Generator Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity RFP

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) maintains a fleet of generators at Distribution Centers (DC) located at both the Continental United States (CONUS) and Other than Continental United States (OCONUS) locations, in order to support emergency response operations.  The agency is currently updating the fleet to meet Tier 4Final EPA compliance.

The contractor shall provide generators and Generator Sets (and external tanks if applicable) to support Disaster Relief Operations.

The generator (and external tank, if applicable) requirement is to support FEMA’s generator fleet which is maintained to support emergency response operations; and the procurement is to fill shortfalls at identified locations (in IDIQ Delivery Order) within the fleet due to the lifecycle of generators.  The generator requirement is set up as an IDIQ which gives FEMA the ability to place future orders for generators of various type(s) and sizes as described in the specifications below.

The Contractor shall provide primary and alternate (if applicable) Point-of Contact person(s) who will have the authority to commit the company, as required to execute the award.  The contractor(s) shall furnish all professional, technical and clerical services as well as materials, equipment and facilities to meet the stated specifications and project requirements defined in this Statement of Work (SOW).

Generators Questions and Answers.

Generators Questions from Vendors – Response from Program Office

1. Page 1 of the SF 1449 states that delivery is expected 30 days after award.  Section 2.4.2 states “Delivery Schedule will be determined at the delivery order level” and Section F.6 states “Delivery of items will be determined on an individual delivery/delivery order basis.”  Can you please clarify if delivery time will be an evaluation factor? Is there a maximum delivery time that cannot be exceeded regardless of the delivery order? Additionally, could you kindly clarify if training is to be held at each delivery location, or if FEMA will consolidate the training and have it at one single location? Delivery will be determined at the delivery order level, and the government will consider flexibility within a reasonable time regarding meeting the schedule. 
    
2. On the smaller power rating units, there is requirement for an integrally mounted “load bank”.  Generally, when this is a requirement, this option is needed for T4 engines that cannot operate properly under lower loads. There is NO requirement on the 15-35kW generator to have an internal load bank because of it being small enough in order not to have a DPF or SCR system. Generators 36-400kW have a non-negotiable requirement for an integrally mounted load bank.
    
3. Our engine technologies are designed to operate properly at lower loads. Also – these load banks unnecessarily consume extra fuel. As stated in the response to question #2, the fully integrated load bank is a non-negotiable requirement on the 36kW-400kW units.
    
4. Can we still bid if we do not offer an integral load bank option, but the unit runs proper at low loads? As stated in the response to question #2, the fully integrated load bank is a non-negotiable requirement on the 36kW-400kW units.
    
5. Can you tell me 30-day delivery is required on bidding this solicitation? As stated in response to question #1, delivery will be determined on the delivery order level and the government will consider flexibility within a reasonable time.   
    
6. What are the quantities of the various sizes?   Are there detailed specs above 400kW as well? As stated on page. 19 in the RFP, Statement of Work: Part 2: Contractor Deliverables, section 2.1: Products – specific quantities of the kW size requirement (minimum-maxikumn FEMA acceptable range) and delivery locations will be specified within the solicitation for the delivery orders themselves.  At this time, the requirement is to provide a proposal meeting the government requirement of the specifications as outlined in Attachment 2 of the RFP.  Detailed specifications for ALL size requirements are in Attachment 2 of the RFP: Attachment_2_Generator Specifications_v1; and, in Attachment 3, which is to be completed by vendors: Attachment 3_Vendor_Specs_Complete_v1. As stated on pg. 19 of the RFP, specifications shall include but are not limited to – those listed for both 400kW below AND 400kW above.  Refer to Attachment 2 for the DETAILED specifications.
    
7. Can the due date for questions be extended to 11/13/2019 since the last addendum was recently issued?  We are awaiting questions for our sub-tier vendors at this time. Due date was not extended
    
8. Can we get a bid extension on the current due date of Nov 29,2019 (Thanksgiving Holiday) to  a minimum of December 06,2019.  Proposal will be due December 6, 2019 at 10:00 am EST.
    
9. Will generator sizing reports be required with the final quote?  Will elevation and ambient temperature for each location need to be considered when sizing the units? As stated in Attachment 2 – Generator Specifications, the FEMA acceptable minimum – maximum range is listed.  Generators for each kW requirement, MUST fall within that range to be considered acceptable.  The location of the unit is not a driver of the size requirement.
    
10. Provide the final shipping and training locations for the units going to Hawaii, Guam, Caribbean area. As stated on pg. 26 of the RFP, the delivery locations and address are provided.  Delivery and training will occur at those address. 
     
11. Specification do not indicate a sound level we will need to comply with are we assuming Level 1? DETAILED technical specifications are listed in Attachment 2 for EACH size requirement.  Sound Level is listed as “NTE 75dB(A) full load @ 23ft”
     
12. Is there an approved manufacture list for generators and the associated equipment? We do not specify any manufactures or equipment type
     
13. Is there specifications on any of the trailer requirements? As per Section 2.1: Products of the RFP starting on page 20 state, below is the non-negotiable requirement for generator mounting:
    1. 400kW and BELOW (CONUS and OCONUS Locations): SKID Mounted with fork pockets as per the technical specifications
    2. 401kW and ABOVE CONUS Locations: Chassis Mounted with air ride suspension trailer
    3. 401kW – 704kW OCONUS LOCATIONS (pg. 23)
       1. 401-750kW: SKID MOUNTED
       2. 751kW - >1mW: CHASSIS MOUTNED with air-ride suspension trailer
           
14. Please clarify statement under Emission that indicated  “No aftermarket modifications”.  If the Tier 4F equipment supplier is a OEM to our Caterpillar product is this acceptable? OEM modifications are acceptable
     
15. Will the Load bank, trailer, Battery and Tier4F equipment fall under the FAR requirements? Yes
     
16. Clarify requirements for O&M manuals. All possible documentation related to each model provided in this solicitation.
     
17. Please clarify voltage requirements referenced in the SOW section 2.1A, 2.1 (b) (i), 2.1 (b) (ii). As stated in the statement of work, units are to be 3-phase switchable meeting the voltages listed: 120/208v; 139/240v; and 277/480v.
     
18. Please clarify statement under Emission that indicates  “No aftermarket modifications”.  If the Tier 4F equipment supplier is a OEM to our product is this acceptable? DUPLICATE OF QUESTION #14
     
19. Please clarify voltage requirements referenced in the SOW section 2.1A, 2.1 (b) (i), 2.1 (b) (ii). DUPLICATE OF QEUSTION #17
     
20. Please clarify statement under Emission that indicates  “No aftermarket modifications”.  If the Tier 4F equipment supplier is a OEM to our product is this acceptable? DUPLICATE OF QEUSTION #14
     
21. Please clarify voltage requirements referenced in the SOW section 2.1A, 2.1 (b) (i), 2.1 (b) (ii). DUPLICATE OF QEUSTION #17
     
22. Please clarify statement under Emission that indicates  “No aftermarket modifications”.  If the Tier 4F equipment supplier is a OEM to our product is this acceptable? DUPLICATE OF QEUSTION #14
     
23. Solicitation states that automated load banks only required for gens 56kW and above; Attachment 2 shows requirement for automated load bank for 50kW gens. Please clarify As stated in the response to question #2, the fully integrated load bank is a non-negotiable requirement on the 36kW-400kW units.
     
24. One of the 3-phase voltages indicated in each of these paragraphs is "277/280V", was this intended to be 277/480V? ? As the response above, voltage is 277/480v – amendment to the statement of work to show correct voltage forthcoming.
     
25. "The 24hr Fuel Tank section states that it ""Shall include lockable integral cabinet which secures fuel and equipment; MUST have the ability to fuel the generator while locked""
    Please clarify how the fuel can be secured but still able to be re-filled while the cabinet is locked" The intent is that the cabinet remains locked EXCEPT to re-fill the tank
     
26. Solicitation states that PPQ is to be sent to customer/client references for submittal directly back to the Government; the Attachment 4 document provided with the Solicitation package does not appear to be relevant to this type of project. Please clarify and/or release an amended PPQ form. Please see the updated Past Performance form.
     
27. What are quantities and prices of each type of generator between 15-400kw that you've awarded over the last several years? Please submit a FOIA request for this information. Who were they awarded to? Please submit a FOIA request for this information
     
     
28. What is the actual contract minimum, what is the actual contract maximum? Is it in a dollar amount? The minimum amount will be the cost of the smallest generator.
     
29. We noticed that there will be up to 3 awards given for the <400kW. Is it the intention to award the same size generator to multiple bidders? This is IDIQ, and intention will be that there will be multiple vendors for the size requirement.
     
30. Is 277/280v correct? Or should it be 277/480v DUPLICATE OF ABOVE QUESTION
     
31. The first sub-bullet point under the Integrally Mounted Automated Load Bank System heading: can this be changed from "resistive load" to "resistive or dynamic load" No, they are to be resistive load bank as stated in the solicitation requirements.
     
32. Fuel tank requirement: If our generators already have onboard 24 hr+ fuel tanks, do we need to provide a second additional external fuel tank with and additional 24 hrs. Per the requirement generators from 36kW – 400kW will have an external fuel tank that meets the 24hour run-time.  The 401kW and above units, as per the solicitation (pg. 24), MUST HAVE a 24hour INTERNAL Fuel tank at a minimum of meeting the requirements outlined by the government within the solicitation.
     
33. Is the contractor expected to send a representative to the delivery location with EACH shipment delivery? During the delivery period, the contractor shall have a technical representative ready to be sent to respective delivery location if deemed necessary following any initial troubleshooting upon delivery of any unit that is not in working order.  Statement of Work section 2.3 Inspection has been updated.
     
34. Hours of Performance section: is the contractor required to provide labor for unloading the generators at the delivery location? The downloading of the generators/external fuel tanks will be the responsibility of the Government.  As stated, the in the Statement of Work, in the Hours of Performance section, delivery is to door to door transportation.
     
35. Does FMC condition mean the contractor needs to deliver the units pre-fueled and pre-filled with DEF? NO, the government will fill the units with DEF and fuel to our standard.  FMC condition means that the unit is to arrive in Fully Mission Capable status with no faults.
     
36. Transportation Transit Privilege Credits section (a): Could you provide an explanation of the Transportation Transit Privilege Credits? Please see FAR 52.247-57 Transportation Transit Privilege Credits
     
37. Format section: states zip files will not be accepted. This contradicts the direction on page 77 under Submission Address, which states Proposals must be zip filed to be considered acceptable. Which is correct? Zip files are the preferred method for submission.
     
38. Special Proposal Instructions: We have two years of audited financial statements, because our business start date was May 2017. Does this preclude our participation? Please submit what you have. This will not be held against you.
     
39. It looks like we are supposed to provide separate pricing for each year, is that correct? Yes
     
40. We have multiple gen sets models that fit within each size category - are we able to propose multiple models within each category or must we choose only one. For example, we have both 20kW and 31kW size generators, are we able to propose both models for the 15-35kW category or are we only able to propose one model? Please provide only ONE kW size that will meet the requirement
     
41. Engine Design: we suggest adjusting the spec to exclude "charge air cooled" for the 15-35 kW range. This specification will remain as written in the solicitation.
     
42. There is no DEF on this size range, we propose removing this spec Per Attachment 2, Detailed Specifications; the DEF requirement is listed for the 400kW above units for those units that are Tier 4i or Tier 4F ONLY.  As per the requirement, generator’s 401-704kW MUST be Tier 4F; and those units 705->1mW while Tier 2 and above is acceptable, Tier 4FINAL is preferred.  This specification will NOT be removed.
     
43. "Is a load bank required if the unit can perform at low temperatures and loads without concerns of wet stacking or regen issues. Alternatively, what is the requirement for the low temp and load operability? As stated in the response to question #2, the fully integrated load bank is a non-negotiable requirement on the 36-400kW units.
     
44. The equipment we manufacture does not require a load bank for regeneration (passive regeneration) nor is it required to eliminate wet stacking." As stated in the response to question #2, the fully integrated load bank is a non-negotiable requirement, and must run at minimum 40% load when at low temp or load operations on the 36-400kW units
     
45. If the technology used to meet T4 emissions does not use a DPF, does there need to be a dummy indication light? NO
     
46. What specific capacities will need to be identified on the capacity plates? Industry standard capacity plates
     
47. Will a towable product in this product range suffice versus a chassis product? As per Section 2.1: Products of the RFP starting on page 20 state, below is the non-negotiable requirement for generator mounting:
    1. 400kW and BELOW (CONUS and OCONUS Locations): SKID Mounted with fork pockets as per the technical specifications
    2. 401kW and ABOVE CONUS Locations: Chassis Mounted with air ride suspension trailer
    3. 401kW – 704kW OCONUS LOCATIONS (pg. 23)
       1. 401-750kW: SKID MOUNTED
       2. 751kW - >1mW: CHASSIS MOUTNED
           
48. Pages 76 & 77 contradict each other with how the proposal should be submitted. How should proposals be submitted? All proposals should be submitted electronically. Zip files are welcome.
     
49. The table on page 75 outlines page maximums for the Delivery Schedule and Past Performance, however the paragraph on page 76 suggest that Past Performance is excluded in the Page Count. Past performance is excluded from the page count.
     
     
50. The bottom of page 75 specifies that responses will be submitted electronically. The bottom of page 76 suggests that responses should be separately bound. Is it acceptable to submit an emailed response alone? All proposals should be submitted electronically.
     
51. The SOW's Delivery Schedule differs from the delivery prescription on the 1449. The language from the SOW seems more reasonable as 30 days ARO will not be possible in all instances/quantities/etc. Can you remove the 30 days ARO from the cover page? I believe this will provide continuity and reasonableness to the requirement. Delivery Schedule will be determined at the time of task order award.
     
52. "Evaluation Factor 1 - Technical Approach - is it still possible to receive a high confidence score even if one weakness of minor importance exists? In other words, is it 1 weakness = Low confidence? It will depends on the area that the weakness is in.
     
53. If yes, I would recommend replacing the evaluation table with something similar to the US Air Force's standardized evaluation tables, see page 26 here: https://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/policy/policyvault/USA004370-14-DPAP.pdf  ". Please see https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far
     
54. "The past performance worksheet specifies that it will be completed by the offeror. However, language within the RFQ (page 80) describes sending the questionnaire to our references and to be returned to you. The questions in attachment 4, however, are worded in a manner that addresses the contractor rather than the reference. Is there a separate worksheet for references to complete? Please see the updated past performance form.
     
55. Would prefer that the vendors complete the questionnaire and submit with our proposals. The government is okay with this approach.
     
56. There are two evaluation tables for this factor, will both be used? The tables are listed after each factor.
     
57. "Can you clarify your desires for a removable tank? What value is there to them being removed if they're being bypassed with an external tank?   i.e. seems like there'd be value-added to have both options.  If you remove them, will they ever be replaced? Do they still need to be removed if they can be bypassed when using an external tank? Per the solicitation, internal tanks are to be removed for units 36-400kW, external tanks will be utilized for generators meeting the size requirements.
     
58. Page 1 of the SF 1449 states that delivery is expected 30 days after award.  Section 2.4.2 states “Delivery Schedule will be determined at the delivery order level” and Section F.6 states “Delivery of items will be determined on an individual delivery/delivery order basis.”  Can you please clarify if delivery time will be an evaluation factor? Is there a maximum delivery time that cannot be exceeded regardless of the delivery order? Delivery schedule will be set with each delivery order.
     
59. Please clarify if training is to be held at each delivery location, or if FEMA will consolidate the training and have it at one single location? Training will occur at EACH delivery location, within 30 days of receipt of LAST generator for that location per delivery order.