Attachment 6 - Questions and Answers.pdf

Questions and Answers for RFQ# 1232SA26Q0835

Q: The PWS requires the collection and removal of leaves, dead grass, and cleared blackberries.

Could the Government clarify if there is a designated on-site disposal area/dumpster for green waste, or if the Contractor is entirely responsible for hauling the debris off-site and covering all associated dumping fees?

A: Contractor is entirely responsible for hauling the debris off-site and covering all associated dumping fees.

Q: USDA personnel have indicated that portions of the grounds have received limited maintenance over the past year. The solicitation identifies the recurring maintenance requirements but does not specify a timeframe for bringing the sites into full compliance with the PWS. What is the Government's expectation regarding the timeframe for addressing the existing maintenance backlog after contract performance begins?

A: The PWS is a list of specific tasks that shall occur during a specific season or on a specific reoccurring schedule. The government’s expectation is for the contractor to complete these tasks as described within the specified seasons and schedules. No additional actions will be required on the part of the contractor beyond those stated in the PWS. If these tasks are all completed then the contractor will be in compliance.

Q: The PWS requires the contractor to inspect and repair broken irrigation sprinkler heads.

Under this Firm-Fixed-Price structure, are the replacement parts for these sprinkler heads to be Contractor-furnished or will the Government provide the replacement parts (or reimburse the Contractor for the material costs)? Are major irrigation repairs (such as remote control valves, controllers, underground piping, or similar system components) included within the fixed-price contract or will such repairs and associated materials would be handled separately by the Government?

A: Government will provide replacement parts. The contractor will need to specify exactly what is needed.

Q: As the service locations are USDA-ARS research facilities (Horticultural Crops, Forage Seed, and Clonal Germplasm), are there any specific restricted herbicides, mandatory buffer zones, or specialized coordination required before applying weed control near active research plots?

A: The contractor is required to be knowledgeable of all pesticide laws, labels and Oregon State University regulations and select the appropriate herbicide and application method. The contractor is also expected to use equipment and techniques and be knowledgeable of application timing in order to minimize herbicide drift.

Q: While aerial maps are provided, could the Government provide the approximate total acreage or square footage for the mowable turf areas and the landscape beds for each of the three service locations to ensure highly accurate pricing?

A: Horticultural Crops Production and Genetic Improvement Research Unit: 30,000 sq ft;

approx. 11,500 is mowed turf.

Forage Seed and Cereal Research Unit: 35,000 sq ft; approx. 32,000 is mowed turf.

National Clonal Germplasm Repository: 45,000 sq ft; approx. 33,000 is mowed turf.

These are only estimates/approximations. The contractor should verify the size of these areas using google earth.

Q: Is the scope of work limited strictly to the boundaries highlighted in the aerial maps or could the unmarked trees/sidewalks/areas visible in the imagery be added to scope later?

A: There are no plans to change the scope.

Q: The maps identify the contract work areas using red boundary lines. Is leaf removal and weed control required only within the defined contract work areas? Specifically, are leaves that accumulate in parking lots or weeds growing in pavement cracks outside the designated red-lined work areas excluded from the contractor's responsibility?

A: Work is delineated by the areas within the red lines. Parking lots are the responsibility of Oregon State University.

Q: Is there a QASP or inspection/acceptance standard document for this requirement?

A: Your quote should include a QASP, the QASP must identify the key performance indicators, acceptable quality levels, and the specific monitoring methods your team will use.

Q: The solicitation incorporates the Service Contract Labor Standards wage determination. Will the Government require any periodic certified payroll submissions or other recurring payroll reporting, or will the contractors only required to maintain payroll records demonstrating compliance with the applicable wage determination and make those records available upon request?

A: This is covered by the Service Contract Labor Standards, not the Davis Bacon Construction wage rules. There will be no periodically certified payroll submissions or other recurring payroll reporting for the resulting contract. However, you will need to maintain payroll records demonstrating compliance with the applicable wage determination for each employee subject to the Service Contract Labor Standards statute for the duration of the contract and for at least 3 years after work has concluded making them available for inspection and transcription by authorized representatives of the Wage and Hour Division if requested (FAR 52.222-41(i)). Please refer to the full text of FAR 52.222-41 and review FAR 22.10 to ensure full compliance with this requirement will be met.

Q: Will there be any post-award submittals that we should be aware of? If so, could you please provide the relevant information?

A: There are currently no plans for any post award submittals.

Q: We were unable to locate specific insurance requirements within the solicitation package.

What insurance coverages and minimum coverage limits will be required of the awarded contractor?

A: There are currently no additional insurance requirements. Due to the award type (firm-fixed-price) and estimated dollar value of the requirement there will be no insurance coverage and minimum coverage limits required of the awardee. However, per FAR 52.237-2 if reasonable care is not made to avoid damaging existing buildings, equipment, and vegetation on the Government installation then the awardee shall replace/repair the damage at no expense to https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52#FAR_52_222_41 https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-22#FAR_Subpart_22_10 https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52#FAR_52_237_2 the Government or if the repair/replacement is completed by the Government the awardee will be liable for the cost which may be deducted from the awarded price.

Q: Is there any incumbent/recompete or this is a brand-new project?

A: Yes, there is an incumbent as this is a recompete.

Q: What is the incumbent contractor's name?

A: Cornerstone Associates, Inc.

Q: What is the previous award number?

A: PO# 12905B23P0257

Q: What is the previous contract award amount or awarded pricing?

A: $81,882.00 (Base - $14,820.00; OY1 - $15,561.00; OY2 - $16,338.00; OY3 - $17,154.00;

OY4 - $18,009.00). Only Option Year 1 was exercised.

Q: Is there any additional publicly available award information from the previous contract that would assist offerors in preparing an informed quote?

A: All publicly available award information may be found by searching the previous award number on SAM.gov. Be certain you are logged in and have inactive status checked.