Inactive Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)

AMENDMENT NUMBER 2 DATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 IS ATTACHED AS A DOCUMENT AMENDMENT 0001 dated September 15, 2025 This amendment is issued to incorporate the following revisions to the solicitation: By re... AMENDMENT NUMBER 2 DATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 IS ATTACHED AS A DOCUMENT AMENDMENT 0001 dated September 15, 2025 This amendment is issued to incorporate the following revisions to the solicitation: By removing the original solicitation (SF18 and all attachments) and replacing with the attached new SF 1442 and attachments INCORPORATED BY AMENDMENT 0001 SITE VISIT AND PRE-QUOTE CONFERENCE RFQ NO. 12FPC325Q0054 Perform Various Office Improvements at Two Offices in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico 1. A Pre-Quote Conference and Site Visit was held September 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM at the site. Attachment 1 to this amendment contains a list of attendees. 2. The purpose of the meeting was to review the solicitation and acquaint bidders with the site. 3. Attendees were advised that any oral statements made by the Government representatives shall not be binding upon the Government, and that all necessary changes shall be made in writing as an amendment to the solicitation. The Government requested that any questions after today be submitted in writing. 4. Attendees were introduced by the Contract Specialst to the Government team, which consisted of the the Project Managers responsible for the contract. The Government team reviewed the entire solicitation package, highlighting specific sections, paragraphs, and solicitation clauses/provisions. 5. Attendees were cautioned that although only certain portions of the solicitation were being highlighted, quoterss were responsible for contents of the entire package. Prospective vendors were told to make sure that they acknowledge all amendments to the solicitation. The SF 30 incorporating Amentment 0001 will be added to the solicitation. The following sections, paragraphs and solicitation clauses/provisions were highlighted: a. Cover Page, Information to Offerors or Quoters b. SF 1442, Solicitation, Offer, and Award - Date and time for receipt of Quotes remains the same as September 18, 2025 at 4:30 PM EST. The requirement to complete and sign and date the SF 1442 and amendments was briefed. c. Section B - Quoters are required to submit prices for all line items on the schedule. Attendees were notified that a quote which does not contain prices will be considered nonresponsive and rejected. d. The period of performance of 45 calendar days. e. Special emphasis was called to the Statement of Work, specifically sections 3.1-3.4. The following questions were asked: QUESTION: Was the presence to the pre-bid meeting obligatory to participate in the bid? ANSWER: No, as you mentioned in the site visit meeting. The meeting and site visit is not mandatory, but highly encouraged. QUESTION: Is there a requirement to provide Performance and Labor Bonds for the project? ANSWER: Clause 52.228-15 Performance and Payment Bonds-Construction states Performance and Payment Bonds-Construction, are required in solicitations and contracts for construction that contain a requirement for performance and payment bonds if the resultant contract is expected to exceed $150,000. The estimated magnitude of this contract is between $25,000 and $100,000. QUESTION: What are the days and hours that the contractor will be permitted to execute construction activities? ANSWER: Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm, excluding Federal Holidays and weekends. QUESTION: Will the NRCS employees continue to use the buildings during construction activities? ANSWER: No, the buildings will not be using by federal employees when construction. Just a couple of representatives from the federal government will be in the site receive potential customers and guide them to other location. QUESTION: Is there already an Asbestos/Lead Paint Exploratory Study for each of the premises? If not, how would you like the contractor to manage that issue? ANSWER: The Federal Government does not have information, reports, studies or documentation that provide information about Asbestos in theses buildings. If asbestos is found, it will be dealt with in accordance with the Differing Site Conditions Clause, 52.236-2 Differing Site Conditions. QUESTION: Are there drawings of the existing facilities? Are they in Computer Aided Design (CAD) format? ANSWER: Yes, the government have CAD files for these facilities but unfortunately those drawings are incomplete at this time. QUESTION: Behind building 23, there is an emergency power generator. The PVC pipe with the cable connection to the main distribution panel runs through where the future ADA concrete walkway will be located. Please instruct if the contractor will be responsible of reburying the PVC cable pipe under the concrete walkway. ANSWER: If it is strictly necessary to relocate or modify the PVC pipe to accommodate the ADA-compliant concrete walkway, then the contractor will be responsible for all related work, including reburying the pipe. This determination will depend on the final design, cost efficiency, and compliance with ADA requirements. If the existing connection can remain in place without impacting accessibility or safety, avoiding modification would be preferable. QUESTION: Behind building 23, there is a banana tree and palm tree that might be in the way of the future ADA concrete walkway. Please advise if the palm tree should be removed and disposed by the contractor or if the walkway should be redirected. ANSWER: If the removal of these plants is strictly necessary to carry out the work as proposed, then it should fall under the contractor’s responsibility. However, this will ultimately depend on the design solution you propose and the overall cost efficiency of the approach. We remain open to practical recommendations that balance functionality, compliance, and budget considerations. QUESTION: The scope of work mentions that all affected Ed area should be repainted after work completion. Are the wall tiles and floor tiles going to be also replaced? If so, will the tile replacements be for the entire bathroom, or should the contractor consider tiles only for the affected areas which match the current tiles (consider current tiles are relatively old models)? ANSWER: Yes, the existing wall tiles may be replaced with solid-color tiles, as the original ones are no longer available. The new tiles do not need to extend all the way to the ceiling—they can be installed up to the original footprint or match the height of the existing installation. The idea is to have a full renovated restroom that comply with ADA. Also, the current floor tiles may be included in the scope of the remodel. Since the original tiles are no longer available, the proposal may inlcude to replace them with solid-color tiles that meet ADA requirements. This approach will help ensure proper visual contrast and slip resistance, supporting accessibility and safety standards. QUESTION: We kindly request a quotation due date extension of one week. ANSWER: Unfortunately, due to the limited time remaining in the current fiscal year, which ends on September 30, and the tight timeline required to finalize the contract and implement the project, it would be very difficult to accommodate an extension. Regrettably, we are unable to grant additional time for quotation submissions. QUESTION: Is there any asbestos and lead study from these two offices that you can provide to us? ANSWER: At this time, the Federal Government has no indication of the presence of asbestos or lead in these units. Additionally, the Federal Agency that owns the buildings do not have any formal studies, assessments or report related to these materials. QUESTION: Are there plans to completely remove existing bathtubs in current bathrooms to meet the minimum clearance and accessibility measurements required by the ADA? ANSWER: Yes, the current renovation plans include the complete removal of existing bathtubs in both apartments. This decision was made to ensure the bathrooms meet the minimum clearance and accessibility standards required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). QUESTION: Will existing bathroom accessories be replaced with new ones, or are there plans to reuse them? ANSWER: To ensure full compliance with ADA standards, all existing bathroom accessories needs to be replaced with new, accessible fixtures. Reusing the current accessories may not meet the required specifications for clearance, reach range, and usability under the ADA guidelines. QUESTION: In Unit 23, the men's restroom has a 24-inch door. To meet ADA minimum requirements, it needs to be at least 32 inches wide. There is a closet next to the restroom—would it be possible to remove that closet in order to expand the doorway and comply with code? ANSWER: While we recognize the importance of meeting ADA minimum requirements, this project is limited to minimal demolition activities. The removal of the adjacent closet (from Unit 23, next to the men's restroom) would constitute a major structural modification, which falls outside the approved scope of work. QUESTION: I would like to confirm whether the existing floor tiles are included in the scope of the remodel. If they are, the proposal is to replace them with solid-color tiles, as the original tiles are no longer available? ANSWER: Yes, the current floor tiles may be included in the scope of the remodel. Since the original tiles are no longer available, the proposal may inlcude to replace them with solid-color tiles that meet ADA requirements. This approach will help ensure proper visual contrast and slip resistance, supporting accessibility and safety standards. QUESTION: Would like to confirm whether the existing tiles scheduled for removal can be replaced with solid-color tiles, given that the original tiles are no longer available and whether it will be kept at the current height or brought up to the ceiling? ANSWER: Yes, the existing wall tiles may be replaced with solid-color tiles, as the original ones are no longer available. The new tiles do not need to extend all the way to the ceiling—they can be installed up to the original footprint or match the height of the existing installation. QUESTION: I would like to confirm whether the bathroom doors will remain in wood material? ANSWER: While the current doors are wood, replacement materials do not need to match as long as they are durable and maintain both functionality and aesthetic standards without increasing overall project costs. QUESTION: Are there plans to retain the current dimensions of the existing emergency doors? ANSWER: No, there are no plans to modify the dimensions of the existing emergency doors. The current measurements are expected to remain. QUESTION: The parking lot for people with disabilities is currently paved, is it going to be replaced with cement or will the same pavement be left? ANSWER: At this time, the decision to retain or replace the existing pavement will depend on whether it meets ADA compliance standards. If the current paved surface satisfies accessibility requirements—including slope, texture, and durability—it may be left as-is, which would be more cost-efficient for the project. QUESTION: Regarding Unit 23, where the sidewalk will be built, there is currently a palm tree and a banana plant. Is it contemplated that you remove them before starting the work, or is it up to us to take care of their removal? ANSWER: If the removal of these plants is strictly necessary to carry out the work as proposed, then it should fall under the contractor’s responsibility. QUESTION: In the scope of work it is indicated that the hours of the facilities are from Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We would like to confirm if that same schedule applies to the execution of our work. Also, would it be possible to work on Saturdays and Sundays? And as for the outdoor areas of the houses, could work continue after 4:30 p.m.?" ANSWER: All project activities must be carried out during the regular operating hours of the facility: Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding federal holidays. Work on Saturdays and Sundays is not permitted under any circumstances. This schedule also applies to outdoor areas—no work may continue past 4:30 p.m., regardless of location. QUESTION: Parking Space Surface Does the parking space need to be asphalt or concrete? I didn’t see surface specifications—should we propose the surface as part of the design, or will an addendum provide minimum standards (e.g., section thickness, base/subbase, striping, drainage)? ANSWER: The existing designated accessible parking space is located at the asphalt entrance to the open garage in both offices, with an adjacent concrete side aisle. The project intends to widen this space to meet ADA accessibility standards. Due to site constraints, expansion beyond the current footprint is limited—materials such as gravel may be permissible in surrounding areas, but the construction of a new large concrete or asphalt pad is not feasible. The widened portion of the parking space may incorporate a narrow strip of reinforced concrete. The back door exit ramps need to be reconstructed to meet ADA standards. A walkway that can support wheelchair traffic needs be constructed from the back door exit ramps, around both offices, to the designated parking spaces. The preferred material for this is reinforced concrete. QUESTION: Bathroom Tile Specifications Could you confirm the required tile specifications for the restroom (material, size, slip resistance, installation standards, grout type, base/wainscot details)? If specs are to be contractor-proposed, please confirm the minimum performance requirements and any referenced standards. ANSWER: BATHROOM SPECS The project seeks to meet ADA Standards with as minimum demolition as possible. The preferred finish for both the floor and walls (up to the height of the existing finish) is tile. As an alternative, painted wall finishes may be considered, provided they meet durability and maintenance expectations for an office restroom environment. Please ensure all proposed materials are accompanied by manufacturer data sheets and installation guidelines for review. Compliance with ADA accessibility guidelines and ANSI A326.3 for slip resistance Materials rated for commercial use with a PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) rating of III or higher Installation in accordance with ANSI and TCNA standards Warranty coverage for tile and installation workmanship (minimum 1 year) QUESTION: RFI Status Have any RFIs been submitted to date? If so, could you share the RFI log and responses or point me to where they are posted? What is the deadline and email/portal for RFI submissions? ANSWER: No RFI's have been submitted for this project. ******** A Site Visit is scheduled for Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM at the site********* Please attend if you are interested in this project. Refer all questions to Mitchell J. Thomas, Contract Specialist, e-mail Mitchell.Thomas@USDA.gov Offerors or quoters are urged and expected to inspect the site where services are to be performed and to satisfy themselves regarding all general and local conditions that may affect the cost of contract performance, to the extent that the information is reasonably obtainable. In no event shall failure to inspect the site constitute grounds for a claim after contract award. Mitchell J. Thomas, Contract Specialist, e-mail Mitchell.Thomas@USDA.gov for a copy of the solicitation The estimated magnitude of this project is between $25,000 and $100,000. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Caribbean Area, requires a general contractor to perform various office improvements at two offices in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, in alignment with the standards outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Pursuant to FAR 36.101-4(b), information regarding USDA’s definitization of equitable adjustments for change orders under construction contracts may be found at FAR 36.211 | USDA. USDA’s procedures that apply to the definitization of equitable adjustments for change orders under construction contracts may be found in 443.304 -70. The USDA NRCS Offices in Mayaguez are located at 2200 Pedro Albizu Campos Avenue, Apartments 22, 23 & 24, Mayaguez, PR, 00680 (18.2098885, -67.1386830). The two locations are adjacent to each other, within the Tropical Agricultural Research Station at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus (UPR Mayaguez). The USDA-NRCS Caribbean Area seeks to enhance accessibility within the NRCS Mayagüez Field Office (Apartment 22) and Ecological Sciences Office (Apartment 23) in alignment with the standards outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. These enhancements are essential to ensure that employees and customers with disabilities have equitable access to key areas of the facility, including restrooms, emergency exit routes, and designated parking spaces. The scope of this requirement includes but is not limited to: (1) Ensuring appropriate door clearance; (2) Adjusting the configuration and functionality of restroom layouts, including the removal, disposal, replacement, and re-installation of components such as vanities, toilets, bathtubs, and wall finishes; (3) Installation of compliant signage; (4) Ensuring safe and accessible emergency exit ramps, walkways and designated parking space that meet ADA standards. Design development is also included as part of this effort to support ADA-compliant outcomes. Design development is an integral component of this effort, aimed at ensuring all enhancements align with the standards set forth by the ADA. This phase will involve the planning and refinement of accessible features, such as clearances, layouts, signage, and routes, with careful attention to usability, safety, and compliance. The design process will incorporate technical specifications, spatial assessments, and accessibility guidelines to inform effective solutions that meet legal requirements and support equitable access for individuals with disabilities.