from the Government that if a completed CPARS is available, they will not complete a PPQ.

Would a completed CPARS be allowed to take the place of a PPQ form? Would the Government accept PPQ sections 1-4 completed with the corresponding CPARS for this section?

PPQ and/or CPARS will be accepted.

31. Volume III Past Performance states: Offerors shall submit, up to 5, Government and/or commercial contracts for the prime offeror and each major subcontractor in performance or awarded during the past five years, from the issue date of this RFP. Would the Government consider a contract that was awarded outside of five years that was executed during the last 5 years? For example, a 5-year contract was awarded in 2017 and the period of performance was from 2017 through 2022. Would that be considered acceptable since most of the work would have been completed within the last 5 years.

Yes, work performed in last 5 years.

32. The Mock PWS section requires proposed staffing and skill levels (including resumes). Would the

Government consider limiting resumes to one page and removing them from the page count limitations.

Not included in page count.

33. Technical: We understand that the respondent shall provide a copy of its established Procedures Manual to execute construction quality assurance services. Will this be exempted from 50 Page limit? Also, can you provide us with a copy of USACE’s procedures and regulations.

Yes, the established Procedures Manual is exempted from 50 Page limit.

34. As W912EP-22-R-005 (Contract 11A for foundation/cutoff wall) is a separate contract, can the Government clarify that a conflict of interest does not exist if participating with the contractor?

No, there is no conflict of interest.

35. The solicitation indicates 100% set aside for small business interests. Can the Government confirm that no participation is permitted for firms which exceed the $19,500,000 size standard for NAICS 541990?

Small business under this NAICS will be accepted.

36. Can you confirm that past performance projects from other NAICS codes can be used, as long as the services provided are similar?

Yes, or similar.

37. Can you verify if this will be a single award?

Single award

38. Will you allow CPARS in lieu of a PPQ?

Yes

39. If we have PPQs completed within the past 12 months, will you accept these or do you require new PPQs directly from our clients?

New directly from clients

40. Do we need to include resumes for all of the positions in the Mock PWS?

Yes.

41. In the Mock PWS, it does not specify what levels to include for the positions. For example, it states QA Rep, but it does not specify a QA Rep I, QA Rep II, or QA Rep III. As many of these positions have various levels, can you specify what level to show a resume for each position?

Since the QA Services needed will be different on each task order, the Government will specify the positions need on the RFP for each task order accordingly.

42. In addendum 1, under “Addendum to 52.212-1, Proposal Submission, 2. Proposal Files, Volume I – Technical, Section 1, it states “The offeror shall discuss milestones showing sequenced events in the proposed transition plan.” Can you please clarify what you mean by a transition plan?

This means that you will have to discuss the transition plan with the previous Quality Assurance contractor (name and contract information provided by the Government).

43. In addendum 1, under “Addendum to 52.212-1, Proposal Submission, 1. Proposal Submission Requirements, Item a. it states “Each volume shall be clearly labeled with its Title and a copy number (e.g., copy 1 of 5). However, there is only 1 digital copy required for each volume. Do we still need to include a copy number for each volume?

No, only one of each. Digital copies.

44. In addendum 1, under “Addendum to 52.212-1, Proposal Submission, 2. Proposal Files, Item b. File

Packaging, it states, “The three electronic files shall be named as follow:” However, there are four electronic files, not three. Correct?

4 volumes are correct.

45. “Attachment 1 – NAVFAC/USACE Past Performance Questionnaire” starts in the middle of a page with

“Exhibit B Deliverables Schedule” included on the same page. Can you provide Attachment 1 as a separate file, or can we have permission to adjust Attachment 1 to remove the non-relevant information from the top of the page?

You may remove any non-relevant information.

46. Can you please clarify what information should be included in Volume IV – Solicitation, Offer and Award

Documents, and Certifications/Representations?

All solicitation documents, amendments, attachments, reps, and certs.

47. Do we include “Attachment 2 – Letter of Commitment for Key Subcontractor or Key Personnel” in Volume I – Technical? If so, since this is a required form, will it count in the 50-page limit?

Attachments in volume 4

48. Does the required Table of Contents for each Volume count in the page limit requirements?

no

49. Does the SF 1449 form go in Volume IV?

Yes, any solicitation document in volume 4.

50. In what Volume do we include the signed Addendums?

volume 4

51. In what Volume do we put “Attachment 4 – Determination of Responsibility Form”?

volume 4

52. Do we need to include “Attachment 5 – Proposal Format” in our response? If so, in what Volume do we include this required form?

volume 4

53. Are the data entry, cost estimator, and scheduler positions required to be on site full-time?

No.

54. Due to the short turnaround from the Q&A, will you please extend the deadline for submissions?

No.

55. Please provide more details regarding "Activity Based Schedules." Is this schedule in reference to the QA tasks listed in the Attachment 6 – Mock Task Order PWS? This is part of the Mock Task Order. And the Government is not requesting the offeror to develop a hypothetical construction schedule and construction activities (which is the responsibility of the construction contractor and not QA contractor)?

The Government IS NOT ASKING the contractor to prepare a hypothetical construction schedule and construction activities.

56. Please confirm the resumes are needed for the following positions only [QA Rep, Civil Engineer, Environmental Engineer, Geotech Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Cost Estimator, and Scheduler]

Yes.

57. For the base year (CLIN 0001), the schedule shows a total quantity of 45,000,000. Are we supposed to sum the total cost from Attachment 7 table for base year then divide it by the provided quantity?

No, the $45,000,000.00 is the total contract cost for the base year and 4 option years. The base year cost will depend on the EAA QA Services needs for that year. The needs will be requested thru the RFP for that year. At the end of the base year, option 1 will be exercised and a new RFP will be issued for that Option Year. Also, for other CLINS, please confirm that the solicitation is requesting hourly rates, meaning that the quantity of each discipline should be 1. Requesting hourly rate. Are we supposed to add up the total cost amount for each CLIN in Attachment 7, and list the total here?

58. Please clarify what is being requested in the Summary Section and how it is different than the Table of Contents.

The Summary Section shall contain a brief abstract of the file.

59. Mock PWS Please define ‘required timeframe’.

Required time frame indicate that an activity or task must be finished within a predetermined period of time.

60. What should the bidders assume for the quantity to complete this table for base and options years?

With the RFP for the base and each option year, the Government will provide disciplines and lever of effort needed for the Contractor to provide quantities.

61. Can the government provide a template for the written consent letter?

No template provided.

62. Will the government accept the contractor's UEI Number instead of the DUNS number?

Yes

63. Please confirm a PPQ is needed from both the Government contracting activity AND the technical representative.

YES.

64. Please confirm the PPQ(s) should be submitted directly to the Contracting Officer and not included in the proposal.

Yes

65. Can existing PPQs be submitted if completed by the government contracting activity or technical representative?

Yes

66. Please confirm the POC list should be included in Word format in addition to the four volumes or should it be included in Volume III as a table?

Please include as a table in volume II

67. Could you please clarify if the past performance you are requesting pertains to the preceding 3 or 5 years?

See Amendment 0002 of solicitation.

68. Questions 2, 3, and 56 Clarifications needed. Per the RFP, all staff are included in the Key staff definition as they are called out by RFP section therefore the following question still remains for the need for resumes or not. If this is not the intention, can you please provide clarifications to the following questions:

- For the IDIQ Base PWS is an org chart requested? Or is the org chart only requested for the Mock Task Order?

Answer: Org Chart is requested for the Base PWS and Mock TO PWS.

- If an org chart for the IDIQ Base PWS is required to be responsive, are all positions listed in the rate tables to be included within this org chart? And if so, are resumes requested for all labor categories on the project and for each of the sub-levels of experience (for example, are resumes requested for each position of QAR I, II, and III (three resumes for three individuals)? Or can a resume be provided just for the most senior level of a discipline requested?

Answer: All positions listed in the tables will be included in the org chart. Resumes are requested for all skill level positions.

- For the Mock Task Order, while the government listed disciplines to support the task order, it did not indicate if multiple levels (I, II, and/or III) were needed to support the Task Order? No project plans have been provided for the Mock Task Order, no information about the project and if it can be completed in 6 months or 36 months is provided, only a 12-month duration of support is requested. Therefore, we are not sure how do determined how many staff are needed at each discipline and discipline level? To be responsive we need the Government to provide more scope or to specifically state which disciplines, and at what discipline levels, we are being requested to provide staff and resumes for on the project.

Answer: For the Base and each Option Year, a task order will be awarded with a period of performance of 12 months. The Government will exercise each option year annually. Staff needs are going to be provided by the Government thru an RFP for the base and each option year accordingly. Resumes are requested for all skill level positions.

69. Question 9. Thank you for permitting existing CPARs (or a formal state project evaluation form) in lieu of PPQ forms. Please confirm that compliance with this item includes submitting the existing evaluations with the proposal in the back of Volume III? and not part of the page count? Or are they to be emailed into the Government? If email submission is requested/required, can the proposer submit their copy of those as it is unlikely that the past clients will email an existing CPAR that is already on file/in the government database?

Answer: Contractors can provide PPQ Forms and/or CPARs.

70. Question 19. The Government has stated that the contractor does not have professional engineer responsibility.

However, the discipline descriptions contain the following language that may be interpreted to request that level of support. Can this highlighted language be removed or revised so at to align with non-professional duties and responsibilities?

- 5.1.1.5 Civil Engineer II: Serve as a Quality Assurance Representative II in addition to the following duties:

- make decisions on necessity for design changes in relation to construction status from the standpoint of feasibility, economy, and standard practices. Initiates and designs modifications, including technical descriptions not involving major revisions of large scope to plans and specifications. Reviews for adequacy, proposed revisions, and effect on construction with any appropriate design recommendations to correct design deficiencies and/or field conditions, modification of methods to accommodate technological changes of special systems, changes desired by using agency and as requested by contractors.

- 5.1.2.7 Environmental Engineer II/III: Serve as a Quality Assurance Representative II focused on the identification, assessment, and problem resolution concerning the environment. Prevent, control, and remediate environmental health hazards utilizing various engineering disciplines, soil science, biology, and chemistry. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology. Ensures the conformance to federal, state, and local environmental legislation.

- 5.1.2.11 Electrical Engineer II/III: Serve as a Quality Assurance Representative II focused on electrical devices. Reviews designs of electrical features for electrical layout, power distribution and lighting, air conditioning systems, motors, controllers, switchboards, switches, transmitters, and automatic controls for civil works and military projects, pumping stations, locks, dams, hurricane gates, Army reserve centers, fuel tank removal and installation, and other structures and facilities of the District. Makes periodic inspections and field examinations of existing locks, dams, bridges, hurricane gates, repair shops, buildings, Army reserve centers, DERP sites, etc.

- Determines nature, cause and effect of electrical deficiencies or failures and prepares cost estimates, reports and recommendations for remedial action, repair, re-design, etc. Prepares periodic inspection reports.

Reviews and checks contractors shop drawings of electrical materials, equipment, and appurtenances for conformance with contract plans and specifications. Recommends modifications where necessary. Advises the approval for substitution or modification of materials, parts, equipment, arrangement and installation or construction procedure. Witnesses field tests of electrical systems and equipment and recommends or advises on acceptances. Applies available codes, standards, manuals, circulars and other criteria and analysis. Keeps informed of new developments in electrical engineering field and applies new and improved construction material equipment and procedures to enhance engineering design and efficiency of construction operation and maintenance. Coordinates utility relocation requirements with other District elements and utility companies. Develops correspondence and reports for complete utility relocation designs. The utility work involves electrical and telephone line relocations for overhead and underground relocations.

Answer: The Construction Contractor for each Project will be responsible for any professional liability. The Quality Assurance Representative of the Quality Assurance Contract will not have any professional engineer responsibility.

71. Question 23 and 24 regarding testing activities and requirements. Can the highlighted items be removed or revised to correlate with the response from the Government on these questions that laboratory testing and nuclear density testing will be conducted by others?

- 5.1.2.16 Construction Laboratory Technician (Materials Testing Technician/Laboratory Tester): Performs a variety of non-professional technical work in the specialized engineering field of geotechnical and materials engineering. The work requires a practical knowledge of testing procedures and techniques based on engineering principles and the skill to apply these procedures.

Conducts laboratory and field testing to determine the engineering properties of soils, aggregates, rock, concrete, soil cement, concrete aggregate, and asphalt aggregate. Testing is conducted in accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), American Concrete Institute (ACI) or other applicable standards. The technician will obtain proper size samples, prepare the samples, and test apparatus and conducts the tests. In addition, the technician will complete the test result forms, produce the proper calculations and noting any discrepancies from the standard test methods. Tests may include, but are not limited to, particle size analysis, moisture content, fines content, ph. of soils, organic content, proctor tests, atterberg limits, maximum and minimum dry density, relative density of soils, nuclear density, sand cone testing, specific gravity, permeability, etc.

and other specific tests related to soils, soil cement, concrete, asphalt, and aggregates as needed. In addition, maintains organization and cleanliness of the laboratory facilities and equipment on a daily basis. Discards and store samples at designated locations. Performs calibrations of laboratory equipment as necessary and notifies when new equipment or supplies are needed. Performs data entry of testing results and assists in preparation of reports.

Responsible for ensuring a clean, well-organized, and responsible testing operation, and prompt, accurate test reports. Responsible for adherence to all safety rules and regulations.

Performs quality assurance materials testing of soils, soil cement, aggregates, concrete, and asphalt in the laboratory and at various construction sites for compliance with the project specifications. Based upon the required test procedures and sampling intervals specified in the project specifications, the technician will obtain the proper size sample, prepare the sample, and test apparatus, and conduct the test. The technician will complete the proper test results forms and produce the proper calculations.

Performs data analysis to a variety of laboratory and field tests including, but not limited to, particle size analysis, density, and volume calculations and/or other calculations essential for producing results. Also performs soil classifications using industry standards such as the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS).

The required skills shall include a minimum of three or more years of experience and shall be physically capable of walking over rough terrain and standing long periods of time.

Answer: Testing will be performed by the Government or another contractor, but the Construction Laboratory Technician will perform quality assurance materials testing for compliance with the project specifications.

72. Question 54. Due to the additional questions being submitted at this time will the Government extend the deadline/provide an additional 10-14 days to submit a response to this RFP?

Answer: The proposal due date is extended until 13 Mar 24 at 12:00 noon EST

73. Question 66. Can the Government review the response to this question? Volume II is to have only pricing information as noted by the last sentence of the General Instructions: “Proposal information included in this volume which is not directly related to Cost will be disregarded.” Should the POC list be provided in Volume III (Past Performance) as a table?

Answer: Yes, a table for past performance is acceptable.

Pricing-related questions:

74. Question 10. We appreciate that the Government will provide staff to coordinate with our teams. However, we were asking if labor categories/disciplines could be added to provide a project manager and task manger discipline, in addition the contracts manager. These positions are for our team to manage our staff in the field and provide direction to them to deliver QA Inspection services. The effort to manage and direct our staff in the field requires actual time and labor that is not included in our overhead rates. Would the Government add those categories/disciplines to the Attachment 7 Pricing Exhibits (and then into the SF 1449 Forms)?

Answer: No additional labor categories/disciplines are needed. Please refer to paragraph 1.6.11.6.1.1 of the PWS. The contractor can provide a Contract Manager and an Alternate Contract Manager to act for the contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of the contract.

75. Question 21. We requested more detail so we could prepare a cost estimate as requested for the Mock Task order.

However, the response to these questions does not answer the question as it states, “Level of effort will be provided with the RFP for each Task Order”. We were under the impression that a final price was being requested for the RFP Mock Task Order. If this is not correct, please clarify. If a single price is requested for the delivery of the Mock Task Order scope, please provide the level of effort by discipline so we may develop a staffing and pricing response as requested by the RFP for Volume II. If proposers are not to estimate hours and determine a final price for the 12-month period of performance, please confirm that no level of effort is required for the Mock Task Order Pricing sheet(s) and that only hourly rates need to be provided for the identified labor categories.

Answer: Contractors are to propose unit pricing for the labor disciplines listed that provide unit rates for each item for the base year and each subsequent option year. For the mock task order, the offeror should propose a level of effort to complete the required tasks along with a unit price that coincides with that listed in the proposed rates IAW the mock PWS. The contractor can include travel cost in accordance with the gsa.gov/travel.

76. Question 41. In response to the question for more specificity on the Mock Task Order to support providing staff resumes (and pricing), the government stated, “Since the QA Services needed will be different on each task order, the Government will specify the positions need on the RFP for each task order accordingly.” Please provide the positions and their associated level of effort as noted in the response so a total price may be developed. If proposers are not to estimate hours and determine a final price for the 12-month period of performance, please confirm that no level of effort is required for the Mock Task Order Pricing sheet(s) and that only hourly rates need to be provided for the identified labor categories.

Answer: Same as above

77. Question 49. Government response states that the SF1449 form should be submitted in Volume IV. However, RFP page 18 of 111 states that SF 1449 forms are to be submitted with Volume II to present the Base and Option Years pricing as well as to present the Mock Task pricing. Please confirm if SF 1449 forms should be included in Volume II or Volume IV.

Answer: Anything referring to price should be in Volume II. All other contractual documents should be submitted in the appropriate Volume I, III or IV.

78. Question 55. We are seeking additional information from the Government. The project plan, project construction schedule, list of construction activities, and other relevant project data has not been provided with the Mock Task Order. Please provide this information so we may develop and activity-based schedule for staffing the Mock Task Order project. If this data is not provided, what data should the proposers use to develop the requested activity-based schedule for the Mock Task Order?

Answer: Contractors are to propose unit pricing for the labor disciplines listed that provide unit rates for each item for the base year and each subsequent option year. For the mock task order, the offeror should propose a level of effort to complete the required tasks along with a unit price that coincides with that listed in the proposed rates IAW the mock PWS. The contractor can include travel cost in accordance with the

79. Questions 57 and 60. The Government has stated that the requested information for the Base and option year

CLINs are hourly rates and that “With the RFP for the base and each option year, the Government will provide disciplines and lever (level) of effort needed for the Contractor to provide quantities.” When will the Government provide the level of effort? If the government only wants labor rates for the base and option year CLINs a single cost value cannot be calculated. Is it appropriate to provide “To be Negotiated” for these requested CLIN values? If not, please advise how the proposers should identify a level of effort that will provide a value based on our labor rates submitted in Volume II.

Answer: Contractors are to propose unit pricing for the labor disciplines listed that provide unit rates for each item for the base year and each subsequent option year. For the mock task order, the offeror should propose a level of effort to complete the required tasks along with a unit price that coincides with that listed in the proposed rates IAW the mock PWS. The contractor can include travel cost in accordance with the

80. Please confirm that to fulfill the requirement outlined in Attachment 4, "PLEASE PROVIDE A COPY OF YOUR

LATEST FINANCIAL STATEMENT." Contractor financials for companies submitting as a Joint Venture may be submitted separately via email as a password protected PDF instead of uploading with the proposal via PIEE.

Answer: All information needs to be with your package and submitted through PIEE.

52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS--COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

(SEP 2023)

(a) North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code and small business size standard. The NAICS code(s) and small business size standard(s) for this acquisition appear elsewhere in the solicitation. However, the small business size standard for a concern that submits an offer, other than on a construction or service acquisition, but proposes to furnish an end item that it did not itself manufacture, process, or produce is 500 employees, or 150 employees for information technology value-added resellers under NAICS code 541519, if the acquisition--

(1) Is set aside for small business and has a value above the simplified acquisition threshold;

(2) Uses the HUBZone price evaluation preference regardless of dollar value, unless the offeror waives the price evaluation preference; or

(3) Is an 8(a), HUBZone, service-disabled veteran-owned, economically disadvantaged women-owned, or women-owned small business set-aside or sole-source award regardless of dollar value.

(b) Submission of offers. Submit signed and dated offers to the office specified in this solicitation at or before the exact time specified in this solicitation. Offers may be submitted on the SF 1449, letterhead stationery, or as otherwise specified in the solicitation. As a minimum, offers must show--

(1) The solicitation number W912EP24R0010;

(2) The time specified in the solicitation for receipt of offers 13 March 2024 at 12:00 PM EST;

(3) The name, address, and telephone number of the offeror;

(4) A technical description of the items being offered in sufficient detail to evaluate compliance with the requirements in the solicitation. This may include product literature, or other documents, if necessary;

(5) Terms of any express warranty;

(6) Price and any discount terms;

(7) "Remit to" address, if different than mailing address;

(8) A completed copy of the representations and certifications at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.212-3 (see FAR 52.212-3(b) for those representations and certifications that the offeror shall complete electronically); If registered in SAM, state the valid registration date, and submittal of a hard copy is not required.

(9) Acknowledgment of Solicitation Amendments: A signature and date is required on all amendments.;

(10) Past performance information, when included as an evaluation factor, to include recent and relevant contracts for the same or similar items and other references (including contract numbers, points of contact with telephone numbers and other relevant information); and

(11) If the offer is not submitted on the SF 1449, include a statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation. Offers that fail to furnish required representations or information, or reject the terms and conditions of the solicitation may be excluded from consideration.

NOTE: All questions and clarification regarding this solicitation must be submitted via email; subject line to read: Question/Clarification for W912EP24R0010. The deadline date/time for questions and clarifications is no later than 21 February 2024 @ 1200 P.M hrs EST. All questions or clarifications shall be compiled into one (1) email. The deadline date will allow the Government adequate time to prepare and issue responses to all offerors prior to the date and time set forth for receipt of proposal. All questions/clarifications shall be emailed to jennifer.l.jefferson@usace.army.mil and cc’d Gerald.l.garvey@usace.army.mil

(c) Period for acceptance of offers. The offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 30 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers, unless another time period is specified in an addendum to the solicitation.

(d) Product samples. When required by the solicitation, product samples shall be submitted at or prior to the time specified for receipt of offers. Unless otherwise specified in this solicitation, these samples shall be submitted at no expense to the Government, and returned at the sender's request and expense, unless they are destroyed during preaward testing.

(e) Multiple offers. Offerors are encouraged to submit multiple offers presenting alternative terms and conditions, including alternative line items (provided that the alternative line items are consistent with FAR subpart 4.10), or alternative commercial products or commercial services for satisfying the requirements of this solicitation. Each offer submitted will be evaluated separately.

(f) Late submissions, modifications, revisions, and withdrawals of offers:

(1) Offerors are responsible for submitting offers, and any modifications, revisions, or withdrawals, so as to reach the Government office designated in the solicitation by the time specified in the solicitation. If no time is specified in the solicitation, the time for receipt is 4:30 p.m., local time, for the designated Government office on the date that offers or revisions are due.

(2)(i) Any offer, modification, revision, or withdrawal of an offer received at the Government office designated in the solicitation after the exact time specified for receipt of offers is “late” and will not be considered unless it is received before award is made, the Contracting Officer determines that accepting the late offer would not unduly delay the acquisition; and--

(A) If it was transmitted through an electronic commerce method authorized by the solicitation, it was received at the initial point of entry to the Government infrastructure not later than 5:00 p.m. one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of offers; or

(B) There is acceptable evidence to establish that it was received at the Government installation designated for receipt of offers and was under the Government's control prior to the time set for receipt of offers; or

(C) If this solicitation is a request for proposals, it was the only proposal received.

(ii) However, a late modification of an otherwise successful offer, that makes its terms more favorable to the Government, will be considered at any time it is received and may be accepted.

(3) Acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt at the Government installation includes the time/date stamp of that installation on the offer wrapper, other documentary evidence of receipt maintained by the installation, or oral testimony or statements of Government personnel.

(4) If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal Government processes so that offers cannot be received at the Government office designated for receipt of offers by the exact time specified in the solicitation, and urgent Government requirements preclude amendment of the solicitation or other notice of an extension of the closing date, the time specified for receipt of offers will be deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in the solicitation on the first work day on which normal Government processes resume.

(5) Offers may be withdrawn by written notice received at any time before the exact time set for receipt of offers.

Oral offers in response to oral solicitations may be withdrawn orally. If the solicitation authorizes facsimile offers, offers may be withdrawn via facsimile received at any time before the exact time set for receipt of offers, subject to the conditions specified in the solicitation concerning facsimile offers. An offer may be withdrawn in person by an offeror or its authorized representative if, before the exact time set for receipt of offers, the identity of the person requesting withdrawal is established and the person signs a receipt for the offer.

(g) Contract award (not applicable to Invitation for Bids). The Government intends to evaluate offers and award a contract without discussions with offerors. Therefore, the offeror's initial offer should contain the offeror's best terms from a price and technical standpoint. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if later determined by the Contracting Officer to be necessary. The Government may reject any or all offers if such action is in the public interest; accept other than the lowest offer; and waive informalities and minor irregularities in offers received.

(h) Multiple awards. The Government may accept any item or group of items of an offer, unless the offeror qualifies the offer by specific limitations. Unless otherwise provided in the Schedule, offers may not be submitted for quantities less than those specified. The Government reserves the right to make an award on any item for a quantity less than the quantity offered, at the unit prices offered, unless the offeror specifies otherwise in the offer.

(i) Availability of requirements documents cited in the solicitation.

(1)(i) The GSA Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions, FPMR Part 101-29, and copies of Federal specifications, standards, and product descriptions can be downloaded from the ASSIST website at https://assist.dla.mil.

(ii) If the General Services Administration, Department of Agriculture, or Department of Veterans Affairs issued this solicitation, a copy of specifications, standards, and commercial item descriptions cited in this solicitation may be obtained from the address in paragraph (i)(1)(i) of this provision.

(2) Most unclassified Defense specifications and standards may be downloaded from the ASSIST website at https://assist.dla.mil.

(3) Defense documents not available from the ASSIST website may be requested from the Defense Standardization Program Office by--

(i) Using the ASSIST feedback module (https://assist.dla.mil/feedback); or

(ii) Contacting the Defense Standardization Program Office by telephone at 571-767-6688 or email at assisthelp@dla.mil.

(4) Nongovernment (voluntary) standards must be obtained from the organization responsible for their preparation, publication, or maintenance.

(j) Unique entity identifier. (Applies to all offers that exceed the micro-purchase threshold, and offers at or below the micro-purchase threshold if the solicitation requires the Contractor to be registered in the System for Award

Management (SAM).) The Offeror shall enter, in the block with its name and address on the cover page of its offer, the annotation "Unique Entity Identifier" followed by the unique entity identifier that identifies the Offeror's name and address. The Offeror also shall enter its Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) indicator, if applicable. The EFT indicator is a four-character suffix to the unique entity identifier. The suffix is assigned at the discretion of the Offeror to establish additional SAM records for identifying alternative EFT accounts (see FAR subpart 32.11) for the same entity. If the Offeror does not have a unique entity identifier, it should contact the entity designated at www.sam.gov for unique entity identifier establishment directly to obtain one. The Offeror should indicate that it is an offeror for a Government contract when contacting the entity designated at www.sam.gov for establishing the unique entity identifier.

(k) Reserved.

(l) Debriefing. If a post-award debriefing is given to requesting offerors, the Government shall disclose the following information, if applicable:

(1) The agency's evaluation of the significant weak or deficient factors in the debriefed offeror's offer.

(2) The overall evaluated cost or price and technical rating of the successful and the debriefed offeror and past performance information on the debriefed offeror.

(3) The overall ranking of all offerors, when any ranking was developed by the agency during source selection.

(4) A summary of the rationale for award;

(5) For acquisitions of commercial products, the make and model of the product to be delivered by the successful offeror.

(6) Reasonable responses to relevant questions posed by the debriefed offeror as to whether source-selection procedures set forth in the solicitation, applicable regulations, and other applicable authorities were followed by the agency.

(End of provision)

ADDENDUM TO 52.212-1

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

1. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

a.