1224H819R0002_Q&A_052019.docx

Solicitation Number: 1224H819R0002 Allegheny National Forest Non-Native Invasive Plant Treatment IDIQ Addendum 1 – Questions and Answers 5/20/2019

1. Question – What are the tasks that have to be completed this year?

Answer – The tasks or the ‘task order’ for this year are described in Attachment 3 of the solicitation. Bidders are strongly encouraged to attend the pre-bid meeting May 23, 2019 to look at the largest/most complex site for this year. Site visits are necessary to get a field representation for the work that is needed for this field season (completion date is September 1, 2019). For example, the Economite area as described in attachment 3 was masticated in 2018, but to adequately bid the area one needs to do a site visit to determine how much foliar versus cut surface treatment is needed this growing season. Beaver Meadows is listed as having a high rate of infestation because of the uncertainty of the density of Japanese stiltgrass this growing season (it is an annual grass) the percent of woody target plants is sparse (<10% infested).

2. Question - Is the contract going to be awarded to one person?

Answer – yes.

3. Question – Is the awardee going to be asked to conduct all tasks in the IDIQ?

Answer – Yes, the awardee can subcontract tasks or rent equipment for tasks/equipment that the awardee does not currently have. It is critical to list a unit price for all items listed in attachment 3 for it to be a responsive bid.

4. Question – If costs of conducting treatment go up, can bid rates be re-negotiated?

Answer – Wage rates can be looked at – if the contractor has never paid his employees greater the prevailing wage rate for that county than the rate can be adjusted, however, if the rate was exceeded than the rate used for calculating original bid is used.

For example, if original wage rate for a job is $10.00 in 2019, and the contractor paid his workers say $10.50 per hour in 2019 and 2020, and the wage rate in 2021 goes to $10.25, he cannot ask for a readjustment of original bid rates from 2019 ($10.00) because he paid his workers more than the $10.25 in 2020.

The key is to bid for inflation and unforeseen circumstances – if working with subcontractors get rates and adjust if there is uncertainty.

5. Question – How are the evaluation criteria used to evaluate bids?

Answer – The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered: Page 50 of the solicitation lists the evaluation criteria as:

1. Past Performance & Experience

2. Technical – proof of adequate staffing and equipment to complete work

3. Green Plan

4. Price Technical and Past Performance, when combined are Equal to when compared to price.