US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Norfolk District's Craney Island Dredged Bulkhead Refurbishment Project in Portsmouth, Virginia

W9123621B5005, Craney Island Dredged Material Management Area (CIDMMA) Bulkhead Refurbishment for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Civil Works Navigation Program in Portsmouth, Virginia.

THIS IS A PRE-SOLICITATION NOTICE. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION. DO NOT SUBMIT BIDS OR QUESTIONS IN RESPONSE TO THIS NOTICE.  

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers -Norfolk District, intends to issue a solicitation for a 100% Small Business Set Aside, Firm Fixed-Price (FFP), Invitation for Bid (IFB) contract with Definitive Responsibility Criteria (DRC) for the acquisition of the Craney Island Bulkhead Refurbishment Project in Portsmouth, Virginia. This procurement will be conducted in accordance with FAR Part 14, Sealed Bidding Procedures.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

Annually, the bulkhead accommodates a large number of marine vessels consisting primarily of dredging equipment such as hydraulic and mechanical dredges, scows, barges and survey vessels. The Bulkhead’s fender system is the interface between the vessel and the bulkhead. During the berthing of a vessel, the fender system is meant to act as a buffer in absorbing or dissipating the impact energy of the ship without causing permanent damage to the ship or the bulkhead. Once the vessel is successfully berthed and moored to the bulkhead, the fender system continues to provide the interface between ship and shore and transmits the environmental loads (wind, waves, and current) on the ship to the structure. Over the last few years, a significant number of fender timber pilings and cross braces have been significantly damaged or destroyed, while the bulkhead structure remains functioning and in good condition. In order to successfully serve its purpose, bulkhead’s fender system needs to be entirely replaced in-kind to continue to safely support vessels, plant, and equipment calling on the facility, but minimize damage to the bulkhead itself. The work will consist of complete removal of remaining fender system (piles and bracing) and installation of new 16” in diameter and approximately 52.5’ long timber piles and associated cross bracing. Portion of the bulkhead that will require the replacement of fender system is approximately 310’ long.

DEFINITIVE RESPONSIBILITY CRITERIA INSTRUCTIONS

This requirement will use Definitive Responsibility Criteria (DRC) which are specific and objective standards established to inform the Contracting Officer’s responsibility in accordance with FAR 9.104-2.  These criteria are in addition to the criteria in FAR 9.104-1 and allow the Contracting Officer to assess whether the apparent low bidder can demonstrate the expertise and specialized capabilities needed for adequate contract performance. The inability of a contractor otherwise eligible for award to demonstrate minimally acceptable experience as measured by the DRC may result in the Contracting Officer determining the contractor is not responsible.

The submission responding to the DRC must be provided in the form of a written detailed narrative, with a page limitation that shall not exceed three (3) pages for each listed DRC.  A submission will only be required from the apparent low bidder and must be submitted within three business days of the bid opening.

The written narrative for DRC listed below must demonstrate a bidder’s successful completion of the specified project experience within the past five (5) years of the date of this solicitation.  Bidders may use one or more projects to demonstrate past experience in the specified criterion.  The Definitive Responsibility Criterion is provided as follows:  

1. Heavy Civil Marine Construction involving installation of timber fenders, timber piles, and connection hardware in a marine environment.

The bidder shall provide the following:

• Project number and name of agency or owner for each project provided as experience.
• Period of performance of the project.
• Brief description of the work performed and completed by the bidder for each criterion.

If a subcontractor will be used to complete a work component of a bidder’s project experience, the bidder shall provide the following:

• Name of the subcontractor.
• Project number and name of agency or owner for each project provided as experience.
• Period of performance of the project.
• Brief description of the work performed and complete.
• Subcontractor experience will show successful completion for the time specified in the criterion.
• Letter of commitment from the subcontractor (signed by the prime and the subcontractor) to perform the work related to listed experience.

CONSTRUCTION TIME

Performance shall begin within 20 calendar days and complete all work within 240 calendar days of receipt of Notice-to-Proceed (NTP).

STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT REQUIREMENTS

This requirement will be a 100% Small Business Set-Aside. North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code 237990 – Other Heavy Civil Engineering Construction with a Size Standard of $39,500,000 is applicable to this acquisition. In accordance with FAR 36.204, the estimated construction price range for this project is between $250,000.00 and $500,000.00.

Liquidated Damages will be assessed in the amount of $955.00 per calendar day of delay.

Contractors will be required to submit bid bonds with submittals.

In accordance with FAR Part 9.104 and 9.106, contractor responsibility will be determined prior to award by the Contracting Officer through the performance of a Pre-Award Survey or utilizing information from a previous pre-award survey and/or any performance data available. The apparent low bidder may be required to show that he has the necessary capital, experience, and owns or can procure the necessary plant or other resources to commence the work at the time prescribed in the specifications and thereafter to prosecute and complete the work safely and satisfactorily within the time specified. The below Pre-Award Survey Information will be requested of the apparent low offeror. This information is not required to be responsive to the Invitation for Bid.

The Government intends to award a Firm-Fixed Priced contract to the responsible bidder whose bid conforms to the terms of the IFB notice, is determined fair and reasonable, and offers the best overall value to the Government as determined through the IFB, Sealed Bid process. 

This notice does not constitute an invitation for bid. The IFB and accompanying documents will be issued electronically and will be uploaded to the Beta.SAM.gov website (https://www.beta.sam.gov) on or about May 2021. Notification of any changes to this pre-solicitation will only be made on this website. Therefore, it is the offerors responsibility to check the website regularly for any posted changes to the pre-solicitation notice. Telephone calls or written requests for the IFB package will NOT be accepted.  Prospective bidders are responsible for monitoring beta.sam.gov to respond to the solicitation and any amendments or other information regarding this acquisition. 

IT IS THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BIDDER TO CONTINUALLY VIEW THE WEBSITE FOR CHANGES.  No hard copies will be available.

Prospective contractors MUST be registered in the DOD System for Award Management (SAM) database in order to obtain access to beta.SAM.gov. It is incumbent upon vendors to monitor beta.SAM.gov for the release of the solicitation, specification, drawings, and all subsequent amendments. SAM Registration must also be ACTIVE and current to be eligible for contract award. Information on registration and annual confirmation requirements may be obtained by calling 1-866-606-8220 or via the Internet at https://www.sam.gov. Lack of registration in the SAM database will prevent access to beta.SAM.gov and will make a bidder ineligible for award.  Representations and Certifications Applications apply to this solicitation and may be completed online via the SAM.gov website.

Inquiries may be directed to Mrs. Raven Sasser at Raven.D.Sasser@usace.army.mil and copy Mrs. Eartha Garrett at Eartha.D.Garrett@usace.army.mil. TELEPHONE INQUIRIES WILL NOT BE HONORED.