Solicitation Questions and Answers.docx

Solicitation # 1265T020Q0001- Greenhouse Growing Media Questions:

Q: Do you know date when this will be awarded? I need to ensure that there will be enough lead time for our production facility to meet this from close of bid until desired delivery date of January 15, or if there is any flexibility on the delivery date. Typically, we need 4-6weeks especially since this would be a special order due to the no lime, I am thinking we will need at the very minimum 4 weeks.

Answer: The contract will be awarded after the solicitation deadline of December 2, 2019. Still allowing for 4 to 6 weeks for the January 15th, 2020 deadline which is the first deadline to meet.

Q: I am concerned that the elimination of lime in Mix # 1 may cause the mix to fall out of the Specification. Peat moss has a natural pH that can be below 4.0 and without the lime in the mix it could be under 4.0 coming out of the bag.

These mixes are formulated to have a pH of 5.2 to 5.5 out of the bag.

Can the Specification requirement of NO lime in Mix # 1 be eliminated or reworded to insure a proper pH of 5.2 to 5.5 material?

Answer: No. A pH value of 4.0 to 6.0 as listed in the specifications is acceptable. No lime is allowed. All conifers require low pH and whenever lime has been added our crop does really poorly as the pH is never consistent.

Q: Would you accept 2.0 cu. ft. bags for Mix #1 and the specified size for mix # 2?

Answer: No, we want to keep it the standard in the industry which is 2.8-3.0 cubic foot bags. Both mixes shall be in the same size bags. 2.8-3.0 cu. Ft.