C--Multiple Award IDIQ Professional Fire Protection

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding Solicitation 140PS126R0001, clarifying various aspects of the proposal requirements, submission guidelines, and evaluation criteria.

• Page Limitations: Section L does not impose page limitations beyond those specified in Section H. Additional supporting material in Section H for the SF330 should not exceed 20 double-sided pages.
• Project Examples (SF-330 Section I, Part F): While there is no minimum or maximum number of project examples, offerors should provide information on up to five projects demonstrating the team's qualifications relevant to the proposed role.
• SF 1449 Completion: Offerors are permitted to submit the SF 1449 if they choose, following instructions in Phase I, Page 54 of the RFP.
• Resumes: Resumes are required for all 16 "Required Engineering Disciplines" listed in Part B, Section II, including the "Computer Network Administrator." A Computer Network Administrator must possess some form of credentialing.
• Fire Protection Engineers: While specific experience levels are outlined, the government requests clarification on the need for a fire protection engineer with 5-10 years of experience, asking offerors to explain its necessity and provide a resume if applicable.
• Electrical/Mechanical Engineers: While the RFP specifies design experience with fire alarm/sprinkler systems for EE/ME, the government expects these engineers to be knowledgeable of fire protection and life safety systems, even if fire protection design is handled by the Fire Protection Engineer.
• Subconsultants & Dual Hatting: The government understands the use of subconsultants and refers to the limitations on subcontracting (Page 38). Individual qualifications will be evaluated, acknowledging that smaller companies may have individuals performing multiple tasks.
• Past Performance: Federal and private industry past performance are weighted equally. CPARS and standard USACE/NAVFAC PPQ forms are acceptable for providing past performance evaluations. The government may also utilize data from other sources like PPIRS.
• Demonstrative Projects (Pages 8-9): These are explicitly stated as fictitious examples of possible projects and are not part of the evaluation process.
• Computer Network Administrator Role: This position has historically been for data entry into a government database, confirming it is akin to IT support rather than cybersecurity or RCDD.

Several clarifications may impact proposal preparation, particularly regarding resume requirements, project example submissions, and the interpretation of specific roles. The government indicated it will entertain extending the RFP due date if multiple offerors request it near the closing date, especially if an amendment is published.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0004) posts questions from offerors and the answers from the Contracting Officer/Program Office. All other terms and conditions remain the same.

This amendment (0003) clarifies that the NAICS Code 541330 has a size standard of $25.5 million, correcting two instances where $16.5 million was stated. All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.

This amendment adds section 15.4.3 to the RFP, which states that any final "CD" (presumably Construction Documents) deliverable used to solicit construction must not require the construction contractor (or a fire protection sub-contractor) to perform "delegated design" of the fire protection system. All design must be performed by the Architect-Engineering (AE) contractor and included in the CDs. The expected content of the CDs is for use in a Design-Bid-Build construction contract.

This amendment (0001) clarifies that the closing date on Page 54 of the solicitation should be the same as the SAM.gov date of April 23, 2026, at 1700 EDT. No other changes were made.

• Section 15.4.3 added to the RFP.

• Clarification on NAICS Code 541330 size standard.

• Correction of closing date on Page 54.

• The closing date for offers has been clarified to April 23, 2026, at 1700 EDT.

• New guidance regarding "delegated design" for fire protection systems has been added.

Amendment / Modification

• Amendment 003:

  • Clarifies that the NAICS Code 541330 size standard is $25.5 million, correcting two instances where it was stated as $16.5 million.
  • Adds section 15.4.3 to the RFP, which states that any final "CD deliverable" intended for soliciting construction must not reference the construction contractor performing "delegated design" of the fire protection system. All design must be performed by the AE contractor and included in the CDs for use in a Design-Bid-Build contract.

• Amendment 001:

  • Clarifies that the closing date on Page 54 should be the same as the SAM date of April 23, 2026, at 1700 EDT.

• Amendment 003 affects the NAICS code information and adds section 15.4.3 to the RFP.

• Amendment 001 affects Page 54 of the solicitation regarding the closing date.

• Amendment 003 clarifies requirements related to design delegation and NAICS size standards.

• Amendment 001 clarifies the proposal submission deadline.

• This solicitation is an Architect-Engineering Request for Qualifications.

• Interested parties must use the SF330 to submit qualifications.

• The Period of Performance is 05/01/2026 to 04/30/2031.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0002) to the solicitation 140PS126R0001 makes the following changes:

• Addition to Section 15.4.3: Clarifies that any final "CD deliverable" intended for construction solicitation must not reference the construction contractor performing delegated design of the fire protection system. All design must be performed by the Architect-Engineering (AE) contractor and included in the "CDs" for use in a Design-Bid-Build construction contract.
• Clarification of Closing Date: The closing date on Page 54 of the solicitation is clarified to be the same as the SAM.gov date of April 23, 2026, at 1700 EDT.

• Section 15.4.3 of the solicitation.

• Page 54 of the solicitation (regarding closing date).

• The closing date for offers has been confirmed as April 23, 2026, at 1700 EDT.

• Bidders should ensure their proposals reflect the clarified requirements for fire protection system design as detailed in the updated Section 15.4.3.

• This is an Architect-Engineering Request for Qualifications.

• Interested parties should use SF330 to submit qualifications.

• All required information is in the solicitation and attached documents/forms.

• The Period of Performance is 05/01/2026 to 04/30/2031.

Amendment / Modification

• The closing date for receipt of offers is clarified to be April 23, 2026, at 1700 EDT, aligning with the SAM.gov posting date.

• No other changes have been made.

• The closing date mentioned on Page 54 of the solicitation.

• Confirms the proposal submission deadline is April 23, 2026, at 1700 EDT.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Architect-Engineer (A/E) Fire Protection Engineering and supporting services under an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking qualified Small Business firms to provide these services nationwide for various projects.

Services include:

• Fire protection engineering and conceptual design
• Inventory of fire protection and life safety systems
• Construction management, including submittal reviews and system acceptance testing
• Life Safety and Fire Risk Assessments
• Cost Estimating
• Construction Field Engineering

Required disciplines include, but are not limited to, Principal Engineer, Senior Consultant, Senior Project Manager, Electrical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Historic Architect, Fire Protection Engineer (various levels), Fire Protection Designer, Senior CAD Technician, CAD Technician, Computer Network Administrator, and Cost Estimator. Firms must demonstrate familiarity with NPS conservation values and specific standards (e.g., Secretary of the Interior's Standards, NFPA codes).

• Contract Type: Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ)

• Period of Performance: Anticipated five (5)-year period with five pricing periods.

• Maximum Ordering Ceiling: $5,000,000.00

• Guaranteed Minimum: $5,000.00

• Task Order Ceiling: $1,000,000.00

• Task orders will be firm fixed price, labor hour, time and materials, or a combination.

• This is a two-phase process: Phase I (RFQ) and Phase II (RFP).

• Phase I requires a Letter of Interest, completed Standard Form 330 (Parts I & II), organization chart, and supporting materials.

• Key personnel resumes are required for disciplines in Section II, Part A.

• Submission Deadline: Electronic proposals due by 1700 PM EDT on April 20, 2026.

• Questions Deadline: April 16, 2026, 12:00 ET.

• Evaluation Criteria (Phase I): Professional qualifications, specialized experience, technical competence, capacity to respond, past performance, and knowledge of NPS sites.

• This requirement is reserved for Small Business Concerns only.

• NAICS Code: 541330, Size Standard: $16.5 million annual receipts.

• Firms must be certified in Systems for Award Management (SAM).

• The lead firm must be an engineering firm with in-house and/or subcontracted fire protection engineering and related services.

• Work requires individuals licensed or certified in at least one state or protectorate.

• The contract will be administered by the National Park Service (NPS) ConOps Strategic.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Standard Form 330 (SF330), "Architect-Engineer Qualifications." It is used by federal agencies to obtain information from architect-engineer (A-E) firms regarding their professional qualifications for A-E contracts. The form is used to select firms based on demonstrated competence and professional qualifications, followed by contract negotiation with the most highly qualified firm.

• Part I - Contract-Specific Qualifications: Collects information for a specific contract, including contract details, point of contact, proposed team members, organizational chart, resumes of key personnel, and example projects that illustrate the team's qualifications.
• Part II - General Qualifications: Gathers general qualifications for a firm or a specific branch office, including firm details, ownership, small business status, employee disciplines, and firm experience and revenue over the last 3-5 years.
• Experience Categories and Disciplines: Provides extensive lists of disciplines (e.g., Architect, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer) and experience categories (e.g., Commercial Building, Dams, Highways) with associated codes for detailed reporting.

This form is essential for any A-E firm seeking to bid on federal contracts requiring architectural or engineering services. Bidders must accurately and thoroughly complete this form to demonstrate their qualifications, team capabilities, and relevant project experience to be considered for selection and contract negotiation. Compliance with agency-specific instructions when completing the form is also critical.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a template for reporting on the "Limitation on Subcontracting" clause (FAR 52.219-14) for service and construction contracts. It is required for 8(a) or socio-economic set-aside service contracts (including construction) priced at or above $150,000.

• Contract Information: Fields for Contract Number, Prime Contractor, Total Current Contract Price, Type of Set Aside, and Period of Performance.
• Type of Service (Required Participation): Checkboxes to indicate compliance with specific percentages for:
  • Services (except construction): At least 50% of personnel costs expended for employees of the concern.
  • General construction: At least 15% of contract cost (excluding materials) performed by own employees.
  • Construction by special trade contractors: At least 25% of contract cost (excluding materials) performed by own employees.
• Participation Calculation: Sections to detail amounts invoiced by the Prime Contractor, portions paid to Similarly Situated Subcontractors (SSS) and Non-Similarly Situated Subcontractors (NSS), excluding the cost of materials.
• Prime Contractor's Participation %: A calculated field to determine compliance.
• Corrective Action Plan: A section to outline a plan if the prime contractor's participation is not in compliance.

This worksheet helps bidders understand the subcontracting limitations that will apply to the contract. It clarifies the specific percentage requirements based on the type of contract (services or construction) and the definition of "Similarly Situated Subcontractor." Bidders should review this to ensure their proposed approach and subcontracting plan will meet these requirements, especially if they are a small business receiving a set-aside contract.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, titled "List of Overhead Items Generally Not Allowable by FAR Guidelines," provides a reference to FAR Part 31 Contract Cost Principles and Procedures. It outlines specific categories of overhead costs that are generally unallowable for government contracts.

• Public Relations and Advertising Costs (with exceptions)
• Costs of Leasing ADP Equipment
• Bad Debts
• Bonding Costs (allowable only when required by Government)
• Contingencies
• Contributions and Donations
• Entertainment Costs (including alcoholic beverages)
• Fines, Penalties and Mischarging Costs
• Costs of Idle Facilities and Idle Capacity
• Interest and Other Financial Costs
• Legislative Lobbying Costs and Executive Lobby Costs
• Losses on Other Contracts
• Organization Costs (including mergers, acquisitions, resistance to reorganization, and raising capital)
• Goodwill (related to company acquisitions exceeding fair market value of identifiable assets)

This document is crucial for bidders to understand which overhead costs will not be reimbursed under a government contract. It helps in accurately calculating indirect costs and preparing compliant proposals by identifying expenses that must be excluded from overhead calculations or treated separately.