Questions and Answers.docx

Mark Twain National Forest ESA Phase I TCF Kelley Page 2 Questions and Answers Solicitation 12444552Q0084 Amend1

Questions and Answers

Q1. The Statement of Work indicates that Worksheets 1, 2, and 3 must be completed, however, it appears that Worksheet 1 has already been completed based on a EDR Report procured by the Forest Service. Please indicate if there is more that needs to be done to complete that Worksheet?

A1. There is no EDR report completed. A filled out worksheet was inadvertently attached. A revised blank one will be provided ( Amendment 1).

Q2. Will a copy of the EDR report be furnished to the contractor?

A2. There is no EDR report

Q3. The section Database Searches in the Statement of Work requires verification of information more than 180 day old. Does this apply to information from the EDR report contained in Worksheet 1? Please ignore the Worksheet one.

A3. A filled out worksheet was inadvertently attached. I’m attaching a new blank one.

Q4. The Statement of Work also requires the ESA be completed in accordance with a list of documents. One of these is the Forest Service’s Pre-Acquisition Environmental Assessment Guidance for Federal Land Transactions, February 9, 2009. Our attempts to find this document on the Forest Service’s website have proved unsuccessful. Is it possible to request a copy of that document?

A4. Also Attached is Forest Service’s Pre-Acquisition Environmental Assessment Guidance for Federal Land Transactions, February 9, 2009.

Q5. Can the Phase I be performed in accordance with the E2247-16 – Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process for Forestland and Rural Property? This provides the same federal land owner liability protections as the 1527-13, but provides scope requirements that are more in line with this type of property rather than 1527-13 which is geared towards commercial real estate.

A5. No. We cannot follow that ASTM standard. Forest Service Policy/Guidance is to follow ASTM 1527-13.

Q6. As the proposed environmental site assessment is primarily for forested lands, would the Forest Service consider allowing the use of ASTM International (ASTM) E 2247-16, Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process for Forestland or Rural Property, which is considered an acceptable alternative to ASTM E 1527 for undeveloped/remote locations? The ASTM E 2247-16 standard was specifically created for larger tracts of land to ensure the most efficient use of resources by users and site representatives while ensuring the due diligence process still met AAI requirements.

A6. No. We cannot follow that ASTM standard. Forest Service Policy/Guidance is to follow ASTM 1527-13.