Refurbishment of a Building – First Phase at Portoviejo, Manabí – Ecuador

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding RFQ Number: PR15515497, clarifying various aspects of the solicitation.

• Contractor Personnel Escort: Contractor personnel working inside facilities will not require continuous government escort; the contractor is responsible for their own staff supervision.
• On-Site Accommodation: Temporary on-site camps or rest areas for workers are not permitted. Contractors must arrange off-site housing.
• Financial Security: Financial security requirements can be met by a federally insured financial institution or a surety company, as detailed in RFP-Amendment 0001 and relevant FAR clauses.
• Work Areas: Work areas will be available and unoccupied during construction, with no specific access restrictions anticipated beyond standard site entry procedures.
• Working Hours: Normal working hours are 08:00 to 17:00. Work outside these hours requires COR approval with 24 hours' advance notice, and any extra labor costs are the contractor's responsibility.
• Performance/Payment Protection: Protection is required in the amount of 50% of the contract price. Performance and Payment Bonds (SF-25 and SF-25A) are required after contract award, not with the proposal. Evidence of ability to obtain these is needed at the quotation stage.
• On-Site Facilities: Existing restroom facilities may be used. Office space can be adapted within the building, but the contractor must arrange any additional facilities needed.
• Utilities: Water and electricity will be provided by ENP-GOE during contract performance and working hours.
• Project Cost: The estimated project magnitude of USD 60,000 to USD 85,000 includes all costs, such as labor, materials, overhead, profit, DBA insurance, and VAT.
• Signatures: Quotations and forms can be signed physically, digitally, or electronically.
• Building Vacancy: The GOE Zone 4 building will be vacant and available during the refurbishment period.
• Sole Proprietor: A Sole Proprietor can serve as the project superintendent if qualified.
• Price Breakdown: Attachment #5 is a reference; offerors can use their own methodology but must ensure the total firm-fixed price is consistent. Additional columns for unit prices and total costs are permitted.
• Performance/Payment Protection Evidence: At the quotation stage, a commitment letter or letter of intent from a bank or surety company is acceptable evidence of the ability to obtain security.
• Gypsum Wall Work: Details for gypsum wall work are in Section C.1.2 of the SOW.
• Handrails: Handrails are not part of this solicitation.
• Electrical Work: No additional electrical work is required beyond the SOW, except for connections for the hydro-pneumatic pump system.
• Painting: Painting is required for interior and exterior walls and ceilings, but not for existing exterior metal grilles.
• Doors/Windows: Intervention is limited to specific new doors and windows; existing ones are not to be modified except as noted.
• Hydro-pneumatic System: The contractor must design and install a new system, including a pump and tank, and define trench routes.
• Terrace Waterproofing: Must be performed according to SOW Section C.3.6.4, including any preparatory work for drainage and performance.
• Stairs: Work on existing stairs is not included, except for painting walls in those areas.
• Moisture Issues: Issues related to existing water systems will be evaluated during contract performance and addressed via modification if necessary.
• Localized Plaster Repair: Existing walls requiring repair will be handled as per SOW sections C.1.2 and C.5.5.1, C.5.5.3.
• Sanitary Networks: The contractor will evaluate leaks and report them to INL during construction.
• Site Attendees: A list of project site attendees is provided.

These clarifications address specific vendor inquiries, providing essential details for accurate proposal preparation and submission. Offerors should review all responses carefully to ensure compliance with the solicitation requirements.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment extends the quotation due date for the Request for Quotation (RFQ).

• Cover Letter - Page 1

• The deadline for submitting quotations has been extended to April 15, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. local time in Quito, Ecuador. Quotations submitted after this time will not be accepted. The amendment also reiterates that quotations must be submitted in English and incomplete quotations will not be accepted.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Request for Quotes (RFQ) for the "Portoviejo Refurbishment – First Phase" project. The U.S. Government intends to award a contract or purchase order to the responsible company offering the lowest price. The award will be based on initial proposals, with potential for discussions if needed.

The RFQ outlines the requirements for refurbishment work, including:

• Preliminary work

• Demolition of concrete masonry walls

• Dismounting of closets, doors, and windows

• General cleaning

• Wall reparation and construction (concrete masonry, plastering)

• Floor renovation (concrete steps, ceramic tiles, terrace waterproofing)

• Painting (ceilings, exterior and interior walls)

• Installation/replacement of ceramic and new wall tiles

• Installation/replacement of doors and windows

• Hydraulic and sanitary systems (pipes, pumps, valves)

• Contract type: Fixed-price.

• Period of Performance: Not explicitly stated, but work commencement is within 60 days of notice to proceed, and completion is within 90 days.

• Estimated Value: To Be Determined (TBD).

• Pre-Quotation Conference and Site Visit: March 05, 2026, at 09:00 a.m. at the project site.

• Questions Due: March 11, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Quito local time.

• Quotations Due: March 25, 2026, at 16:00 p.m. Quito local time.

• Submission Method: Electronically to ruedavj@state.gov. Files must be in MS-Word, MS-Excel, or Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format, not exceeding 30MB per file. If exceeding 30MB, submit in separate files.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the lowest-priced, acceptable, responsible quoter. Evaluation includes initial review for completeness, followed by a detailed technical review of the proposal, including performance schedule, business management, proposed work, experience, and safety/health program. The offered price must be fair and reasonable.

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• Offerors must be technically qualified and financially responsible.

• Offerors must have an established business in Ecuador or plan to establish one within 30 days of award.

• Offerors must demonstrate prior construction experience.

• The RFQ includes numerous attachments and clauses covering various aspects of the contract, including Statement of Work, Bonds, Pricing Breakdown, Drawings, Instructions for Submission, Evaluation Criteria, and Representations/Certifications.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment modifies the solicitation PR15515497.

• Cover Letter - Page 1:

  • A pre-quotation conference and site visit is scheduled for March 05, 2026, at 09:00 a.m., at the project site.
  • Questions are due by March 11, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., local time in Quito, Ecuador. No questions will be accepted after this time. Answers will be posted on SAM.gov.
  • Quotations are due by March 25, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., local time in Quito, Ecuador. No quotations will be accepted after this time.
  • Quotations must be submitted in English, and incomplete quotations will not be accepted.

• Page 43:

  • Confirms the site visit is scheduled for March 05, 2026, at 09:00 a.m., local time in Quito, Ecuador.
  • Clarifies the site visit will take place in Manta, Ecuador.
  • Provides instructions for offerors planning to attend the site visit, including RSVP requirements and deadlines (March 03, 2026, by 11:59 a.m., local time Quito, Ecuador) to Ms. Valeria Rueda at ruedavj@state.gov. The subject line for the RSVP should be "RSVP PR15515497 Refurbishment Portoviejo - 1st Phase".

• The deadline for submitting offers remains March 25, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., local time in Quito, Ecuador. The amendment explicitly states the date and time for receipt of offers is not extended.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Request for Quotes (RFQ) for the Portoviejo Refurbishment – First Phase. The U.S. Government intends to award a contract/purchase order to the responsible company submitting the lowest priced, acceptable offer. Discussions may be held with companies in the competitive range if needed.

The RFQ outlines the requirements for refurbishment work, including:

• Preliminary work
• Walls reparation and construction
• Floors renovation
• Painting and coatings for finishes
• Doors and windows
• Hydraulic and sanitary systems

Detailed specifications are provided in Attachment 1 (Statement of Work) and Attachment 6 (Drawings).

• Contract type: Firm fixed price.

• Period of Performance: To be determined (TBD).

• Estimated Value: To be determined (TBD).

• Pre-quotation Conference and Site Visit: March 05, 2026, at 09:00 a.m. at the project site.

• Quotation Due Date: March 11, 2026, at 16:00 p.m. Quito, Ecuador local time.

• Submission Method: Electronically to ruedavj@state.gov in MS-Word, MS-Excel, or PDF format. Files must not exceed 30MB; larger submissions must be in separate emails.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the lowest priced, acceptable, responsible quoter. Evaluation includes an Initial Evaluation (completeness) and a Technical Evaluation (performance schedule, business management/technical proposal, proposed work information, experience, and past performance, preliminary quality, safety, and health management program).

• Offerors must be technically qualified and financially responsible.

• Offerors must have an established business in Ecuador or plan to establish an office within 30 days of award.

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) prior to submission.

• Specific qualifications include understanding English, construction experience, necessary resources, local licenses/permits, insurance, ability to obtain performance security, and no adverse criminal or political affiliations contrary to U.S. interests.

• Required documents for submission include SF-1442, Section A (Pricing), Section L (Representations and Certifications), additional information as required in Section J, and proof of SAM registration.

• Defense Base Act (DBA) insurance premium costs must be included.

• The magnitude of the construction project is TBD.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the first phase of refurbishment of a building in Portoviejo, Ecuador. The project, supported by the United States Embassy's International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) Affairs Office, aims to strengthen the operational capacity of the unit through the renovation of dormitories and office spaces.

• Renovation of dormitories.

• Renovation of office spaces.

• The contract type is not explicitly stated, but the document is labeled as a "Solicitation, Offer, and Award" and uses "Sealed Bid (IFB)" and "Invitation for Bid" indicators, suggesting a sealed bid process.

• Performance Bond and Payment Bond are required.

• Sealed offers are due by the date and time specified in Item 8 (Address Offer To: Bidders, Embassy of the United States of America, Quito, Ecuador).

• Offers must be marked with the offeror's name and address, solicitation number, and due date/time.

• Offers will be publicly opened at the specified time.

• The contractor shall begin performance within 60 calendar days and complete within 90 calendar days after receiving notice to proceed.

• Not specified in the provided document excerpt.

• This document is Standard Form 1442 (Rev. 12/2022).

• The solicitation number is PR15515497.

• The issue date is 02/23/2026.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Standard Form 25A, a Payment Bond. It is used to protect persons supplying labor and material for a contract, as required by 40 USC Chapter 31, Subchapter III, Bonds. It ensures that the Principal (the contractor) and their Surety(ies) are firmly bound to the United States for the payment of the penal sum.

• Principal: Requires the legal name and business address of the contractor.
• Type of Organization: Specifies whether the Principal is an Individual, Corporation, Partnership, Joint Venture, or Other.
• State Of Incorporation: Requires the state where the organization is incorporated.
• Surety(ies): Requires the name(s) and business address(es) of the surety or sureties providing the bond.
• Penal Sum Of Bond: Requires the monetary amount of the bond.
• Contract Date & Contract Number: Fields to identify the specific contract the bond is associated with.
• Obligation & Conditions: Outlines the terms under which the bond is valid, primarily ensuring prompt payment for labor and materials.
• Signatures: Spaces for the Principal and Surety(ies) to sign and affix seals.

Bidders may be required to provide this payment bond as part of their contract obligations if awarded. The form details the information needed to complete the bond, including the penal sum and the identification of the surety company. It is crucial for understanding the financial guarantees required for contract performance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Standard Form 25 (Rev. 10/2023), a Performance Bond. It is used in connection with Government contracts to ensure the Principal (the contractor) fulfills all contractual obligations. The bond is executed by the Principal and one or more Sureties.

• Principal: Legal name and business address of the contractor.

• Surety(ies): Name(s) and business address(es) of the bonding company or companies.

• Penal Sum of Bond: The maximum amount the surety is liable for.

• Contract Date & Number: Identification of the contract the bond pertains to.

• Obligation: Outlines the conditions under which the bond is void (i.e., if the Principal performs all contract terms and conditions, including any modifications, and pays required taxes).

• Execution: Sections for signatures, seals, and identification of the Principal and Corporate/Individual Sureties.

• Bond Premium: Fields for Rate Per Thousand and Total.

• The Principal's legal name and address must be inserted.

• An authorized person must sign the bond.

• Corporate sureties must be on the Department of the Treasury's list of approved sureties.

• Corporate seals must be affixed by corporations.

• Individual sureties may require additional documentation (Affidavit of Individual Surety, Standard Form 28).

This form is a required attachment for certain government contracts, particularly those involving construction. Bidders will need to understand the requirements for obtaining and submitting this performance bond, including identifying an approved surety and ensuring the penal sum is adequate. It guarantees the government that the contractor will perform the contract as agreed.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the first phase of refurbishment of a building in Portoviejo, Ecuador. The project, supported by the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) Affairs Office of the United States Embassy, aims to renovate dormitories and office spaces to enhance the operational capacity of the unit.

• Renovation of dormitories and office spaces.

• Strengthening the operational capacity of the unit.

• The contractor shall begin performance within 60 calendar days and complete the work within 90 calendar days after receiving notice to proceed.

• Performance and payment bonds are required.

• Sealed offers must be submitted by the date and time specified in Item 8.

• Offers must be marked with the offeror's name and address, solicitation number, and due date/time.

• Offers providing less than 60 calendar days for Government acceptance after the offer due date will be rejected.

• Not specified in the provided document excerpt.

• This is a sealed bid solicitation.

• The Standard Form 1442 (Rev. 12/2022) is the prescribed form for this solicitation.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a pre-solicitation notice from the U.S. Embassy in Quito, Ecuador, regarding the upcoming issuance of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the "Refurbishment of a Building – First Phase" in Portoviejo, Manabi, Ecuador. The U.S. Embassy, through its International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Office, intends to issue a Firm Fixed-Price Construction Type Contract in the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2026.

• The contractor shall provide refurbishment of a building, including management and construction services.

• Services include furnishing all labor, material, equipment, and services required for the refurbishment.

• Specific work includes renovation of dormitories and office spaces to strengthen operational capacity.

• The complete Scope of Work, specifications, and drawings will be provided in the solicitation.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed-Price Construction Type Contract.

• Estimated Magnitude: To be determined in the solicitation.

• Interested companies must express their interest in writing to Ms. Valeria Rueda at ruedavj@state.gov no later than February 13, 2026.

• The subject line for the expression of interest must be "RSVP PR15515497 Refurbishment Portoviejo – 1st Phase".

• Requests for the solicitation document must include: Firm Name, Complete Physical and Mailing Address, Unique Entity Identifier (formerly Dun's #), Point of Contact Name, Telephone, and Email Address.

• The solicitation package will be in English only; translation costs are the contractor's expense.

• A pre-proposal conference and site visit are planned but dates are to be determined and will be provided with the solicitation package.

• Firms must be knowledgeable in written and spoken English.

• Firms must possess all appropriate permits and licenses to perform construction work in Ecuador.

• Companies must be able to obtain authorization to operate and do business in Ecuador, providing a detailed plan for obtaining necessary licenses and addressing any visa issues.

• A Unique Entity Identifier and SAM registration are mandatory requirements before contract award.

• The solicitation will be subject to full and open competition procedures.

• Solicitation documents contain SBU information and will not be placed on SAM.gov.

• Only companies submitting a letter of interest and a complete "Application for Solicitation Document" checklist will receive the solicitation package.

• Failure to provide required documentation (e.g., authorization plan, visa mitigation, ILOC proof, Unique Entity Identifier, SAM registration) may result in the proposal being found technically unacceptable.

• An Irrevocable Letter of Credit (ILOC) totaling 40% of the contract value will be required.