W912LR-22-R-6000 - Synopsis Attachment - Combined Q and As 20211008.pdf

Question Answer 1 Under Submission Requirements, the solicitation states that, “SF330,in Adobe format and the most current edition (Caution-https://www.gsa.gov/forms-library/architect-engineer-qualifications), must be used…”. However, we are instructed to provide two-page resumes and project sheets, which cannot be done using the Adobe format, and the information required in Section H requires multiple pages, which also cannot be done using the Adobe format. We are limited to the number of characters that can be provided in the Section F project title, which makes it impossible to fulfill the requirement to include the contract number or IDIQ number and individual task order number associated with the project in the title.

Please confirm that it is acceptable for the most current edition of the Adobe format to be converted to Word documents in order to provide the required information.

The SF330 PDF Section F Project Title fillable PDF allows for 135 Characters, which should be adequate to meet Project title requirement. Firm to attach additional sheets as required.

2 Should we include CPARS for Section F projects? If so, do you want these included with Section H or under a separate tab?

CPARS should not be included in to Section F of the SF330. CPARS can be provided under Criteria D and submitted under Section H.

3 As the Small Business Subcontracting Plan is not required with the SF330 submittal, we are not planning to name any small business subcontractors in our proposal and plan. Our plan is to utilize qualified local small business firms for particular services (e.g.; surveying, geotechnical services, environmental hazmat testing, etc.) with specific expertise that will be beneficial to the government.

Will the government allow the use of local subcontractors in the execution of task orders that are not named on our SF330?

Yes, a firm can use local subcontractors. However, Key subcontractors must be named and identified with required documentation for the proposed key role for which they intended to be evaluated. If a subcontractor is utilized in a "key role" resumes should be provided. Refer to Enforceability of proposal section of this synopsis.

4 In Criteria C, subparagraph 4 requests to demonstrate the ability to meet anticipated contract requirement if the A-E is awarded more than one contract under any of the other regions being procured for National Guard Bureau for Vertical, Horizontal, Fire Suppression, and for Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands.

Is this question directed to Small Businesses or is it also requested of “Other than Small Businesses” (Unrestricted)? If it is requested for Unrestricted firms the schedule for issuing RFPs for other regions will likely be a determining factor in our decision to pursue those other regions. Can you advise what the schedule is for releasing the other opportunities identified in subparagraph 4?

Criteria C, Subparagraph 4 is directed toward all firms. Anticipated release of other regions within the next 60 to 90 days.

5 Can we provide more than one resume per discipline? For example, can we provide two Project Manager resumes?

Yes. However, the firm must identify the role of each PM as it relates to their role in this requirement. Minimum requirements for the PM are described in the synopsis.

6 Is the Environmental Engineer required to be a licensed Professional Engineer The Government believes this requirement is covered in Criteria A subparagraph (9)

7 Can you provide the referenced 2014 Selection of A&E Contracts Act selection procedures

Please refer to 40 U.S. Code Chapter 11, Selection of Architects and Engineers (hereinafter referred to as the “Brooks Act”

8 Will inclusion of a cover letter count towards the 75-page limit? No, a single page cover letter will not count towards 75-page limit

9 In evaluation the Project Manager qualification will registrations such as Professional Project Manager (PMP) and Certified Energy Manager (CEM) suffice for relevant professional registration?

No, Licensed Professional engineer and/or registered architect is the minimum.

Provided additional qualifications as applicable in the SF330.

10 Is the definition of “Firms” (as cited in Criteria F. Secondary Criteria, 4.

Geographic Proximity) inclusive of all team members (prime and subcontractors) listed in Part I, Section C.

For Geographic Proximity, the Government will be evaluating "core disciplines" within the firm. The definition of "Firms" can include the prime as well as subcontractors whose role is considered a core discipline as described in this secondary criteria.

11 Does the 6 year limit of services inclusive of Type C services during construction?

Per the synopsis, the six (6) years requirement is for the portion of the professional services (i.e. design efforts). Projects must be at least B1/65% designed for Type A/B and at a minimum 50% complete on construction for Type C.

12 NOTE: To avoid a conflict of interest, any contractor proposing as a prime may not have a subcontractor who is also proposing as a prime.

Is this definition of a conflict only within each of the two pools (UR and Set- Aside). It’s very common that a UR firm will have a SB on its team, and subsequently the SB will have the same UR firm on their team for the Set-Aside contract. Would this arrangement be considered a conflict of interest?

Correct, Any contractor proposing as a prime may not have a subcontractor to a firm who is also proposing as a prime.

13 Sequentially number all pages of the final bound product submitted.

Please confirm there are no bound copies required and that we are to only submit electronically via DoD SAFE.

Correct, however, electronic submittals still require sequential numbering of all pages.

Vertical & Horizontal Q&As for Reference Updated 8 October 2021

NOTE: There may be duplicate questions and answers due to the combination of multiple regions to form a consolidated list

14 In Section H of the SF 330, describe the firm's quality management plan, including quality assurance process, coordination of in-house work, coordination with consultants, and prior experience of the prime firm and significant consultants or partner firms. Demonstrate project design-to-bid performance showing final design estimate and compared it to initial awarded bid amount.

Provide explanations for any variance greater than 5%.

Would the NGB like this answered in both Section H, as indicated, and within each Section F project since it is numbered #12 in the instructions for Specialized Experience? Also, under which Criteria will the client be evaluating this within Section H?

Submit item #12 in Section H as required in the synopsis.

15 Volume of Past DOD Contracts awarded to the firm during the previous 12 months:

Offerors shall provide the volume of work awarded by DOD agencies during the previous 12 months. The volume of work shall be demonstrated in a table format and be categorized by contract, task order, project award, completion dates, and design fee dollar amount. Work previously awarded to the firm by DOD will be reviewed to effect an equitable distribution of contracts among equally qualified firms. Data from the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) may be also utilized by the Government.

Please clarify that this table will NOT be counted against the 75-page limit for Part I. A large firm will have a table of multiple pages in length to list all DOD task orders awarded in the last 12 months.

Correct, this table will not be counted towards the 75-page limit for Part I

16 Are the minimum goals for subcontracting included in the solicitation of Small Business (all types of small business combined) 14%; Small Disadvantaged Businesses 3%; Woman Owned Small Business 5%; HUBZone Small Business 1%; Veteran-Owned SB 3% and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned SB 3% intended to represent percentage of the total contract value or percentage of subcontracted dollars?

As stated in the announcement, the subcontracting plan will be based on subcontracting dollars.

17 Under the Past Performance criteria, it is requested that we submit name, address, and telephone number of references for all relevant contracts and subcontracts started or completed within the past six (6) years measured from the date of the award. As a very large firm, we have started or completed 600+ contracts and subcontracts within the past six years. Is it appropriate for us to select a subset of the most relevant projects to satisfy this requirement?

Per Criteria D, "Firms must provide relevant past performance in the accomplishment of similar work. Relevancy is defined in the DOD guide, as it pertains to the collection and use of past performance, as information that has a logical connection with the matter under consideration and application period..

18 Criteria B states “If the project is not 100% complete, note the current percentage and estimated date when the project will be completed…” Please confirm that projects at B2 level of completion will be evaluated equally against projects at B3 level of completion, or fully constructed.

Yes, Projects at B2 level or 95% completion will be evaluated equally against projects at B3 level or 100% completion, or fully constructed.

19 In Criteria D, “Relevancy is defined in the DOD guide…” Please confirm the DOD guide referenced.

The Guide referenced is listed in DFARs PGI 215.300. "See the policy tab for Director, Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy memorandum dated April 1, 2016, entitled “Department of Defense Source Selection Procedures"". This guide can be readily accessed at https://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/policy/policyvault/USA004370-14-DPAP.pdf

20 Criteria B – Specialized Experience and Technical Competence: Will greater consideration be given to new construction or rehabilitation projects?

No, Greater consideration will not be given on the merits solely between new construction and rehabilitation projects but the whole breadth and depth of experience identified in Criteria B and similarities to the scope identified in this announcement.

21 Criteria B – Specialized Experience and Technical Competence: Under Criteria B, subsection 12, it asks offerors to describe in Section H of the SF330 the firm’s quality management plan, quality assurance process, coordination of in-house work consultants and prior experience of the prime firm and significant consultants or partner firms etc. Please confirm that this evaluation factor is for Criteria B Specialized Experience and Technical Competence.

Criteria B subparagraph 12 requires utilizing Section H of the SF 330 to answer that portion of the specialized Experience. The client's Criteria B subparagraph 12 information in Section H will be evaluated under Criteria B.

22 Criteria D – Past Performance: In many instances when performing services as the Designer of Record (DoR) for a Design-Build (DB) project, the accepted industry-practice for past performance feedback for the AE firm is the use of Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs). Please confirm that PPQs are acceptable documentation of Past Performance for offeror’s Section F projects?

Yes, PPQs is an acceptable documentation of Past Performance for offeror’s Section F projects.

23 Contract Information - As an offeror competing for a Small Business Set Aside that performs complex projects with a Programmed Amount (PA) exceeding $3M to over $100M, and will be responding in a Mentor-Protege Joint Venture which provides the capacity of a large business firm, we respectfully request the governments consideration to allow Small Business firms to compete for Complex A-E task order requirements with a PA above $3M among both the Small Business and Unrestricted Firms.

Guidelines described in the notice remain unchanged.

24 Criteria B – Specialized Experience and Technical Competence: Will greater consideration be given to projects that are located within Region 1 boundaries?

Yes, Projects from within the identified region with similar scope identified in this announcement will be given greater consideration.

25 What are the T02 Testing & Inspection Services that you are interested in us providing experience with? Typically for facility projects, these services are passed on to the construction contractor and we just oversee the testing and results. Or is this a request for environmental testing such as asbestos or lead based paint survey? Please elaborate.

The Government is looking for demonstration of T02 Testing and Inspection experience in evaluating contractor's submittals, request for change, request for information, and performing construction surveillance. Refer to Criteria B subsection (7).

26 In criteria D, Past Performance, can you clarify that your request for all relevant contracts refers to submitting a list of our firm’s previously awarded IDIQ contracts and not all of our firm’s task orders awarded from each IDIQ contract in the last 6 years?

Per Criteria D, "Firms must provide relevant past performance in the accomplishment of similar work. Relevancy is defined in the DOD guide, as it pertains to the collection and use of past performance, as information that has a logical connection with the matter under consideration and application period.

27 We plan to include PPQs, Letters of Commendation, CPARS etc as an appendix to our submission. We request verification that the appendix will not be considered part of the 75-page limit?

After further review the Government decided that, bound Letters of Commendation attached separately as an appendix for ease, will not count against the 75-page limitation.

28 Can we use 8 point font for charts and graphics in Section H? No, 8 point font will not be acceptable

29 Criteria A - For the environmental engineer or physical scientist, please confirm that a physical scientist with a Certified Environmental Professional credential from the Academy of Board Certified Environmental Professionals will be accepted in place of the requirements for a state examination and state certification board.

Yes, a Certified Environmental Professional credential from the Academy of Board Certified Environmental Professionals is acceptable.

30 For Criteria A - Professional Qualifications, please confirm that you require all discipline resumes to have a bachelor's degree.

Per Criteria A, the notice requires "All engineers, architects and the project manager must have the following in the role they are assigned to on the project team; a bachelor's degree, professional registration, and at least five years of relevant experience..."

31 Environmental Engineer or Physical Scientist with experience in NEPA processes; registered engineer or similar registration that includes documented work history, state examination, and state certification board.

Please clarify that if we propose a professional in the Physical Scientist position, they do not need to possess a certification?

Physical Scientist must have certification and experience in NEPA processes.

Certification is either a registered engineer or similar registration that includes documented work history, state examination, and state certification board.

32 Please confirm that, like the other NGB regions, we may use a Word version of the most current edition of the SF330 form and convert to Adobe format for submittal to NGB.

Yes, this is permissible.

33 Is a professionally licensed/certified individual (not necessarily from this region, but another state) sufficient for proposal compliance since the NGB is a federal agency?

Yes, a professionally licensed / certified individual from a state outside this Region is acceptable.

34 Does a JV entity need to be licensed in this region to do business? OR Can the companies that compose the JV be licensed individually in this region?

The companies that comprise the JV need to follow the appropriate licensing for their particular region. If individual licensing is a standard practice, that is acceptable for the purpose of the intended contract awards.

35 Further define security/cyber security needs for this contract, as this is evolving in the A/E world.

The requirements for the Security/Cyber Security Specialist are correct as stated in the solicitation, which states "Security/Cyber Security Specialist: the security/cyber security specialist(s) must have a minimum of five years of experience in cybersecurity of facility related control systems".

36 Are digital AND hard copies required for the submittal? If hard copies are required, please provide an address for delivery, as well as the number of copies needed.

Only electronic copies are requested. Please use the DoD SAFE Submission process defined in the Synopsis.

37 Can a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) or a State Asbestos Inspector License be applied in lieu of a PE for environmental engineering?

No, it does not meet the minimum requirement for Professional Qualifications

38 Are Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) and Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) files required for example projects, or just recommended?

If available, the files are preferred to be provided.

39 Project Information: Please define element (D) Development of engineer standards

Several states and/or installations have specific requirements for engineer or architectural standards and would utilize the professional services of the selected AE firm to develop these standards to comply with state and federal standards and practices. A simple example is that Base 'X' wants all sidewalks on base to be a certain width, depth, and founded on a specific type of base stone. The selected AE firm may produce design details and specifications for this standard sidewalk for the government's use that would be included on future projects.

40 Project Information: Please define what a mobility and aerial port facility is These are usually combined into one facility. Mobility facilities provide space for the processing of deploying troops including baggage and personnel holding and readiness processing lines. Aerial port facilities support cargo and personnel movement through the installation. These are dependent on number and type of aircraft on the installation. These may include passage terminals, pallet and cargo storage and processing and other functions.

41 Should the projects shown in resumes also limited to a completion date of within 6-years?

The six (6) year limitation does not apply to Criteria A – Professional Qualifications necessary for satisfactory performance of required services (SF330, Part I, Section E).

42 Given that unrestricted firms will be competing on both large and large complex opportunities as indicated on this IDIQ, will those type of large and large complex projects completed outside the region be weighted equal or higher than smaller projects completed in the region?

Our rating system requires us to consider recency and relevancy – similar scope projects completed in the recent past will score higher than less similar projects completed many years ago

43 Criteria A - As the Environmental Engineer should have experience with NEPA processes, please confirm this role is not intended to work with hazardous materials or requires credentials for work with hazardous materials.

Correct. This role is not intended to work with hazardous materials and does not require credentials to work with hazardous materials.

44 Criteria A - We anticipate that the Geologist will perform abatement tasks, please confirm this is the government’s intent too.

The Geologist duties are more broadly described with the following job description:

Studies the composition, structure, and other physical attributes of the earth, including rocks and minerals. They use physics, mathematics, and geological knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water.

45 Criteria A - Historically, the National Guard Bureau has primarily utilized design-bid-build delivery. With the expectation that the overwhelming majority of task orders will be design-bid-build delivery, we respectfully request that the note for additional consideration given to team members with Design Build Institute of America (DBIA) certification be removed.

This requirement in the synopsis remains unchanged.

46 Criteria A - Please confirm that the SF330, Part I, Section G matrix will be evaluated as part of Criteria A.

Confirmed: SF330 Part I, Section G Matrix will be evaluated as part of Criteria A.

47 Criteria A - Please confirm that the SF330, Part I, Section D organization chart will be evaluated as part of Criteria A.

Confirmed: SF330 Part I, Section D organization chart will be evaluated as part of Criteria A.

48 Criteria D – Please confirm that providing a name, address, and telephone number of each reference within our ten relevant Section F example projects meets the requirement of this statement: “Firms must submit information for relevant contracts and subcontracts including the name, address, and telephone number of references.”

Firms can provide past performance under Criteria D for projects presented under Criteria B. There is no restriction in the synopsis for this. Please see Criteria D for detailed information on minimum requirements for the past performance factor.

The solicitation states, “SF 330, in Adobe format and the most current edition (Caution-https://www.gsa.gov/forms- library/architect-engineer-qualifications), must be used..” Does this mean firms may only use the fillable form to be compliant with the solicitation? Or, may we use a different software to produce the SF 330 in an Adobe PDF?

Firms may use different software or word documents, ultimately converted to an Adobe PDF, as long as all of the information required by the most current version of SF 330 is included. The link in the solicitation is provided for convenience, but is not mandatory.

Firms may attach additional sheets as needed. The Synopsis/Solicitation posting remains unchanged.

50 Independent third party commissioning firms - Will the government select a single firm for all disciplines listed or consider individual firms for each category, including commissioning?

Please see the Project Information description paragraph for services rendered by proposing firms. Commissioning is one of those services.

51 Since a Joint Venture is a separate entity and can compete as a small, can the individuals firms making up the JV also be on a large teams as a sub?

Please refer to the Additional Requirements section of the synopsis: To avoid a conflict of interest, any contractor proposing as a prime may not have a subcontractor who is also proposing as a prime. This solicitation shall be viewed as one singular solicitation. Therefore, a firm submitting a proposal as a prime contractor may not also be listed as a subcontractor in ANY other submitted proposal under this solicitation. This includes any proposals submitted either under the Small Business Category and the Unrestricted Category. This requirements also applies to firms submitting as Joint Ventures. In the event a conflict of interest is found, the Contracting Officer reserves the right to deem ineligible for award the proposal submitted by the prime firm who is also proposing as a subcontractor under another firms’ proposal.

52 The last sentence in the last paragraph under the ‘Additional Requirements’ subheading states: “For all subcontractors, please provide name, CAGE Code, work to be performed by the subcontractor, small business category, and percentage of work to be subcontracted.” As this paragraph is discussing small business subcontracting requirements and the sentence includes “percentage of work to be subcontracted,” please confirm that this final sentence applies to the Small Business Subcontracting Plan required IAW FAR 52.219-9 and DFARS 219.704/705 as a part of the Request for Proposal Package.

No, this requirement is not for the subcontracting plan. This requirement is relative to clause 52.219-14, which is explained at the beginning of the paragraph. This paragraph says "Small Business Firms submitting a proposal under the SB category are required to meet the requirements of 52.219-14... It furthermore states, "All SB firms submitting a proposal under the SB category shall provide evidence of meeting this requirement in the SF330 Section H." It also says "For all subs, please provide name, Cage Code, etc." Therefore this requirement is for all SB firms submitting a proposal under the SB category.

53 Criteria B – Specialized Experience and Technical Competence: We are instructed that "If any portion of the work provided as specialized experience is subcontracted, clearly identify that work as such and provide the required experience of that subcontractor as it relates to work the subcontractor is to perform for this solicitation." Is it sufficient to identify the subcontractors and their services in block 25?

As long as information is clearly provided, the firm shall provide the required the information in the SF330 Part I, Section F.

54 Criteria B – Specialized Experience and Technical Competence: The solicitation states, "Firms shall only submit projects as evidence of experience if those projects are at a minimum beyond B1/65% design submission for Type A/B experience, and at a minimum 50% complete on construction for Type C experience." Because task orders sometimes include both design and construction phase services, if a project is only at 65% design submission, then construction cannot be 50% complete. Please confirm that these can be two separate requirements - "Firms shall only submit projects as evidence of experience if those projects are at a minimum beyond B1/65% design submission for Type A/B experience, and/or at a minimum 50% complete on construction for Type C experience."

Correct, these can be two separate requirements.

55 Can we provide more than one resume per discipline, if we stay within the 75-page limit?

Yes, however, Key Personnel must be named and identified with required documentation for the proposed key role for which they intended to be evaluated.

Refer to Enforceability of Proposal section of this synopsis.

56 Are the minimum goals for subcontracting included in the solicitation of Small Business (all types of small business combined) 14%; Small Disadvantaged Businesses 3%; Woman Owned Small Business 5%; HUBZone Small Business 1%; Veteran- Owned SB 3% and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned SB 3% intended to represent percentage of the total contract value or percentage of subcontracted dollars?

The subcontracting plan will be based on subcontracting dollars.

57 In Criteria D, the synopsis states firms must provide relevant past performance and that we are to submit information “for all relevant contracts and subcontracts started or completed within the past six (6) years [that are] at least B1/65% designed for Type A/B and at a minimum 50% complete on construction for Type C.” For large firms with significant vertical design experience it would not be possible to provide the requested reference information for all possible relevant contracts and subcontracts. Would the Government confirm that firms may provide a representative sampling of projects vs. all relevant contracts and subcontracts? For example, if a firm provided 20 references from relevant contracts/subcontracts would this meet the requirement for this part of Criteria D?

Firms are required to provide relevant and recent past performance information as they relate to the scope of this solicitation. Please see Criteria D for details as well as Relevancy ratings and Confidence level ratings in the synopsis.

58 Will other DoD projects in the states identified in the specific region be weighted more heavily versus National Guard projects in other states that contain more of the scope of work facility types?

Yes, Projects from within the identified region with similar scope identified in this announcement will be given greater consideration

59 Would the successful prime A/E firm or their sub-consultants be precluded from the design portion of a subsequent Design- Build phase project if the team is involved in development of performance criteria for the bridging documents?

As stated in the synopsis, "Any A-E firm that prepares a Design-Build Request for Proposal for a particular project will be restricted from participating in any contract or task order for the Design-Build of that particular project."

60 Please confirm that additional minor SF 330 Section C support team members may be added at a later date to meet specific local task order needs.

All Key Personnel listed in the synopsis will be evaluated by the Government. Please refer to Enforceability of Proposal paragraph in the synopsis for instructions regarding substitutions of key personnel and subcontractors.

61 Can a Small Business pursuing the Small Business Reserve have a firm as a subconsultant on their team that is pursuing or awarded the Unrestricted Reserve?

No, Any contractor proposing as a prime may not have a subcontractor to a firm who is also proposing as a prime.

62 According to the Solicitation on page 15, “blank sheets/Tabs separating the sections within the SF330 will not count in the page-count maximum for PART I.”

Please confirm that the cover also does not count in the page-count maximum for

PART I.

No, neither a cover letter nor blank sheets separating the sections will count toward the page count maximum for PART I.

63 The Solicitation lists the Volume of DOD Contracts awarded to the firm during the previous 12 months as included in Part I, Section H of the SF330. To meet the full requirement including the table and listing all categories NGB requests, this will take up multiple pages in Part I, Section H. Would you allow us to list the Volume of DoD table as an attachment in Part II of the SF330 rather than in Part I or exclude from the page count limitation?

No, the firm shall provide all data for these secondary criteria on Part I, Section H, of the SF330.

64 May we include significant disciplines relevant to the work described in the announcement that are not one of the 14 discipline roles outlined under Criteria A.

Additional information is not discouraged as long as the entire minimum synopsis requirements have been met.

Can PPQ, Letters of Commendation be included as an appendix to not count against the 75-page limit?

After further review the Government decided that, bound Letters of Commendation attached separately as an appendix for ease, will not count against the 75-page limitation.

66 Criteria B – Specialized Experience and Technical Competence: Does completion mean design completion or construction completion?

See Criteria B for completion percentage requirements for design and construction.

67 Criteria B – Specialized Experience and Technical Competence: The solicitation states, "Firms shall only submit projects as evidence of experience if those projects are at a minimum beyond B1/65% design submission for Type A/B experience, and at a minimum 50% complete on construction for Type C experience." Because task orders sometimes include both design and construction phase services, if a project is only at 65% design submission, then construction cannot be 50% complete. Please confirm that these can be two separate requirements - "Firms shall only submit projects as evidence of experience if those projects are at a minimum beyond B1/65% design submission for Type A/B experience, and/or at a minimum 50% complete on construction for Type C experience."

Correct, these are two separate requirements.

68 Regarding the requirements for Environmental Engineer, is registration as a professional geologist acceptable?

No, a registered professional Geologist will not be accepted as meeting the Environmental Engineer requirement.

69 Reference: Criteria B, (12). Please confirm the requirement to “demonstrate project design-to-bid performance showing final design estimate, initial awarded amount, and the calculated variance comparing the costs” in Section H is not applicable for Design-Build RFP projects presented in Section F.

Criteria B subsection (12) is required for Design-Build RFP projects to demonstrate design-to-bid project cost throughout the entire process of the project.