Replace Front Doors (2 sets) in Building 1 Integrating with ePACS

AMENDMENT 0001 issued to provide answers to questions submitted by interested contractors.

Q1.  The Lenel system is an access system that is already on the doors. Does this system have to be used, or can we use another system, that is compatible? 

A1.  The Lenel system is mandatory, but the system is already installed and working on the existing doors.  We just want the new doors to have a different locking system (electric door strikes instead of the existing magnetic locks) and for it to be installed and integrated into the existing system by a qualified technician when the doors get replaced.

That said, the existing system is a Lenel system, but the door locking hardware can be whatever is compatible and will work with the present system.

The Aiphone system (intercom) and current ePACS card reader are to be reused and relocated to the nearest location on the existing storefront frame.  We’re doing this because we anticipate that they will be in the way of the new door installation.

Q2.  Could you please confirm if contractor is purchasing the 2 sets of doors and installing them or will the government purchase the doors and contractor will only need to install them?

A2.  All doors are to be supplied and installed by the vendor.

Q3.  In executing this project, can one superintendent fulfill the supervision, safety, and QAQC roles?

A3.  One person can fulfill all roles.

Q4.  Are contractors required to issue a contract specific QA/QC Plan?

A4.  Quality control is the exclusive responsibility of the Contractor.  The work performed under this contract shall be subject to continuous audit by the COR.  No written plan required.

Q5.  Are contractors required to issue a contract specific Safety Plan?

A5.  Safety and health matters, as they relate to the work, are the exclusive responsibility of the Contractor.  The Contractor shall furnish, erect, and maintain barricades, warning lights, signs, guards, or take other precautions as may be required to protect pedestrian and vehicle traffic in close proximity to the work.  No written plan required.

Q6.  Is this project tax exempt?

A6.  Generally, the Federal Government are immune from State and local taxation.

Q7.  Can the proposal due date be extended 1 week due to the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend which is limiting the amount of subcontractor quotes as some businesses will be closed around this time?

A7.  Proposal due date not able to be extended.

Q8.  What special requirements do we need to include in our proposal for security reasons if the project takes a day or more for access into the building? Do we need to include a security guard overnight?

A8.  Since we are replacing two sets of doors, if they do the exterior doors first and those are able to be secured after hours, then the interior doors could be completed the next day. 

If they start on the interior doors first and don’t get them completed there is no way to secure the entrance, then yes there would need to be security provided.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Southeast Area (SEA), National Sedimentation Laboratory (NSL), 598 McElroy Drive, Oxford, Mississippi has a requirement to replace front doors in Building 1 (B-1) consisting of 2 sets of doors with an enclosed vestibule between them and providing integration with location's Lenel Enterprise Physical Access Control System (ePACS).  All project requirements must be performed as specified in strict accordance with attached Statement of Work (SOW).

The solicitation number is 12405B25R0002.  This is being solicited as a Total Small Business Set-Aside.  The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 236220.  The small business size standard is $45.0M.

In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 36.204 Disclosure of the magnitude of construction projects, the magnitude of this project is between $25,000 and $100,000.

Site Visit:

Bidders are encouraged to visit the site and be escorted by a government representative to confirm locations, dimensions, and conditions of the project before a bid is submitted. The site visit shall be for observing firsthand any conditions relevant to the completion of this project.  No consideration will be given to claims based on lack of knowledge of existing conditions, except where contract documents make definite provisions for adjustment in cost or extension due to existing conditions not readily foreseeable.

Site visit is scheduled for Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. Central Time (CT) at the USDA, ARS, SEA, NSL, 598 McElroy Drive, Oxford, MS 38655 location.  

Site visit contact:  Darren Middleton, Phone: (662)607-4280, Email:  darren.middleton@usda.gov.

All questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted in writing ONLY to the Contract Specialist, Monte Jordan, via email only to monte.jordan@usda.gov.  Questions must be submitted by November 29, 2024,no later than 12:00 p.m. Central Time (CT).  Answers to all questions received by that time will be posted as an amendment to the solicitation.  No questions will be answered after this date unless determined to be in the best interest of the Government as deemed by the Contracting Officer.  Telephone requests for information will not be accepted or returned.

Proposals must be received by Friday, December 6, 2024, no later than 3:00 p.m. Central Time (CT).  Proposals must be emailed only to Contract Specialist, Monte Jordan at monte.jordan@usda.gov. Proposal must be annotated as such and reference the solicitation number.  NO late proposals will be accepted.  

DISCLAIMER: The official contract documents are located on the government webpage and the Government is not liable for information furnished by any other source.  Amendments, if/when issued will be posted to Contract Opportunities for electronic downloading.  This will normally be the only method of distributing amendments prior to closing; therefore, it is the offeror’s responsibility to check the website periodically for any amendments to this solicitation.  Websites are occasionally inaccessible, due to various reasons.  The Government is not responsible for any loss of internet connectivity or for an offeror’s inability to access the documents posted on the referenced web pages.  The Government will not issue paper copies.