A22._Attachment_4_-_Questions_and_Answers_II.pdf

St. Louis FUSRAP Remedial Action at St. Louis Sites Solicitation Number W912P919R0020

Questions and Answers

9. Question: April 17, 2019 post on FBO appears to be the same information that was posted on April 12, 2019. Is this accurate?

Answer: Yes. The information that was posted on April 12 is the same information that was posted on April 17. Our system administrator had to delete the original posting from April 12 for technical reasons. It was reposted on April 17. No information changed due to that post.

10. Question: Reference Task 8 – Mallinckrodt Plant 1 Bldg 6, 7, 8 Areas. Please note if sheet pile with bracing needs to be removed after excavation, backfilling/site restoration is complete, or if the sheet pile below ground surface can be left in place and the above ground portion can just be cut off and disposed.

Answer: The bracing will be removed as the excavation is backfilled. The sheetpile will be decontaminated and left in place. The above ground portion shall be torch cut and disposed offsite.

11. Question: Could the government please expedite providing the Past Performance Questionnaire form to be utilized so that we can get it to our clients, have them complete and get it back in time to submit with our proposal?

Answer: The revised PPQ-0 form has been posted as an Amendment.

12. Question: Please provide the site visit attendee sign in list.

Answer: The sign in list will be posted.

13. Question: Reference required information on projects in Past Performance volume. In numerous locations of Section L there is a requirement for a fax number. We request this be deleted as most organizations no longer utilize fax numbers and if these numbers do still exist, they are hard to get. It would seem phone and email address should be sufficient given today’s technology.

Answer: Concur. Fax number will be removed. (This has been corrected in the Solicitation)

14. Question: Reference page 94, 11 by 17-fold out pages. Please confirm that each of the allowed five pages counts as one page.

Answer: Correct, each 11x17 will count as 1 page. (This has been noted in the Solicitation)

15. Question: Reference SF33 form numbers 9, 10 and 12 which have not been completed.

Please provide updated form.

Answer: The information reference to date and time of proposal are provided on Federal Business Opportunities as well as in Section L of the RFP.

16. Question: We respectively request that the government respond to contractor Q&A on an ongoing continuous basis vs. holding all Q&A until towards the end of the process. This is especially important given that last date to accept questions is April 24. This results in a tight timeline to complete a quality proposal, ship it and have it at your offices on the due date.

Answer: Q/A is being posted as we finalize the Government’s response.

17. Question: In the interest of reducing paper usage and being environmentally responsible, and also the 4- week timetable for proposal submission, we request that USACE accept electronic proposal submittal.

Answer: Section L, page 90 states, “Electronic proposals, and their applicable modifications or cancellations, will not be accepted”.

18. Question: Reference page 96 Factor 2 Technical Staff Approach. We are unclear as to whether the government requires resumes for key personnel positions named in the RFP.

Are they required?

Answer: Resumes are not required for key personnel positions.

19. Question: Reference page 96 Factor 2 Technical Staff Approach. If key personnel resumes are required, are they not included in page count?

Answer: See answer to number 18.

20. Question: Reference page 95. This subsection of the Solicitation states that “Each file of the proposal shall consist of a Table of Contents, Summary Section, and the Narrative Section.” We do not understand the requirement for a Table of Contents within a file.

There will be a Table of Contents in each Volume of the proposal. Isn’t this sufficient? If not, please confirm that a Table of Contents within each file of the proposal is not included in page count.

Answer: Solicitation has been corrected to state, “Each volume of the proposal shall consist of a Table of Contents, Summary Section, and the Narrative discussion”. Table of Contents, Summary Section, and the Narrative Section are not included in the page count as stated in Page 92. (This has been corrected in the Solicitation)

21. Question: Reference page 97 that states “Government contract administration activity’s Pre-Award Monitor’s name, and current e-mail address, telephone and fax numbers.” We assume this is the name of our DCAA Audit Supervisor who has been assigned to us by company vs. by project. Please confirm that is what you are looking for.

Answer: The Pre-Award Monitor’s information request on page 97 has been removed.

22. Question: Reference Section L, 3, Past Performance. Would the government please consider accepting projects in demonstration of past performance completed or ongoing in the last 7 or 10 years? As you know many FUSRAP/HTRW projects are large value and long term in duration. As a small business, only so many can be performed simultaneously in a given time period and providing a greater time period will allow consideration of more relevant work.

Answer: The government will agree to allow past performance completed or substantially completed in the last 7 years. (This has been corrected in the Solicitation)

23. Question: Reference Section L, 3, Past Performance page limitations. It is difficult to demonstrate a major subcontractor’s experience within five pages, especially if they have the up to five projects they are allowed to present. Therefore, would the government please consider increasing the page count for major subcontractor projects presentation from 5 pages to 10 pages (and as a result increasing the total page count requirement for Factor 3 to 35)?

Answer: Yes, the government can increase the page count for each major subcontractor to 10 pages. (This has been corrected in the Solicitation)

24. Question: Reference Section L Business Proposal which states “Letters of commitment and teaming agreements shall be included for all principle subcontractors,” and Past Performance Volume which states “Teaming Arrangements (if applicable)” are to be included in this volume. Do you want these items in two places? If not, please specify which section copies of teaming agreements and letters of commitment are to be included.

Answer: Please include teaming agreements and letters of commitment in Volume 1, Section 1 which is titled Business Proposal. (This has been noted in the Solicitation)

25. Question: Are the NORCO and SLDS sites both tax exempt?

Answer: NORCO and SLDS sites are both tax exempt.

26. Question: Reference Sample Task Order, Government Furnished Property. RFP states modular building complex and break facility for NORCO and industrial trailer complex to include break facility at SLDS. A) Are these facilities furnished with office desks, tables, chairs, printers, etc, for the contractor or is contractor to furnish the facilities? B) Is the contractor to provide office supplies for both contractor and government use?

Answer: A) Yes, the facilities are fully furnished with Government owned property with the exception of electronics and IT equipment. B) Yes, the contractor will have to supply consumables for both project sites for the contractor.

27. Question: Reference Sample Task Order, Tasks 5 through 9 describe remedial and investigation efforts. Is the contractor to provide for all sampling and laboratory analysis on the project or is this managed under separate contract to USACE with a different contractor? If provided by a separate contractor, please identify the types of sampling and analysis they will provide, i.e., confirmation sample analysis, water sampling and analysis, air monitoring and analysis, investigation sampling and analysis, waste management sampling and analysis, etc.

Answer: All sample analysis is performed under a separate USACE contract. The types of samples are irrelevant to this procurement action. The sample task only requires the samples to be obtained in the field.

28. Question: Is the contractor to provide for data validation services or is this managed under separate contract to USACE?

Answer: Data validation is performed under a separate USACE contract.

29. Question: Reference Sample Task Order that states a government supplied drill rig will be provided. Please identity the make model of the rig. Is it a track mounted or on axels with wheels? Is it a Geoprobe rig? Is contractor to provide a drill rig operator or is that government furnished? Is the contractor to provide for the maintenance of the rig for repairs that might be required?

Answer: The Government owned drill rig is a Geoprobe 7822DT. It is track mounted.

The contractor will need to supply a drill rig operator. The contractor is responsible for repairs on the rig which will then be invoiced to the government.

30. Question: Reference Sample Task Order that states government provides heavy equipment, trucks and vehicles. Is contractor to provide maintenance or repairs of this equipment or are repairs part of the government responsibility?

Answer: The contractor has no responsibility for GSA vehicles. Any government heavy equipment will be maintained and/or repaired by the contractor and invoiced to the government. The contractor will be responsible for fuel, oil and any other equipment that the contractor feels needs to be added to accomplish the sample tasks.

31. Question: Reference Sample Task Order which identifies waste water treatment facilities at NORCO and SLDS. What kind of treatment systems are in place and are any contractor provided materials and/or supplies required to operate them?

Answer: Water treatment at both locations is through a series of settlement tanks/basins and bag filters. No other chemical treatment is required. Filters may periodically need replacement by the contractor.

32. Question: Reference Sample Task Order 6 through 9. Limited information is provided.

Please provide site layout maps showing limits/dimensions of the excavation work.

Answer: Site layout maps showing limits/dimensions has been provided with the amendment 0002.

33. Question: Reference Sample Task Order number 6. Does the excavation depth extend the excavation below the groundwater surface? What type of soil (classification) is in this area for the 5,000 CY of clean overburden? When restoring the excavation (backfill) is there 95% compaction criteria?

Answer: No, the excavation does not extend below groundwater. Assume Clay soil material for the 5,000 CY. Backfill in the ballfields does not require 95% compaction.

(This has been noted in the Sample Task Order)

34. Question: Reference Sample Task order number 8. This location includes buildings to be demolished in the future. Is the remedial contractor to perform the demolition and provide technical approach and costs in the proposal or would the demolition be conducted by a different contractor under a separate contract?

Answer: The remedial contractor will not be responsible for building demolition. (This has been noted in the Sample Task Order)

35. Question: Reference Sample Task Order number 8. Building dimensions are 82 ft x 176

ft. Is this surface area the sum of all buildings and the dimensions of the excavation?

Answer: Yes, it is both the building dimensions and the dimensions of the excavation.

36. Question: Reference Sample Task Order number 9, Rail Road Property. Is there an existing rail spur on this lot requiring removal and replacement? Is the excavation to be backfilled and if so, is the contractor to provide backfill or stone for restoration. Are there compaction requirements? Should the excavation be restored with topsoil, seeded and mulched?

Answer: There is an existing railspur on this property. It will require removal of current rails and replacement with the rails that were removed. The excavation is to be backfilled with one inch minus gravel provided by the contractor. Assume 95% compaction requirements. (This has been noted in the Sample Task Order)

37. Question: Please provide the anticipated contract award date.

Answer: Award is anticipated approximately in the 4th quarter of FY19.

38. Question: Reference page 11 Solicitation, sample task order. It is indicated that “Attachment 3 is a worksheet example, but the offeror can submit in their own format.”

We do not see an attachment that is labeled Attachment 3. Please provide.

Answer: Attachment 3, labeled Burden Labor Costs, was provided with original posting as A02. Burden Labor Costs. Burden Labor Costs spreadsheet with a revised title has been provided as Attachment 3.

39. Question: Reference pages 18-20 of the Solicitation which list pricing for the Base Year and 4 -1/2 Optional Years. The Sample Task is for 12 months which would be the Base Year. What pricing are we to include for the 4-1/2 optional years?

Answer: The sample is just for the base year. The options years will be issued under task orders. Reference Cost/Price Volume 2. Provide an escalation rate for the option years.

40. Question: Reference pages 95-96 Section L, Factor 1 Technical; 2-3, paragraph 1.3; and 11-13 Sample Task Order of the Solicitation. We are confused as to whether the Section L requirements are to address the technical expertise items beginning on page 2 or the Sample Task Order beginning on page 9. Please clarify what you want us to write to in Factor 1 of our proposal.

Answer: The Sample Task order is for the Cost/Price portion only. Please address the items described in Section L, Factor 1.

41. Question: FBO indicates two amendments were issued on 4/12. That is not the case in that one document is an amendment and the other is Q&A. Please have this corrected or clarify what the contractor is supposed to do in terms of amendment inclusion in our proposal.

Answer: Error has been corrected. There should have been only 1 amendment on 4/12.

42. Question: Page 91, paragraph c. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS (2) states, “Do not use fold-outs…” Page 94, paragraph 14 PROPOSAL FORMAT – VOLUME 1, 1. General Instructions, a. Submittals states, “11x17 folded pages are acceptable…” Please clarify if 11x17 fold-outs are permitted.

Answer: The information on Page 94 is correct. It is acceptable to submit 11x17 folded pages for tables/graphic presentations. However, they are limited to 5 and are included in the page limit.

43. Question: Page 94, paragraph 14 PROPOSAL FORMAT – VOLUME 1, 1. General Instructions, a. Submittals states, “…11x17 pages are limited to 5 pages…” Please confirm that one (1) 11x17 page counts as one (1) page.

Answer: Correct

44. Question: Page 91, paragraph c. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS (2) states, “…Do not use font size smaller than Times New Roman, 10…” Page 94, paragraph 14 PROPOSAL FORMAT – VOLUME 1, 1. General Instructions, a. Submittals states, “…Proposals shall be submitted…Arial or Times New Roman, 12 font. Font size may be adjusted for charts…” Please clarify which size and style font can be used for text.

Answer: Page 94 is correct, page 91 under General Instructions has been corrected.

45. Question: Please confirm that a smaller size font be used for tables and graphics as long as the font is legible?

Answer: Page 94 of the solicitation states that font sizes may be adjusted for charts, graphs or titles, which would include smaller font sizes as long as the font is legible.

46. Question: Page 96, paragraph a. Section 2, Tab 1 – Subfactor 1B, Technical Staff Experience states, “…provide the …staffing plan, including a list of key personnel positions and the professional qualifications…” Page 101, Factor 2, Subfactor (1B) – Technical Staff Approach states, “The Offeror shall discuss the availability, competence and professional qualifications of … key personnel with at least five years of experience…” Please confirm the offeror is only to provide a discussion of key personnel and not formal resumes of key personnel.

Answer: Same response as question 18, resumes are not required.

47. Question: Section 2, Tab 1 – Subfactor 1B, Technical Staff Experience. If resumes are required, will they be excluded from the page count?

Answer: Same response as question 18, resumes are not required.

48. Question: Section L, Subsection 14, Volume 1, Factor 2, Section 3 (c) {page 96 of 105}.

States “This volume shall contain past performance information regarding similar contracts”. Please confirm that “contract” includes both contracts and individual TOs for large projects with scope similar in nature.

Answer: Yes, contracts and/or individual Task Orders are acceptable.

49. Question: Section L, Subsection 14, Volume 1, Section 2 – Past Performance. States that “The client POCs shall be instructed to electronically complete the Client Information blocks 5 through 8 and your evaluation of contractor performance”. While the offers can make this request, we are unable to ensure compliance with this request and know from experience that many government POCs prefer to complete PPQ forms non-electronically. Please confirm that a PPQ completed by client POC non-electronically will be considered compliant.

Answer: Yes, the client information may be completed electronically or manually.

50. Question: Volume 1, Section 3 – Past Performance. States on page 105 of 105 that “Offerors shall not incorporate by reference into their proposal PPQs previously submitted for other RFPs. Where available, may the offeror provide hard copies of previously completed (signed) Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQ) rather than requesting new PPQs from our clients?

Answer: The government requires that PPQs are completed for this solicitation. When previously completed PPQs are submitted, it is difficult to determine if the requirements are similar to the requirements for this solicitation.

51. Question: Volume 1, Section 3 – Past Performance. May the offeror provide CPARS evaluations in lieu of PPQs?

Answer: CPARS may be submitted in lieu of PPQs. If you are providing CPARS in lieu of PPQ you need to address all information outlined in the PPQ.

52. Question: Volume 1, Section 3 – Past Performance. We respectfully request that Letters of Consent be excluded from the page count.

Answer: Please place Letters of Commitment and Teaming Agreements in the Volume 1, Section 1 which is the Business Proposal Section and does not have a page limit.

53. Question: Volume 1, Section 3 – Past Performance. We respectfully request that Letters of Commitment be excluded from the page count.

Answer: Please place Letters of Commitment and Teaming Agreements in the Volume 1, Section 1 which is the Business Proposal Section and does not have a page limit.

54. Question: Since the Scope of this contract as described in Section 1.1 of the Statement of Work is to provide Hazardous, Toxic and Radioactive Waste (HTRW) remediation activities and the sites include both radiological and non-radiological contamination (Section 1.2 of the SOW), we respectfully request that the government consider amending Section M, Factor 3 {page 103 of 105} relevancy factor to include “HTRW and radiological experience”. This will allow offerors to provide a broader spectrum of capabilities that are relevant to the scope of this RFP. For example, deep excavation or creek bank excavation to remove soil contaminated with metals poses essentially all the same challenges and opportunities and demonstrates the same knowledge and skills as excavation of FUSRAP COCs in impacted areas of St. Louis.

Answer: The “non-radiological” contamination at the St. Louis FUSRAP sites is co-mingled with the radiological contamination. Therefore, the government is seeking a contractor that has the experience in remediating radiological contamination. No change will be made to Section M, Factor 3.

55. Question: Statement of Work, Task Order Sample {Page 11 of 105}. Please confirm that similar to Task 3 Construction Support (General Conditions) that the other General Conditions Tasks 1, 2, 4 and 5 should include labor hour for a period of performance of one (1) year.

Answer: Yes, the labor hours for the Task 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are for one (1) year.

56. Question: Section L, Subsection 14, Section 3 Past Performance {page 94 of 105}.

Allows for 25 pages for prime contractor and 5 each for subcontractors. However, both the prime and subcontractor are permitted to submit the same number of projects (2-5).

Would the government consider increasing the page count for subcontractors to 10 pages to allow adequate discussion of projects to demonstrate relevancy to this SWO.

Answer: Yes, the government can increase the page count for each major subcontractor to 10 pages. (This was changed in the solicitation.)

57. Question: Section I, Contract Clauses, {page 34 of 105}. Cites small business size standard of 500 employees, please confirm this should state 750 employees.

Answer: This information is part of Clause FAR 52.219-28, which is not referencing the size standard for NAICS used on this contract; it is referencing contracts other than construction and services.

58. Question: Statement of Work, Task Order Sample, Task 7 {Page 12 of 105}. Please clarify how many samples are to be collected at each of the 128 sample locations.

Answer: Assume 4 samples will be collected from each location. (This has been noted in the Sample Task Order)

59. Question: Statement of Work, Task Order Sample, General Assumptions {Page 11 of 105}. Please clarify if the government will be providing railcars with lids or if the contractor is to provide railcar liners or other means to secure the soil.

Answer: Another contractor is responsible for providing railcars and lids. The remediation contractor is only responsible for loading the railcars.

60. Question: Statement of Work, Task Order Sample, General Assumptions {Page 11 of 105}. If lidded railcars are to be provided by the government, please confirm that the GFE loaders at NORCO and SLDS can be used to remove and place lids on railcars.

Answer: Yes, the GFE loaders are sufficient to remove and place the lids on the railcars.

(This has been noted in the Sample Task Order)

61. Question: Statement of Work, Task Order Sample, Task 4 {Page 12 of 105). States that “Deliverable items at a minimum include; Pre-Design Investigation Work Plans, Pre- Design Investigation Reports, Remedial Action Work Plans, Remedial Action Summary Reports and Field Work Variances”. Please clarify if “Daily Quality Control Reports” are also required under this Task.

Answer: Yes, Daily Quality Control Reports are required under this Task. (This has been noted in the Sample Task Order)

62. Question: Statement of Work, Task Order Sample, Task 4 {Page 12 of 105). States that

Design Investigation Reports, Remedial Action Work Plans, Remedial Action Summary Reports and Field Work Variances”. Please provide the number of Deliverable items (Work Plans and Reports) that should be assumed to be written during the Sample Task POP of one year and number of Revisions for each Report (Draft, Draft Final, Final, etc).

Answer: Assume 2 reports completed for SLDS and 2 reports for NORCO. The government issues Rev. A, Rev. B, and Rev. 0 reports. (This has been noted in the Sample Task Order)

63. Question: Statement of Work, Task Order Sample, Task 4 {Page 12 of 105). States that

Design Investigation Reports, Remedial Action Work Plans, Remedial Action Summary Reports and Field Work Variances”. Please confirm that the administrative, editorial and production support for these items should be contained in Task 1.

Answer: Correct.

64. Question: Statement of Work, Task Order Sample, Task 4 {Page 12 of 105}. Please confirm that the personnel listed as a minimum at each site are individual FTEs. 6 FTEs on WBS 01.04.01, NORCO and 6 FTEs on WBS 01.04.02 SLDS, for a total of 12 FTEs for one year.

Answer: Correct.

65. Question: Statement of Work, Task Order Sample, Task 5 {Page 12 of 105}. Please confirm that this task should include all Radiological Support for the Task Order Sample including, but not limited to 12 months of Stockpile management and loadout operations and management at NORCO and SLDS under Task 3 and activities under Tasks 6 – 9.

Answer: Correct, Task 5 should contain the minimum amount of radiological support required for each location. However, if the contractor feels that additional support is necessary for Tasks 6-9, they may add additional support.

66. Question: Statement of Work, Task Order Sample, Task 9 {Page 13 of 105}. Please confirm that no backfill or restoration is required under this task.

Answer: Backfill is required. There is an existing railspur on this property. It will require removal of current rails and replacement with the rails that were removed. The excavation is to be backfilled with one inch minus gravel provided by the contractor.

Assume 95% compaction requirements.

67. Question: Section L, Factor 1A {Page 96 of 105}. “iv. Decontamination” is listed as an area that the offerors should address capabilities for in Section 2, Tab A and in Section M. However, the SOW for Section 1.3.2 Remediation Work does not include “decontamination”. Please clarify if “decontamination” and or other D&D and structural support is to be included in the SOW.

Answer: Decontamination is mentioned in the paragraph that supports Section 1.3.2.

Minimal decontamination effort is required and is limited to removing radiological contamination from equipment, personnel, concrete, and sheetpile as needed.

68. Question: Past Performance Attachment Questionnaire. Appears to be missing the evaluation portion of the PPQ to be completed by the client, please provide revised attachment.

Answer: The revised PPQ to include the evaluation portion has been provided.

69. Question: Reference PPQ form issued with Solicitation. It does not include the actual form the client is to complete (it only includes the portion the contractor must complete).

Since time is of the essence in getting these forms to clients, please advise ASAP if we can use the PPQ-0 form readily available to us via the web.

Answer: Same response as question number 68.

70. Question: Reference Amendment 1 Q&A concerning PPQs. The government allowed usage of previously completed PPQs last time this contract was issued. We respectively ask for reconsideration on this topic.

Answer: The government requires that PPQs are completed for this solicitation. When previously completed PPQs are submitted, it is difficult to determine if the requirements are similar to the requirements for this solicitation.

71. Question: Reference page 91, General Instructions which states “Do not use a font size smaller than Times New Roman, 10, or an unusual font style” and page 94 which states “Proposals shall be submitted on plain white paper, 8 ½ x 11, margins 1”, gutter 0”, header/footer 0.5” (from edge), double-sided, Arial or Times New Roman, 12 font. Font size maybe adjusted for charts, graphs, or titles.” We request that the text font size allowed be 10 point and that we may use a smaller font for graphics and tables as long as it is readable.

Answer: Same response as question number 44.

72. Question: Reference Past Performance. We request that the requirement for the five year project completion be from the date this solicitation was issued. Please advise.

Answer: Correct, however, the government will allow past performance for the last 7 years as of the date of the solicitation in accordance with question 22.

73. Question: How many railcars do we have?

Answer: SLAPS can hold 8 railcars and SLDS can hold 4 railcars on the railspurs.

74. Question: Who do we coordinate discharge with?

Answer: The Sites discharge to the Metropolitan Sewer District under a special discharge permit that the USACE maintains. SLAPS also has an NPDES permit equivalent that allows them to discharge treated water to a body of water.

75. Question: Does the contractor and USACE share a trailer at SLDS?

Answer: At SLAPS the contractor and the USACE shares the modular building but SLDS is a trailer complex with the USACE having a separate trailer from the contractor.

76. Question: How is water treated at SLDS?

Answer: There are 2 Water Treatment Plants at SLDS. One is located at Plant 7S and one is located at the loadout facility in Plant 6WH. Water is pumped to frac tanks that allow for settling. Since the contamination is found in the suspended solids, treatment is accomplished through settling and filtration. No further treatment is necessary.

77. Question: Can contractors take pictures at SLDS?

Answer: No, the Mallinckrodt facility is a secure facility and no photos are allowed without Mallinckrodt’s approval.