C05 12444726Q0064 QA.pdf

Emerald Ash Borer Insecticide Treatments on the Allegheny National Forest

RFQ 12444726Q0064

Questions and Answers

1. Is there an incumbent or previous contract number?

a. The previous contract number is 12444324F0042.

2. The SAM.gov posting we accessed references Notice ID 12444726Q0057, while the

RFQ form and all attachments are numbered 12444726Q0064. Please confirm which number should be used for submission purposes.

a. The correct solicitation number is 12444726Q0064.

3. The SAM.gov posting lists the offer due date as September 8, 2026, 11:59 AM EDT. The

RFQ document (Block 8) lists the due date/time as 09/08/2026, 2359 ET (11:59 PM ET).

Please confirm the correct submission deadline.

a. The submission deadline is September 8, 2026, 11:59 PM ET.

4. The RFQ continuation sheet (page 2 of the SF-1449) lists Item 0005, Rec. and Admin.

Sites - 15" - 20" DBH, at a quantity of 31 EA. Attachment 4, Schedule of Items, lists the same line item at a quantity of 22 EA. We note that the Attachment 4 figure (22) is consistent with the total stem count stated in Attachment 1, Statement of Work (587 total estimated stems). Please confirm the correct quantity for Item 0005 so we can price accordingly.

a. The correct quantity for item 005 is 22.

5. The solicitation's evaluation criteria state that, for a submitted project to be considered relevant for the Past Performance factor, "a project must involve grounds maintenance services." The Statement of Work for this requirement describes licensed pesticide application and systemic tree injection services for emerald ash borer control, which is a distinct scope from grounds maintenance. Please confirm whether the relevancy standard should instead reference tree injection, pesticide application, or forest pest management experience, or whether grounds maintenance experience is in fact the intended standard.

a. The relevancy standard should reference tree injection, pesticide application, and forest pest management experience.

6. Do you have a more accurate size estimate for the 221 trees over 20 inches and for the

31 trees over 20 inches, or perhaps an average size for each group?

a. Yes. See attachment 6 for detailed estimates of tree/stem diameter and count.

7. Are all the trees located on or near a road, or will some require trail access on foot? This affects our equipment and pricing approach.

a. Trees/stems at recreation and administrative sites are located on or near a road within a developed recreation or administrative site. Trees/stems on NRS study plots are located a short hike, in a forested setting, from a road.

8. The scope references GPS-marked trees. Are GPS coordinates or a more detailed map of the tree locations available?

a. Yes. See attachment 6. Additionally, geospatial data will be shared at the time of award.

9. There are a number of trees listed with diameters over 20 inches. Is the treatment specification based on a maximum 20-inch diameter, or should we price treatment for the full measured diameter of each tree? If full diameter, should the additional inches be priced separately or included in the per-tree unit price?

a. Treatment specification is not based on a maximum 20-inch diameter. Treatment specification is based on actual stem diameter (as measured in the field per the

Dosage Rate Table (ml of product/tree) in the Statement of Work. Quotes should be submitted for the six items as scheduled – i.e., for trees greater than 20 inches in diameter. Do not price additional inches separately.

10. I noticed the SF1449 lists 31 trees for the Rec/Admin 15–20" DBH category, while the

Schedule of Items lists 22 trees. Which quantity should we use for the bid?

a. The correct quantity for item 005 is 22.

11. Is there a tree inventory available with the actual DBHs of the trees being treated, especially the trees listed as >20"? Since the Tree-äge dosage is based on DBH, having the actual diameters would help us get a much more accurate handle on material costs. If not, for the <20", do you have an average size?

a. Yes. See attachment 6 for detailed estimates of tree/stem diameter and count.

12. Will GPS coordinates/tree locations be provided for the individual trees, or should we plan on locating them using the maps, plot information, tags, etc.?

a. Yes. See attachment 6. Additionally, geospatial data will be shared at the time of award.

13. Can you give us any more information on access to the NRS plots? Mainly, are there certain plots that require significant hiking/foot travel, gated-road access, or 4WD access? Just trying to get a realistic idea of production and travel time between trees/plots.

a. Trees/stems at recreation and administrative sites are located on or near a road within a developed recreation or administrative site. Trees/stems on NRS study plots are located a short hike, in a forested setting, from a road.