Inactive Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)

AMENDMENT 2 Amendment 2 incorporates the following changes: 1. Provides the Pre-Proposal Slides with the following corrections made to template: NAICS size standard changed from $8M to $12.5M Proposal... AMENDMENT 2 Amendment 2 incorporates the following changes: 1. Provides the Pre-Proposal Slides with the following corrections made to template: NAICS size standard changed from $8M to $12.5M Proposal Due Date changed from May 21, 2024 to May 22, 2024 2. Provides Questions and Answers that were asked during the Pre-Proposal Meeting and/or submitted in writing: Q: I was wondering if you could clarify what competition type is being used for this acquisition. According to the Classification section, this requirement is set aside for Small Business, and according to the Description section, this procurement is unrestricted. A: Yes, thank you. This is a small business set aside. This correction was made to the Synopsis via amendment which was posted on April 25, 2024. Q: Can we submit proposals for the occupational safety, and environmental consulting part of this RFP only, or must it be for all? A: The proposal/SF330 must include all required services. Q: Are additional documents expected to be released for this solicitation or is all of the information presumed captured in the solicitation posting? A: All information has been provided in the Synopsis. Q: The solicitation states under 4. Submittal Requirements "Only the recent projects completed within the past five (5) years from the date of the issuance of this solicitation will be considered." As a small business set aside, many firms may find difficulty satisfying 6-10 projects that meet this criteria as stated. We kindly request that the duration of projects eligible for consideration be extended to 10 years in order to allow more opportunity to demonstrate relevant project types and design excellence. A: The requirement for five years of recent experience remains. Five years is the standard timeframe for “recency”. Additionally, GSA’s market research, including the Sources Sought responses to these requirements, indicate that there are a sufficient number of potentially qualified small business firms able to meet this requirement. Q: Will you be accepting individual submissions for Geotechnical, Environmental, and Material Testing? Are additional documents expected to be released for this solicitation or is all of the information presumed captured in the solicitation posting? A: No, the Synopsis is seeking a response from Architect/Engineering (A/E) firms which may include subcontractors for those required services. Submissions for individual services will not be accepted. A/E Contracts are different than most other service contracts and all information needed at this time is posted on SAM.gov within the Synopsis. The most highly qualified firm will be chosen first, and then more information will be requested via an official request for proposal. Q: Do we need to download the SF330 from the internet? A: Yes. This is a standard form and can be found by searching online. It is available for download at the GSA Library. Q: Does this requirement call for a certified Historical Preservationist? A: This role is not required, however firms may choose to utilize one. Q: Is there an expectation for clean energy and sustainability? (That is what we do). A: Sustainability is very important to GSA. We do not require a statement of certification but including information related to experience in sustainability in your response is a bonus. These Synopses are for an Architect and Engineering Firm to perform A/E services. If you are not an Architectural/Engineering Firm you would not meet the criteria and would need to partner with an A/E firm to provide these services. Q: We are an MEP Engineering firm. Can we be the Prime? A: Yes. Q: Can you please confirm the submission deadline? The solicitation says it's due on May 22nd A: Yes, May 22, 2024. The Synopsis is correct. Q: Is the 5 years recent experience and expertise required or is experience with State and Commercial contracts okay? A: Experience with State and Commercial contracts is acceptable. We want to make sure firms understand our requirements and know what they’re getting into as a federal contractor. Q: Are firms required to have a local presence in each zone? A: No. Local presence of the firm is not required. However, we do prefer it. For example, if two firms were equally qualified, location could tip the scale in favor of the firm with local presence. Q: The requirement to provide examples within the last 5 years does that include the projects in the portfolio? A: Yes. Q: The slides say the size standard for this NAICS is 8 million, but it was increased to 12.5 million A: Yes and the size standard in the Synopsis is correct. This correction to slides will be made via the amendment. Q: Can you provide the scoring criteria for each section? A: We will not be providing this information. Q: Can you share some examples of projects that are more immediate priorities for GSA under these respective contracts? A: There will be a variety of projects that could be required, such as designs, feasibility studies or eligibility studies. However, we do not know what projects are coming as this depends on what funding will be approved by Congress. Q: Do all of the subcontractors need to be Small Businesses as well? A: No, all subcontractors do not need to be Small Businesses. However, the FAR speaks to limitations on subcontracting for set-asides with the great majority of subcontracted work going to “similarly situated entities”. The goal of the set-aside is to help small businesses, including subs. Q: I know the forms can't be modified. Does that mean we are not allowed to replicate the form in our own template? A: It is best to stick with the Standard Form template. Editing the form template itself increases the risk that blocks are left out or errors are made. It can also be inefficient for GSA to review these if we are having to search for the required information. Q: Is there an incumbent for this contract? A: Yes. The incumbent is PDG Architects. This is public information that can be found on the FPDS website. Q: Can you confirm the project examples required for section "Quality in Design" (Portfolio) can only be from the last 5 years? A: Yes, that is correct. Q: Will you be posting these responses via an addenda? A: Yes. An amendment to the Synopsis will be posted to SAM.gov. Q: The GSA PDF form requirement is especially impactful. Most firms utilize their own format (mirroring the SF330 boxes precisely) A: There is a risk to doing this but if the replicated form is the exact same as the GSA form it may be accepted. Q: During the pre-proposal meeting, it was stated that firms are not required to be local, however, in the synopsis it says "Proposals will address the team’s ability to accomplish at least 35 percent of the required A/E services by a firm located within the geographical delineated area." Can you please provide clarification? A: To clarify, it is not required that the responding firm be located within the zone. However, the proposal will be evaluated on the team’s ability to accomplish at least 35% of the services by a firm that is located within the zone. Please note that the “team” includes not only the prime A/E firm but also any subcontractors that are included in the proposal. Q: Regarding the instructions for SF330, Section H: “Other disciplines that are exceptional should follow the ME’s write up.” Do you want to see a portfolio of 3 projects and Design Approach narrative for other disciplines? A: Only the Lead Architectural Designer and Lead Mechanical Engineer are required to submit portfolios and design approach narrative. Q: Will there be a sign-up sheet for the pre-proposal conference? A: We did not take attendance at this meeting, so a list of attendees is not available. __________________________________________________________________________ AMENDMENT 1 Amendment 1 incorporates the following changes: Removes the sentence "This procurement is unrestricted." from paragraph a. General of the Synopsis Description. This Synopsis is related to a Small Business set-aside and is therefore restricted to Small Businesses only. Adds live links to the Attachments/Links Section. These links are provided in the Description and are being added in the aforemention section for ease and convenience. _____________________________________________________________________ 1. CONTRACT INFORMATION: a. General. The General Services Administration (GSA) is soliciting Architectural and Engineering (A-E) services for the Southeast Texas Zone, which currently includes but is not limited to, the following counties: Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Hardin, Harris, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Newton, Orange, Polk, San Jacinto, Tyler, Waller, and Wharton. This acquisition is being procured in accordance with Public Law (PL) 92-582, formally known as the Brooks Act as implemented in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 36.6. The firm selected for negotiation will be based on demonstrated competence and qualifications for the required work. This announcement is open to all small businesses. The North American Industrial Classification System Code (NAICS) applicable to this project is 541310, Architectural Services, which has a size standard of $12.5 million in average annual receipts. GSA proposes to award one Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for supplemental A-E services for the Southeast Texas Zone. The secondary contract areas will be the remaining zones within Texas and the States of Arkansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Louisiana. This IDIQ contract will be negotiated and awarded for one (1) one-year base period and four (4) one-year option periods. The minimum guaranteed contract amount is $1,000 for the base year only. There is no limit on the number of task orders or the size of a project; however, the total cumulative task orders amount shall not exceed $15 million for the entire five-year contract period. b. Contract Award Procedure: To be eligible for contract award, a firm must be registered via the SAM site at http://SAM.gov. The Government will not indemnify the firm against liability involving asbestos or other hazardous materials, that is, no clause holding the firm harmless will be included in the contract. A Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) IDIQ contract will result from this solicitation, including profit, overhead and hourly rates for anticipated disciplines and for use in negotiating FFP task orders. Missing one (1) required element will be grounds to determine the firm as non-responsive and be eliminated from further consideration. A Supplemental A-E Lookup Table for pricing task orders for projects with an estimated construction cost of up to the GSA prospectus level will be included in the contract. The Government will use the fixed price amount in the Lookup Table which will be a function of project size, type, and complexity. The Lookup Table will be included with the A-E’s Request for Proposal. The GSA prospectus level at the time of this synopsis posting is $3.613 million. If the prospectus level changes at any time during the base year or during any of the option years, the contract will be modified accordingly to reflect the most updated prospectus level and the revised lookup table will be provided to the A-E. The ordering Contracting Officer is not required to use the lookup table and may determine it in the best interest of the Government to price an order using an alternate method. The chosen method will be specified in the task order Request for Proposal. c. Nature of Work: The services necessary for each requirement will be negotiated and awarded as individual task orders. The A-E shall furnish all services, materials, supplies, and supervision required to fully complete each task order. d. Pre-Proposal Conference: A pre-proposal conference for this synopsis will be held on Wednesday May 8, 2024 from 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Central Standard Time. Firms can join via Google Meet linked here: https://meet.google.com/mge-gnfr-ffm Or by phone: +1 573-833-4065 PIN: ?500 401 885#. The purpose of the conference is to explain the requirements and answer questions from potential Offerors. Please Note: ALL questions and inquiries related to the synopsis must be submitted via the Google Form linked here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfILRl9K3yUEYNgjr_4_ThXyFThyMgvHmsNiYrT-XTJo0jDrw/viewform?usp=sf_link Pre-Proposal Questions/Inquiries must be submitted no later than close of business day, Tuesday, May 14, 2024 For any issues related to the Google Form, please send an email to Malita Green at malita.green@gsa.gov and Matthew Deptuch at matthew.deptuch@gsa.gov 2. PROJECT INFORMATION: The A-E firm selected shall primarily provide professional design services with advanced estimating for repair, replace and alteration projects in Federal Office Buildings, Federal Courthouses and Land Ports of Entry. “Design” primarily includes project site observations, design in phases, construction documents, design clarifications and record drawings. "Estimating" primarily includes budget estimates, market analysis, detailed construction estimating in phases and bid technical analysis. More than 50% of GSA owned buildings qualify for historic designation. Estimates are required to be within +/- 5% and must have shell and tenant improvement breakdowns. Construction cost on the majority of projects is less than Prospectus level (currently 3.613 million). Disciplines required in task orders will primarily be architectural, mechanical, electrical, fire/life safety, estimating specialist and sometimes structural. While these building types, tasks, disciplines, and expertise are needed for a significant percentage of orders, other building types, tasks, disciplines, and expertise will be required. Therefore, adaptability should be demonstrated. Other tasks and related disciplines include the full range of building sciences that Architects and Engineers can provide such as detailed project inspections, project investigations, pre-planning services, design programming, optimizing design selections, feasibility studies, sustainability, risk assessments; civil design, boundary and topographical surveying, pavement rehabilitation; energy conservation audits, equipment load measurements; blast resistance studies, seismic studies, high-wind resistance design, physical security design and historic preservation. Other areas include Cost Management Services for preparation of all forms of budgets, cost modeling, market research, economic studies, multiple stage estimating with specific breakout totals, complex budgetary control with oversight management and analysis. Additional areas include nominal invasive investigation for the building and systems, subsystems, components, equipment, and materials addressing such critical features as building walls/glazing, roofing, HVAC equipment, plumbing, electrical systems; diagnostics expertise required for problem identification and resolution including thermography, acoustic performance, lighting quality, moisture content in material, air/water conditions, contaminant level measurements. Other tasks might be Construction Management and Inspection, construction observation, advanced quality control monitoring with related testing and multi-phased turnover services. Additionally included are commissioning and start-up planning, including forecasting start-up duration, estimating start-up costs, determining start-up objectives, developing technical services requirements for performance standards and goals, start-up with calibration along with obtaining O&M material, plus scheduling and/or supervising O&M training. Post Construction Services, such as performing one-year post-occupancy reporting analysis, facilities performance evaluations, post-occupancy systems management with diagnostics may be included along with assisting GSA in the formulation of lessons learned. 3. SELECTION CRITERIA: Selection Criteria for this acquisition are listed below in descending order of importance. (a) Quality In Design: All designs are required to achieve excellence in aesthetics and technical design. Information requested for placement in the SF 330, Section H, including the Portfolios and Design Approach Statements, will be evaluated for outstanding talent in both architecture and engineering. Design solutions will be evaluated for above standard talent, application, execution, and performance. Design Approach Statements will be evaluated for the lead designers' demonstrated application of excellence in their designs and commitment to excellence in their profession. Exceptional designs will receive higher ranking in the respective ranking categories over firms with modest designs. Exceptional designs are designs that display creative and appropriate responses to client criteria and needs, site conditions, local community, regional character, and sustainable performance. The lead designer’s Design Approach Statement should be characterized by insight and passion for the project. The statement must demonstrate an awareness of interdisciplinary collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability achievements that are appropriate for the client and the project. Expertise with complex customers such as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Courts and U. S. Marshals will receive a higher ranking in the respective ranking categories over firms demonstrating simple experience with moderately complex customers. Consideration will be given for design awards in both architecture and engineering disciplines based on type and relative application. (b) Experience, Performance, Technical Ability and Professional Acumen: Proposals will be evaluated on the team's demonstrated experience, performance, technical abilities, application of standard of care. Experience with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Courts and U. S. Marshals will receive more favorable consideration in the evaluation. Key personnel of the team who will be directly involved in providing the contract services will be evaluated on education, project experience, ability to work in a team effectively, technical ability and other relevant qualifications that will provide for the successful completion of this contract work. Additionally, proposals will be evaluated on such concepts as unique insight, superior judgment, strategic management, risk analysis, pragmatic designs, optimal design selections and other expertise. Past performance/experience will be evaluated based on example projects from the owner point of view. The Government may also use corporate knowledge when evaluating this factor. Also, to be evaluated is the team’s ability to bring projects in on contract budgets +/– 5% and also on tracking/controlling costs. (c) Management, Organization, Production and Quality Control: Proposals will be evaluated on the overall management philosophy of the team. Plans will be evaluated on team organization, roles, responsibilities, and authorities. Include demonstrated ability to provide high quality design and execute constructible and biddable construction documents while meeting schedules and budgets. Demonstrate how the team can be proactive or responsive to emerging situations; and making midcourse corrections. Consideration will be given for managing inconsistent and unpredictable issuance of task orders. A team quality assurance approach should be provided. Communication plan should demonstrate a commitment to timely communication across the entire project team, including goals, roles, responsibilities, and technology. (d) Construction Management and Inspection Capability: Proposals will be evaluated on experience and capability of the firm and consultants with respect to Management and Inspection services during the construction phase of the described projects, construction management as agent and construction observation. Also include information on firm’s quality control during construction, communications, cost control and use of specifications to assist in management during construction. (e) Location in and Knowledge of Geographical Area: The evaluation will consider the team’s ability to accomplish at least 35 percent of the required A/E services by a firm located within the geographical delineated area. The evaluation will also consider knowledge of local conditions within the geographical area including tactical, operational, strategic issues for all areas of construction related to the key disciplines as well as design and bidding. This will include everything from supply, labor force, and weather to the local construction climate’s impact on cost estimating. There will also be consideration given to how key team members can conduct pre-design site review of the proposed work without incurring extra cost to the government for travel. 4. SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS Once the proposal is submitted, and prior to award, any replacements or substitutions of any personnel or consultants may deem your proposal unacceptable. It is critical to propose personnel that have a high level of certainty that they will be available to perform the duties under this contract for the duration of the contract. Any and all changes made after the initial submission of your technical proposal will be re-evaluated for technical sufficiency and may negatively affect the order of your technical rating as initially established. Interested firms having the qualifications to meet these requirements are invited to submit their proposal using Standard Form 330 along with a letter of interest. Please be specific, provide pertinent and requested information. Vague, relative, and general information will be discounted. Only the recent projects completed within the past five (5) years from the date of the issuance of this solicitation will be considered. Only the top-rated firms will be recommended for interview by the screening board, based solely on their written response to this announcement and reference contacts. Include a Part II (General Qualification) for each firm that is part of the proposed team. While selection will be based on best technically qualified for small repair, replacement, and alteration work; examples may include new, large, or highly complex projects. SF-330, Section C: Section C may be modified to provide more than six consultants. However, prioritize the consultants and use the first slots for those that are most important to creating the best well rounded team or demonstrate your concentrated areas of expertise. It is recommended that this information be included in Section F as well. SF-330, Section D: Include an organization chart of the team. Also, enclose Section D within the required Section H Communication Plan. SF-330, Section E: "Resumes of Key Personnel Proposed for This Contract", Item 13, "Role in This Contract". Only a few individuals in the lead firm and prime consultants will work with the GSA team members on a regular basis. GSA considers these individuals as the “Key Personnel”. Those individuals should be prioritized and placed in the first few pages of Section E with their roles clearly noted in Item 13. Therefore, if the Project Manager is integrally involved in the task orders, he/she might be written in this box as “KEY: PM, lead for all task orders”; or if multiple duty “KEY: PM, In House Hist. Pres., Constructability QA”. CEOs and other executive personnel should not be submitted as “KEY” unless they have direct responsibility for accomplishing the task orders. Important team members or consultants that would have a primary but not regular role can be placed after the initial “KEY” designation. Therefore box 13 could have the designation “Primary Spec Writer and Constructability Coordinator”, or “Historic Preservationist Specialist”, or “Prime: Civil Engineer” or other important team designation. It is required that you include the Lead Architectural Designer, Lead Engineering Designer and the Primary Point of Contact that would be responsible for managing this contract and assigning task orders in Section E. It is recommended that personnel directly responsible for work submitted in Section F should also be included in Section E. NOTE: SF 330, Part 1, Section E, "Resumes of Key Personnel Proposed for This Contract", Item 13, "Role in This Contract". In addition to the role in this contract, employees should be clearly identified as to whether they are direct or contract employees of the firm they are proposed under. SF330, Section F: Form may not be modified. As stated in the SF330 provide example projects which best illustrate the proposed team’s qualifications for this contract and provide a brief description of the project and relevance to this contract. Projects should demonstrate ability to successfully accomplish a wide range of project types, sizes, and budgets. At least six (6) out of the ten (10) projects must have construction completed. Three (3) out of the ten (10) must be directly attributable to the Lead Designer. It is important to carefully match example project titles used in different areas of the proposal for clarity. This is particularly true of example projects used in Section F and Section H. SF330, Section H: Quality in Design: Submit a portfolio representative of the lead architectural designer’s ability to provide high quality in design (not to exceed 5 projects) and include a design approach statement (not to exceed 2 pages). Each example project should include no more than 3 single sided pages. Photographs, sketches. and drawings are welcome. HVAC Mechanical engineering is considered the primary engineering discipline. Submit a portfolio representative of the lead mechanical designer’s abilities to provide high quality in design (not to exceed 3 projects) and include a design approach statement (not to exceed 1 page). Each example project should include no more than 2 single sided pages and should include project challenges, application of design intent, objective details, performance outcomes, other pertinent facts including verifiable information and other information that can substantiate application. Forensic analyses projects are welcome and can be a separate category. Consideration will be given for facts, metrics, before and after performance data and measurable energy savings. Other disciplines that are exceptional should follow the ME’s write up. Experience, Performance, Technical Ability and Professional Acumen: Demonstrate the team's experience, performance, technical abilities, and application of standard of care. (In Section E: Provide information on the key personnel who will be directly involved in providing the contract services including education, project experience, ability to work in a team effectively, technical ability and other relevant qualifications.) Indicate team’s capabilities in the areas of unique insight, superior judgment, strategic management, risk analysis, pragmatic designs, optimal design selections and other expertise. Past Performance Documentation (for each sample project submitted in Section F): Provide copies of any performance evaluations or owner review of firm’s performance. Provide owner point of contact including name, title, address, and current phone number, as references may be contacted; provide copies (or listing) of awards, letters of appreciation and commendations. Submit recent past projects budget and bids received to demonstrate team’s ability to bring projects in on contract budgets +/– 5%. Also demonstrate processes for tracking/controlling costs. Management, Organization, Production and Quality Control: Submit narrative that addresses the overall management philosophy of the team. Plans should include team organization, roles, responsibilities, and authorities. Include demonstrated ability to provide high quality design, execute constructible and biddable construction documents while meeting schedules and budgets. Demonstrate how the team can be proactive or responsive to emerging situations and making midcourse corrections. Describe how your team will manage inconsistent and unpredictable issuance of task orders. Provide your team quality assurance approach. Communication plan should demonstrate a commitment to timely communication across the entire project team, including goals, roles, responsibilities, and technology. Construction Management and Inspection Capability: Proposals will address experience and capability of the firm and consultants with respect to Management and Inspection services for projects during the construction phase of the described projects, construction management as agent and construction observation. Also include information on firm’s quality control during construction, communications, cost control and use of specifications to assist in management during construction. Location in and Knowledge of Geographical Area: Proposals will address the team’s ability to accomplish at least 35 percent of the required A/E services by a firm located within the geographical delineated area. The response should demonstrate knowledge of local conditions within the geographical area including tactical, operational, strategic issues for all areas of construction related to the key disciplines as well as design and bidding. This will include everything from supply, labor force, and weather to the local construction climate’s impact on cost estimating. Discuss how key team members can conduct pre-design site review of the proposed work without incurring extra cost to the government for travel. All responsible Architectural or Engineering firms wishing to be considered must submit electronic copies of completed Standard Form (SF) 330 and other pertinent information (see FAR 53.236-2(b)). Your electronic copies can be submitted via email to malita.green@gsa.gov AND matthew.deptuch@gsa.gov. It is the submitting firm’s responsibility to verify that the data is received via email. All proposals must be received NLT 3:00 PM Central Standard Time on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. No fax or paper documents will be accepted. Proposals must be addressed to the primary contract specialist, Malita Green. LATE PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Electronic Submission: Offers must be received by the email address of the GSA Point of Contact (POC) listed herein on or before the date and time established for receipt of offers. The date and time of receipt will be established according to the Government computer system’s documentation showing the exact official time of receipt by the GSA POC listed herein and not by the time the electronic proposal was sent by the Offeror or received by the GSA server. It is the Offeror’s responsibility to ensure proposals are complete and submitted early enough to be received by the GSA POC before the deadline, and to confirm receipt before the deadline. Proposals or portions of proposals which are received by the GSA POC later than the time noted within will be rejected and will not be considered. NOTE: The maximum file size is 25 MB. GSA has occasionally experienced delays in delivery of emails from the GSA server to an email account. Therefore contractors/offerors need to plan accordingly. WARNING: Consistent with GAO case law on the issue of “late-is-late rule” related to electronically submitted proposals, GSA will strictly comply with and enforce FAR 52.215-1(c)(3)(ii)(A). Pursuant to GAO’s application of FAR 52.215-1(c)(3)(ii)(A), an electronically submitted proposal that is received late will not be considered unless (1) it is received before award is made, (2) the Contracting Officer determines that accepting the late offer would not unduly delay the acquisition and (3) it was received at the initial point of entry to the Government infrastructure not later than 5:00 p.m. one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of proposals. FAR 52.215-1 (c)(3)(ii)(A)(1). INFORM Notice A. Overview of the...