QandA Document 12444326Q0037.docx

12444326Q0037 Monongahela National Forest – Fence Removal Question and Answer Document

Q: To assist us in preparing an accurate proposal, could you please provide the GPS coordinates or exact locations for each fence removal site?

A: See attachment C04e_Fence Removal Coordinates_12444326Q0037 in SAM.

Q: If available, could you please provide the estimated magnitude or anticipated construction value of this project?

A: N/A Q: Can you provide us with GPS to each one?

A: See attachment C04e_Fence Removal Coordinates_12444326Q0037 in SAM.

Q: What are the expectations for the sites to look like after we remove the fence?

A: Fence and posts removed, holes filled in and waterbars fixed Q: Access and Right-of-Way Clearing: Section 220 notes that not all fences can be traversed along their entire perimeter due to terrain or vegetation. If heavy timber or dense brush blocks equipment access, is the contractor permitted to clear a temporary path, or must work be restricted to the immediate footprint of the existing fence?

A: Yes Q: Progress Payments: Section 280 states that partial payments are generally not made more frequently than once a month or for amounts under $1,000. Can the government confirm that invoicing is permitted on a rolling monthly basis as individual fence units are completed, inspected, and accepted?

A: Yes partial payments can be made Q: Total Quantities: Could the government provide the total estimated linear footage across all seven fence structures if this is not already compiled in the primary solicitation?

A: See attachments posted on SAM.gov.

Q: Typographical Correction: Section 290 references equipment cleaning for the "Allegheny National Forest." Can you confirm if this should be corrected to the "Monongahela National Forest"?

A:Yes, it should be “Monogahela National Forest” Q: Disposal of Materials: Should old fencing and posts be transported to a recycling center?

A: Fence and posts need to be removed from National Forest. It will be up to the contractor what they do with them.

Q: Vegetation Management: Regarding trees and brush removed for access, is there a requirement to chip or mulch the debris and spread it back into the forest?

A: No, any trees that need removed can be cut and left on site.

Q: Inspection: Is the contractor responsible for furnishing an inspector, or will one be provided by the government on-site?

A: The government COR will inspect the work.

Q: The solicitation states that there is no “Show-me” trip scheduled and that prospective quoters are encouraged to view the sites themselves. I wanted to confirm whether we need to coordinate with you or the Forest Service before having a contractor visit the project areas, or if the contractor may inspect the sites independently?

A: Contractor can inspect the sites independently, if you need a key to the gate contact the COR for the contract.

Please Contact COR: Jeff Kochenderfer Jeffrey.Kochenderfer@usda.gov 304-257-4488

Q: We are performing independent research on the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (12444326Q0037). We would like to know if this is a brand-new contract OR if there is (was) an incumbent performing these services. If not brand new, could you please provide the current / previous contract number and what the total contract value was?

A: It is a new contract Q: The SF 1449 form lists the Period of Performance as 08/01/2026 through 07/30/2027, but Section 160 of the Fence Removal Specifications states the contractor has until 09/01/2027 to complete the work. Could you please confirm which date governs the official contract completion deadline?

A: Period of Performance is from award till 7/30/2027. Do to poor weather conditions in this area work is not practical in the winter and spring months of the year.

Q: Can we conduct a site visit?

A: Yes, contractors are welcome to inspect the sites Q: Unit of Measure Discrepancy: Attachment 1 (Schedule of Items) lists the "Unit of Issue" for all line items as "Acres" but describes the items by "Linear Feet" (e.g., CLIN 0001AA specifies 13 Acres / 3003 Linear Feet). Meanwhile, Section 280 states that remeasurement and payment variances are based on linear feet. Please clarify if the Government expects unit pricing to be submitted per Acre or per Linear Foot.

A: Price per acre, but please reference the linear feet on the schedule of items to make your quote.

Q: Tree Felling Quantities: Section 213 notes that for saw log-sized trees (>11" dbh), the COR has the authority to designate trees to be felled rather than girdled if located near roads or trails. Because felling and bucking mature trees requires substantially more labor and risk management than girdling, can the Government provide an estimated number or percentage of trees that will require complete felling?

A: Very few in any, when fences were installed a path was installed where the fence was constructed.

Q: Period of Performance Conflict: Section 160 states that work can only be done during the operating season of May 1 to November 15, and gives a final completion date of September 1, 2027. However, the SF 1449 indicates a Period of Performance of August 1, 2026 to July 30, 2027. Please clarify the correct Period of Performance end date for this contract.

A: Period of Performance is from award till 7/30/2027. Do to poor weather conditions in this area work is not practical in the winter and spring months of the year.

Q: Limitations on Subcontracting Applicability: The solicitation is designated as a Total Small Business Set-Aside with FAR 52.219-6 checked, but the checkbox for FAR 52.219-14 (Limitations on Subcontracting) is left unchecked in the provisions. Please confirm whether the 50% self-performance requirement under FAR 52.219-14 applies to this solicitation.

A: Yes, there is a limitation on subcontracting. The prime contractor must perform at least 50%.