W912NW23Q0051 0002.pdf

ARMY CONTRACTING COMMAND - REDSTONE

TERRY B. CLARK (361)961-6489

CORPUS CHRISTI ARMY DEPOT

9035 OCEAN DR. BLDG 10, MAIL STOP 18

CORPUS CHRISTI TX 78419-5260

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 is to extend the Request for Quote (RFQ) from 1:00 PM Central Time, 11 August 2023 to 1:00 PM Central Time to 18 August 2023; revised FAR Clause 52.212-2; and provide answ ers to questions submitted.

All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

J 1 7

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

16C. DATE SIGNED

BY 11-Aug-2023

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 W912NW23Q0051

X 9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

06-Jul-2023

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

11-Aug-2023

CODE

ARMY CONTRACTING COMMAND - REDSTONE

CONTRACTING OFFICE

CORPUS CHRISTI ARMY DEPOT

9035 OCEAN DR. BLDG 10, MAIL STOP 18

CORPUS CHRISTI TX 78419-5260

W912NW 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than item 6)

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.

CODE W912NW

FACILITY CODECODE

EMAIL:TEL:

W912NW23Q0051

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

SECTION SF 30 - BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

The following have been modified:

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS CYANIDE ALARM SYSTEM

Question 1. Total Small Business set aside:

We noticed that the solicitation is identified as a Total Small Business set-aside.

Reinforcing this approach, on page 24 of the solicitation, it appears that 52.219-6 is embedded as a set aside for small businesses.

In addition, the SF1449 refers to the solicitation as unrestricted, which differs from the Total Small Business set-aside designation mentioned earlier. This difference appears to contradict the initial identification.

Considering the circumstances, referencing an unrestricted solicitation in the SF1449 might be a typographical error. We ask that the contracting office confirm our interpretation and, if appropriate, amend the SF1449 to reflect the Total Small Business set-aside status accurately.

Answer 1. This requirement is a small business set aside. The unrestrictive marked in block 10 of the solicitation is a typographical error and an amendment will be forthcoming to correct.

Question 2. IUID COMPLIANT TAG – CLIN 0002 CLIN 0002 identifies: "This line item is not required to be priced. In accordance with DFARS Clause 252.211-7003. The IUID requirement only applies to CLIN items with a unit price of $5,000 or more."

We expect CLIN 0001 to be priced above $5,000. We need clarification on the requirement not to price CLIN 0002. Please elaborate and explain if CLIN 0002 should be priced in case CLIN0001 exceeds $5,000.

Answer 2. The price is sometimes absorbed into the other CLINs for the IUID label and sometimes the price is listed on the IUID CLIN for the label. Contractors’ preference.

Question 3. Programmable Logic Controller – System Boundaries Our review shows that the current PLC manages two processes: wastewater treatment and Cyanide alarm sensors and alerts. To ensure a precise understanding, we seek confirmation that the scope of this solicitation solely requires a new PLC system that focuses exclusively on Cyanide sensing, monitoring, human interface, and alarming functions. We understand the new PLC should not encompass the wastewater logic or integrate with any wastewater peripherals.

Please confirm that our interpretation aligns with your intentions and that this project's scope is limited to the abovementioned Cyanide-related aspects.

Answer 3. A new PLC is not necessary.

Question 4. Cyanide sensing, monitoring, human interface, and alarming functions. We understand the new PLC should not encompass the wastewater logic or integrate with any wastewater peripherals.

Please confirm that our interpretation aligns with your intentions and that this project's scope is limited to the abovementioned Cyanide-related aspects.

Answer 4. A new PLC is not necessary.

Question 5. Migration from the existing enclosure to a new Enclosure Please identify the distance (in feet) from the existing enclosure to the new point where the Cyanide monitoring and alarm system should be mounted.

Would cabling and wiring be required from the existing enclosure to the new enclosure?

Answer 5. Yes, Cabling and wiring are required.

Question 6. Existing Indicators:

a. Please quantify the number of existing indicators listed on page 40, section 2.3.2.4.

Answer 6a. Approximately 15 visual indicators and 4 audio indicators. All control wires can be accessed through the original PLC enclosure.

b. Please confirm that there is no requirement for wiring and cabling between the new PLC enclosure to the existing indicators.

Answer 6b. All wiring and cabling to the requested “Cyanide Monitoring and Alarm System” may be connected to the existing indicators, sensors, and the NAS Fire Department notification, through the old enclosure. Pictures are available to provide additional information concerning the wiring.

Question 7. Ethernet Cabling:

The solicitation on page 40, section 2.3.2.6, requires an Ethernet interface. Does the building/location the new PLC will be installed have an ethernet port in proximity?

What is the distance to the closes ethernet port/socket?

Answer 7. An ILAN ethernet drop will be provided within approximately 6 ft of the new enclosure.

Question 8. PLC Brand:

Page 2.3.2.9 highlights the preference for Allen Bradley PLC or an equivalent.

Upon careful review, we noted a list of acceptable criteria for the PLC, which we interpret as acceptance criteria. Specifically, the agency requires the selected PLC to be equipped with editing software, the possibility of training for two CCAD employees, and 3 years of 24/7 OEM support. However, we recognize that these PLC acceptance criteria can also be perceived as a requirement for the bidder to provide editing software, training, and OEM support. To ensure our understanding aligns with the agency's intent, we kindly request clarification on whether our latter interpretation is correct or if the agency's intention is to obtain OEM support, training, and editing software independently.

Answer 8. The latter is correct. The PLC acceptance criteria shall be perceived as a requirement for the bidder to provide editing software, training, and OEM support.

Question 9. Solicitation Schedule:

Can the agency elaborate on its tentative schedule for a contract award?

Answer 9. Contracting office is not at liberty to provide an estimated award date at this time.

Question 10. Photos:

We ask the agency to provide photos of the following:

• The area of the existing enclosure

• The expected location of the new enclosure

• The interface cables and the pass from the existing enclosure to the new enclosure location.

Should the agency require the contractor to provide sensors, we ask the agency to provide photos of the sensors mounting brackets and the designated installation points.

Answer 10. Interface cables shall include but not limited to, the communications lines to the Cyanide Sensors, connections for Cyanide temperature sensor, DC power to all sensors, interface to all existing indicators, both audio and visual, located in Bldg. 340, and the alarm contact with the NAS Fire Station alarm system for notification purposes.

The agency, CCAD, does not require any additional sensors to be provided.

Question 11. Requirement for a PLC

The text in the solicitation on page 40 outlines specifications for the upcoming Cyanide monitoring & alarm cabinet system. Within these specifications, section 2.3.2.9 (page

40) delineates a requirement for a PLC. It indicates a preference for Allen-Bradley and

Human Machine Interface (HMI) components while allowing for other potential alternatives.

For clarity, a Programming Logic Controller (PLC) serves as the system's central processing unit. It connects to, interprets, and reads passive Cyanide and temperature sensors. Based on this data, the PLC makes determinations about activating various alarm levels. Furthermore, monitoring, calibration, and settings can be adjusted via an

HMI.

Previously, there were queries posed regarding the PLC. In response, the agency stated in answers 3 and 4 that the "The requested “Cyanide Monitoring and Alarm System” will be a stand-alone system. A new PLC is not necessary."

Unless there is a significant misinterpretation of your project's scope on our end or the solicitation omits crucial information, these concise responses (specifically answer three and answer four) appear to contradict the core intent of the solicitation. Our interpretation is that the project involves the acquisition of a new PLC and the transition of the pertinent functionality to a distinct cabinet isolated from the existing combined wastewater control and cyanide monitoring system.

Answer 11. The statement is correct regarding the “pertinent functionality” as stated above; however, there are other methods of building a “stand-alone cyanide monitoring and alarm system”, which does not require the inclusion of a PLC/HMI. If an offeror chooses to use a PLC/HMI for this application, it will be acceptable.

Question 12. Sensors and indicators clarification Regarding the specifications outlined in the solicitation on page 40, section 2.3.2., our understanding is that the requirements solely pertain to integrating sensors, specifically "10 Detcon DM-600-HCN, temperature sensor". We kindly seek confirmation from the government that offerors are not expected to supply and price any sensors or visual and audio indicators as part of their proposal. This query has been previously presented but remains unanswered.

Answer 12.The offeror is not required to purchase any additional sensors nor indicators. Refer to Section 2.3 of the SOW for clarification.

Question 13. PLC Port Requirements

A fundamental aspect of a PLC's functionality is the number of ports it possesses, allowing it to manage multiple external devices simultaneously. As per Amendment/Modification 0001, answer 6a mentions: "Approximately 15 visual indicators and 4 audio indicators. All control wires can be accessed through the original PLC enclosure."

Providing approximations rather than precise data introduces uncertainties regarding the solicitation's salient characteristics. Such ambiguities concerning the exact number of indicators might compel contractors to make interpretations of the solicitation. These interpretations could vary, leading to differences in salient characteristics and pricing.

We ask that the government specify the number of analog and digital devices connected to the PLC.

Answer 13. The current system uses Modbus for communication/data acquisition from the existing 10 Cyanide sensors. One analog input for the temperature reading from the existing temperature sensor, and 2 digital outputs, along with 2 multi-contact relays, for interfacing with the existing audio and visual indicators. For more detail, please refer to Sections 1.3 and 2.3 of the SOW for clarification.

Question 14. We respectfully request that the government furnish detailed, precise, and comprehensive salient characteristics for the desired Cyanide Monitoring & Alarm Cabinet System.

Answer 14. Please refer to Sections 1.3 and 2.3 of the SOW for clarification.

Question 15. Furthermore, we kindly seek a comprehensive bill of materials accompanied by a list detailing the quantities of the necessary components. This will enable us to present an accurate cost assessment based on the system's key attributes and ensure our complete understanding of your specifications.

Answer 15. The Government will not provide a Bill of Materials (BOM). Specifications have been provided. The Cyanide Alarm System shall meet the specifications provided in the SOW.

Question 16: Solicitation Evaluation

The reference on page 6 of the solicitation points to FAR 52.212-2, which states:

"The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

Lowest Price of all CLINs combined.

The phrasing indicates a consideration for both "price and other factors." However, the subsequent focus solely on the "Lowest price of all CLINs combined" suggests that the evaluation criterion for this solicitation will predominantly be based on the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable evaluation approach (LPTA).

As per FAR 15.101-2 (c)(1): "The agency can comprehensively and clearly describe the minimum requirements in terms of performance objectives, measures, and standards that will be used to determine the acceptability of offers;"

The current solicitation appears not to align with FAR 15.101-2 (c)(1) stipulations. The reliance on approximations and the presence of contradictory approaches indicates that, in its present form, the solicitation may not adhere to the FAR guidelines when employing the LPTA evaluation approach.

We recommend considering the Trade-Off Process, weighing both the technical approach and price as evaluation determinants. Should this be an acceptable course of action, we kindly request that the government elaborate on the sub-criteria pertinent to the technical approach.

Answer 16. This is solicitation is being issued under FAR Part 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures. FAR Clause 52.212-2 has been revised.

SECTION SF 1449 - CONTINUATION SHEET

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

The required response date/time has changed from 11-Aug-2023 01:00 PM to 18-Aug-2023 01:00 PM.

The following have been modified:

52.212-2 EVALUATION--COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2021)

(a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government. The following factor shall be used to evaluate offers:

Lowest Price of all CLINs combined.

(b) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer's specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

(End of provision)

(End of Summary of Changes)