C1DZ--631-23-002 Upgrade Lab and Radiology A/E

The purpose of this amendment is to post the RFI questions and answers.

The purpose of this amendment is to post the RFI questions and answers.

631-23-002 Upgrade Lab and Radiology RFIs

Question 1: Can you please clarify if the 3 projects requested in the knowledge of the locality section on page 6 should be located in section F or if they are separate from the 5 requested experience projects?

Answer 1: The (3) projects requested for the knowledge of locality can be the same ones used in criteria #1 or different ones, as long as they are called out separately for the knowledge of the locality criteria.

Question 2: I just wanted to confirm what the due date is for submissions for the above project. The cover of the 36C24124R0001+0004 notice states the due date is 7-9-24 however page 3 states 7-12-24.

Answer 2: The SF 330 due date for 36C24124R0001 0004 is 1:00pm EST July 9, 2024.

The purpose of this amendment is to:

Revise the evaluation criteria as incorporated herein.

Extend the response due date to July 12, 2024, 13:00 EST.

All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.

The phase 1 source selection evaluation criteria now read:

Each respondent s SF 330 submittal package will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 36.6 procedures. The selection criteria, in descending order of importance will be as follows:

Specialized Experience/Technical Competence

Professional Qualifications

Past Performance

Capacity

Knowledge of the locality

Experience in Construction Period Services

Commitment to the use of SDVOSB, VOSB, and other Small Businesses as Subcontractors

Specialized Experience/Technical Competence

Provide recent and relevant projects related to the Statement of Work with a similar magnitude (magnitude of construction for the design is between $5,000,000 and $10,000,000) that demonstrates experience with VA Design Requirements or equivalent with significant existing condition renovation. A minimum of 3 projects should be for comprehensive designs of complex medical use such as Clinical Laboratory, Sterile Processing Service, Operating Rooms, Surgical Centers and the like. Projects should detail the design manual requirements and approach, specialized HVAC and Mechanical Systems such as specialized clinical hood systems and hazardous clinical waste disposal. Projects should also detail working with end users and reviewing manufacturer equipment to coordinate added heat loads to the new HVAC system.

Recency is defined as performance occurring within five (5) years of the date of this notice, except that ongoing projects must have begun no less than one (1) year prior to the issuance of this notice.

Relevancy is defined as performance of work on projects that are similar in scope to the type of project anticipated under the resultant contract.

This factor evaluates the amount of experience and technical competence the firm has in designing similar types of projects.

Respondents must provide five (5) recent and relevant projects; any project provided in addition to the five are not required but will be considered if provided. The following information is required for all projects provided under this criteria:

Contract/Task Order Number

Project Title

Location

Prime Firm with % of self-performed work

Subconsultants

Start and Completion dates

If project is not yet complete, identify the current phase/stage of the project.

Fully completed projects will carry more weight than projects still in design

Cost of Construction

Description of the project in sufficient detail and clearly document how it is relevant to the scope of this project

Professional Qualifications

Professional qualifications necessary for satisfactory performance of required services.

The A/E firm will be evaluated according to their ability to demonstrate the education, training, registration, overall and relevant experience, and longevity with the firm of key management and technical personnel as is normally expected of a company actively providing the required services and shall have demonstrated experience to perform a project such as this within a VA Medical Center or hospital environment.

Firms shall provide brief resumes of proposed team members who will specifically serve as the project managers and designers of record, as well as of other relevant team members or subcontractor team members who will perform technical tasks under this contract. Subcontractor team member resumes shall indicate their record of working together with the prime contractor. The minimum required disciplines are Architecture, Mechanical (HVAC and Plumbing), Electrical, Fire Protection, Interior Design, Industrial Hygienist, Cost Estimator.

The Designers of Record shall perform and direct the design within their respective discipline and shall sign and seal the drawings. All Designers of Record must be professionally registered in their discipline, and this must be shown on their resume. Each resume shall include a minimum of three (3) specific completed projects that best illustrate the individual team members experience in their technical field relevant to this project scope; any project provided in addition to the three (3) will not be evaluated as part of this criteria.

Past Performance

Firms will be evaluated for past performance on recent and relevant contracts with Government agencies (emphasis on VA work) and private industry in terms of cost control, professional performance, general management, cooperativeness, quality of work, compliance with performance schedule, and a record of significant claims against the firm due to improper or incomplete A/E services (references required).

The evaluation may consider Past Performance information regarding predecessor companies, key personnel who have relevant experience, or subcontractors that will perform major or critical aspects of the requirement when such information is relevant to this acquisition. Past Performance information on contracts not listed by the offeror may also be evaluated. The Government may contact references and contact parties other than those identified by the offeror, and information received may be used in the evaluation of the offeror s Past Performance. While the Government may elect to consider data obtained from other sources, the burden of providing current, accurate, and complete Past Performance information rests with the offeror. The Government reserves the rights to obtain and evaluate Past Performance information from any source it deems appropriate.

Respondents with no previous past performance shall state so when addressing the selection criteria. Documentation supplied should detail firms ability to work with government entities and design standards or similar relevant experience with other entities.

The following information is required for evaluation of past performance:

The A/E firm shall submit past performance evaluations (from CPARS if experience was on a Government contract) for projects provided under Evaluation Criteria 1, Specialized Experience/Technical Competence. In addition to the past performance evaluations the firm shall provide owner points of contact for each project listed to include name, title, telephone number, e-mail, contract number, project name, project description, and start and completion dates.

Recency is defined as performance occurring within five (5) years of the date of this notice, except that ongoing projects must have begun no less than one (1) year prior to the issuance of this notice.

Relevancy is defined as performance of work on projects that are similar in scope to the type of project anticipated under the resultant contract.

If there is no CPARS data available, Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs) will be accepted. Please utilize the attached PPQ document. PPQs shall be submitted to the CO not later than the closing date for receipt of the SF 330s. Email PPQs to Chelsea.Rodrique@va.gov. The subject line shall state 36C24124R0001 Past Performance for (Name of Company.) NOTE: A/E Firms must not review the Past Performance Questionnaire prior to submission. They must be submitted by the client/evaluator directly to the CO. Firms should follow up and encourage references to get the questionnaires to the CO in a timely manner. Do not include copies of the letters or questionnaires in the SF 330 package.

Note:Â We recommend you contact every reference listed and let them know we may contact them for information. Their timely replies would be appreciated.

Capacity

Capacity to accomplish work in the required time.

The A/E Firm shall show current and projected workload within the firm overall and for the specific team members. Documentation supplied shall support that the firm has the capacity to accomplish the work in the required time. In addition, please highlight all work awarded by the VA in the previous twelve (12) months.

Knowledge of the Locality

Location in the general geographical area of the project and knowledge of the locality of the project.

The A/E Firm must demonstrate that it has general knowledge of the locality of the project by providing experience working in Massachusetts or the general geographical area of the project and displaying knowledge of the locality to include project site features such as permit requirements and local laws and regulations.

Respondents will be evaluated by providing three (3) projects that demonstrate their knowledge of the locality; any project provided in addition to the three will not be evaluated as part of this criteria.

Experience in Construction Period Services

Respondents must provide one (1) recent project from the five (5) projects provided under Factor 1, Specialized Experience, and provide a narrative on how the A/E incorporated the following into their project:

Professional field inspections during the construction period

Review of construction submittals

Support in answering requests for information during the construction period

Support of construction contract changes to include drafting statements of work and cost estimates

Any project provided in addition to the one (1) will not be evaluated as part of this criteria.

Commitment to the use of SDVOSB, VOSB, and other Small Businesses as Subcontractors

Respondents must provide a narrative on how they will commit to the use of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned small businesses, Veteran-owned small businesses, and other types of small businesses as subcontractors.

The purpose of this amendment is to post the RFI questions and answers.

631-23-002 Upgrade Lab and Radiology RFIs

Question 1: What is the scope of work for Architectural Services on this project?

VA Response: The scope of work for architectural services should be full encompassing for a complete demo and remodel of a lab space. All appropriate VA requirements and design manuals needs to be incorporated into the overall design of the space. Reference section 1.2 (Project Specific Scope of Work) in A/E design scope of work.

Question 2: Are you starting in the Design Development Phase, or going back to Schematic Design, before producing the Construction Documents?

VA Response: This project starts at Basis of Design (10%) then moves to Schematic Design (35%), Design Development (65%), Construction Documents (95%), Final Bid Documents (100%). Reference section 3 (Submittals) for design deliverables in A/E design scope of work.

Question 3: It appears that the SF330 is the only requirement. Could you please confirm this?

VA Response: SF 330 submittal packages, including Past Performance Questionnaires, shall be submitted no later than 2:00PM EST April 10, 2024.

Question 4: We would like clarification on whether subcontractors are required to fill out the SF330 or if it's solely for the prime contractor.

VA Response: Solely the prime contractor.

Question 5: Will the answers to the submitted questions be posted on the website?

VA Response: RFI questions and answers are posted to the SAM.gov Contract Opportunities website. https://sam.gov/content/opportunities

All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.

The purpose of this amendment is to add this line to section 1.2 in the A/E SOW:

Design to include coordination (i.e., location, utilities, etc.) for a temporary laboratory trailer while permanent lab is under construction.

The response date for SF 330s is extended to 2:00PM EST Wednesday April 10, 2024.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR QUALIFICATIONS (SF-330)

NAICS Code: 541330 Engineering Services (Small Business size standard $25.5 million dollars)

A. INTRODUCTION:

The VA Medical Center Central Western Massachusetts located in Leeds, MA has a requirement for a Firm Fixed Price contract to provide professional Architect/Engineer (A/E) Design Services to develop complete drawings, specifications, cost estimates and construction period administration for the 631-23-002 Upgrade Lab and Radiology.

B. CONTRACT INFORMATION:

The VA Medical Center Central Western Massachusetts located in Leeds, MA has a requirement for a Firm Fixed Price contract to provide professional Architect/Engineer (A/E) Design Services to develop complete drawings, specifications, cost estimates and construction period administration for the 631-23-002 Upgrade Lab and Radiology.

The Magnitude of Construction is between $5,000,000 and $10,000,000.

This acquisition is a Total Set-Aside for Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) in

accordance with VAAR 852.219-10 with NAICS Code 541330. Any subsequent award will require the firm to be registered in System for Award Management (SAM www.sam.gov) and the SBA Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert https://veterans.certify.sba.gov/). VetCert will be used to determine SDVOSB/VOSB Status, therefore, firms need to be registered with the applicable NAICS Code of 541330 at the time SF330 s are submitted.

Prospective firms are reminded they must certify that in accordance with VAAR 852.219-75, VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting-Certificate of Compliance for Services and Construction (JAN 2023) (DEVIATION), in the case of a contract for services (except construction), the contractor will not pay more than 50% of the amount paid by the government to it to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs listed in the SBA certification database as set forth in 852.219-73. Any work that a similarly situated certified SDVOSB subcontractor further subcontracts will count towards the 50% subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded. Other direct costs may be excluded to the extent they are not the principal purpose of the acquisition and small business concerns do not provide the service as set forth in 13 CFR 125.6.

SF330 packages shall address how each firm anticipates meeting this criteria. This requirement is in accordance with the Selection of Architects and Engineers as implemented in Subpart 36.6 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation and Subpart M836.602-1 of the VA Acquisition Manual. All submissions will be evaluated in accordance with the evaluation criteria. A "short list" of the three most highly rated after initial source selection will be chosen for negotiations of a contract award. The Government will not pay, nor reimburse, any costs associated with responding to this request. The Government is under no obligation to award a contract as a result of this announcement. Respondents are put on notice that firm(s) selected by the Selection Authority will be required to submit a Fixed Price Rate Proposal on the VA Form 6298 to include labor, overhead, profit, and other costs for this project for negotiation by the Contracting Officer prior to contract award. The negotiated agreement will be incorporated into the resulting contract.

C. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL:

This is a request for SF 330's Architect/Engineer Qualifications packages only. Any requests for a

solicitation will not receive a response. No material will be issued and no solicitation package or

bidder/plan holder list will be issued.

D. PROJECT INFORMATION:

Provide Architect/Engineer services to develop complete drawings, specifications, cost estimates and

construction period administration associated with the 631-23-002 Upgrade Lab and Radiology.

E. EVALUATION SELECTION CRITERIA:

Each respondent s SF 330 submittal package will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 36.6 procedures.

The selection criteria, in descending order of importance will be as follows:

1. Specialized Experience/Technical Competence

2. Professional Qualifications

3. Capacity

4. Past Performance

5. Knowledge of the locality

6. Experience in Construction Period Services

7. Commitment to the use of SDVOSB, VOSB, and other Small Businesses as Subcontractors

F. SELECTION CRITERIA DESCRIPTIONS:

The selection criteria descriptions (1 through 7) are provided below.

Specialized Experience/Technical Competence

Provide recent and relevant projects related to the Statement of Work with a similar magnitude (magnitude of construction for the design is between $5,000,000 and $10,000,000) that demonstrates experience with VA Design Requirements or equivalent with significant existing condition renovation.

Recency is defined as performance occurring within five (5) years of the date of this notice, except that ongoing projects must have begun no less than one (1) year prior to the issuance of this notice.

Relevancy is defined as performance of work on projects that are similar in scope to the type of project anticipated under the resultant contract.

This factor evaluates the amount of experience and technical competence the firm has in designing similar types of projects.

Respondents must provide five (5) recent and relevant projects; any project provided in addition to the five will not be evaluated as part of this criteria. The following information is required for all projects provided under this criteria:

Contract/Task Order Number

Project Title

Prime Firm

Start and Completion dates

Cost of Construction

Description of the project and how it is relevant to the scope of this project

Professional Qualifications

Professional qualifications necessary for satisfactory performance of required services.

The A/E firm will be evaluated according to their ability to demonstrate the education, training, registration, overall and relevant experience, and longevity with the firm of key management and technical personnel as is normally expected of a company actively providing the required services and shall have demonstrated experience to perform a project such as this within a VA Medical Center or hospital environment.

Firms shall provide brief resumes of proposed team members who will specifically serve as the project managers and designers of record, as well as of other relevant team members or subcontractor team members who will perform technical tasks under this contract. Subcontractor team member resumes shall indicate their record of working together with the prime contractor.

The Designers of Record shall perform and direct the design within their respective discipline and shall sign and seal the drawings. All Designers of Record must be professionally registered in their discipline, and this must be shown on their resume. Each resume shall include a minimum of three (3) specific completed projects that best illustrate the individual team members experience in their technical field relevant to this project scope; any project provided in addition to the three (3) will not be evaluated as part of this criteria.

Capacity

Capacity to accomplish work in the required time.

The A/E Firm shall show current and projected workload within the firm overall and for the specific team members. Documentation supplied shall support that the firm has the capacity to accomplish the work in the required time. In addition, please highlight all work awarded by the VA in the previous twelve (12) months.

Past Performance

Firms will be evaluated for past performance on recent and relevant contracts with Government agencies (emphasis on VA work) and private industry in terms of cost control, professional performance, general management, cooperativeness, quality of work, compliance with performance schedule, and a record of significant claims against the firm due to improper or incomplete A/E services (references required).

The evaluation may consider Past Performance information regarding predecessor companies, key personnel who have relevant experience, or subcontractors that will perform major or critical aspects of the requirement when such information is relevant to this acquisition. Past Performance information on contracts not listed by the offeror may also be evaluated. The Government may contact references and contact parties other than those identified by the offeror, and information received may be used in the evaluation of the offeror s Past Performance. While the Government may elect to consider data obtained from other sources, the burden of providing current, accurate, and complete Past Performance information rests with the offeror. The Government reserves the rights to obtain and evaluate Past Performance information from any source it deems appropriate.

Respondents with no previous past performance shall state so when addressing the selection criteria. Documentation supplied should detail firms ability to work with government entities and design standards or similar relevant experience with other entities.

The following information is required for evaluation of past performance:

The A/E firm shall submit past performance evaluations (from CPARS if experience was on a Government contract) for projects provided under Evaluation Criteria 1, Specialized Experience/Technical Competence. In addition to the past performance evaluations the firm shall provide owner points of contact for each project listed to include name, title, telephone number, e-mail, contract number, project name, project description, and start and completion dates.

Recency is defined as performance occurring within five (5) years of the date of this notice, except that ongoing projects must have begun no less than one (1) year prior to the issuance of this notice.

Relevancy is defined as performance of work on projects that are similar in scope to the type of project anticipated under the resultant contract.

If there is no CPARS data available, Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs) will be accepted. Please utilize the attached PPQ document. PPQs shall be submitted to the CO not later than the closing date for receipt of the SF 330s. Email PPQs to Michael.Andersen1@va.gov. The subject line shall state 36C24124R0001 Past Performance for (Name of Company.) NOTE: A/E Firms must not review the Past Performance Questionnaire prior to submission. They must be submitted by the client/evaluator directly to the CO. Firms should follow up and encourage references to get the questionnaires to the CO in a timely manner. Do not include copies of the letters or questionnaires in the SF 330 package.

Note:Â We recommend you contact every reference listed and let them know we may contact them for information. Their timely replies would be appreciated.

Knowledge of the Locality

Location in the general geographical area of the project and knowledge of the locality of the project.

The A/E Firm must demonstrate that it has general knowledge of the locality of the project by providing experience working in Massachusetts or the general geographical area of the project and displaying knowledge of the locality to include project site features such as permit requirements and local laws and regulations.

Respondents will be evaluated by providing three (3) projects that demonstrate their knowledge of the locality; any project provided in addition to the three will not be evaluated as part of this criteria.

Experience in Construction Period Services

Respondents must provide one (1) recent project from the five (5) projects provided under Factor 1, Specialized Experience, and provide a narrative on how the A/E incorporated the following into their project:

Professional field inspections during the construction period

Review of construction submittals

Support in answering requests for information during the construction period

Support of construction contract changes to include drafting statements of work and cost

estimates

Any project provided in addition to the one (1) will not be evaluated as part of this criteria.

Commitment to the use of SDVOSB, VOSB, and other Small Businesses as Subcontractors

Respondents must provide a narrative on how they will commit to the use of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned small businesses, Veteran-owned small businesses, and other types of small businesses as subcontractors.

G. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS:

a. Questions and comments regarding this notice must be submitted by email only to the Contract Specialist Michael Andersen at Michael.andersen1@va.gov.

b. Oral questions will not be answered.

c. The deadline for questions is November 03, 2023 at 2:00PM EST.

H. SF 330 SUBMITTAL PACKAGE PAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

a. SF 330 submittal packages, including Past Performance Questionnaires, shall be submitted no later

than 2:00PM EST on November 24, 2023.

Respondents are responsible for ensuring SF 330 submittal packages, any revisions, and

modifications are submitted by this time.

b. Qualified A/E firms are required to submit ONE (1) electronic copy via email to Michael.andersen1@va.gov. If file size exceeds 7MB then firms are required to send multiple emails with a sequence stating email 1 of __.

SF 330 forms are available on-line at: http://www.gsa.gov/portal/forms/type/SF

c. Submission of information incorporated by reference is not allowed.

d. Prospective firms shall address all selection criteria factors within their submitted SF 330 package.

e. Submissions are limited to 85 pages.

i. Absolutely no photographs shall be submitted.

ii. Title pages and tables of contents, if applicable, are excluded from the page count limitation.

iii. Pages submitted in excess of the limitations specified in this Notice will not be evaluated by

NCO 1.

f. Telephone or Fax inquiries will not be accepted.

I. SF 330 PACKAGE CONTENTS:

a. The SF 330 submittal packages shall consist of a completed SF 330 parts I and II, specific

information addressing each of the SEVEN selection criteria described in this Notice.

b. Respondents are required to meet all requirements in addition to those identified as selection

criteria.

c. SF 330 submittal packages not consistent with the requirements and selection criteria of this

Notice may be determined unacceptable and removed from consideration.

d. Any SF 330 submittal package, modification, or revision, that is received at the designated NCO 1

office after the exact time specified for receipt is late and will not be considered unless it is

received before award is made, the contracting officer determines that accepting the late

submittal would not unduly delay the acquisition; and There is acceptable evidence to establish

that it was received at NCO 1 installation designated for receipt of submittal packages and was

under NCO 1 s control prior to the time set for receipt of submittal packages; or it was the only

submittal package received.

J. SF 330 PACKAGE PREPARATION:

a. Qualified A/E firms are required to submit ONE (1) electronic copy via email to

Michael.andersen1@va.gov. SF 330 forms are available on-line at: http://www.gsa.gov/portal/forms/type/SF

b. Electronic copy shall be in searchable PDF format of the SF 330 parts I and II.

c. A cover sheet should be included, clearly marked with the Respondent's name, complete address

with 9 digit zip code, phone number, e-mail address, UIE number, date of response, title and

Notice identification.

d. Information not provided elsewhere in the SF 330 submittal package shall not be incorporated by

reference.

e. A table of contents shall be provided for ready reference to sections and figures.

f. SF 330 submittal packages shall be consistent with the following structure and formatted accordingly:

SF 330 PART I CONTRACT SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS

1. Sections A through D

2. Section E

3. Section F

4. Section G

5. Section H

6. Section I

7. Past Performance Questionnaire

8. Other additional information and attachments

SF 330 PART II GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

(Note: Respondents shall clearly label additional information and attachments).

K. FAR and VAAR:

The FAR and VAAR citations referenced in this Special Notice can be accessed via the following internet links: https://www.acquisition.gov/far/index.html

END OF SPECIAL NOTICE