C05f_Questions 20260828.pdf

12443926Q0170-0003 Tree removal - Fullerton Lake Recreation Area - Calcasieu RD, LA

Questions:

7/28/2026

1. Is ISA Certification required? A review of state and federal laws and local policy has determined that ISA certification is not required. This requirement is removed from this solicitation. Please see revised performance work statement attached: C05a_PWS_Revised 20260730.

2. Can one person serve as the project manager and Licensed Arborist? Yes

8/10/2026

3. Can the Government provide an estimated or confirmed tree count, or a range sufficient for offerors to price the felling and removal scope with confidence?

Standing dead hazard trees (snags): 72 (Marked)

Standing live hazard trees non-sweetgum: 8

Sweet Gums: 110

Stumps: 167

Approximate Down logs: 500

There are 72 snags marked but there are more that need to be removed. They can be spotted from the road in the campground. If I had to estimate there are probably around 70-80 snags that aren't marked. They are easily identifiable. Live hazard trees and standing live are all marked.

4. Certified Arborist qualification — ISA certification status. The solicitation's evaluation criteria (page 10, Key Personnel) lists "Arborist (ISA Certified and Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry licensed)" as a required qualification. However, the published Question & Answer response states: "A review of state and federal laws and local policy has determined that ISA certification is not required."? ISA certification is not required, but Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry licensed arborist is required.

5. Can you make this Statement of Work more specific? The requirement is complex. The site is open to the public. I highly suggest anyone wishing to quote visit the site and not quote without viewing the work area in-person.

6. Please confirm which acreage figure should be used for pricing and the technical approach.

Approximately 75 Acres (74.56)

2. Downed Woody Material Size Conflict: 6 inches or larger in diameter, see revised C05e_PWS_Revised 20260805.

3. Mastication Scope: The revised PWS (Section 5.3) states mastication is allowed within the designated mastication area shown on the attached map but does not specify the extent of treatment within that area. Please clarify: Mastication is permitted in this area only. This area has dense vegetation—specifically briar and devil’s walking stick where mastication may be necessary to access hazard trees/ stumps/ down logs.

4. Disposal Site Costs: Section 5.5 of the revised PWS requires all woody material be transported to and disposed of at the designated gravel pit located approximately 10 miles from the project site. Please confirm whether there is a tipping fee or cost associated with disposal at this site, and if so, who is responsible for that cost: Disposal site is Forest service owned. No dumping/ tipping fees.

8/27/2026

5. Felling Restrictions & Permitted Methods: Are there any environmental, safety, or physical restrictions on traditional directional felling methods within specific areas of the project, such as campgrounds, road corridors, or trails? Or is directional felling permitted throughout the project footprint provided the contractor complies with the PWS and applicable safety requirements?

Traditional directional felling is allowed as long the contract complies with the PWS and applicable safety requirements.

6. Bridge Weight Limits & Equipment Restrictions: Are there established weight limits, axle-load capacities, width restrictions, or other equipment restrictions for the bridge(s) within the Fullerton Lake Recreation Area? Specifically, would a compact walking/skid-steer-type machine or similar low-impact equipment be permitted to cross the bridge to access the work areas? No restrictions on the bridge. It is a two lane bridge and the reference equipment would be able to cross.

7. Cleanup Requirements for Debris Under 4 Inches: The PWS requires removal and hauling of downed woody material 4 inches or greater in diameter and permits mastication in designated areas. For woody debris under 4 inches in diameter outside of designated mastication areas, is the contractor required to completely remove this material from the recreation area, or may smaller debris be chipped/mulched and broadcast within appropriate forested areas? It can be chipped and broadcast within forested areas.

8. Ground Protection in Unpaved Areas: The PWS requires protective pads or mats for outriggers and tracks when operating on asphalt pavement. Are ground-protection mats also required when operating heavy equipment in unpaved, weeded, grass, or turf areas, or is the matting requirement limited to paved surfaces provided the contractor minimizes disturbance to soil and vegetation? After conferring with our recreation manager, we're going to remove the matting requirement due to future construction that will take place in the recreation area.

9. Required Distance From Roads and Trails: The project maps reference a 150-foot measurement near certain road corridors. Could the Government clarify the exact lateral distance from roads and trails within which the contractor is responsible for identifying and removing qualifying hazard trees? Is the 150-foot distance measured from the roadway centerline, roadway edge, or another established boundary? Additionally, does this distance apply throughout the project area, or do field markings/flagging establish the actual limits of work? The measurement is 150 ft from the edge of the road. That is for the area around the campground itself. The contract boundary line is marked with orange flagging and geo-referenced maps will be provided once the contract is awarded.