I am putting together the price volume for a federal RFP. The solicitation is for construction services under NAICS 236220, for a set-aside for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. The deadline is in three weeks. My shop has been careful to follow the instructions in Section L, but I am worried about missing something that is not explicit. We usually do city and county work. I have been told that federal price volumes are stricter. What are some common pitfalls to avoid when developing a price volume for a federal RFP? What makes an offer non-competitive?
What are common pitfalls to avoid when developing a price volume for a federal RFP?
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Common pitfalls to avoid when developing a price volume for a federal RFP include failing to comply with all instructions, misinterpreting cost allowability, and overlooking specific federal requirements like prevailing wages or bonding. Federal price volumes are indeed stricter than many state and local procurements because they operate under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), which has detailed cost principles and solicitation requirements. State and local buys follow their respective state procurement codes and portal vendor guides, which often have different rules.
For your construction services set-aside for SDVOSB under NAICS 236220, ensure your pricing reflects compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act if the contract exceeds the threshold for construction. This means incorporating the correct prevailing wage and wage determinations for all labor categories. Also, construction contracts exceeding $150,000 require performance and payment bonds under the Miller Act. Failing to account for these costs or to demonstrate the ability to secure bonds can make an offer non-competitive. Double-check Section L for any specific pricing templates or formats, as non-compliance here can lead to rejection.