C--AE Services for an Indefinite Delivery Contract for Geotechnical Engineering Services (Military and Civil Works) to support the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District and North Atlantic Division.

BACKGROUND: Architect-Engineer (A-E) services are required for an Indefinite Delivery Contract (IDC) to provide Geotechnical Engineering Services to support the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District. This is an Unrestricted Procurement. The Norfolk District intends to procure one contract for Geotechnical Engineering Services primarily at federal/military projects within the Norfolk District, but can be used on a limited basis nationwide. It is estimated that a maximum of 20% of the contract capacity may be used nationwide. Contract capacity may be shared with other U.S. Army Corps of Engineer Districts upon approval by the Contracting Officer and acceptance by the Contractor. The proposed contracts will be a negotiated firm, fixed-price Indefinite Development Indefinite Quantity Contract (IDIQ). This contract will have a base period of 4 years. The contract shall not exceed $3,000,000 over a four year period. Each task order issued shall be firm-fixed price (as negotiated). The contract shall be awarded subject to the availability of funds, FAR 52.23.2-18, because this contract shall not be fully funded at the time of award. Funding shall be cited on individual task orders. Only firms considered highly qualified will be awarded a contract. Rates will be negotiated for each 12-month period of the contract. Work under this contract to be subject to satisfactory negotiation of individual task orders. Selection of A-E firms is not based upon competitive bidding procedures, but rather upon the professional qualifications necessary for the performance of the required services. Size Standard: The North American Industrial Classification Code (NAICS) for this procurement is 541330. This announcement is open to all businesses regardless of size. If a large business firm is selected for this announcement, it must comply with the FAR 52.219-9 clause regarding the requirement for a subcontracting plan for that part of work it intends to subcontract. Before a Small Disadvantaged Business is proposed as a potential subcontractor, they must be registered in the database maintained by the U.S. Small business Administration (PRO-Net). Failure of a proposed small disadvantaged business to be registered in PRO-Net at the time the responses are submitted will result in their elimination as a proposed subcontractor. The Service Contract Act will apply to this acquisition. To be eligible for contract award, firms must be registered in DoD Central Contractor Registration (CCR). Register via the CCR internet site at http://www.ccr.gov or by contracting the DoD Electronic Commerce Information Center at +1 (555) 000-0000 PROJECT INFORMATION: No specific projects are identified at this time that would require the use of the IDC contracts awarded under this announcement. As projects are received for execution, use of the IDC contracts will be considered if one or a combination of services listed below are needed. Geotechnical Engineering Services requested include, but are not limited to, the following: a) Geotechnical Field Exploration Services: provide appropriate subsurface exploration equipment with experienced operators and crew; perform soil borings including collecting soil samples (disturbed and undisturbed samples) in conjunction with performing Standard Penetration Tests; perform dilatometer and cone penetrometer soundings; perform rock coring; install groundwater monitoring wells; and/or perform geophysical studies. The subsurface exploration equipment shall be well maintained and in good working condition and will be capable of operating on and off road and on a floating plant. The contractor will have competent engineers available upon request by the Government to coordinate and oversee the field exploration including utility coordination, sample collection, and/or boring log preparation. The contractor shall have the ability to field locate all borings and provide ground surface elevations utilizing the services of a professional land surveyor. All subsurface exploration methods will be performed in accordance with the appropriate USACE criteria and ASTM standards. The contractor shall be capable of working in hazardous and toxic waste areas requiring Level C protection in accordance with OSHA Regulation 29 CFR 11910.120. b) Geotechnical Soils Laboratory Services: Perform appropriate tests to characterize and estimate engineering properties of soils including but not limited to general index tests, 1-D consolidation tests, triaxial test, and direct shear test. All laboratory testing will be performed in accordance with ASTM standards and be performed at laboratories having a current USACE laboratory validation. c) Geotechnical Engineering Services: Perform deep and shallow foundation design and analyses, bearing capacity analyses, settlement analysis, slope stability analyses, seepage analyses (including 2d and 3d modeling), probable failure mode analysis, probabilistic assessments (risk, reliability, uncertainty), pavement design and analysis (including airfield pavements), and design and analysis of waterfront structures; perform computer modeling using programs such as Slide, Slope/W, UTEXAS4, Seep/W, LPile, PCASE, and other current recognized industry software; prepare field and laboratory investigation programs. d) Geotechnical and Geologic Literature Search; e) Prepare and present geotechnical reports, technical topic presentations, and special studies; Prepare graphic logs using gINT, AutoCAD, and MicroStation; Prepare plans and specification for geotechnical components of projects using AutoCAD and Government furnished programs such as SpecsIntact. f) Geotechnical Instrumentation Services: Perform evaluation, design, installation, monitoring and rehabilitation of geotechnical engineering instrumentation including, but not limited to, inclinometers, piezometers, movement monitoring devices, etc. Construction monitoring and field testing: Provide compaction testing, pile driving inspection, drilled pier construction inspection, and static and dynamic load testing of deep foundation systems, installation and monitoring of static pile load tests. g) Review of designs to ensure compliance with USACE or other specified design standards; h) Dam and Levee Engineering Services: provide inspection and evaluation of dams and flood control levees. Prepare designs and analysis for repairs and rehabilitation, Dams to include earth fill, rock fill, conventional concrete, and roller-compacted concrete (RCC) dam projects. Aspects of the dam will include intakes, conduits, spillways, discharge channels, drainage facilities, embankments, concrete and masonry structures, and foundations. Levee systems to include embankments, concrete floodwalls, closure structures, gates and pump stations. Engineering disciplines will include expertise in hydrology and hydraulics, geotechnical engineering, structural analysis and design, mechanical, electrical and construction engineering. Preparation of Dam Break Analyses, Inundation Mapping and Emergency Action Plans may be required. i) Preparation of portions of Operations and Maintenance manuals associated with geotechnical project components. The selected contractor should have or express the capability to acquire subcontractors with experience and equipment for any of the above as needed. SELECTION CRITERIA: The selection criteria are listed below in descending order of importance (first by major criterion and then by each sub-criterion). Criteria A thru F are primary. Criterion G and H are secondary and will only be used as tie-breakers among technically equal firms. Recent means projects completed within the last five years, older projects will not be considered. The Contractor may submit a maximum of 10 projects for consideration. (A) SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE AND TECHNICAL COMPETENCE: (1) Demonstrate recent experience by the prime contractor and its consultants in geotechnical investigations and design analyses in related projects and services as listed above in the PROJECT INFORMATION criteria a) through i) above. (2) Demonstrate recent experience by the prime contractor and its consultants in Dam and Levee Safety projects. (3) Demonstrate recent experience by the prime contractor and its consultants in environmental surveys and designs in related projects and services as listed above in the PROJECT INFORMATION criteria a) through i) above. (B) PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: Indefinite delivery contracts will require each Contractor provide the following (either in-house or through a sub consultant) as a minimum. Required personnel cannot fulfill more than one (1) role on the project team (i.e., a separate employee must be provided for each stated requirement above to meet the number required). Submitting firms shall demonstrate the education, training, registration, overall and relevant experience, and longevity with the firm of key management and technical personnel. Resumes shall be provided for each of the personnel listed below. Repeat the resume page as required in order to provide information on all personnel referenced. The submittal shall include a matrix showing experience of the proposed lead engineers on the types of services and/or projects discussed above. Resumes are NOT required for the survey crew and drill crew. Firms must provide an organizational chart showing the inter-relationship of the various team members including subconsultants. Two (2) Project Managers - The Contractor's Project Manager shall have a degree from an accredited four year college or university. He/she shall have a minimum of 5 years experience directing and managing projects as described in the PROJECT INFORMATION section. Two (2) Registered Engineers with a minimum of 5 years specializing in geotechnical Engineer practices similar to those described in the PROJECT INFORMATION Section. One (1) Registered Engineer with a minimum of 5 years experience specializing in dam and levee safety engineering similar to the projects as described in PROJECT INFORMATION section. One (1) Registered Engineer specializing in hydrology and hydraulics with a minimum of 5 years of experience with similar projects as listed in PROJECT INFORMATION section. One (1) Registered Structural Engineer with a minimum of 5 years of experience on similar projects as described in PROJECT INFORMATION section. One (1) Registered Geologist with a minimum of 5 years experience on geotechnical projects as described in PROJECT INFORMATION section. Two (2) Registered Environmental Engineer with a minimum of 5 years experience with Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste projects. Two (2) Registered land surveyor and survey crew personnel. One (1) Soil and material testing lab, Lab shall have a nationally recognized certification, and include a summary statement of firms that intend to obtain or maintain Corps of Engineers Research and Development Center (ERDC) Certification. One (1) Driller. Qualified means capable of providing direct push (i.e., geoprobe, traditional soil boring (auger or mud rotary) with Standard Penetration Testing, dilatometer and cone penetrometer soundings, rock coring; drill and other subsurface exploration capable for geotechnical and foundation investigations. (C) CAPACITY: Ability to perform work to schedules - Firms will be evaluated on their ability to complete multiple taskings/projects simultaneously. Firms shall: (a) show current and projected workload within the firm. (D) PAST PERFORMANCE: Firms will be evaluated in terms of cost control, quality of work and compliance with performance schedules [with emphasis on projects submitted under factor (b)] as determined from PPIRS and other sources. Submit letters of commendation, awards, previous project evaluations, etc. to demonstrate past performance. (E) QUALITY CONTROL PROGRAM: The Contractor will be evaluated on their internal quality control program used to ensure technical accuracy and discipline coordination of plans and specifications. Describe and define the firm's program/processes for quality control and list, by name and position, all key personnel responsible. (F) KNOWLEDGE OF LOCALITY: Firms must demonstrate familiarity and knowledge with the geologic and geotechnical conditions within the Norfolk District geographic region, including local codes, laws, and permits requirements. Information presented shall demonstrate general understanding with specific experience as applicable. (G) VOLUME OF WORK: Firms will be evaluated in terms of work previously awarded to the firm by DoD within the past 12 months. The objective is to provide an equitable distribution of DoD A&E contracts among qualified A&E firms, including small and small disadvantaged business firms and firms that have not had prior DoD contracts. List any DoD contracts awarded to the firm within the last 12 months. (H) Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business and Women-Owned Small Business Participation: Degree of participation of all types small business as prime contractor, subcontractor, or joint venture partner. ALL OFFERORS (except small businesses) who plan to subcontract portions of the work are required to provide a narrative discussion of their plan for utilization of small and small disadvantaged businesses. As a minimum, the narrative shall discuss: a. Goals for subcontracting acting with small and small disadvantaged businesses in sufficient detail to allow government evaluators to determine that these goals are realistic, justifiable, positive, and in accordance with the Government's goals and policy in order to maximize opportunities for these types of businesses. b. The extent to which small disadvantaged businesses, and where appropriate, historically black colleges and universities/ minority institutions (HBCU/ MI) have been identified for participation as part of the offeror's team. c. The offeror's past and present commitment to providing subcontracting opportunities and encouragement to small and small disadvantaged businesses. If the selected firm intends to submit a plan with lesser goals, it must submit written rationale in the plan why the above goals cannot be met. The Government's Goals for this effort are: The subcontracting goals for Norfolk District are as follows: at least 51% of a prime firms intended subcontracted amount be placed with small businesses; at least 20% be placed with small disadvantaged businesses; at least 8% be placed with woman-owned small businesses; at least 4% be placed with service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses; at least 6% be placed with a HUB-Zone small businesses. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: Interested firms having the capabilities to perform this work must submit one hard copy of SF 330 Part I and one copy for the Prime and all consultants in an electronic format searchable in PDF or MS Word without translation; and one hard copy of SF 330 Part II for the prime firm and all consultants, and one electronic copy searchable in PDF or MS Word of the entire submittal to the address below at the time and date below. ELECTRONIC DOCUMENTS shall be submitted via Readable CD. The SF 330 Part I shall not exceed 75 pages (8.5 quote mark x 11 quote mark ). Each side of a sheet of paper is a page. Use no smaller than 12 font type. Include the firm's DUNS number in SF 330, Part I, Section H. Facsimile transmissions will not be accepted. Additional size limitations: (i) Limit resume of each individual to no more than one page. (ii) Limit example projects to no more than 10 projects. Submit SF 330 Parts I and II to: US Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District; ATTN: Debora Gray; 803 Front Street; Norfolk, VA 23510-1096; not later than 2:00 PM on AUGUST 29, 2013. Facsimile or email transmissions will not be accepted. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. Board will only consider the following information: SF330, as submitted or from ACASS, SF 330, with any required supplemental information; documented performance evaluations, such as from ACASS' DoD Contract award data. The Boards will not assume qualifications which are not clearly stated in a firms' submission or available from ACASS. The boards will review the entire submission of each firm and not excerpts or summaries. A firm will not be contacted to clarify or supplement its submission. Boards shall not consider any cost factors. This acquisition is for architect-engineer (A-E) services, and is procured in accordance with the Brooks A-E Act as implemented in Subpart 36.6 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation. A-E firms meeting the requirements described in this announcement are invited to submit: (1) a Standard Form (SF) 330, Architect-Engineer Qualifications, Parts I and II, and (2) any requested supplemental data to the procurement office shown. Firms registering for consideration for future Federal A-E projects are encouraged to electronically submit SF 330 Part II, General Qualifications, to ORCA, https://orca.bpn.gov/login.aspx, and to update at least annually. Firms with a SF 330 Part II on file in this central Federal database do not need to submit a Part II for this acquisition unless directed by the announcement. Following an evaluation of the qualifications and performance data submitted, the firm or firms that are considered to be the most highly qualified to provide the type of services required will be chosen for negotiation. Selection of firms for negotiation shall be made in order of preference based on the demonstrated competence and qualifications necessary for satisfactory performance in accordance with the specific selection criteria listed in the announcement. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. SOLICITATION PACKAGES WILL NOT BE PROVIDED. NOTE. In order to maintain total objectivity in the A-E selection process, phone calls and e-mails to discuss this announcement are discouraged unless absolutely necessary. If a question is presented to the Contracting Officer, Debora Gray, it will be at the Contracting Officer's discretion to respond. Personal visits for the purpose of discussing this announcement will not be scheduled. This is not a request for proposal. ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST. This statement provides examples of certain organizational conflicts of interest which are prescribed by Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 9.5. The purpose of this statement is to prevent the existence of conflicting roles that might bias a contractor's judgment and to prevent an unfair competitive advantage. The following subsections prescribe certain limitations on contracting as the means of avoiding, neutralizing or mitigating organizational conflicts of interest. a. If, under this announcement, the contractor will provide systems engineering and technical direction for a system, but does not have overall contractual responsibility for its development, integration, assembly, checkout or production, the contractor shall not be awarded a subsequent contract to supply the system or any of its major components, or to act as consultant to a supplier of any system, subsystem, or major component utilized for or in connection with any item or other matter that is (directly or indirectly) the subject of the systems engineering and technical direction. The term of this prohibition shall endure for the entire period of this contract and for two (2) years thereafter. b. If, under this announcement, the contractor will prepare and furnish complete specifications covering non- developmental items, to be used in a competitive acquisition, the contractor shall not be permitted to furnish these items, either as a prime or subcontractor. The term of this prohibition shall endure for the entire period of this contract performance and for either two (2) years thereafter or the duration of the initial production contract whichever is longer. This rule shall not apply to contractors who furnish specifications or data at Government request or to situations in which contractors act as Government representatives to help Government agencies prepare, refine or coordinate specifications, provided this assistance is supervised and controlled by Government representatives. c. If, under this announcement, the contractor will prepare or assist in preparing a work statement to be used in competitively acquiring a system or services, the contractor shall not supply the system, its major components, or the service unless the contractor is the sole source, the contractor has participated in the development and design work, or more than one contractor has been involved in preparing the work statement. The term of this prohibition shall endure for two (2) years. d. If, under this announcement, the contractor will provide technical evaluation of products or advisory and assistance services, the contractor shall not provide such services if the services relate to the contractor's own or a competitor's products or services unless proper safeguards are established to ensure objectivity.