FA910126RB011 FARM III Draft RFP

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to questions submitted by vendors regarding the FARM III Draft RFP, specifically referencing RFI 2 Attachments 1 and 2, and the Draft SOW dated December 4, 2025.

• Scoring Matrix Development: Element weight factors for the Highest Technically Rated Offeror (HTRO) Scoring Matrix are based on expectations for similar work and past difficult-to-execute items.
• Self-Scoring: Offerors will input the number of work samples demonstrating experience for each element in the "Offeror Self-Proposed Score Points" column. Specific work samples are detailed in the Cross Reference Matrix.
• SOW vs. Scoring Matrix Alignment: The Government acknowledges discrepancies between the SOW and the scoring matrix for Mechanical and Electrical systems, stating the matrix descriptors were deliberately chosen to represent more challenging and quantifiable efforts.
• Design Element Weighting: The Government will not create a separate scoring element solely for design, as the FARM contract vehicle is primarily for design and construction services, not design-only efforts.
• Work Sample Qualifications: Work samples can be submitted for work performed as a subcontractor, provided the subcontractor was responsible for the described work. The five-year work completion window applies to all samples.
• Test Facilities and DoD Installations: The HTRO Scoring Matrix criteria will focus on DoD installations. The Government will not include criteria for executing work in AEDC test facilities to avoid subjective elements and unfair competitive advantage.
• CPARS vs. Past Performance Rating Forms: Past Performance Rating Forms are only permitted if CPAR data is unavailable in the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS).
• HTRO Matrix for TO Awards: The HTRO method is not planned for individual Task Order (TO) awards; price will be a more significant factor, and LPTA or best-value tradeoff methods will be used.

Several sections of the Draft RFP and Scoring Matrix have been updated or clarified based on vendor questions, including work sample qualifications, scoring criteria, and the use of CPAR data. The document clarifies how offerors should interpret and complete the scoring matrix and provides context for the alignment of SOW elements with scoring categories.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Draft Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) Facilities Acquisitions for Restoration and Modernization (FARM) III contract. The Government is seeking feedback from industry partners to refine and clarify the Final RFP. This draft is for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute an authorization to begin performance or obligate the Government to any costs.

The FARM III effort is a competitive, multiple-award, Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract. The scope includes design-build, construction, and two-phase design-build projects for mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, data, and control systems, and utilities. These projects will support plant and infrastructure sustainment, restoration, and modernization for military ground testing facilities at AEDC and its Geographically Separated Units (GSUs).

• Contract Type: Multiple Award IDIQ

• Pricing: Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP)

• Number of Awards: Target eight contracts

• Total Estimated Value: Not to exceed $900 Million

• Period of Performance: Eight years total (three-year base period, one three-year option, one two-year option)

• Task Order Maximum: $50 Million per task order

• Contract Minimum: $1,000 per awardee (satisfied by a virtual Post-Award Conference task order)

• Evaluation Method: Highest Technically Rated Offeror (HTRO) method.

• Proposals for the Final RFP will be evaluated against Section M Evaluation Factors for Award.

• During the contract period, Fair Opportunity Proposal Requests (FOPRs) will be issued to IDIQ awardees for specific projects, with individual FFP task orders negotiated and issued.

• Pre-Solicitation Conference: Virtual conference on 6 March 2026. Respond for call-in information by 2:00 PM CT on 4 March 2026.

• Deadline for Questions & Comments on Draft RFP: 2:00 PM CT on 19 March 2026. Use the provided "FARM III Draft RFP Atch C Questions Template" for submissions.

Not specified in this document.

• Offerors are advised that the FAR is undergoing significant overhaul; changes adopted by DFARS prior to solicitation will be incorporated.
• Contact Mr. Andrew Waggoner (Contract Specialist) at andrew.waggoner.3@us.af.mil or Mr. Robert Mosley (Procuring Contracting Officer) at robert.mosley.3@us.af.mil for questions.
• Attachments include: FARM III Draft RFP SF1442, RFI #2 Q&A, and FARM III Draft RFP Questions Template.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Statement of Work (SOW) outlines the basic requirements for construction and engineering activities supporting the Facilities Acquisitions for Restoration and Modernization (FARM) III effort. The primary goal is to acquire specialized and unique mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation, data, and control (ID&C) systems to restore and modernize AEDC's plant and infrastructure while minimizing facility downtime and impact on existing test and development programs.

The contractor will provide labor, materials, equipment, transportation, supervision, quality control, and other necessary items for design/build, two-phase design/build, and construction projects. Work will primarily be performed at Arnold AFB, TN, but also at other AEDC Geographically Separated Units (GSUs).

Key areas of work include:

• Mechanical: Air ducts, expansion joints, valves, high-pressure piping, large pressure vessels, desiccant bed air dryers, turning vanes, cooling water/raw water pumps, hydraulic systems, steam distribution systems, chillers, refrigeration equipment, and heat exchangers.
• Electrical: Interior and exterior lighting, medium voltage gas insulated switchgear, unit substations, motor control centers, transformers, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), ducting/vaults/cables, motor exciters, oil or gas circuit breakers, power panels/conduit/wiring, variable frequency drives, and facility-wide lightning protection systems.
• ID&C: Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)-based industrial control systems, high-speed facility control systems, controls software development and modification, data logging system design and integration, secure control systems, and control systems instrumentation design and integration.

Work will be performed primarily at Arnold AFB, TN, and at additional AEDC Geographically Separated Units (GSUs) including locations in California, Maryland, and New Mexico.

Projects will be executed through individual Task Orders (TOs), which can be:

• Design/Build: Contractor initiates and completes the design/build project.

• Construction: Contractor executes construction based on a complete design document package.

• Two-Phase Design/Build: Multiple contractors complete a percentage of the design, with one selected to complete the design and build.

• Project Administration: Management, planning, and reporting; contractor organization and project management; on-site supervision; and business relations.

• Quality Control Plan (QCP): Developed and submitted for approval, covering design and construction activities.

• Project Schedule: Time-phased Gantt charts using Microsoft Project or equivalent.

• Submittals: Detailed requirements for shop drawings, product data, test plans, certificates, manufacturer's instructions, and final design drawings.

• Insurance: Required coverage includes Workers' Compensation, General Liability, and Automobile Liability.

• Design: Professional engineering services, including mechanical, electrical, and ID&C disciplines. Designs must consider sustainability, energy conservation, and pollution prevention.

• Construction: Outlines requirements for the construction phase, including job conditions, protection of existing improvements, tool control, EPA-designated items, and hazardous waste management.

• Welding/Brazing: Requirements to meet ASME standards.

• Excavation: Requires dig permits and specific procedures for uncovering utilities.

• Painting: Requirements to comply with SSPC standards.

• Post Award Conference: Mandatory conference including a site visit, contractor orientation, and travel.

• Work Security: Compliance with all security directives and requirements on Arnold AFB.

• Acronyms: A comprehensive list of acronyms used throughout the document.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a Draft Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) Facilities Acquisitions for Restoration and Modernization (FARM) III. This is a Multiple Award, competitive, Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) acquisition for mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation, data, & control systems, design-build, construction, and two-phase design/build for military ground testing facilities at Arnold AFB, TN, and its associated Geographically Separated Units.

• Design-build, construction, and two-phase design-build work for military ground testing facilities.

• Services include mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, data, and control systems.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP)

• Period of Performance: Eight years from award.

• Estimated Number of Contracts: Target of eight.

• Maximum Dollar Amount: $900M over the life of the contract.

• Guaranteed Minimum Amount: $1K over the life of the contract.

• Proposal Submission Deadline: May 6, 2026, 05:00 PM local time.

• Offers must be accepted within 10 calendar days after the due date.

• Performance and Payment Bonds: Required (10 calendar days after award).

• This is a competitive acquisition; no specific set-aside is mentioned in this section.

• Projects will be issued in the form of Task Orders.

• Attachment 1, Statement of Work (SOW) dated February 20, 2026, is referenced.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 2: Scheduled Government Furnished Property (GFP)" for the Facilities Acquisitions for Restoration and Modernization (FARM) III opportunity, provides a form for listing and detailing Government Furnished Property (GFP) that will be provided to the contractor. This is relevant for bidders to understand what property will be supplied by the government as part of the contract.

• The form includes sections for both Serialized Items List and Non-Serialized Items List.
• Fields for each item include: Item#, Description, CAGE, Marking Instr, Model #, NSN, Nomen, Part #, Qty, Serial #, Type Designator, Unique Item #, Unit Acq Cost, Unit of Measure, and Use As Is.
• Contract Number details are also requested, including DoD Enterprise Identifier, Year, Procurement Instrument Type Code, Serialized Identifier, Order Number, or Non-DoD Number.
• A note indicates that the description for some items is "To Be Determined for Each Task Order."

This attachment is crucial for bidders to understand the scope of government-provided property. It will inform proposal development, particularly in areas related to logistics, asset management, and potential costs associated with handling or utilizing GFP. Bidders should review this form to assess the type and quantity of government-furnished equipment and materials they will be expected to manage or incorporate into their work.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 3: Wage Determinations," is part of the Facilities Acquisitions for Restoration and Modernization (FARM) III effort. It provides information regarding wage determinations relevant to the opportunity.

• The document states that "Wage Determinations will be included at the Task Order level."

This attachment indicates that specific wage determination details will be provided at the Task Order level, not within this initial solicitation document. Bidders should anticipate these details when preparing proposals for individual task orders under the FARM III program.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document provides "Instructions to Offerors (ITO)" for the Facilities Acquisitions for Restoration and Modernization (FARM) III acquisition. It details the requirements for preparing and submitting proposals for a Multiple Award Construction Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract.

• Proposals must demonstrate a full understanding of the approach to accomplish contractual requirements.

• Offerors must meet all solicitation requirements, including terms, conditions, representations, certifications, and technical requirements.

• Any exceptions to solicitation terms and conditions must be clearly identified with rationale.

• The government intends to award a Multiple Award Construction IDIQ contract with a target of eight contracts.

• Basic contracts will be firm-fixed-price (FFP) CLINs.

• Contracts will have a three-year base period, one three-year option, and one two-year option.

• Proposals must be submitted electronically via the Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE) by the specified date and time.

• Proposals must be in a format readable by MS Office Word, MS Office Excel, or Adobe PDF.

• Offerors must complete and submit specific attachments, including Offeror Company Information, Work Sample Evaluation Documentation, and Small Business Participation Proposal.

• Evaluation will be based on Factor 1: Work Sample Evaluation and Factor 2: Small Business Participation.

• Key deadlines include a post-solicitation conference (date TBD) and proposal submission deadline (date TBD).

• The document addresses Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) requirements.

• Small Business Subcontracting Plan requirements are detailed, with specific DoD goals provided.

• The Procuring Contracting Officer (PCO) is Mr. Robert Mosley.

• All referenced documents are available on www.SAM.gov and the PIEE Solicitation module.

• Offerors are responsible for understanding and utilizing the PIEE system for submission.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the "Offeror Company Information Form" (Attachment L-1) required as part of the solicitation package. It is designed to collect essential details about potential offerors.

• Company Name
• Address
• Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code
• Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
• Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
• SAM.gov Registration Expiration Date
• Proposal Validity Statement
• Contact information for the Proposal Point of Contact (POC), including Name, Email Address, and Phone Number.
• Contact information for persons authorized to obligate the company, including Name, Email Address, and Phone Number.
• Name of Banking Institution and contact information for the Banking Institution POC.

Bidders must accurately complete and submit this form as part of their proposal. The information collected is crucial for verifying company details, ensuring compliance with registration requirements, and establishing communication channels for the proposal process.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Work Sample Cover Sheet - Prime Contract Effort" (Attachment L-2a), serves as a cover sheet for submitting work samples as part of a prime contract effort. It requires bidders to provide identifying information for each work sample submitted.

Part I: Work Sample Identification

• Contractor Name
• Contract Number
• Order Number (if applicable)
• Customer (Office Symbol and Program Name)
• Total Period of Performance (MM/YYYY – MM/YYYY)
• Work Sample Value (total contract value)
• Work Sample Identifier (unique identifier for each sample, e.g., WS-1)

Part II: Work Sample Information/Points of Contact (POCs)

• Requires at least two POCs per work sample. Information to be provided includes:
  • Name
  • Title and Agency/Customer
  • Phone
  • Email

Part III: Work Sample Description

• A brief synopsis of the work sample (900 character limit).

Bidders must complete and submit this form for each work sample they provide as part of their proposal. It helps the government organize and identify the submitted work samples and associated points of contact. The description section allows bidders to briefly summarize the work sample, though this specific section will not be evaluated.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Work Sample Cover Sheet - Subcontract Effort" (Attachment L-2b), serves as a cover sheet for submitting work samples as part of a subcontract effort. It requires specific information to identify and describe the work sample being provided.

Part I: Work Sample Identification

• Prime Contractor Name
• Subcontractor Name
• Contract Number
• Order Number (if applicable)
• Customer (Office Symbol and Program Name)
• Total Period of Performance (Prime contract, MM/YYYY – MM/YYYY)
• Contract / Order Value (final or most recent total contract value)
• Work Sample Identifier (unique identifier for the sample)

Part II: Work Sample Information/Points of Contact (POCs)

• Contact information for at least two Program Managers / Contracting Officers / CORs / Other Customer Representatives currently working the contract/task order, or the most recent POCs if the contract has ended.

Part III: Project Description

• A brief synopsis of the work sample, limited to 900 characters. This section is provided for informational purposes and will not be evaluated.

Bidders are required to complete and submit this form as part of their response, likely when providing work samples to demonstrate past performance or capabilities. It ensures that all necessary identifying and contact information for the work samples is provided in a standardized format.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a cross-reference matrix intended to help offerors map their submitted Work Samples (WS) to the scoring criteria outlined in the solicitation. It serves as a guide for demonstrating how each WS meets specific requirements and for calculating potential points.

• Work Samples (WS): Offerors are limited to a maximum of 20 WS, submitted in a single PDF (Volume II). Each WS must begin with an appropriate cover sheet.
• Cross Reference Matrix: This matrix is used to indicate which Subcategories/Elements a WS is being applied to. The Offeror's name must be entered on Row 4.
• Scoring Criteria Columns:
  • Columns C-AA: Used to mark (with an "X") the specific scoring criteria (e.g., M1-M10 for Mechanical Systems, E1-E8 for Electrical Systems, Facility Renovation Elements) that a WS addresses. Offerors must demonstrate addressing at least five out of seven Facility Renovation Elements.
  • Column AC (DoD Installation Projects): Applicable to WS where construction services were performed on a DoD Installation. It requires noting the contract dollar amount, points earned based on that amount, and the Subcategories scored. Points are awarded based on contract value ranges ($100K-$11M = 1 pt, >$11M-$31M = 2 pts, >$31M = 3 pts). Maximum points require WS values >= $31M on a DoD Installation.
  • Column AD (Design and Build Efforts): Requires noting whether the WS was a Design/Build contract and the Subcategories it scored on.
• Reference Columns: For each marked criterion, offerors must provide references (e.g., PDF page numbers, SOW paragraphs, contract award documents) to support their claims.

This matrix is crucial for proposal preparation. Bidders must accurately complete this document to clearly demonstrate how their proposed Work Samples align with the government's evaluation criteria, particularly for scoring related to mechanical, electrical, facility renovation, contract value, and design/build aspects. Failure to properly complete this matrix may impact the evaluation of submitted Work Samples.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment L-4 HTRO Scoring Matrix," is a self-scoring spreadsheet for the FARM III Draft RFP (FA9101-26-R-B011). Its purpose is to guide offerors in assessing and presenting their technical capabilities and past performance for evaluation.

• Instructions: Offerors must input data into designated yellow cells, including their name. They are to propose self-score points for specific categories, ensuring the total for Mechanical, Electrical, and Facility Renovations does not exceed 20 points. Project Management and CPARS/CPARS Equivalent data should be based on submitted work samples.
• Scoring Categories:
  • Mechanical Systems (3.2.2.1): Evaluates work samples across 10 specific types of mechanical projects (e.g., high-pressure piping, large pressure vessels, chillers).
  • Electrical Systems (3.2.2.2): Evaluates work samples across 8 specific types of electrical projects (e.g., medium/high voltage switchgear, transformers, circuit breakers).
  • Facility Renovations (3.2.2.3): Requires work samples demonstrating capability in at least 5 of 7 elements (e.g., HVAC, Fire protection, Electrical systems, Plumbing, Interior Finishes).
  • Project Management, Development, and Design (3.2.2.4 & 3.2.2.5): Assesses total dollar value of DoD construction projects and number of design/construction services on single contracts.
  • CPARS/CPARS Equivalent Data Submission (3.2.2.6): Allows up to five project submissions, requiring details and ratings (Quality, Management, Cost Control, etc.). CPARS points are bonus points.
• Bonus Points: A double bonus is awarded if at least one CPARS/CPARS Equivalent response is submitted for each of the Mechanical, Electrical, and Facility Renovations categories.
• CPAR Ratings Mapping: Provides a scale for CPAR ratings (Exceptional, Very Good, Satisfactory, Marginal, Unsatisfactory, N/A) to corresponding scores.

This matrix is crucial for bidders to understand the specific criteria and weighting used for technical and past performance evaluation. It dictates how offerors should structure their proposals to highlight relevant experience and CPARS data to maximize their potential score, directly impacting their competitiveness for the opportunity.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Attachment L-5, the Past Performance Rating Form, for the FARM III opportunity (FA9101-26-R-B011). It is used by the Government to evaluate offeror past performance. The form is to be completed by a "Rater" and returned to the Offeror for submission with their proposal.

• Contractor Identification: Fields for Contractor Name, Contract/Order Number, Project Title, and Total Period of Performance.
• Reference Information: Fields for the Rater's Name, Title, Agency/Customer, Phone, and E-mail.
• Performance Criteria: Six categories for rating: Quality, Schedule, Cost Control, Management, Small Business Subcontracting, and Regulatory. Each category includes definitions for Adjectival Ratings (Exceptional, Very Good, Satisfactory, Marginal, Unsatisfactory).
• Additional Comments: A section for detailed comments to substantiate ratings, particularly for Marginal or Unsatisfactory ratings.

This form is critical for offerors as it outlines the specific criteria the government will use to assess past performance. Bidders should understand these criteria to ensure their past performance references are relevant and to prepare supporting documentation. The ratings and comments provided on this form will directly impact the evaluation of the offeror's proposal.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document, "Section M: Evaluation Factors for Award" for the Facilities Acquisitions for Restoration and Modernization (FARM) III IDIQ contract, outlines the criteria and methodology the Government will use to evaluate proposals and select awardees. It details how offers will be assessed to determine the best value for the Government.

• Evaluation Basis: Competitive best value source selection, following FAR Subpart 15.103, DFARS Subpart 215.3, and DAFFARS Subpart 5315.3.

• Award Determination: Based on an integrated assessment of proposals, combining Highest Technically Rated Offeror (HTRO) Work Sample Evaluation ratings and acceptable Small Business Participation. This is not a tradeoff selection.

• Eligibility: Offerors must be deemed responsible, conform to solicitation requirements (including terms, conditions, representations, certifications), and meet requirements in Attachment 6, Section L.

• Other-than-Small Businesses (OTSBs): Must have an acceptable Small Business Subcontracting Plan.

• Contract Type: Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC).

• Number of Awards: Target of eight contracts.

• IDIQ Ceiling: $900M over eight years (three-year base, one three-year option, one two-year option).

• Minimum Order: A single task order for a virtual Post-Award Conference at $1,000.00.

• Evaluation Factors:

  1. Work Sample Evaluation (Volume II)
  2. Small Business Participation (Volume III)

• Cost/Price: Not evaluated at the IDIQ level; will be evaluated at the Task Order (TO) level.

• Work Sample Evaluation: Based on Offeror self-scoring (Section L Attachment L-4) and Government validation. Minimum validated score of 12,000 points required for eligibility.

• Small Business Participation: Evaluated as "Acceptable" or "Unacceptable." An "Unacceptable" rating results in an unawardable proposal.

• Discussions: Government intends to award without discussions, but reserves the right to conduct them. Evaluation Notices (ENs) may be used for written exchanges.

• Final Proposal Revisions (FPRs): May be requested after discussions. Unsupported FPRs may be penalized.

• Tie Breakers: If scores are tied, initial scores (prior to CPARS Bonus points) and then "Total dollar value of construction services projects supporting DoD Installations" will be used.

• Small Business Participation: A key evaluation factor. Offerors must demonstrate an adequate approach to meeting Small Business Program objectives, including methods for ensuring equitable opportunities for small businesses in subcontracting and developing subcontracting goals.

• Proposals must be complete; missing volumes or information may lead to disqualification.

• "Correction potential" of proposals will be considered.

• Offeror responsibility will be determined, including bonding capacity and Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) resolution.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Attachment C to the Draft Request for Proposal (RFP) FA9101-26-R-B011 for the Facilities Acquisitions for Restoration and Modernization (FARM) III program. It serves as a template for bidders to submit questions to the government regarding the draft RFP.

• The template includes columns for 'Number', 'Reference', 'Document Page/Paragraph #', 'Question', and 'Answer'.
• Bidders are instructed to enter references to specific documents, page numbers or paragraphs, their questions, and any anticipated answers.
• A sample entry is provided for guidance.

This template is crucial for bidders to formally submit their questions and seek clarifications on the draft solicitation. It guides them on how to structure their inquiries to ensure they are addressed by the government, thereby aiding in the preparation of a compliant and competitive proposal.