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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q) Where can I find opportunities?
A) The FedBizOpps system provides vendors with the ability to view active procurement notices by Posted Date, Classification Code, Set-Aside Type, as well as the ability to view active awards for a particular Agency/Office/Location.
To browse active postings, go to http://www.fedbizopps.gov and click on "Vendors".
Clicking on "Synopsis" will bring you to the listing page for this solicitation number. The listing page lists everything posted to a particular solicitation number. To view any of these postings, click on the highlighted link. It is recommended that you first view the synopsis, as this gives a basic description of the opportunity, along with point of contact information. Click on the highlighted link for "Synopsis". Amendments will be posted on this site. You are responsible for checking the web site periodically and downloading amendments. You will be required to acknowledge receipt of amendments with your bid or proposal. If you have questions pertaining to a particular solicitation you must contact the person listed as the point of contact for that solicitation.

Q) Does my company need to be certified as a small business at the federal level?
A) Federal law does not require certification. For prime contract actions with Federal agencies, an owner self-represents his or her status by acting on the "Small Business Program Representation, FAR 52.219-1," or the "Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items, FAR 52.212-3. http://www.arnet.gov/far/

Q) How does the federal government define a business as "small"?
A) In making a detailed definition, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) may use a number of criteria, including the number of employees, annual receipts, affiliates, or other applicable factors. These specific criteria are set forth in the SBA Small Business Size Regulations, Title 13, Part 121 of the Code of Federal Regulations. For information on specific industry classifications (manufacturing, construction, services, transportation, refined petroleum products, and research development and testing), or more information on general small business definitions, go to the SBA's Office of Size Standards. http://www.sba.gov/size/


Q) How can I get a DUNS number?
A) DUNS stands for "Data Universal Numbering System" and is used by the government to identify contractors and to register with the Central Contractor Register (CCR) If you do not have a DUNS number, you can obtain one at no cost. Contact the Dun and Bradstreet at 866-705-5711 or online at http://www.dnb.com

Q) What is the 8(a) Program?
A) The 8(a) Business Development program is designed to provide business development assistance and technical assistance to help socially and economically disadvantaged American businesses gain access to the mainstream American economy. The program is named for the section of the Small Business Act that authorizes its policies and procedures. http://www.sba.gov/8abd

Q) What is NAICS?
A) The North American Industrial Classification System or "NAICS" describes the new codes that were developed by the Census Bureau to replace the current SIC Code. The new numbering system provides 5 levels of classification containing detailed codes that have a maximum of six digits. http://www.census.gov/epcd/www/naics.html

Q) What is CCR?
A) Central Contractor Registration (CCR) is the primary vendor database for the U.S. Federal Government. The CCR collects, validates, stores and disseminates data in support of agency acquisition missions. Both current and potential government vendors are required to register in CCR in order to do be awarded contracts by the government. Vendors are required to complete a one-time registration to provide basic information relevant to procurement and financial transactions. Vendors must update or renew their registration annually to maintain an active status.

Q) What is Small Business Source System (SBSS)?
A) SBSS is an electronic gateway of procurement information, for and
about small businesses. It is a search engine for contracting officers,
a marketing tool and a "link" to procurement opportunities and important
information. http://dsbs.sba.gov/dsbs/dsp_dsbs.cfm

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What is it …

CONSTRUCTION Terminology


A/E  Architect/Engineer; the design professional hired to provide design and design-related services.

Amendment  Written information adding to, clarifying or modifying the solicitation documents.

As-Built Drawings  Drawings made during construction, that record the locations, sizes, and nature of concealed items such as structural elements, accessories, equipment, devices, plumbing lines, valves, mechanical equipment, and the like. These records (with dimensions) form a permanent record for future reference.

Bid Bond  A form of security executed by the bidder or principal in conjunction with a surety to guarantee that the bidder will enter into a contract within a specified period of time and will furnish the required bonds for performance and labor and materials payment. Liquidated damages payable to the extent of the difference between the bonded contractor bid and the next highest bidder but not to exceed the face value of the bond.

Bonding Company  An individual or company that provides a bond or pledge to guarantee that another individual or company will perform in accordance with the terms of an agreement or contract.

Change Order  Authorization provided to a contractor approving a change from the original plans, specifications, or other contract documents.

Contract Documents  All solicitation documents, drawings, specifications and amendments associated with a specific project.

Contracting Officer  A person with the authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings. The term includes certain authorized representatives of the Contracting Officer acting within the limits of their authority as delegated by the Contracting Officer. A single Contracting Officer may be responsible for duties in any or all of these areas..

Critical Path Method (C.P.M.)  A system of construction management that involves the complete planning and scheduling of a project, and the development of an arrow diagram showing each activity, its appropriate place in the timetable, and its importance relative to other tasks, and the complete project.

Davis-Bacon Act  Provides that contracts in excess of $2,000 to which the United States is a party for construction, alteration, or repair (including painting and decorating) of public buildings or public works within the United States, must contain a clause that no laborer or mechanic employed directly upon the site of the work must receive less than the prevailing wage rates as determined by the Secretary of Labor.

Design/Build  Combining design and construction in a single contract with one contractor.

Gantt Chart  The schedule of activities for a project. A Gantt Chart shows start and finish dates, critical and non-critical activities, slack time, and predecessor relationships.
And predecessor activities that must be completed before another activity can begin.

Liquidated Damages  A stipulation in a contract on monetary amount that must be paid by the contractor if the contractor fails complete the work as specified in the contract or any modification. Payments are in lieu of actual damages related to the failure. The rate (e.g., dollars per day of delay) is fixed in the contract and must be reasonable considering probable actual damages related to any failure in contract performance.

Miller Act  A federal labor law that requires general contractors working on federally funded construction projects to obtain performance bonds and labor and material payment bonds to protect the interests of subcontractors and suppliers. The Miller Act applies to all United States government construction contracts valued at more than $25,000.

Performance and Payment Bonds  Written form of security from a surety (bonding) company guaranteeing payment in the event the contractor fails to pay for all labor, materials, equipment, or services in accordance with the contract

PERT Schedule  Pert is an abbreviation for Program Evaluating and Review Technique. (Critical Path Method) A diagram that illustrates, charts and reports a projects estimated start and completion times; and work in progress.

Plan Holders  List of Prime Contractors, Subcontractors, Suppliers who have formally registered an interest in a project.

Prime Contract  A contract or contractual action entered into by the United States for the purpose of obtaining supplies, materials, equipment, or services of any kind.

Prime Contractor  The main contractor who oversees and is responsible for all the work performed on the site, and to whom any subcontractors on the same job are responsible.

Progress Payment  A payment determined by calculating the difference between the completed work and materials stored and a predetermined schedule of values.

Progress Schedule A line diagram showing proposed and actual starting and completion times the respective project activities.

Punch List  The final list of items of work to be completed or corrected by the contractor.

Quality Control  Conformance to the technical specifications during construction.

Subcontract  A written form of agreement between the prime or main contractor and another contractor or supplier for the satisfactory performance of services or delivery or material as set forth in the plans and specifications for a specific project.

Subcontractor  A qualified subordinate contractor to the prime or main contractor. One under contract to a prime contractor by subcontract for completion of a portion of the work for which the prime contractor is responsible.

Subcontractor Bond  A written document from a subcontractor given to the prime or main contractor by the subcontractor guaranteeing performance of his/her contract and payment of all labor, materials, equipment and service bills associated with the subcontract agreement.

Submittals  Various documents submitted by the contractor to the owner or architect, such as shop drawings, material samples, subcontractor list, and insurance certificates.

Supplier  An individual or firm who supplies and/or fabricates materials or equipment for a specific portion of a construction project but does not perform any labor on the project. ( see Vendor)

Surety (see Bonding Company)

VECP  Value Engineering Change Proposals. Within the DoD, a VECP is a proposal submitted by a contractor to the Government in accordance with the VE provisions of the contract. It proposes a change (which if accepted and implemented) provides an eventual, overall cost savings to the Government. To name but a few examples, a VECP may be a change which updates an existing design to the current state-of-the-art, simplifies complex material by modifying/eliminating components, or updates specifications/drawings providing improved data for future procurements. The VECP provisions in a contract prescribe that the contractor shares substantially in the savings which accrue from implementing the change.

 

 

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